The Ultimate Road Trip: From Blue Hill to Lisbon

Are you ready to hit the road and explore the best sights and sounds between Blue Hill and Lisbon? There is no better way to explore the beauty of Maine than through a scenic drive with your loved ones. This trip offers an excellent opportunity to take in some of Maine's most beautiful scenery, from charming little fisherman's towns to vast, serene coastlines. In this blog post, we will guide you through the top places to visit and the things you can do on this you drive from Blue Hill to Lisbon.

Visit Jaw-dropping Acadia National Park

Starting your road trip in Blue Hill, our first stop is just an hour away: Acadia National Park. This natural wonderland sits on Mount Desert Island and is sprawled across the Atlantic coastline. Acadia National Park offers outstanding views, and there's no shortage of hikes to take and photo opportunities to capture. Cadillac Mountain, located within the park, is a must-see with its unobstructed view of the sunrise, which is an experience worth waking up early for.

Explore Quaint Southwest Harbor

The next stop on our journey is southwest Harbor, which is less than twenty minutes away by car. It's a small town surrounded by inviting harbor waters and steeped in history. The village is known for being a charming stopover on the way to numerous hiking trails and other outdoor recreation options, but you would be remiss not to take a leisurely walk around town. Check out the many shops, cafes, galleries and the harbor's local fishing scene, which ensures an authentic Maine experience.

Savor the Charm of Rockland

From Southwest Harbor, it’s about an hour drive to reach Rockland, a little port town perched on the Penobscot Bay. Rockland's old harbor is a bewitching sight to behold, shared the locals’ love of the old town, which reflects in the beautifully restored Victorian homes. A quick stop at the Penobscot Bay History Center would be worthwhile to learn more about the town's thriving lobster industry. You could also visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and Library of America. But just walking along Main Street and seeing the unique boutiques and art stores is a joy in itself.

Marvel at Maine State Museum and Maine State House

To get to our next destination, Augusta, the state capital, it takes a little over an hour from Rockland. Built-in 1832, Maine’s State House stands atop a leafy hill, with a beautiful golden dome that signifies its status as the capital’s most recognizable building. Its design is the perfect fusion of neo-classical and Renaissance elements. Before the pandemic, visitors were encouraged to take a tour of the Capitol and see the extensive art collection in its corridors, but they are currently closed for renovation. Be sure to swing by the Maine State Museum, which is adjacent to the Capitol. The museum offers a collection of bygone artifacts that give an insight into Maine and its residents’ past.

Take in the Double Life of Freeport

About 48km down Interstate 95, Freeport is the next spot on our list. Unlike the quite and serene towns we have seen so far, Freeport is more commercialized, filled with many outlet stores geared towards shoppers. One of the most recognizable stores here is L.L. Bean, with its extensive collection of outdoor gear and clothing. But beyond retail, Freeport has a lot more to offer locals and tourists alike, such as visiting the Royal River Dam, checking out the Railroad Square Cinema or grabbing a pint at Maine Beer Co.

Dazzling Lisbon

Lisbon, Maine is your final stop on this unforgettable road trip. The town is one of Maine's most charming and is just 28 minutes away from Freeport. You will find an outstanding collection of 19th-century architecture, including the Lisbon Falls Bridge, one of the most iconic spots in town. Make sure to stop by the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, a unique footbridge built in 1892 and ranks among the oldest in the state.

Conclusion

As you can see, a drive from Blue Hill to Lisbon can allow you to experience and take in Maine's charming towns, stunning natural landscapes, and vast stretches of Atlantic coastline. Make sure you grab your camera, fill up your gas tank, strap in and embark on this unforgettable journey!