Late winter/early spring can be a tough time as a Mainer. The snow has started to melt, slowly welcoming mud season, and the weather is all over the place. Dan and I decided to pack a bag and create a hygge (cozy) relaxing weekend getaway. 

We started our weekend with a brewery stop at Oxbow Brewery in Newcastle, Maine. It was midday Friday so the tasting room was quiet and we spent time in the sun hanging out with their giant orange brewery cat Dizzy. 

We hopped in the car after that and headed to our afternoon sauna appointment with Cedar Grove Sauna. Although they are based in Montville, they had a VERY unique pop-up at Glidden Point Oyster Farm in Edgecomb that weekend.

Cedar Grove's mobile wood-fired sauna sat on the edge of a hill overlooking the dock and the busy oyster farm floating on the water. When we booked the experience we also ordered wine, beer, and a dozen oysters (they let you borrow a shucking knife) to enjoy afterward. 

We spent our time alternating heating up in the sauna and then heading down to the dock to do a cold plunge in an empty oyster container (see the image above) which was relaxing and refreshing. When we finished our session we headed back down to the dock to shuck oysters and take in the views.

From there we drove to Odd Alewives brewery in Waldoboro for a few beers and their delicious brick-oven pizza. It's such a cozy and welcoming spot, and we sat near locals and tourists alike.

We checked into the Lodge at Camden Hills located just outside downtown Camden. From the front of the cottage we had water views in the distance and from the back, we were nestled into the woods. Our cottage, Owl's Head, was perfect. It had a king-size bed, two living rooms, two bathrooms, and two wood-burning fireplaces with plenty of wood on the porch. In addition, outside we had our own cedar hot tub and wood-fired sauna!  

We enjoyed dinner at Nina June, an 8-minute drive located in Rockport. It's a perfect marriage of authentic Italian and local Maine seafood along with a great wine list and creative cocktail offerings. 

We finished our weekend taking a detour before heading home to try Ancho Honey in Tenants Harbor. I was lucky enough to spend a week each summer growing up in Tenants Harbor with one of my best friends and her family at their summer cottage so it holds a special place in my heart.

When you order at Ancho, call ahead because they can have a longer wait time. We put our order in and then drove to Marshall Point Lighthouse (cue the Forest Gump scene) to take in the view while we waited (and it was worth the wait)

We made our way to the Maine Lakes & Mountains Region early on a chilly winter morning to met up with Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience in Hebron. We were lucky enough to go out with their racing team that morning, flying through the woods, the dogs quickly settling into their routine, loving each turn and straightaway. After we grabbed tacos to-go from Lunchador Tacos in South Paris.

After that, we checked into The Maine Dome Cabin. It was tucked into the snow and looked small from the outside, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The dome was huge inside, with a giant sunken living room and a wood stove to match. Multiple bedrooms and multiple areas to lounge which is my favorite. It even had a smaller dome connected with an indoor hot tub to relax in after skiing. There are several ski areas just minutes away (both downhill and cross country).

We grabbed our gear and headed to Carter Cross Country Ski just down the road. They have great views of the mountains, a warming lodge, a small ski shop, and a food truck. We ended the night eating fondue at the dome and soaking in the hot tub before heading to bed to get an early start in the morning. 

The next morning we woke to a snowstorm and headed to the Carrabassett Valley area of ML&M for the next part of our adventure - hiking to Stratton Brook Hut, just one of the huts that Maine Huts & Trails runs. You can hike to the hut and carry all of your gear, or if you'd like they will snowmobile your gear up for a fee. We snowshoed through the trails, only hearing the snowflakes fall as the storm slowly came to an end. The hike varied from flat to switchbacks and at the top of the mountain, we saw a huge hut waiting for us.

The hut consists of a large lodge with two wood stoves, a full kitchen, a warming room for your gear, showers, and composting toilets. The bunk rooms (heated to 55) were just across from the lodge so we dropped our gear off and relaxed by the fire and drank some local beer before dinner.

The next morning we made our way down the trail taking in some magnificent views along the way and headed to our next adventure but not before grabbing some of the best burritos around from Rolling Fatties.

In early fall we rounded up some close friends and rented two Volkswagen Vanagons from Vintage Van Adventures in Brunswick, Maine to head Downeast to camp in the region for a few days. We took route one all the way to our campsite in Sedgwick. We used the app Hipcamp to book our site and it was in the middle of a blueberry field along a beautiful inlet. In the fall blueberry fields turn a deep crimson color and are usually filled with boulders as well making for a very unique and picturesque experience.

We set up camp and took in the stars as the light pollution Downeast is very minimal. The next morning we brought our friends to our favorite spot in Maine, Deer Isle (see our Deer Isle guide for details). We hiked and took them to Sand Beach to enjoy the view and relax afterward. 

That night we broke out the projector and watched a movie under the stars after dinner. The next day before packing up we explored the blueberry fields and the shoreline, spotting bald eagles soaring above us.

Luckily we have some amazing local friends to explore Maine with. For this trip, Amy went with Lisa of Simple Joy Living to explore Midcoast and Downeast visiting all women-owned businesses.

Lisa wrote the entry below about the road trip and you can learn more about her here: Lisa Luken is a travel writer and researcher located in Southern Maine. With a passion for supporting rural communities and women leaders, Lisa loves sharing stories of ambitious women doing awesome things in Maine and around the world. Follow Lisa’s adventures on Instagram.

Imagine a place where you can swim in a pool overlooking the ocean, climb mountains in a national park, ride ferries out to islands, and cruise along scenic routes off the beaten path. Look no further than Midcoast and Downeast Maine. You will find all of this and more, including a variety of businesses run by ambitious, creative, and inspiring women. 

Recently, two Maine women, Lisa Luken and Amy Welch-Olson, headed up the coast for a women-owned business adventure. Along the way, they met entrepreneurial women who are putting their skills, talents, and passions to work providing locals and visitors with art, accommodations, nourishment, and more. Some of these women have been in business for decades. Others opened during the pandemic. But one thing is certain, they are all pouring their hearts into what they do.  

Whether you live in Maine, visit on weekends, or are here for a much-needed solo, friend, or family getaway, be sure to check out what these women are up to. Not only will you find unique Maine treasures, treats, and experiences, but you will also be supporting local Maine women along the way. 

Here are eight not to be missed women-owned businesses to explore as you venture through Midcoast and Downeast, Maine:

Saltbox Pottery – Nestled among the pines just off Route 1 in Woolwich, is the retail shop and studio of Tracy Adams and Megan Tyrol. With a vast selection of durable, functional, and beautiful pieces, there is something for every room of your home. They even offer a bridal registry option for those wishing for unique, Maine-made items.

Not to be missed: The Compost Pot for a one-of-a-kind, Maine-made addition to your kitchen counter and the Chart Mugs featuring charts of your favorite Maine towns incorporated into the pottery.

The Maine Tasting Center – Just opened in July of 2021, the Gross family spent months renovating the buildings on their property along Route 1 in Wiscasset. With community, education, sustainability, and accessibility as their guiding values, the family, which includes the mother-daughter team of Lisa and Sara, has created a welcoming space that facilitates connection and learning. Through their events, classes, and fresh takes on small plate snacks made from locally sourced food, they hope to connect Maine producers with locals and visitors. 

Not to be missed: The Maine Marbles and the Ricotta Toast with fresh cheese from Lakin’s Gorges Cheese, another woman-owned business in the region.

Primo – Now in its twenty-second season on Main Street in Rockland, Primo continues to operate in ways that protect the environment and support healthy living in their community. Chef and owner, Melissa Kelly welcomes locals and visitors alike to take part in the "ultimate farm-to-table experience.” With a farm full of vegetables, pigs, chickens, and even flowers on-site, there’s plenty to explore before or after your meal. 

Not to be missed: The mouth-watering Grilled Street Corn, best enjoyed with a slushy drink while listening to live music in the open-air 0km bungalow.

Namaste Indian Food – Tucked away inside The Ledges by the Bay Motel in Rockport, you’ll find Deepa Patel lovingly preparing dishes that instantly transport you across the continents to the heart of India. Fulfilling her dream to own a restaurant, Deepa attributes her abilities to her grandmother who taught her how to cook when she was young. Deepa sources fresh, local ingredients for her made-from-scratch recipes. You will want to try a bit of everything

Not to be missed: The Coconut Kachori, Paneer Pakora, and Garlic Naan.

Lincolnville Motel – You will feel like you’re stepping back in time as you pull up to this retro motel lovingly renovated by owner Alice Amory in 2015. Light and airy from the moment you walk in, the simple, Scandinavian-inspired décor plus the views of the garden and ocean, make for a relaxing, budget-friendly stay. Swim in the pool, lounge in the sun, or sip coffee in the common area as you gaze out to the ocean.

Not to be missed: Cozying up with a book in the bright and cheery common room or taking in the expansive view while relaxing in the sauna.

Islesboro Oyster – In the midst of the pandemic, Kim Grindle decided to become an oyster farmer. After several conversations with friends and colleagues about how fun it would be to grow oysters, Kim decided to dive in fully, which she says is such a Maine way of life, especially if you live on an island. One serendipitous conversation led to another and before she knew it, she was enrolled in the University of Maine’s Aquaculture in Shared Waters program learning how to grow oysters-and a business-from scratch. Kim acknowledges that although it was complicated to start a business during the pandemic, it allowed her the time and energy to focus on all the details that go into launching a business. 

Kim’s passion for what she does is evident from the minute you meet her, as is her love for the island of Islesboro where she grew up and where she is raising her three children.  A model of grit and ambition, Kim runs her business with sustainability in mind and is always excited to help out and learn from fellow farmers. 

Not to be missed: Oysters fresh off the boat after a picturesque ferry ride from Lincolnville.

The Tiny House with the Enormous View of Acadia – Just before crossing the causeway to Mount Desert Island, a quaint tiny home sits on Goose Cove with sweeping views of the mountains of Acadia National Park. Owners Anne and Ned thought of everything as they outfitted their cozy tiny house that was built in the summer of 2021. Only a short drive from downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia, you can easily spend days shopping, hiking, and nearby then come “home” to unwind in your own private paradise. This tiny house, available for rental through Airbnb, was built by Tiny Homes of Maine, another woman-owned business founded by Corinne Watson. 

Not to be missed: A sunset walk down the path to the ocean.

Your Maine Concierge – Whether you live in Maine or you’re here for a visit, let Vanessa Santarelli plan your itinerary for your Maine experience. As a native Mainer, Vanessa will use her knowledge of the businesses in Maine to prepare an unforgettable experience that fits your budget. You can also find this adventurous Maine woman exploring the state on the TV show MaineLife, which she co-produces with Erin Ovalle.

Vanessa is also passionate about connecting individuals in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In August, Vanessa partnered with Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery to host chefs, restaurant owners, innkeepers, farmers, beer makers, business leaders, and guests out on Little Cranberry Island for an evening of connecting and “breaking bread” while enjoying a five-course seafood dinner. 

Not to be missed: Your personalized travel itinerary created by Vanessa to ensure you have a magical Maine experience.

These are just some of the many inspiring, driven women running businesses in Maine. Reach out to them or pay them a visit while you are in the Midcoast and Downeast regions and be sure to let them know how much you appreciate the impact they are making on their communities here in Maine.

Baxter and KW&W turned out to be a wild adventure! During the summer of 2020 Dan and I packed our gear up and traded in our car for a Ford Transit campervan through Maine Campervan Rentals. This van had a bed, tons of storage and a pull out kitchen with a cooler. 

We booked a campsite at the New England Outdoor Center campground (this is different than the main area of the NEOC location). We had an epic view of Mt. Katahdin and were very close to one of the entrances of Baxter. 

We grabbed lunch and drinks at the main location of NEOC and headed back to our campsite for the night. We saw a moose as we drove between locations (it was the first moose I had ever seen in Maine)! 

We were up early the next day to go on a moose safari through NEOC up the road. We headed out on a pontoon boat after the sun came up and we immediately saw a moose deep in the water grabbing some breakfast. Our guide stayed far back from him to respect his space which was great. I'd definitely recommend a zoom lens on this trip so you can enjoy documenting your trip without jeopardizing the safety of yourself and the animals you encounter. We also saw a mama loon carrying her babies on her back and tons of bald eagles along the way. 

We headed to Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument after that. The cell service in this region can be spotty so it's important to either download the map from Google or pick up a paper map in town. We had an older gazetteer in the car but KW&W is so new that we paid for a map of it at NEOC. 

KW&W was stunning and filled with beautiful birds and wildlife and views of Katahdin but also is bare-bones as it's a newer monument. We took the loop road and stopped at an area with a picnic table and bathrooms for lunch. The park ranger came by and talked to us about the updates and improvements they'll be doing over the next few years to the park. 

Later that day we drove on the golden road at dusk to stop at a few ponds and look for moose but didn't have any luck. The golden road is a 90+-mile long mostly unpaved road used in the area and can be VERY bumpy so consider this when you are planning your trip. It takes A LOT longer driving on that road than Google will tell you FYI.

The next morning we set out to do some hiking. It was July and even though we were far north in the state it reached 80 by the late morning. We decided to pack a lunch and hike to the Blueberry Ledges in Baxter and after signing in at the checkpoint we were off. It is along the last section of the Appalachian Trail so we watched as thru-hikers embarked on the last final of their journey. The Blueberry Ledges is - you guessed it- filled with rock ledges and blueberry bushes so bring a container if you want to pick some to snack on when they are in season. We stopped once we found what we were looking for - a huge section of cascades to soak in! We had our bathing suits under our clothes and spent the afternoon soaking in the cold water and picnicking.

The next morning we set off to drive to Moosehead Lake (but that's another story for another time).

Deer Isle is my favorite place in Maine which is saying a lot as there are SO many places I love here. Located in the Downeast region of Maine, Deer Isle is accessed over a bridge and a small island (via a road). Even getting to Deer Isle is a stunningly beautiful experience.

My favorite place to stay is Aragosta at Goose Cove. Chef Devin and her family run the hotel and restaurant on site. Aragosta has suites and cottages nestled in the woods along the ocean (and private beach). It's also connected to the Barred Island Preserve hiking trails which I recommend. At low tide, you can hike out to Barred Island for a picnic, swim, tidal pool exploration with views for miles.

Devin Finigan has been a James Beard finalist in recent years - her tasting menu foraged from her garden and local purveyors are one of the best and most beautiful meals in Maine. The rooms and cottages are simple and minimalist with everything you need.

One morning at breakfast during our stay, we watched a family anchor their sailboat and come in to stay for a few days which was a common occurrence for Aragosta but a first for us to see and added to the ambiance.

While you're on the island, make sure to grab coffee at 44 North (they have two locations) or you can swing by Bucklyn Coffee in Blue Hill on your way home.

While you're checking out Stonington Harbor, grab an ice cream cone at Stonington Ice Cream Company. You can take the mail boat ferry around the islands or take a ferry to Isle Au Haut (part of Acadia National Park), or head to one of the beaches on the island to take a swim.

Deer Isle has the sleepy harbor town local feel while still serving up that quintessential Downeast feel.

How to access the Casco Bay Islands -coming soon

Goat Hike & Farm Stores - coming soon

6 Glamping/tiny houses in Maine

1. Sandy Pines: Located in Kennebunkport not far from the beach, Sandy Pines offers some of the most unique glamping options in the state. From wagons to Airstreams, to lux canvas tents, Sandy Pines has it all. Although they are not directly on the water, they have a great pool, general store, and you can have kayaks/paddle boards delivered to your site so you can paddle the marsh preserve during your stay.

2. Point Sebago: Directly on Sebago Lake in Casco, Point Sebago is now offering several different glamping and tiny house options. This very family-friendly site offers glamping tents (not directly on the lake) as well as lakeside tiny houses. It's a bit more congested than other glamping options, but you can rent kayaks/paddle boards, there's a great swimming area and lots of other amenities.

3. Under Canvas: Location about 45 minutes from Acadia National Park, Under Canvas, is a huge piece of land peppered with beautifully appointed canvas tents (some with water views and some without). There's a large canvas "lobby" and restaurant area offering local beer and great food, games, entertainment, etc. They offer ocean side lobster dinners and s'mores by the fire pits. The tents do not have electricity, but they offer wood stoves and external batteries to charge your phones and the lanterns they provide.

4. Red Apple Campground: This campground is in Arundel, just over the line from Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. It truly is a such quiet, clean, and relaxing campground. They offer several cute cabins to rent weekly. It's a great base if you're looking to explore Southern Maine. You can even sign up for a lobster dinner delivered to your site (they bring it to you in a vintage red truck)!

5. Huttopia: Also located in Southern Maine (Sanford), this glamping resort has a second location in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as another option. Many of the glamping options are located right on a pond where you can rent kayaks/paddle boards or bring your own. There are several choices for glamping including, mid-century modern cabins, and canvas tents. I loved that many of the options had a full bathroom inside (including some of the tents)!

6. Tiny house near Acadia: This tiny house boasts amazing views of Acadia National Park, water access to paddle, and total peace as it's tucked away all by itself. It's beautifully made (locally by Tiny Homes of Maine), super clean, and the owner left us homemade cookies when we arrived. We stayed there as a base to explore Acadia and also to head to Little Cranberry Island for dinner and the location was perfect!

Other glamping options:

1. Terramor Resort

2. Tops'l Farm

3. Maine Forest Yurts

4. In The Trees Maine