Romantic Getaways in Maine

With lovely woods and mountains in the interior and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and south, no wonder that the state of Maine is known as Vacationland. Apart from scenic beauty and pristine wilderness, Maine is steeped in history and culture – all reasons enough to head to this state for a romantic getaway.

Georgetown

Maine has many romantic inns tucked away along the coast, in the mountains or in quaint villages. One of the most romantic of such places is Georgetown, an island accessible by bridge near Bath. Here a particular favorite with couples and a popular wedding site, is the turreted Grey Havens Inn. The view of spruce-covered islands and open bay from the wide wraparound porch and some of the rooms is unsurpassed and is sure to set the stage for one of the most romantic of your vacations.

Old Orchard Beach

With the Atlantic Ocean on its east, the state of Maine has an amazing coastline, spotted with some of the loveliest beaches, harbors and ports. One of the most frequented beaches here is the Old Orchard Beach which though popular during summers, is especially great for couples in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall – at these times the weather is mild, the sun shines brightly, and the summertime crowds are nonexistent. The beach here is seven miles long and so wide at low tide you’ve got plenty of space to stroll in the sand, hand in hand with your sweetheart. Skip stones, jump the waves and breathe in that salty air. Couples who would like a bit more action can go deep sea fishing, kayaking , canoeing, windfall rafting or book tours on lobster boats. Then again with over 40 restaurants and eateries gracing the Old Orchard Beach area, your vacation would be incomplete without making time for a romantic dinner. Everything from roadside clamshacks to fine dining overlooking the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Fried clams, steamers, prime rib, pizza, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Italian and, of course, lobster prepared a dozen different ways are just a few of the many dining options which could be the highlight of a cozy dinner. After you are done, enjoy a night "out on the town" at one of the dozens of nightclubs offering entertainment. Live bands, jazz, and karaoke are just a few of the many nightly activities offered in season which you are sure to enjoy with your partner.

Popham Beach

Another favorite ocean side getaway for lovers in the state of Maine is Popham Beach, located at the end of the Phippsburg peninsula near Bath.. Here, three miles of fine sandy beach, soft lapping waves or crashing surf, island lighthouses just offshore and a historic fort on the banks of the Kennebec River all create an aura of romance. The beach is perfect to go swimming in warmer weather, but even if you arrive off season, this is still a great place for a romantic walk with that special someone.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a coastal town that could well be the most requested romantic destination in Maine – and with good reason too. This little town’s got loads to offer to its couples. From awesome shopping and dining downtown, to whale watches and schooner day trips out on the sea, to bike rentals and canoe and kayak outfitters to take you out of town, there’s something for just about everyone. Here couples can be seen walking around the town dock and viewing the boats and birds. Or browsing through some of the shops, having an ice cream cone, and a lobster roll. for a more romantic location though, head for the  Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor’s neighbor on the island, where you can stroll along the Sand Beach, drive up Cadillac Mountain and drink in the view of the islands, or bike on the Carriage Trails. Here you can find yourselves alone for remarkably long periods of time, which is after all what a romantic getaway is all about.

Cape Porpoise

For a little more animation, check out Cape Porpoise located just north of Kennebunkport. Though this is a working harbor, the unique sights and sounds can make for a lovely setting - You can watch the boats come in with the catch of the morning or Have a picnic on the dock.  Most of all, plan a romantic dinner here with your better half since the seafood is unbelievably fresh. For an authentic Maine experience, romantic and real, this is a great little village.

Portland

As Maine’s largest city, Portland is chock full of culture, teaming with museums, live music, and theater. Nearby Cape Elizabeth is home to Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. After you romance your sweetheart at the Head Light, don’t forget to check out The Museum at Portland Head Light which is contained within the former Keepers' Quarters. The award winning Museum contains a number of lighthouse lenses and interpretative displays. Also on the site is a seasonal shop featuring fine lighthouse and Maine related gifts.

The Head Light is of course part of the larger Fort Williams Park. Although often a place full of runners, bikers, baseball games, and picnics, Fort Williams has managed to maintain some of its historic past where along with the various garrison buildings there is the Goddard Mansion. Although not in the condition it was when Colonel John Goddard and his family lived in it during the mid to late 1800s, the walls of the great mansion still stand high on the hill overlooking Fort Williams. Though the Park hosts nearly a million visitors a year, it continues to be a favorite with couples who come here to enjoy the playing fields, tennis courts, beach, or simply walk around hand in hand through the park. During the winter months many find Fort Williams an ideal place to cross-country ski, sled, or even ice skate on the pond. The park also offers picturesque views of Ram Island Ledge Light and the islands of Casco Bay. The park has numerous picnic sites, both open and covered. However any romantic vacation to Portland would be incomplete unless you sample the special culinary offerings of the city – like the Gelato Fiasco on Fore Street, East End Cupcakes right across the street and TwoFat Cats bakery up on Munjoy hill. With more restaurants per capita than any other city in the nation, Portland pampers the taste buds of its romantic vacationers. After you are done gorging on delicious food, you can check out the Old Port and Commercial Street, for shopping experiences you won’t find anywhere else. For hardcore shoppers, the place to head for is Freeport, just north of Portland. Freeport is the home of L.L. Bean and loads of outlets, as well as quite a few uniquely Maine stores like Mexicali Blues.   

Farmers’ Markets

While many states attract couples with their wineries and vineyards, a perfect romantic getaway in Maine could be planned around Farmers’ Markets. With a very strong farm to table movement in the state, Maine has several of these, both in summer and in winter. There are many ways that a trip to the Farmers’ Market can be exceedingly romantic – apart from the feast of attractive colors, smells and tastes, the whole place bursts with freshness and ripeness. Here earth and seed and sun came together to produce gorgeous fruit and vegetables. While the visual displays at Farmer’s Markets - as rustic as they can be - can’t help but stimulate you, the passion of the people who live to grow and share their produce is equally palpable. Finally if you and your sweetheart are shopping for a romantic home-cooked dinner, a trip to the Farmers’ Market can be the best way to get those love juices flowing.