Led-by-a-Local Guide to Maine

This pandemic took on a toll on me, along with everyone else, making me go stir crazy and have immense anxiety. I knew a needed a break and though I was bold to get on a plane during this crazy time, I took the risk and turned out better than ever.

My best friends from college, Chloe and Grace, took a girl's trip to the Pine Tree State of MAINE. Chloe is born and raised in Five Islands and led us through the wilderness... literally.

After a long day of traveling, on our way back to Chloe's house from the Portland Airport (PWE), we grabbed dinner at DuckFat.

We're carb friendly and aren't afraid to show it-- As basic & boring as it sounds, I recommend getting the fries to start with a flight of sauces. My favorite is the horseradish mayo. The Poutine is also delicious! This restaurant is known for cooking all their dishes with duck fat which is what makes the flavors stand out. We also ordered the specials including a watermelon salad & lobster roll... duh! But, to save the best for last, the doughnut holes are a MUST.

The next day we took a three hour drive to Bar Harbor / Acadia. We stayed at the Quality Inn which is a 10 minute walk to the waterfront and a 5 minute drive to the National Park entrance. Breakfast was included!

The hotel lobby sold parking passes for Acadia National Park but there is also an option to buy on-site for $30.

We started the day with the 'Beehive Hike'. It's just as cute and whimsical as it sounds as you physically have to climb up the rocks using a built-in ladder. It's a moderately-hard hike and is not dog or children friendly.

The morning started off a bit foggy but burned off and turned into a picture perfect day! The trail is marked with blue marks on the rocks. Again, I cannot stress enough that a big portion of this hike was climbing!

Note: Once you have reached the top of the 'Beehive', the same way you came up is NOT the same way to return. There is a much easier trail that is not as steep. It also trails off to 'The Bowl' which is a lake you are able to swim in (shown below). Continue looking for the blue markings!

I also highly recommend taking a drive up 'Cadillac Mountain' as there are truly exquisite views!

We decided to head back into town and grab some lunch / dinner.

Testa's Bar & Grill did not disappoint. My friends & I are big into family- style so we tried the Lobster Bisque, Coconut Shrimp (with Blueberry Sweet Thai Chili Sauce), and the famous Maine Street Lobster Tacos.

We also tried Stewman's Lobster Pound. Big fan of the Lobster Roll & Haddock Sandwich. It was a picture-perfect day being right on the water.

It was 80 degrees, so naturally, we needed a sweet treat. Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium is delicious and has an extensive array of ice cream, candy, pie, etc.. I went with the 'Joyous Almond' which tasted like an Almond Joy / German Chocolate Cake!

We shopped around the rest of the day & got some souvenirs. After eventually heading back to Five Islands, we stopped along the way at