Greenville

After many false starts over the years, we finally got to Moosehead Lake. It was certainly worth the trip, although we endured disappointment when we learned that the MV Katahdin was not running because of a fuel pump problem. Our billet was the Moose Mountain Inn, which is actually a motel, and a very nice one. The lake, of course, is huge and the various perspectives that come with driving around are wonderful. On a short trip to Lily Bay State park there is a gorgeous view from the road, in front of the imposing Blair Hall. Breakfast at Auntie M's was excellent. Our two dinners were at Kelly's Landing, where you can eat on a deck right by the lake, and Flatlanders, both satisfying and inexpensive, though not gourmet. We cheated and spent two nights here, but, after all, it is a long drive!

Weld

Our goal was a one-night escape to the Kawanhee Inn and Restaurant, on Lake Webb in Weld. It was a two-hour drive from home, and we timed it to arrive in Dixfield, close to the inn, at lunchtime. Sometimes in Maine the seafood at restaurants inland is at least as good as what you get at the coast, and such is the case with the Surry Seafood Company in Dixfield. Fabulous sandwiches and great chowder. On to Kawanhee--here we found authentic old camp-type construction, a small inn with adjacent cottages and a famous dining screened porch (also there is dining inside). The rooms are simple but the beds are great. The food was excellent, with good variety in the menu and reasonable prices for the fine quality. You need reservations for dinner, as it is always full. The inn has canoes and kayaks you can borrow, and nice grounds for rusticating.

Belfast

In mid-April, with winter still hanging around, we drove to Belfast, and had an excellent lunch at Nautilus, which has taken over the former Weathervane, right by the water. We crossed the Passagassawakeag River, which is pronounced PASSaGAS-aWAY(and means "joyous fart" in the local tribe's language), and checked into the Fireside Inn. We chose a second floor room, which has a balcony looking at Penobscot Bay. This is an excellent motel, with pool, sauna, hot tub--off season, we had this facility to ourselves. Our dinner in the Ocean's Edge restaurant, attached to the inn, was excellent. None of this was expensive. On the way home we stopped for lunch in Lincolnville, at McLaughlin's Lobster Shack, by the ferry to Isleboro. Always a winner.

York Harbor

We took advantage of a great deal via Travelzoo for a night at the York Harbor Inn plus $25 dining voucher for $89 plus tax. At the end of February there were not many guests at this beautiful old inn, although many locals came to the inn's excellent pub for drinks and dinner. Our room in the main inn was small but complete and immaculate, with a view across the harbor if you stood up. The staff was pleasant and helpful. On a sunny day we crossed the street to the park and descended to the cliff walk. The walk is gorgeous, though footing is not always smooth. That evening we ate in the pub, as the main dining hall was not open. However, they had a full menu and the quality was first-rate, as was the free breakfast the next morning. Years ago we had a family trip to the Inn on the Blues at York Beach. That was fun, but this was a more mature visit!