Traveling through Maine, it’s easy to see why so many American writers have found inspiration here. Every turn feels like stepping into a painting—especially in October, when the autumn colors are a living masterpiece of reds, yellows, and golds. My daughter, Madeline Maxine (yes, she was named that specifically to have “Mad Max” as a nickname), is a lifelong Stephen King fan. Earlier this year, she asked if we could take a family trip to Maine, with the spooky highlight of a Halloween tour in King’s hometown of Bangor. With that in mind, we dove into planning, poring over travel blogs, scouring the internet, and even watching an episode of Aerial America on the Smithsonian Channel to soak up Maine’s landscapes from above. We only had a week, so we decided to explore three cities: Portland, Bangor, and Camden.
While everyone recommended, we visit Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, we left those out to save for a future trip. We wanted a broader taste of Maine and knew that Acadia’s rugged beauty deserved more than a couple of days. This trip would be about exploring the state’s character and charm.
Portland Maine: Gourmet Treats and Coastal Sights
Our first stop was Portland, Maine’s largest city (not to be confused with the capital, Augusta) and home to the state’s busiest airport. We stayed at the Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, a newer hotel located on Commerce Street, right across from the Historic Waterfront District. Its central location was perfect, and it offered a gorgeous blend of style and comfort that set the tone for our trip.
Morning at Holy Donut
Our first morning, we made the short walk to Holy Donut, a Portland staple famous for its unique potato-based donuts. As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate towards donuts, I was skeptical. We shared three, and to our surprise, they were mind-blowingly good! Dense, satisfying, and perfectly balanced in flavor, they were easily the best donuts I’ve ever had. Sitting by the waterfront pier with coffee, enjoying the quiet morning air and indulging in these treats, was a perfect start to our day.
Exploring the Old Port District
Portland’s Old Port area is known for its cobblestone streets, local galleries, and artisan shops. We wandered the boutiques and admired art from local creators. Few chain stores here—most shops were proudly New England, offering everything from handcrafted home goods to beautiful works of art. With only half a day planned for shopping, we eventually returned to the wharf for a quick lunch and grabbed a bottle of Slovenian white wine from Browne Trading Market for our afternoon adventure. Even our simple to-go sandwiches from this shop were unexpectedly outstanding, a theme that would continue throughout our trip in Maine.
Oyster Farming Tour with Molloyster AquaFarm
Our big adventure in Portland was an oyster farming tour with Molloyster Aquafarm, owned by Todd Molloy. When my son heard about this tour, he knew it would be the perfect surprise for me, an oyster lover. We drove 25 minutes north to Freeport, where Todd welcomed us onto his boat for an afternoon of learning and tasting. Todd, who left a career in tech to pursue his passion for the sea, gave us an insider’s view into life on Casco Bay and the delicate, fascinating world of oyster farming.
The real magic happened when Todd pulled up a basket with about 250 oysters. This wasn’t staged for tourists—Todd was filling an actual order, and we were along for the ride. Back at the harbor, he set up a shucking table, and we enjoyed fresh-from-the-bay oysters with our wine, savoring the taste as the sun began to set over the bay. It was one of those “pinch me” moments that you can’t plan for, but that end up defining a trip.
Biking Through South Portland’s Lighthouses
The next day, we planned a bike tour around South Portland, hoping to see its iconic lighthouses and parks. Although the weather didn’t cooperate—cold and rainy—we decided to go anyway, and the result was pure magic. Maine’s rocky shores against the overcast sky looked hauntingly beautiful. We pedaled through the drizzle, stopping to admire each lighthouse and snap photos that truly captured the moody, ethereal quality of Maine’s coast in fall.
The Portland Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic and historic lighthouses in the United States. Built in 1791 and commissioned by George Washington, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine and has been guiding mariners safely along the rocky Atlantic coast for over two centuries. Perched on the edge of Fort Williams Park, its picturesque setting offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast ocean beyond. The lighthouse stands at 80 feet tall and continues to operate as a navigational aid, with its powerful beam reaching 24 nautical miles.
Bangor, Maine: Haunted Tours and Family Memories
Two hours north on I-95 (yes, my Californian roots made me say “the” I-95), we reached Bangor. Once a logging town, Bangor now boasts a regional hospital and casino, but its real claim to fame is its association with Stephen King.
A Night at Timber Kitchen & Bar
We checked into the Residence Inn Bangor, where we found ourselves in a one-bedroom suite with a kitchen and plenty of space. For dinner, we tried Timber Kitchen and Bar right off the lobby, and it exceeded all expectations. Timber is known as the top steakhouse in the Bangor area, and after tasting their ribeye and Old Fashioned, we could see why. Afterward, we cheered on our Dodgers as they clinched the World Series—a fun little victory for the night.
The Stephen King Tour
Madeline had arranged a Stephen King Tour through Bangor with SK Tours, and we all dressed as our favorite King characters for the occasion. Our guides, Jamie and Jennifer, were locals who grew up watching King stroll through town, an avid walker who logged about 10 miles a day.
We explored many real-life locations that inspired the fictional town of Derry in King’s novels, like the state-run psychiatric hospital and Mount Hope Garden Cemetery. This cemetery, with its eerie beauty, was also where King found many of his character names from tombstones. We ended the tour with a visit outside King’s house—a perfect way to pay homage to the author who’s brought so many chills and thrills to our lives.
Camden, ME: Coastal Charms and Culinary Delights
Our last stop was Camden, a quintessential New England town on the coast. The morning drive took us past coastal views and led us to Amadine Bakery, where we savored Scotch eggs, lemon bars, and scones that were all crafted with love by a European couple who own the bakery.
Camden Hills State Park and 16 Bayview Hotel
After a scenic hike at Camden Hills State Park with a breathtaking view of Camden Bay, we arrived at our 16 Bayview Hotel, where we had a corner suite complete with a fireplace and balcony overlooking the harbor. This hotel’s warmth and elegance made it hard to leave, especially with its 4 p.m. happy hour in the cozy lobby bar.
Camden Hills State Park, located in Camden, Maine, is a picturesque destination renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. Spanning over 5,700 acres, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering miles of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, the surrounding mountains, and the charming town of Camden.
The most popular trail leads to the summit of Mount Battie, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas often described as postcard-perfect, particularly during the fall foliage season. The park is also home to Mount Megunticook, the highest mainland mountain on the Atlantic coast, offering additional hiking challenges and views.
A Proper Maine Lobster Dinner
Though we’d enjoyed amazing meals all week, we saved our Maine lobster feast for Camden. We found ourselves at Archers on the Pier in Rockport, where we went all out—two full lobster dinners for the girls and twin lobster dinners for Felix and me. It was way too much food, but it was vacation, after all! Sipping wine back at the hotel that evening, it felt like we’d truly captured the essence of Maine.
Our final morning was spent exploring Camden’s charming shops, soaking in the town’s New England vibes one last time. Camden’s peacefulness seemed to lift any stress we carried from home, and for a moment, everything felt wonderfully simple and serene.
Final Thoughts
Maine in October is a feast for the senses, and I’m glad we left Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park for another trip. This state’s beauty and personality demand time and attention. On our way to the airport, we stopped in Portland for one last lobster roll at The Highroller Lobster Co.. What should have been a quick bite turned into another unforgettable culinary moment.
Book your Maine trip for next year, but plan for early October if you want to catch the tail end of peak tourist season. Whether you’re a fan of foliage, seafood, or Stephen King, Maine has a way of leaving an impression.
