Navigate to New England: Coastal Maine

• Portland Head Light: Since you'll more than likely travel into Portland to start your trip, definitely stop by the iconic Portland Head Light. If you Google "American lighthouse", this is inevitably one of the first images to come up. Overlooking Cape Elizabeth, this centuries-old structure is the ultimate representation of New England summers - plus you can visit for free!

• Old Port: A popular waterfront district, the Old Port has a little bit of everything for you to explore. Shops, restaurants, breweries and other businesses are jam packed along its cobblestone streets. Between the 19th century architecture and alleyway style streets, you'll feel totally transported in this neighborhood.

• Coastal Maine Botanical Garden: Heading further up the coast to Boothbay, this attraction boasts itself as the largest botanical garden in New England. The property stretches 300 acres and has no shortage of incredible plants to admire. In the winter, they put on a popular holiday light show that has dazzled families for over a decade!

• Cabbage Island Clambake: Part boat tour, part foodie experience - the Cabbage Island Clambake experience starts with a boat tour revealing details about the coast before dropping you off on an island where you're treated to a traditional clambake. Family-run since 1989, it really feels like a unique experience that you can't really get elsewhere. Also - make sure to get a slice of the blueberry cake while you're at it!

• Maine Maritime Museum: Fun fact - Bath, Maine (where the museum is located) is known as "the City of Ships" and has been a longstanding shipbuilding hub in the United States for 140 years. As a result, you can bet that the Maine Maritime Museum shows you every detail of the state's seafaring legacy. Whether it's the history of wooden ships, the Navy's work at Bath Iron Works, or it's diverse indoor exhibits - I promise you'll walk out learning something new.

• Flagship L.L. Bean Store: I know that pointing out a retail store is a little odd, but the flagship L.L. Bean in Freeport is a little different. The store is open 24 hours a day and features a giant Bean boot out front for all of your photo shoot needs. The store itself is huge and has a ton to browse through, but they're also known for hosting events and outdoor concerts throughout the year to keep things fresh!

• Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm: This is an extremely niche recommendation, but I discovered this spot when we got married in Southport and have been obsessed ever since. This farm is dedicated to producing local alpaca fleece goods that don't leave Maine (and therefore reduce their overall footprint). You can visit the farm to meet the alpacas, see their yard production or even do an "alpaca trek" with a small herd.

• Acadia National Park: Acadia sits the furthest north along the coast, but it's so worth the trip. One of the most beautiful national parks in the country, you really experience the vast wilderness that makes up most of Maine. There are trails dedicated to all skill levels, and there's even car access up Cadillac Mountain if you want a piece of that iconic view.

Eat:

Street & Co.: A more upscale option in Portland's Old Port, Street & Co. is the perfect moody dinner spot to check out while in the city. Their menu rotates by season, showcasing Maine's local produce and farms whenever possible. If they still have the Lobster Diavolo when you visit, be sure to split that with a couple of friends. Also, their cocktail list errs on the side of excellent.

Mae's Cafe and Bakery: Located in Brunswick, Mae's is one of the area's most popular spots for breakfast and brunch. There really is something for everyone on their menu, and the pastries on the bakery side of the business are to die for (their sticky buns never disappoint). If you're a pancake fiend like I am, definitely order them with Maine blueberries!

Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe: More of a "grab and go" place, Wild Oats packs a ton of options in their facility. You can grab pre-made meal options (many of which cater to dietary restrictions) or bakery items like Maine's famous whoopie pies. The convenience alone is a huge perk, especially if you plan to stay in the area for more than a couple weeks. Be sure to try any in-house juices that strike your interest, I've yet to try a flavor that hasn't blown my mind.

The Pub at Newagen Seaside Inn: Definitely a little more off the beaten path (Southport is pretty tiny), The Pub feels like your favorite neighborhood eatery that happens to come with a killer view. Like a lot of Maine dining options, you have your fair share of seafood and blueberry options...that said, they're flatbreads are beyond tasty, especially when paired with any of their cocktails. Have some time to kill? Perusing the grounds at the Inn is a treat in itself.

Drink:

Allagash Brewing: Hands down the most popular brewery based in Maine, Allagash has been producing award-winning beers (like the Allagash White) since the mid 90's. Their tasting room in Portland also offers tours and guided tastings if you're really into the beer scene, and naturally they partner with Bite Into Maine to include lobster rolls to sweeten the deal. Naturally, I'm a big fan of the Allagash White, but their brewery-only options are always worth the exclusive sip.

Flight Deck Brewing: Just next door to Wild Oats, Flight Deck is a unique brewery that is built out of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station (they really lean into the airplane theme, which is a fun touch). What's cool is that their beer is made with 100% renewable energy thanks to their on-site solar panels and specialized fermentation process. Their lager and red ale are my favorites, but honestly their entire beer selection looks great.

Old Vines Kennebunk: Not into beer? No problem. Old Vines in Kennebunk is a cozy bistro that offers a good selection of wine and cocktails. With live music and a welcoming vibe, this is always a good bet for a weekend outing (though they close at 10:00 PM, so maybe not the wildest night out). If you want a break from the breweries and just want to relax, then this is totally worth checking out.

Freeport Oyster Bar: There are few things I love on this earth more than some oysters and a good drink, and I'm happy to report that Freeport Oyster Bar meets those needs. Their cocktail list is surprisingly creative, and they do happen to serve things other than oysters (a bold choice, honestly). To me, this bar is the perfect combination of New England bougie meets Maine simplicity, and that's a pretty hard mix to beat.