As Portland has turn into a classy hotspot lately, the remainder of Maine is actually the final frontier of the East Coast.
Maine vacationers do not sometimes enterprise past Portland, aside from Acadia, one in all America’s prettiest National Parks.
But there’s a lot extra to discover away from the charismatic brick roads winding by way of the Old Port, ample blue-water seashores, and infinite lobster distributors of Portland.
Maine’s small towns are really pleasant, and among the finest is commonly neglected, regardless that many roadtrippers go by way of on the way in which to Portland.
Just throughout the New Hampshire-Maine border lies the state’s oldest city, relationship again to the 1600s, over a century earlier than America was, properly, America and the Gulf of Mexico was nonetheless…
Ahh, by no means thoughts.
Not solely is that this hidden gem nonetheless exuding the attraction of a bygone period, standing the take a look at of time, however it beholds quite a few secret islands and a treasure trove of maritime historical past and coastal charm ready to be (re)found.
Welcome To Kittery, Maine: The East Coast’s Best Kept Secret
Ever heard of Kittery? Unless you are from the area, possible, you have not. With Portland hogging Maine’s journey scene, it is utterly comprehensible.
But Kittery has existed for tons of of years, and gatekeepers have performed an exceptional job of remaining tight-lipped about one of many East Coast’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
Being a city of solely 10,000 residents, there isn’t any industrial airport right here, however there may be in neighboring Portsmouth, New Hampshire, one other charming coastal city in its personal proper with connecting flights from funds airways, Breeze and Allegiant, from standard hubs corresponding to Orlando (MCO).
Otherwise, Boston International Airport (BOS) is just an hour away and has much more choices.
Kittery has an enchanting timeline spanning centuries from previously being named Amiciskeag by Native Americans years earlier than tribes engaged in armed conflicts with French and English settlers for rights to the land, and everyone knows how that finally turned out…
Furthermore, what could seem to be a tall story is definitely true. Pirates (sure, real-life pirates!) like notorious Blackbeard, as soon as traversed Kittery’s isles, so it’s possible you’ll need to carry a metallic detector alongside as there have lengthy been rumors of misplaced treasure left behind.
As Kittery stands right this moment, you possibly can’t assist however discover the aesthetics of seafarer attraction and the palpable sense of historical past all through city, with websites like Fort McClary, a navy fort used way back to the Revolutionary War.
But even with all of the historic significance, do not count on Kittery to be a boring glimpse into the previous.
Downtown (a.okay.a. Kittery Foreside) has been reworked with quirky artisan outlets, upscale cafes serving craft espresso concoctions, and a surging meals scene leaving one travel guide to primarily describe Kittery as a mini Brooklyn.
Kittery’s Secret Islands: Barbecue, Beaches, And Waterfront Stays
Some islands of Kittery’s scenic shorelines are off-limits for tourism therefore the key. The excellent news is there’s loads of islands no person ever appears to speak about that make for superior spring and summer time getaways.
Let’s begin with Gerrish Island. Visit Fort Foster Park for less than $25, one other historic website, however this one boasts small tranquil seashores and sweeping coastal surroundings, together with quintessential lighthouses.
Your greatest guess for the total Gerrish Island expertise is to guide a trip rental on Vrbo or Airbnb since public entry is closed (apart from Fort Foster).
Next up is the Isle of Shoals, a collection of islands spanning throughout state traces however that includes fun-to-say Smuttynose Island and Appledore Island on the Maine facet of the dividing line.
To get right here, although, you will have to cross over to Portsmouth and hob aboard a ship from Isle of Shoals Steamboat Company.
Unfortunately, they depart us hanging with the dreaded “coming soon” message on their calendar, however because the climate will get hotter, it is all however sure they’re going to restart service sooner moderately than later.
Here is the place I stated you may need to carry a metallic detector ,as these are pirates’ outdated stomping grounds,
Circling again towards city, there is a pair of islands value visiting: Badger Island (Maine) and New Castle (New Hampshire).
Badger is linked by bridge, so you possibly can drive right here, and boasts nice eats like native favourite Ore Nell’s Barbecue served ‘Central Texas fashion’, whereas New Castle gives an excellent number of waterfront lodges like Wentworth by the Sea with rave opinions claiming it is a ‘charming historic lodge with a water view’ and has ‘beautiful clear rooms vintage fashion’.
Cheaper Than Portland
Maybe I’m in an unique membership, however once I visited Portland, I used to be sticker-shocked by lodge costs. In truth, it is the one metropolis I’ve chosen to remain in a Motel 6 to economize.
Worst of all, they did not depart the sunshine on for me! What a sham!
Portland has turn into so stylish, there isn’t any method I’m the one one noticing the town’s excessive costs whether or not it’s top-rated lobster rolls or lodge rooms.
Travelers do not have to fret about that in Kittery. In truth, one in all its claims to fame, apart from being Maine’s oldest metropolis, is its purchasing.
East Coast residents from throughout make day journeys to buy ’til they drop on the Kittery Outlets. Affordable costs do not cease there, although.
Stay on the revamped Kittery Inn & Suites for simply $64 this spring or The Water Street Inn, holding an ideal 5.0 Google score, for $128.
Last however not least, it is a should to have lobster, proper? Dave’s Maine Cafe has lobster rolls for simply $18!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
