I made it down to Massachusetts then realized I missed two of my stops in Maine. Since the states are so small, the furthest point I wanted to reach was only a three hour drive. With much encouragement given to me by friends and family, I decided to go back into Maine and mark everything off of my list. I did that...and MORE! Since this was my second time driving to Maine, I choose Hwy. 1 on the southern half of the state. The Hwy. runs parallel with Interstate 95, but intertwines with multiple adorable little coastal towns with many places to stop and take in the sights.
First on my list of things I missed was the Wiggly Bridge in York, ME. I posted a video of me crossing the bridge on Facebook, so if we are friends you can see it there. Popular for being known as possibly the worlds smallest suspension bridge. Lots of confusing parking that says permit required, whatever. A long gravel pier leads you to the bridge. True to its name, pedestrians will feel the bridge bounce, wiggle, and creak as you cross its dried up wooden path. Once crossed you are lead to
Dahlias are one of my favorite flowers to add to my garden due to their diversity and because my Grandpa Don Nichol always had a bunch in his garden. I remember them well from my childhood.
a maze of wide, level, wooded walking trails. The 2 mile trails are a good choice when craving some cool ocean breezes and the scent of sea air. Glad I stopped there!
Next is Boothbay, ME. Primarily this town was on my list for its popular Botanical Gardens. I arrived at 9 a.m. when they opened, with a backpack full of photography equipment, snacks and water. Only $18 entry fee for Military/Seniors (thanks Don!) and I ended up not leaving until 4 p.m., so it was a long day! Boothbay is the warmest area along Maines coastal region therefore the gardens thrive in this relative cold climate that Maine is known for. The gardens have 5 large wooden troll structures titled as Guardians of the Seeds. There is a fun tale told about them and a scavenger hunt that leads a person down many many trails. you turn in your guide book for a prize (hint: packets of wildflower seeds to take home). Even though the summer season is to an end, there were many beautiful plants to see, touch, taste and smell. Yes! They encourage visitors to touch and taste many of the plants.
There is one section of the garden called the 5 senses created especially for people with special needs. Really, they have it all here.
I was disperse camping while in Boothbay so I decided to go to the harbor to watch the sunset at a boat dock. The views were spectacular, the air was chilled but bearable, and so peaceful. A very light chatter of people dinning at the local restaurants hovered above. It sounded inviting, not intrusive. Before leaving Boothbay the following day, I drove around the islands, visited some lighthouses, walked trails, and sipped coffee. I even picked up a book to me Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I have not read it yet, but it sounds great.
On my way back south I stopped by Freeport, ME, to visit the L.L. Bean store. This this where was founded. Unknown to me at the time, that was the first day of their annual Fall Festival. Nearly 100 white tents lined the streets and lawn around the L.L. Bean store. Live music, arts and crafts for sale, fun activities for children and chairs scattered the lawn to sit, listen to music and eat
The fall foliage that Maine is so popular for in strong. I hope to keep watching this color transformation as I continue on my journey.
bought snacks. I bought a chocolate peanut butter whoopie pie (OMG), had my own water bottle, and met a lovely lady that I got to visit with for a while. She even invited me to stay at her home. Its a long, funny story that I would be glad to share with you some day if you ask me.
Maine has been an incredible place to visit. I am surprised at how much there was to do.
