Bold Coast

THE DETAILS

Distance from Portland: 3 Hours & 45 Minutes
Adventures: Boot Head Preserve, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, West Quoddy Head Lighthouse & Coast Guard Trail, Jasper Beach
​Eats & Drinks: Helen's, Lubec Brewing Co

Here's the thing to know about the Bold Coast: go with people you adore and plan to spend the majority of your time outside to get back to nature (and yourself.) Got it? Great, you don't even need me!

But in all seriousness, what "to do" in the Lubec/Cutler/Machiasport area is primarily centered around outdoor adventures, going at a slower place and just truly immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery around you. There are very minimal restaurants and attractions outside of what you will find deep in the woods on a long, winding hike. Here are some of my top things to make sure to build into your loose, leisure-filled schedule:
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STAY
​We stayed at this AirBnB and I would do it again in a heartbeat. In my opinion, staying in the Machiasport area puts you dead center of everything and everywhere you will want to be. It's a 10 minute drive to the grocery store, a handful of restaurants and it's just 30 minutes to Lubec and Cutler (where all of your fabulous hikes will take place.) It's remote enough that you really feel like you are living the Bold Coast life, but not so remote that you don't get cell service or internet. On the drive up to the AirBnB, you will drive through fields upon fields of blueberry fields - just to get you in the Maine spirit.

​HIKES
This is why you go to the Bold Coast. There are so many glorious hikes to pursue in this area, but I am going to tell you about my top three. Still dreaming of these walks, TBH.
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Boot Head Preserve: a 2 mile loop. This is the hike that convinced me to pack my bags and make the long drive to visit this area. There are two separate coves to marvel at. The path to the ocean is covered in moss and winds you through a mixed forest until suddenly - you are looking down from a rocky cliff into swirling pools of the ocean. Pack a lunch and eat at the Beach Cove. 
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land: 3-10 Miles of trails. Take the Ocean Trail for the shortest walk (2.8 round trip.) Another beauty of a hike that drops you at breathtaking lookout spots. 
West Quoddy Lighthouse - after checking out the lighthouse, hang left to do the Coast Guard Trail. One of the most rewarding views for an under 1 Mile Walk!
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BEACH
We spent most of our time on winding trails hiking, but we reserved a glorious half day to spend at a beach. It's not your typical beach - and that's what makes this a not to miss spot!
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​Jasper Beach: Go at low tide. Hidden caves to the left are revealed when the tide is low and you can crawl in and out of them and checkout the tide pools that appear. The beach is entirely made of small, smooth stones and the walk along the beach feels like no other walk you will do - your feet get buried in the stones and it's just the coolest. Devote a couple hours to this spot - you'll need it to fully explore!
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EATS & DRINKS
​As I said, don't head to the Bold Coast if you want to experience fine dining every night on vacation. With that said, there are some serious gems that you should not miss in this area.
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Lubec Brewing Co: Pretty much the sweetest little brewery you will ever go to. Set in the center of the town of Lubec, the people running this joint really understand "the way life should be." They are kind, relaxed and know the value of kicking your feet up to enjoy a cold one on a sunny day. I had a long talk with one of the regulars about how best to cook salmon for the birthday party they were throwing that week. Just the best. They have a great, small outdoor beer garden and we sipped their brews while checking out Canada just off in the distance.
Helen's: This was our go-to spot for dinner (and lunch and breakfast.) It's old fashioned comfort food cooking at it's finest. They have a beautiful, clean interior and a patio for outdoor dining. DO NOT MISS THE PIE. I feel like I need to say that twice : do not miss the pie. Seriously, do not. They serve gigantic pieces of pie for dessert and they are truly decadent. Maine Blueberry Pie for the win!

So, grab the people you love and want spend some QT with, plan to bring groceries to cook some of your meals, definitely bring your hiking boots - and get back to what really matters. If the Bold Coast is calling, you should probably answer.