Maine vacation

[devmer]

Can someone tell me what the weather is like in Maine along the coast in March? My husband and I are considering going there for our anniversary, but I'm afraid it will be too cold in the middle of March. Would the end of April be a lot different as far as weather goes? Also I would like to stay by Acacia National Park, does any one know of any good places to stay? Also if there is anything really neat to do I would love suggestions.
Thanks,
Dawn

 

[TheGoofster]

The coast of Maine is one of the most beautiful places in all of the U.S. As for the weather in March, it is hard to say. I have seen some Marches that have been very warm, with Spring in full bloom, and I have seen others that have produced close to a foot of snow. Unfortunately you won't really be able to tell until very close to your departure date.
As for suggestions, the only thing I would say is consider visiting York Harbor, a little ways South of Acadia. Not only is the coast line gorgeous there, but you can also see Nubbell Lighthouse (one of the most commonly photographed lighthouses in the country).
If you decide to go, I hope you have a fantastic time.

 

[TinkNH]

weather in New England is unpredictable at best..esp in March. March is historically the snowiest month here, but I remember plenty of times when march was warm and wonderful as well.

Many of the coastal towns here are pretty much 'closed' from Oct to May(ish) one the leaf peeping season is over..things are pretty quiet till the warm weather arrives for sure. (Except for teh ski areas...they wake up in Oct and usually close in March/April)
I know ther is pretty much nothing but a few year round resteraunts open on the NH coast, unless you go inland to the non touristy areas.
A nice place to stay where my parents have gone several times..at different times of year is the Cliff House in Ogunquit. If you are looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway...they rave about it. But again I don't know how much activity you will find at that time of year...you may be better off waiting till sometime in April or may...to be sure there is no major snow surprise

 

[MomPlanner22]

I spent 6 weeks in Portland, ME for corporate training from early May to mid June and while there were a few nice days, it was cold and rainy. I was shocked at how un-springlike it was. Well, that's not true, in early June it was more like early March in the upper midwest. Could have just been that year though! I have to say it was a beautiful part of the country and I loved it!

 

[devmer]

bump...

 

[THE HAT]

let me see if i can give you a quick response.
we are lucky enough to have lived our whole lives in this beautiful state, and dh and i have gone to bar harbor thousands, upon thousands of times, going multiple times a month, growing up i was lucky enough to have lived 15 min from the heart of bar harbor.
in fact dh and i just got back from a romantic long weekend, staying at the bar harbor inn on the ocean.
now we would go in march for a day trip, but we can drive there in a little under an hour. on the coast of maine in the middle of winter (yes march is still mid winter in our state) you are not going to find many places open. a few motels (nothing to romantic) for the snowmobilers and a few every day places to eat. nothing fancy. this area especially hunkers down from oct to may. in fact all the stores in the village were having their annual 50% off closing sales. (great christmas shopping!!) also note that most of acadia is shut off at this time of year for safety reasons, only a few parts of it are open. if you wanted to snowshoe or cross country then you could get around a few more parts if there is enough snow, but again this time of year it could be just MUD, lots and lots of MUD, lol. you would need to pack for any kind of weather from it being snowing and in the 20's or colder to raining and in the 50's (or as we call it sweatshirt weather, lol).
so the weather can go all over the place, not many places to stay, and really not much to do for activities. now if you really want to see what the true talk is of mount desert island, i would wait until may and come then when spring is starting and the village comes to life. the shore path opens up, and there are multiple things to do in all areas of interest. i would say go for it if you lived closer, and it wasn't as far of a trip but being you are 3000 miles away i would wait until it was more of what you would expect.
if you want to know anything more feel free to pm me!

 

[Mermaid02]

March is cold. If we are lucky we get some days in the 30's but that's about as good as it gets. We usually get some snow in April if that tells you anything. We don't really get leaves on the trees until May sometime. We were married on May 25th and the new leaves were just coming out.

 

[pumba]

this past march we actually had WARM days......we didnt have snow at that time (for once) and it was very very nice. BUT........this was the exception to the rule. Maine is unpredictable but just the same beautiful. How about a ski lodge vacation. We have some gorgeous areas to stay at even if you dont ski......if you would love to see Maine when the ocean and the ski meet.....come this summer ......

 

[nealymouse]

[QUOTE
As for suggestions, the only thing I would say is consider visiting York Harbor, a little ways South of Acadia. Not only is the coast line gorgeous there, but you can also see Nubbell Lighthouse (one of the most commonly photographed lighthouses in the country).
:[/QUOTE]

Ok I have to pipe in. The Nubble Light house was my view from my home growing up. Of course I think its the most beautiful of all light houses and Maine is by far one of the most spectacilar places in the USA (IMOP LOL)

As far as coming in March, If possible I would wait. Early June late May would be a much better time frame if you are not looking to swim in the water (coming from CA I really dont think you would want to try the water, it never really gets warm)

Could you come in October ? When the leaves change colors its amazing and there are so many more things to do. Hay rides, leaf peeping tours. Acadia will be so beautiful that time of the year and like someone else posted the park wont be closed.

In Freeport you will have LL Bean, the store never closes so its something you can do anytime of the day or night.

Portland Maine is a wonderful small city to visit. The Old Port is alot of fun and some great places to eat and shop right on the water. When I have friends visit from away I always include a trip to Freeport and the Old Port. Acadia if we have time. Its 4 hours north of us.

If you dont plan on moving around alot in the State (Maine is huge) then stick to the Acadia/Bar Harbor area. I think if you want to see the real Maine that is where you will find it.

Have Fun and welcome to the place they say
"The way life should be"

 

[rparmfamily]

I have to agree, minus any unusually warm springs March is winter. I lived in Maine for several years near Freeport. March is freezing if you are used to warmer weather. End of May is like the beginning of spring most places LOL.

The best time of year to go to Maine is May-beginning of Oct. That's high season for the most part, especially around the 4th of July. But it's amazing there, Maine is one of my favorite places!

If you drive up the coast on US Route 1 from Portland to Bar Harbor (which will take probably 4 hrs depending on the time of year) you'll pass amazing little villages on the ocean. Boothbay, Camden, Bath and Brunswick, Rockport,etc.

There is a huge lobsterfest in August or end of July, and I love the clam fest in Yarmouth in July too. (check out lobsterfest.com I think).