If you've ever made the trek to Freeport, Maine and the outlet stores, you've heard of L.L. Bean (tel. 800/441-5713; www.llbean.com). It's the outdoor supply mecca of the northeast selling canoes, down coats, duck boots, moccasins, rain gear and the like. The 24-hour retail outlet for the popular catalogue put Maine on the map for years as college kids and fly fisherman alike made the pilgrimage. But Maine is a lot more than L.L. Bean and an outlet town. From Kennebunkport and the land of the Bushes to Bar Harbor and lobsters, this summer a Maine vacation means good eats, fun, scenic rides and superb islands.
Perhaps the best way to see Maine is on wheels. Bicycle wheels. Bike Back Country (tel. 207/625-8189; www.bikebackcountry.com) has some guided tours for bicycle lovers looking to exercise their legs and see one of the most scenic states in the Union. Full package rates include full weekend or weekday packages lasting two and half days with a guide, all accommodations, snacks, four meals and amenities starts at $130 depending on your choice of accommodation. Camping is the least expensive option coming at the before mentioned $130, a bunkhouse costs $155 and a private room goes for $170. Several back road trails are available as are mountain rides. The scenery is rustic, as are accommodations. But the rides are not terribly challenging and the emphasis is on camaraderie and the views. Other trips are available and you can select trails for self-guided rides as well. You should be comfortable on rugged terrain and enjoy mountain biking.
Bailey Island, near Bowdoin College, is a great escape from anywhere. It's quaint, small, and easy to maneuver. There's not much there except for seafood restaurants, a few motels, lobster fisherman and a touring boat for sightseeing along the Maine coast. Some hotels and motels on the island don't even have phones, and the seafood and boat excursions are second to none. The views of the coastline and the many private islands that compose Northern Maine are paramount to the Bailey experience. Rates at the Bailey Island Motel (tel. 207/833-2886; www.baileyislandmotel.com) start at $120 for July and August. Slightly higher rates apply to weekends and holidays. The boat tour around the coast can be purchased at www.cascobaylines.com. The Bailey Island expedition trails the coast and gets close to private islands with stately mansions and the local wildlife. The two-hour plus trip goes fast and the return can get chilly, even in August, so bring a windbreaker. Nights on Bailey Island are quiet. There are a few restaurants but late night there means 10 p.m. Cook's Lobster House (tel. 207/833-2818; www.cookslobster.com) is known for miles around for its mussels and clam chowder.
If sailing is your thing, you can take a budget-priced trip along the Maine coast through the Maine Windjammer Association (tel. 800/807-WIND; www.sailmainecoast.com). The fourteen boat fleet has authentic sailboats that cruise up and down the coastline looking as majestic as the landscape. Costs for the trips vary depending on what boat you select but expect to pay around $765 for a five-day trip boarding on Sunday and returning on Friday. Weekend excursions cost around $465 for a Friday to Sunday tour. Passengers aboard the boat range from 6 to 40.