“Do you ever assume we might discover some woods to stroll in?” my outdoorsy 12-year-old asks me, each on occasion. As a child rising up in New York Metropolis, Anton appreciates all of the skate parks and bagel retailers, however he additionally actually craves nature, like in his bones.
So, when college received out, I supplied to take him for a weekend in Maine, a spot with not solely woods but additionally lakes and rocks and periwinkles that come out of their shells whenever you hum. We have been each actually excited.
The primary evening, we have been fortunate sufficient to snag a room at Aragosta, an exquisite small lodge in Deer Isle that Alison had really helpful.
The chef-owner, Devin Finigan, is legendary for her seasonal tasting menus, however we targeted on the breakfast that got here with the room, together with these Maine blueberry pancakes. I don’t even normally like pancakes and these blew my thoughts.
We additionally performed a LOT of chess on our little journey board.
After breakfast, we got down to hike up Blue Hill Mountain.
Right here’s the summit!
Within the afternoon, we explored the charming fishing village of Stonington…
…then joined my buddy Julie (of Rudy Jude fame) and her household for dinner on the Burnt Cove Boil.
Principally, a crab will get plonked down in entrance of you, adopted by a corn on the cob, then a lobster, then a traditional ice-cream sandwich. Julie and her husband Anthony taught us how one can get all of the meat out. (Their youngsters have been already professionals.)
Afterward, the 4 boys scrambled round on the rocks, whereas the adults chatted. It’s all the time such a deal with to hang around with individuals who stay within the place you’re visiting, don’t you assume? Julie and Anthony described how they introduced their lately hatched chicks into their house to maintain them heat, and all of the peeping was sooooo loud — after which a cricket received into the home and added to the noise and nobody might discover it and everybody was going nuts, haha. Very completely different from metropolis life!
The following day, Anton and I stayed on the beautiful Asticou Lodge close to Acadia Nationwide Park.
We drove to some trailheads however they have been PACKED — you needed to stand in an extended line, simply to begin the hike! Fortunately, we discovered a quieter space and took an extended stroll round Jordan Pond, taking part in Would You Slightly and Classes alongside the way in which. Do you have got any favourite journey video games?
Lastly, we skimmed stones on our final afternoon earlier than heading again to Brooklyn.
Epic journey buddy
Oh, Maine, what a magical place! Not pictured, after all: visitors, grumpy preteen moments, locking our keys within the rental automobile, and so forth., however all that’s to be anticipated.
Have you ever been to Maine? Do you reside there? What elements do you like? Any professional ideas? I’d love to listen to. xoxo
P.S. Our Maine journey — and one other superb lodge — when the boys have been a lot youthful, and a Maine house with a bed room trying over water.
