Travel Journal | 2-Day Maine Highlights Trip - Day 1️⃣

Day 1️⃣: MTL 🇨🇦 → Nubble Lighthouse → Ogunquit → Cape Neddick → Portland 📍 Nubble Lighthouse This is Maine’s most popular lighthouse—and no wonder! I absolutely love the “isolated, end-of-the-world vibe” it gives off in photos. Perched on a tiny rocky island, it looks like a scene straight out of a postcard 🗼. 📍 Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, ME We spent most of our time here, and it was totally worth it—even with a light drizzle! ☔ ✅ Marginal Way: This coastal path is stunning. The views of the ocean along the way are so serene; you can almost feel the calm through the screen. Walking here, with the sea breeze and soft rain, felt like a peaceful retreat 🌊. ✅ Perkins Cove Candy: Great for families with kids! They make their own chocolate and toffee—sweet treats that taste like a little piece of the town 🧁. ✅ Perkins Cove Pottery Shop: The mugs and tableware here are super artistic. They look thick and heavy (like traditional clay pieces), but they’re actually surprisingly light—perfect for souvenirs 🥛. ✅ Kikis: Their hoodies have awesome designs, and several were in my favorite “maillard color palette” (warm browns, beiges, and soft oranges)—so on-trend 👕. ✅ Uniques & Antiques: This shop sells all kinds of Christmas decorations and small antiques. If you take your time browsing, you’ll find tons of fun, quirky Christmas tree ornaments 🎄. ✅ Bridgefoot Lobster: There are lots of lobster roll spots in town, but we picked this one based on Xiaohongshu and Google Reviews—and it did NOT disappoint! (Only downside: no seating.) Hands down, this was the best lobster roll I’ve ever had. The 5oz roll was packed with thick, juicy lobster meat in every bite, and the butter-mayo sauce was surprisingly not greasy at all. After that “food highlight,” we tried the local blueberry soda 🫐—also delicious! Later, we bought lobster rolls from the famous “Maine to Bite,” but they were just so-so in comparison. ✅ The Knotty Sailor: If you need souvenirs, this shop is a great pick. It’s right at the entrance of the scenic area—while the selection might not be as huge as some shops, the prices are a few dollars cheaper, and there are plenty of fridge magnet options 🧲. 🅿️ Parking Tips for the Scenic Area All parking here is paid, ranging from $15–$25. The closest spots to the beach cost $15 for 3 hours—but they’re almost always full. Barnacle Billy’s has a parking lot for $25 (cash only), and the municipal parking lot is a bit farther but cheaper at $20. 📍 Cape Neddick We drove through this small town on our way to Portland. Even just a quick drive-by showed us it’s a cute spot—with a beach 🏖️, parks, and lots of fun little shops. We made a mental note to explore more next time! 🏨 Accommodation: Best Western Merry Manor Inn It’s an old 3-star hotel, but it wins points for great value and location—it’s close to both scenic spots and downtown, plus it includes breakfast. Perfect for a no-fuss stay 🛏️. 📍 Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods Don’t ask why we added this to the itinerary—if you’re from Montreal, you’ll get it… because we don’t have these stores there! 😂 Stocking up on snacks and groceries here felt like a little “treat.” #BostonAreaTravel #Maine #MaineTravel #MontrealArea #PortlandMaine