The state of Maine is referred to as “Vacationland”. Many an auto has this state motto on their bumper. I decided to recently embark on a Maine road trip to explore the region’s sights, sounds, and tastes!
My first stop was in the southern town of Kittery. It is well-known for its first-rate outlet stores. You can find top brands such as J.P. Crew, Coach, Crate and Barrel, and Reebok, among many others at discount prices.
A bit further up the eastern coast, I made stops at two of the regions’ most visited beaches: York and Ogunquit. They are summertime favorites among New Englanders and visitors alike!
As I started my journey mid-morning, breakfast time had come and gone. However, my trusted vegan snacks curbed my hunger on my way to Portland! Upon my arrival there, I made my way to Little Lad’s Bakery and Cafe(Little Lad’s Bakery and Cafe). This simple, unassuming place offered both lunchtime and dinner fare, in addition to vegan baked goods from their bakery. I dined on a vegan “chicken” salad sandwich with soy cheese. It was a nice, light lunch for a hot summer day. My dessert was an absolutely scrumptious, cherry pie topped with vanilla “nice cream”. I purchased one of their bakery items referred to as “Mud Cookies”. These carob snacks were light and tasty and made of healthy ingredients!
Right across the street from the cafe, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House is located. This was the boyhood home of the famous poet: Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow. I took part in the hourlong tour of the home. I recommend this to tourists, as many original pieces belonging to the poet can be found in the house. It was then time for a waterfront stroll!
After browsing through several of the craft and gift shops, I yearned for a cool beverage! I found the “Maine Squeeze” Juice Bar. I ordered the Sea and Wind blend of pineapple, mango, and coconut. What a refreshing beverage!
I decided to stop in a funky, international clothing store to browse for a bit longer. Being an extremely hot day, I felt thirsty yet again! My eyes glanced across the street and lo and behold found the “Bubble Mania”(Bubble Mania) where I purchased a passionfruit iced green tea! It hit the spot! A stroll by the waterfront was next on my agenda.
For my dinner, I dined at “The Green Elephant” (The Green Elephant). My meal included an appetizer of vegan buffalo wings in a tasty BBQ sauce and a main entree of spinach noodles with vegetables. This Asian cuisine, mostly vegan restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious meals!
I then marched across the street and purchased my ticket for an evening sunset, lighthouse cruise. This activity is one not-to-be-missed! The boat ride offers views of beautiful Casco Bay, along with sightings of seabirds, seals, lighthouses, forts, and spectacular homes!
Upon conclusion of my cruise, I wanted a late night snack so I headed over to Silly’s Restaurant (Silly’s Restaurant). While not all vegan, they provided several vegan meal options and desserts on their menu. It is a throwback to a 1950’s style diner with a cool vibe! I ordered the choco doodle which is a pastry filled with chocolate cake! It was absolutely fabulous! My beverage of choice was an old-fashioned black raspberry soymilk shake. It was fantastic! I was not hungry for another dinnermeal persay. However, I bought a “Tempeh of Doom” to sample a bite and bring the remainder home with me. It consisted of vegan cheese, beans, and rice. It was indeed a filling comfort food!
On Sunday morning, I headed over to Portland’s “Local Sprouts Cafe”(Local Sprouts Cafe) for breakfast. I ordered the vegan ployes. These vegan buckwheat pancakes with a strawberry-rhubarb sauce were incredibly delicious!
My next stop was a few hours north. I drove to the very popular touristy town of Bar Harbor. I headed into town afterwards to stroll along the main streets and shops. Lunchtime had arrived so I decided to have my mid-day meal at Bar Harbor Blues Cafe. I selected the vegan tofu and soy cheese pizza. It satisfied my hunger! My beverage was an acai berry smoothie. It quenched my thirst!
The only all-vegan restaurant Eden Cafe (Eden Cafe) was closed on Sundays. I had eaten there in the past and enjoyed their gourmet-style vegan food. I also had arrived in town a bit too late for breakfast. Several cafes offer a few vegan breakfast items. Jeanie’s Breakfast on Cottage Street proudly displays a menu on their window boasting of several vegan items such as tofu scramble and pancakes.
A few doors down from the cafe, I noticed the Abbe Native American Museum(Abbe Museum). This landmark showcases the history of the local indigenous population from the beginning of the region’s history. I enjoyed seeing many authentic items from this culture, such as canoes, baskets, and clothing.
I stopped for an afternoon snack of a chocolate caramel bar at Morning Glory Bakery. They offer a vegan dessert or two each day.
I got into my car again and stopped at Acadia National Park Visitor’s Center to purchase a day pass. I then hopped in my car to embark on a one hour journey around the Park Loop of Acadia. I stopped at several outlooks to take in the magnificent views of the mountains, woods, and lakes of the region.
Afterwards, I went back to town for some dinner. I dined at Cafe This Way (Cafe This Way). While not all-vegan, they do have a vegan menu for clients. I ordered the butternut squash filled with quinoa. This was comfort food at its finest and most nutritious!
After my meal, I stilled had some room left for an evening snack. I walked over to Ben and Bill’s ice cream (Ben and Bill’s). Their gluten-free chocolate ice cream is also vegan, so that was my choice!
I browsed through several more gift shops after dinner. I even purchased some traditional Maine blueberry jam at a local shop.
For information on vegan dining in Portland, Maine, please see my blog post from a couple years ago: http://www.veganworldtrekker.com/?p=3803
My weekend was complete! As I headed home in my car, I reminesced about the wonderous vegan meals and gorgeous landscape of this coastal state! I highly recommend travelers make the state of Maine a stop on your next summer vacation!