Escapees July-August 2023

skpstops

Most think of Acadia when planning to visit Maine, and while that trip is on our buck et list, we chose to go “Downeast,” as the locals say. So, we headed to Scarborough, near the beach town of Old Orchard Beach. F or our month-long stay, we chose the quiet and quaint Wild Duck Adult Campground. This small campground is nestled in pine trees along the marsh. It's a peaceful retreat! While we were there, they were working on the cable system and, because of the beautiful pines, our satellite was non-existent. However, we could get over-the-air local channels, and our Verizon and AT&T hotspots worked well for streaming. The campground does have wi fi , but we always use our own, so I’m unsure of the speeds. Full disclosure: When next to the marsh, expect mosquitos. However, bug repellent, both sprays and battery-operated ones worked well. This campground was a fantastic location for walking 1.5 miles to the small ice cream shop and market. Of course, you have to try the blueberry pie and blueberry ice cream while you’re there. It was also just a one and a half-mile bike ride the other direction to the Eastern Trail, a fl at gravel trail perfect for walking and biking. (Bring bug repellent, especially if you’re walking.) Things to do: Head to Portland and ride around the city on your bicycle on the South Portland Loop. Satur day or Sunday morning is the best, but be prepared to pay for parking. If you’re feeling adventurous, look up the 5-lighthouse loop. We did this ride on a Sunday morning when traf fi c was less heavy. We parked for free at the Bug Light Park and rode the 24-mile loop. Be aware that most of this ride is on roads; however, Maine is bike-friendly with wide berms on most major roads, and we felt safe. If cycling isn’t your thing, take a boat ride on one of the sailing ships. We booked an afternoon two-hour cruise of Portland harbor with the Portland Schooner Company. Depending on the cruise, prices range from $49 to $59 per adult. It’s a great way to see Portland and more lighthouses. Drive up to Freeport to check out the LLBean fl agship store and outlets. We stumbled upon the LLBean outlet store, tucked back in the outlet mall, across the street from the main store. Go there fi rst. We found bargains.

Take a drive down to Kennebunkport, but be aware that parking may be limited depending on the day and time you go. We had dinner at the Arundel Wharf Restaurant and found the only spot large enough for our F-350 dually. After dinner, we took the short walk to the town shops before driving over to see the Bush Family compound—from afar. It’s worth the drive to see the beautiful seashore. Our favorite excursion while in Maine was actually in Massachusetts. We took the 5:15 a.m. Amtrak Downeaster, from Portland to Boston, for around $60 for a roundtrip ticket. This two-hour relaxing ride drops you at the TD Garden station near the Freedom Trail. We spent the morning following the trail and seeing a lot of Boston before walking over to Fenway for an afternoon game between our Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox. ( This was the last time the Cleveland Indians played at Fenway before their name change to the Cleveland Guardians.) We purchased cheap seat tickets because we were simply there for the experience. If you haven’t experienced Fenway, add it to your list. We did leave the game in the sixth inning because we needed to get back to Amtrak for a 5:15 ride back to Portland. So we hopped on The T, Boston’s subway system, and made our way back to TD Garden. Boston’s transit system was straightforward to use. We allowed enough time to eat at Regina Pizza, which we highly recommend. It was near the station, and we knew we’d need to have dinner before the two-hour ride back to Portland. After walking over 10 miles around Boston, it was great to ride back to Portland. Next time you’re planning a trip to Maine, don’t forget to consider going “Downeast.” By Jennifer Skinnell #156448

GUIDELINES FOR SKP STOPS SUBMISSIONS Material for each issue will be selected based on location and the migration of seasonal travel. Submissions of 300 to 500 words are ideal. Due to limited space, submissions will be edited. High-resolution photos are included on a space-available basis. Include the name of the photographer and anyone in the photo. HELPFUL HINTS Share unique and o ff -the-beaten-path RV travel destinations. Keep submissions brief and include only pertinent information. Include the best season to visit the destination. Include information on RV parking and accessibility. Send submissions to Escapees Magazine, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351, or to editor@ escapees.com.

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July/August 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine