When you think of Maine, images of rugged coastlines, lighthouse vistas, and fresh seafood often come to mind. For those seeking a quieter, less-traveled escape from the usual tourist hotspots like Acadia National Park, the charming towns of Lubec and Eastport offer a refreshing alternative. We recently embarked on a motorhome adventure to this beautiful corner of the state, and here's a peek into our delightful journey.
The Journey Begins: Sunset Point RV Park
Our home base for this trip was the Sunset Point RV Park in Lubec. Situated on Johnson Bay, this gem of a park was the perfect launchpad for our explorations. With its stunning views and laid-back vibe, it offered everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The park’s dog-friendly policy was a big plus, making it easy for Bell to enjoy the trip as much as we did.
One of the highlights of Sunset Point RV Park was the welcoming community of fellow RV enthusiasts. We quickly made friends with our neighbors, exchanging stories of past travels and tips for local attractions. It felt like a cozy, extended family, adding a personal touch to our adventure.
Here is Bobby and Betty, Vermont natives now residing in North Carolina, in Maine for visit with their pups Charlie and Josie.
Coastal Wonders and Scenic Trails
Our days were filled with breathtaking landscapes and memorable hikes.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse: No visit to Lubec would be complete without a trip to the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. Perched at the easternmost point of the continental U.S., it offers unparalleled views of the surrounding waters and Canada. The lighthouse itself, with its distinctive red and white stripes, is a photographer’s dream and a great spot to reflect on the beauty of the Maine coastline.
Coast Guard Trail: For those who enjoy walking in nature, the Coast Guard Trail is a must-do. This scenic trail offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, from forested paths to rocky outcrops, providing a fulfilling experience for outdoor enthusiasts. There was a lot of mossy underbrush and an abundance of young pine trees.
Cobscook Trails: A short drive from the RV park, the Cobscook Trails present trails with a variety terrain in several locations, featuring lush woodlands and tranquil waterways and grassy fields. It’s a peaceful escape where you might spot local wildlife or simply enjoy the solitude of nature.
We went to Old Farm Point because it was across Johnson Bay from the RV park, and it allows dogs to be off-leash and Bell needed some leash free run time. The setting is lovely, and we enjoyed our time there and the amazingly there was not one other person there.
Hamilton Cove Trail: Just south of the West Quoddy Lighthouse, the Hamilton Cove Trail is another gem. This trail offers sweeping views of the cove and the Atlantic Oceani. The relatively easy hike is perfect for a leisurely afternoon, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery. Next time we will take our camp chairs and sit on the beach for a while.
Culinary Delights: Fried Clams and Lobster Rolls
After a day of exploration, we indulged in some of the region’s finest culinary offerings. The area is renowned for its seafood, and we made sure to sample the local specialties:
Fried Clams: We discovered a local eatery that served tasty fried clams cooked to perfection; crispy on the outside and tender inside, these clams were a true treat.
Lobster Rolls: No trip to Maine is complete without a lobster roll. Each lobster roll had generous portions of sweet, succulent lobster meat unadulterated by any additions (such as celery 😝).
Sardines: Lubec has a rich history intertwined with sardines, which were once a cornerstone of its economy. We ordered the sardines which were so delicious we got an order to go and shared with our RV park neighbors Bobby and Betty.
Meals “At Home”
While lunches out were a highlight, we also enjoyed preparing breakfast and dinner in our motorhome. This is our usual routine. Dinner “at home” allows us to unwind with a meal while overlooking the RV park comings, goings, and ongoing doggie parade.
My go-to meals are: cast iron grilled Delmonico steak, and sausage, onions, and peppers served with sides. These are just easy and require not much prep. Eastport is known for Raye's Mustard which I knew that we would visit and thought that the sausage would pair nicely with a mustard assortment.
A Hidden Gem: Reversing Falls in Pembroke
Our new friend Bobby told us about Reversing Falls in Pembroke. We visited there on our way to Eastport. This natural phenomenon occurs when the tides cause the water to flow backward and create a dramatic series of rapids. The spectacle is captivating and offers a unique addition to the usual coastal scenery.
Day Trip to Eastport
A day trip to Eastport, Maine, offered a delightful blend of history, local flavors, and coastal charm. From strolling through the historic streets and savoring the iconic Raye’s Mustard to indulging in a delicious lobster roll at Waco Diner, Eastport provides a quintessential Maine experience. It was a memorable day out.
The Underrated Beauty of Lubec and Eastport
What made our trip truly special was the sense of tranquility and the lack of crowds. Unlike the more frequented destinations like Acadia National Park, Lubec and Eastport offer a more laid-back experience with equally stunning views. The slower pace allowed us to fully appreciate the natural beauty and local charm without the hustle and bustle.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a trip to Maine, Lubec and Eastport should definitely be on your itinerary. With their picturesque landscapes, friendly RV park (and other lodging), and delightful seafood, they offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, enjoying fresh clams, or simply soaking in the views, this corner of Maine promises a memorable escape from the ordinary. After putting this post together, I am feeling as though we need to go back and spend more time in the near future.
Note: Videos of our trip, travels, and preparations will be made a posted as they are completed. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell so you will know when new videos are posted. Thank you.
Note number 2: we covered a lot of ground in a short time because we research the area before getting there so we had a grasp of what we wanted to see.
Here is a gallery of the area.
Videos of the trip:
Resources
Download a trail guide. Trail Map & Guide (cobscooktrails.org)