Vacation 2K14- Part 2

If you didn't see Part 1 of the Vacation 2K14 chronicles, click here. 

Following our stay in Portland, we moved further north! On Sunday afternoon, we began the four hour drive to Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. Acadia is known for its beautiful landscapes and wonderful summer weather, but it exceeded all expectations. However, on the way up, my family decided to take the scenic route and experience a true road trip! 

The first stop on the list was Len Libby Chocolate store in Scarborough. Now, this was not just your average sweet shop. Oh no, it is so much better! Len Libby is home to Lenny the life size chocolate moose! I was incredibly excited about this stop. We bought a few souvenirs to remember our time with Lenny and got on our way. 

We drove 45 minutes down the road to Yarmouth, Maine, home of Delorme mapping company. Inside the Delorme headquarters is Eartha, the world's largest rotating and revolving globe. It was insanity! The globe was ginormous and the building had multiple sets of stairs and platforms so you could view the continents from every angle. As a geography junkie and a lover of travel, this place was heaven. The woman working at the desk was especially entertained by my excitement.

After leaving Eartha and Delorme we continued north up the coast. Between stops, we would drive through countless little towns and rural areas. I wish that we had the chance to stop and tour all the quaint city centers, but we were on a mission! However, this trip gave me an idea of what I want to do when I come back to Maine (and I will 100% come back to Maine one day). I would love to just drive up the coast, stopping at restaurants and shopping in the family owned stores. 

We took a brief break from driving in Freeport, home of the L.L. Bean headquarters. The town consists of outlet stores and shopping complexes. Outside of the L.L. Bean store is a giant boot! I could not resist taking a picture with it. This is what a road trip is all about! 

After a late afternoon shopping break, we collapsed into the car, partly dreading and partly excited about the remaining drive time ahead of us. Thankfully, we had one final stop to help break up the monotony. 



In Camden, Maine, we drove to the top of Mt. Battie. As we drove up the winding dirt road, no one was completely sure about what would be awaiting us. As we emerged, we were met by a wonderful sight. It seemed to encompass everything Maine is: rocky coasts, rustic landscapes, marine towns. Mt. Battie and the surrounding city of Camden has a rich history. I found a wonderful website that summarizes the interesting events behind the monuments. Click here if you are a history lover like me and would like to learn more! 

Mt. Battie Tower

From the top of Mt. Battie

                             
                                   

Panorama view from the Mt. Battie Tower 

Late that Sunday night we finally arrived in Ellsworth, where our hotel was located. The next day, we visited Acadia National Park. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we visit what is said to be the most breath-taking place in America!

xoxo,

Royse