Maine: Go on a lobster crawl

Do you crave crustaceans? Maine’s coast arguably boasts the finest lobsters in the world. Take this tour of the rugged shore for succulent seafood straight out of the Atlantic.

Drive 145.4 miles, 3 hours

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1. York Beach

Starting Point

It’s no secret, the world’s finest lobsters come from Maine, and the best of the best can be found at York Beach. The Beach Plum Lobster Farm, voted “Best Lobster Rolls” at the 2014 Seafood Festival, is more a roadside stand, but the food is excellent. Select your crustacean from a “live” tank to cook yourself, or order lobster to go (cracked and packaged) with a side of steamed clams.

2. Wells

11.9 miles, 23 minutes

This little village by the sea is known as the “Friendliest Town in Maine,” and after dining at one of their affable restaurants, you’re sure to agree. Don’t miss Varano’s Italian Restaurant for authentic antipasto, zuppa, pasta and pesce, all served with an Italian twist. The Maine Diner cooks up “World Famous Food Like Grandma Used to Make,” including their famous Lobster Pie featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS 

Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA
Saco, ME
(877) 518-8811

3. Old Orchard Beach

22.1 miles, 23 minutes

Enjoy laid-back meals in this beachside town with over 40 restaurants to choose from. The Fried Clam is a no-frills seafood shack with ample portions of fried (not greasy) clams, chicken fingers and pickles. The Landmark is a seafood lover’s paradise featuring local lobster, fried clams, fresh haddock and panko-fried scallops. For an elegant dinner out, it’s Joseph’s by the Sea, with romantic views and memorable meals.

RECOMMENDED STOPOVERS 

Wagon Wheel RV Resort & Campground
Old Orchard Beach, ME
(888) 543-0516

Wild Acres RV Resort & Campground
Old Orchard Beach, ME
(888) 451-3586

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4. Freeport

31.7 miles, 35 minutes

Freeport should be your “Maine” dining destination for everything from haute cuisine to quaint chowder houses. You’ll find lots of places to eat near the shores of scenic Casco Bay. Azure Café offers a taste of Italy on the coast of Maine with high-quality classic Italian entrees and a seafood grill featuring an Italian twist. Buck’s Naked BBQ and Steakhouse splashes barbecue on everything—ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, even Brussel sprouts—and it’s so delicious you’ll happily lick your fingers in front of company.

5. Boothbay Harbor

39.7 miles, 48 minutes

Shipbuilding and sailing vessels are synonymous with Boothbay Harbor, a quaint New England fishing village providing fresh seafood, and the best places in town to watch the boats in the harbor. The Lobster Dock is a rustic jewel not to be missed, featuring a wide assortment of exceptional seafood like Maine chowder, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Their famous lobster roll is served with sweet butter or mayo.

6. Rockland

40 miles, 51 minutes

This outstanding oceanfront town is full of surprises, and Primo Restaurant is one such restaurant, providing diners with the ultimate farm-to-table experience. What’s on the menu has been raised or grown on the restaurant’s farm, giving the chef an opportunity to offer a seasonal and ever-changing menu to tantalize the taste buds. Dine here for a nice change of pace.