As a {now} Floridian living in the oppressive heat of summer, there is a single word that brings instant relief: MAINE. Mr. rUnladylike and I spent the past week exploring Maine’s rocky coastline, quaint maritime towns and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. We gorged on lobster and blueberry beer and relished in the cool evening breezes that required a light jacket. Ahhh. Summer in New England sure beats summer in Florida.

If you’re heading to the most northeastern state anytime soon, here are the best places to run, eat and explore in Maine.

Portland

We started our Maine adventures in Portland, which is the largest city in the state. It was such a beautiful city with unique character and charm.

Where to run: Eastern Promenade Trail – This paved waterfront trail offers incredible views of Casco Bay. It is 2.1 miles in length and can either make for a great 4.2-mile out-and-back route or be incorporated into a longer run that includes running through the city streets. The trail begins at Commercial and India Streets.

Where to eat: For lunch, grab a window seat or spot at the bar at Eventide Oyster Co. This bright coastal spot puts a different twist on the traditional lobster fare that you’ll find on every other menu in Maine. We started with a variety of oysters which were exceptional.

I had the lobster tail which was prepared using an Asian style and included rice and a ginger-soy type dressing. They are known for their lobster roll. Every restaurant claims to be, but this place is truly legit. There are tons of local beers on tap and it’s a great spot to take a break from walking around the city all morning.

For dinner, don’t miss Portland Lobster Company. This was hands down our most fun and enjoyable dinner in Maine. When you first see it, you’ll think it is a tiny little joint, but upon entering will soon realize it opens up to a large waterfront deck with outdoor high tops and picnic tables. You order at the front counter and wait at a table as your food is prepared.

We both ordered the lobster dinner, which was a whole Maine lobster, corn on the cob, a baked potato and cole slaw. And if that wasn’t enough, we also ordered the lobster mac n’ cheese to share. It was exceptional. We sat outside and there was an amazing live band playing. The atmosphere was second to none while being incredibly casual. This is a must-stop in Portland.

What to do: Walk around the city and simply explore. There are tons of great shops and nooks and crannies to check out. The city is very walkable and you can cover downtown on foot.

Get out on the water. Take a 90-minute lobster boating tour via Lucky Catch Cruises. For a bit cheesier, yet informative experience, consider a duck tour via Downeast Duck Adventures.

There are also tons of breweries in Portland. Pop into a few while you’re exploring the city, or consider hopping on the Maine Brew Bus for the ultimate tour. We really wanted to do this but it was closed on the one full day we were here.

Driving U.S. Route 1

After two wonderful days in Portland, we drove north along U.S. Route 1 toward Bar Harbor. We took our time to explore the many cities and stops along the way. Here are a few recommendations on where to stop.

Freeport: This is the first stop along your journey along U.S. Route 1 from Portland. Here, you’ll find tons of great shops, outlets and local boutiques to explore. Be sure to visit L.L. Bean’s flagship store and take a photo by the giant boot. Stop into Abacus and The Salty Lobster for some really unique items and gifts.

The Maine Beer Trail: There are tons of breweries along Maine’s coast. This great map shows you where they are all located. We stopped at the Maine Beer Company on the way out of town. Of course, if you choose to stop while driving, make sure you have a designated driver.

Wiscasset: If you have time to wait in line, stop for a lobster roll at Red’s Eats, a roadside stand that serves “Maine’s best lobster roll.” If you don’t want to wait as long, go across the street to Sprague’s Lobster. That’s what we opted to do and our rolls were delicious.

Camden: Stop and walk around the shops.

Bar Harbor

We ended our trip with four days in Bar Harbor and at Acadia National Park. One of the items on our bucket list is to visit all the national parks in the United States. We had never been to Acadia and were very excited to explore it. Bar Harbor is right next to the park and is such a great little town to visit and explore.

Where to run: The Ocean Path at Acadia National Park – This gravel trail starts at Sand Beach and ends at Otter Point, about a 4-mile round trip. Although mostly along packed gravel and dirt, there are a few sections that are highly technical and that will require you to stop and slow down. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are stunning.

In Bar Harbor, if you wake up early enough you can run around the streets of the town and also along Shore Path which is a short little trail along the waterfront. There is also a nice paved sidewalk/path that runs along U.S. 3.

Where to eat: For a great breakfast or brunch meal, stop at Café This Way. We came here after our trail run in Acadia and it was a quirky and cute spot with a great menu.

For lunch or high tea, be sure to check out the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park. Our schedule didn’t allow us to eat here during this trip, but everyone told us we had to go there.

For dinner, make a reservation at the Reading Room for a night the weather is clear and sunny. Get a spot by the window and watch the sunset while you dine in a very fancy and formal setting. Although the views and experience are better than the food, this is worth it for the gorgeous waterfront views and the pomp and circumstance.

What to do: Three words: Acadia National Park. Hike and explore this beautiful natural wonder.

For a great hike, start at Sand Beach and hike up the infamous Beehive.

This is what it looks like from the ground:

And this is what it looks like from the top:

This is a short trail, but highly technical in some spots requiring you to climb up handrails that are right on the edge of the cliff.

Once at the top, follow The Bowl trail to a beautiful lake.

Then, continue to the Gorham Summit before descending down the Ocean Path back to Sand Beach.

The trail is well marked and easy to follow. This particular hike is about 4 miles. Bring towels or a blanket and some lunch to picnic on the beach after. You can also take a mini ice bath by putting your toes in the 55-degree Atlantic Ocean.

During the summer months, be sure to get here early to avoid the crowds. If you can be hiking by 7:00 a.m., you’ll avoid the crowds and will have the trail mostly to yourself.

One morning, get up early to watch the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain. The sun rose at 5:20 a.m. while we were here, so we got up around 4 a.m. and drove the short way to the mountain. It was well worth the early wake-up call. We then did the trail run on Ocean Path mentioned above.

You can also rent bikes in Bar Harbor and ride along the carriage roads in Acadia National Park – 57 miles of path that are not open to cars.

Get out on the water on a Downeast Windjammer. They have afternoon and sunset cruises.

Where to stay: West Street Hotel – This place is fantastic! It is on the water and has stunning views of the water from its rooftop pool (which was warm enough for us to enjoy). Each floor has a stocked pantry with coffee, tea, waters and snacks, and the fitness center is top-notch. This was a fabulous place to stay to make our experience amazing.

Have you ever been to Maine? What do you think are the best places to run, eat and explore there? Where have your summer vacation travels taken you?