Since we all live here in Maine, we have kind of a love/hate relationship with tourists. And sometimes the only thing I hate more, is being a tourist. So my desire to find things to do around here in our great state of Maine is pretty big. So over the next few weeks, I'm going to share some destinations with you that are within just a few hours drive at most, from right here in the Bangor area.

This week, I'd like to introduce you, if you haven't been already, to the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. It's a 125 mile stretch of road that winds through Acadia and the Downeast region, basically, from Lubec to Milbridge. But there are many awesome stops along the way.

The trip by itself, non-stop is about 3 hours. You'll wind your way through Cherryfiled, Jonesport, and Machias. Then up through Cutler and South Trescott, until you come to a loop through Eastport, Lubec, and Dennyville. There are so many things you could do in any of these locations. There are restaurants, hiking, beaches...you name it.

I mean, yes, you could just drive straight through, but this would be an amazing weekend trip, really. There are so many side trips you can take along the route. The Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge in Hancock/Washington counties is nearby the first leg of the journey. Just south of Machias is the Roque Bluffs State Park, where there is wildlife everywhere to check out, plus trails and beaches all over.

Photo: Experience Maritime Maine
Photo: Experience Maritime Maine
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As you're nearing the Eastport/Lubec region, you can easily take a quick jaunt over to Campobello Island, the former summer home of Teddy Roosevelt. I went there once years ago, and it was awesome. There's a rich history to the property, and the structure itself is amazing. There's a lot to learn about the Roosevelts there. But ultimately, it's just a bigger version of any old summer home like a lot of us Mainers have on the lakes around here.

And these are just a handful of the awesome things you can do along this stretch of road. We all live here, and likely not nearly enough of us have ever visited these places right here in our own back yard. And, it's a bit off the beaten path. You may run into a few flatlanders while you're going to and fro, but this is prime for locals who want to get away, but not too far.

Next week, I'll have another cool spot for you to consider on your summer's journey. But how much fun will it be to discover all the awesome things we can do right here in our little corner of the U.S. Maine's a beautiful place, so let's discover some of it together.

See you on the road!

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