I wouldn't be a Massachusetts resident if I didn't go to Maine at least once during the summer right? Aisha and I took a Friday off for a day trip to Vacationland, heading north on I95 and then back south on coastal Route 1 to avoid (most of) the traffic.
Our first stop on our trip was Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME. There was a tour bus (!!) there when we arrived, but we had no trouble parking, snagging the last spot just as someone was leaving. Lucky us. We took a scenic stroll around the rocks, and watched a couple dudes fishing. We couldn't ask for better weather. Sunny, breezy. We stopped in the visitor's center, hoping to maybe find some info about the lighthouse itself, but it's mainly a gift shop.
We got back on the highway and made our way to Portland. A busy day in the city! We had lunch at DiMillo's, which is a restaurant on a boat. So very Maine, and delicious! Outdoor seating was packed, but we were fine to sit by the window. The boat rocked some, which is an odd experience to feel in a restaurant. I thought the waitress was going to fall down at one point, but she kept it together.
Full and happy, we walked around Portland, stopping in a few kitschy Maine shops for fun. How many lobster, moose, and blueberry-themed trinkets and souvenirs can possibly exist? Turns out, a lot! Lobsters, lobsters everywhere! We had coffee in the park, and stopped into a few more places. My favorite was Vena's Fizz House, mostly for its vintage glasses sets and the overall old-timey feel.
Our last stop was at Holy Donut, where we got some potato donuts to-go. If I had known how dangerously tasty they are, I would've eaten one right then and there. But we saved then for later.
Next stop - Ogunquit! Yay gay Maine! Downtown Ogunquit was outrageously busy, but we stuck to the Marginal Way -- a scenic and low-key coastal walk. It was late-afternoon, and so the temperature was just right. The views of the ocean were awesome as always. Lots of boats out and about.
Finally, we left the state via Route 1, past all the quaint antique shops and lobster shacks and general Maine weirdness. The sun turned an amazing hot pink color as it set -- a fitting ending to a great day.
(Those donuts though... holy. The blueberry one might be one of the best foods I've ever tasted. The hype is real.)