| Maine is famous for its seacoast, for lobsters, | | | | boats and fishing boats still leave daily and return with |
| lighthouses and beaches. Many people drive up US RT | | | | their catch. Park at the public pier and watch the |
| 95 to RT 1 and through Portland, Freeport and Old | | | | action as the boats are unloaded, equipment is |
| Orchard Beach. While this is a great way to see the | | | | mended and boats are maintained. |
| coast and visit the factory outlets in Freeport and | | | | Its bold shoreline is covered with massive granite |
| Kittery, there's much more to Maine than you can | | | | rocks, tumbling down to the crashing waves of the |
| see from the highway or busy RT 1. Off many of | | | | Atlantic. Spray sometimes actually reaches the road |
| the exits, just a few miles from the bustling outlets | | | | and care must be taken if you decide to walk on the |
| and busy highways, there are many lesser known | | | | rocks, although the view is breathtaking and the salty |
| roads that will thrill sightseekers. | | | | air has an exhilirating tang you'll find nowhere else. |
| One of the most spectacular scenic drives in Maine is | | | | Heading North again, you'll leave the Loop Road and |
| the Schoodic Scenic Byway, which starts in the town | | | | head back toward Gouldsboro, Birch Harbor and |
| of Sullivan. If you look out over Sullivan Harbor, you'll | | | | Prospect Harbor where the 27 mile long Byway ends. |
| be able to see the famous "Reversing Falls" and | | | | From there, you can head to Ellsworth for a meal at |
| Mount Desert Island with its mountains in the | | | | one of the many restaurants in the area, or stay at |
| distance. There are many scenic "turnouts" on this | | | | one of the many motels and hotels. Be sure to make |
| route and at Long Cove there's even a picnic area | | | | a reservation well in advance during the summer |
| with restrooms. While you eat, you can look out | | | | months, because many people make this part of |
| over the cove and may even see a harbor seal, | | | | Maine their destination, and if you've driven the |
| lobster boats and many different sea birds. | | | | Schoodic Scenic Byway, you know why. Lill Hawkins |
| The Porcupine Islands, Cadillac Mountain and | | | | lives in Maine and writes at News From Hawkhill |
| Frenchman Bay appear as you near The Schoodic | | | | Acres. It's a mostly humorous look at home |
| Area Chamber of Commerce Information booth at | | | | schooling, writing and being a WAHM, whose mantra |
| Mile 7, where you can get information on the area | | | | is "I'm a willow; I can bend." |
| during the summer months. And shortly after that, | | | | Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys Lill |
| you'll turn right on RT 186, and head toward the | | | | blogs about resources for finding safe toys for |
| Schoodic Point Loop Rd of Acadia National Park, one | | | | Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy |
| of the most scenic areas of the United States. | | | | recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box |
| Before you reach it though, enjoy the views of the | | | | gifts. |
| working waterfront in Winter Harbor, where lobster | | | | |