gabbeec

Three girlfriends doing a road trip in July in which stopping in Maine will be a part. We are looking to experience eating lobster down at a harbor in a village atmosphere and we would prefer not to travel to far up the coast of Maine. We are thinking of one of the little bays around Portland. Criteria would be a village or small city with a nice, unique place like a B&B that comes highly recommended and a harbor where we can get excellent lobster. Any suggestions?

scarboroughmom

Can't recommend a B&B, but try the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. Its just south of Portand. They have picnic tables right next to the rocky coast. It is a spectacular setting.

dfrostnh

just to clarify - do you want a lobster shack experience where you dine on picnic tables or do you want a casual restaurant with indoor seating?

Ackislander

Almost every town has a lobster shack on the water. There is even one in Freeport, called. I think, Harraskeet Lobster.

Boiling a lobster is not a seriously difficult task, though there is a tendency to overcook. Now, making a good lobster ROLL is more difficult. My wife is a major lobster roll addict. The essentials are bun grilled in butter; substantial portion of lobster mixed with chopped celery and a small amount of mayonaisse; a leaf of lettuce. Serious points lost if water drips from salad or lettuce leaf.

gabbeec

We are actually looking for the best lobster experience we can have in the lower part of maine. I had read that having the lobster at picnic tables at the edge of the harbor was fabulous but we're open for all recommendations.

gabbeec

BTW, thank you all for your responses. I appreciate it.

capxxx

Portland itself is a very nice small city with working lobster boats and dockside seafood venues. It has a cobblestone ``town center'', lots of scenery with islands in the harbor. You can take a harbor boat tour.

kelliebellie

We did the lobster thing by the water on picnic tables and it was fun! It was byob, so keep that in mind. And if I knew the name of it or what town it was in, that would be even better! We had friends that took us, so I didn't pay attention. Let me go look through my pictures and see if I can find it.

Doh, lots of pictures, but nothing with the name! It was just inside Maine. Going to search now.

Hey, I found it!

http://www.chaunceycreek.com/

And a write up from Travel and Leisure's 10 best lobster places:

BEST RIVERSIDE LOBSTER SHACK
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, Kittery Point Just a short drive off Route 1, yet aeons away from Kittery's outlet-mall madness, Chauncey Creek has lured the faithful since 1948 while blissfully remaining off the maps of northbound tourists. No ocean views here—just a quiet tidal river amid a thick spruce forest. The policy is bring-your-own-everything: regulars show up with coolers full of beer, wine, salad, foie gras, you name it. Chauncey Creek supplies the lobster; there's also a raw bar with Malpeque oysters and cherrystones from Prince Edward Island. Choose your own lobster from the tank, commandeer a brightly colored picnic table on the dock (or, if it's a buggy evening, on the screened deck), and wait for your order while the river drifts by. 16 Chauncey Creek Rd.; 207/439-1030; dinner for two $50.

emalloy

Agree with Scarboroughmom, go to the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth. Eating lobster is a fun messy experience and the view from there can't be beat. It is just south of Portland and the ride out to the point is pretty.

wyatt92

I love Chauncey Creek as well. In addition to lobster, they have a good selection of fried and grilled seafood as well. If you wanted to stay in southern Maine, I'd recommend staying in Ogunquit or Kennebunkport.

sf7307

Eating lobster is a fun messy experience

After eating a whole lobster last week for the first time in years, I added it to my list of "don't eats on a job interview" (which also includes spaghetti, salad, and anything else that's hard to do neatly with a knife and fork)

PamSF

Check out the Chebeague Inn on Chebeague Island.

gabbeec

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. I will check into them. This is really great. This was my first time trying the forum and you've certainly proved it's value.

aussiedreamer

bookmarking for Oct. Thanks

dfrostnh

aussie, some of the best shacks are open weekends only after Labor Day (first weekend in September) and close for the season Columbus Day weekend (approx first weekend in Oct) since they rely on student help and the shacks are not insulated. Be sure to check ahead.

aussiedreamer

Thanks. We will be in Maine the week before Columbus day. (Stowe booked for long weekend) So hopefully we will just make it, fingers crossed.

clarkgriswold

York Harbor Inn in southern Maine, with lobster at either Foxs Lobster near nubble light, or the Chauncey Creek shack. Dont' forget Brown's Ice Cream near the point!

If you decide to go north into Portland, Two Lights Lobster Shack near Cape elizabeth is the place!

Yes, this first photo is a live webcam, not a painting!

http://foxslobster.com/WC/webcam.htm

http://www.chowmaineguide.com/index....ortland-region

gabbeec

we've heard that there is a mosquito issue at chauncey's creek. Any feedback on that? We've been looking at two lobsters in cape elizabeth but interesting lodging has been something of an issue because we are only staying one night. Any ideas on the driving time between cape elizabeth and kennebunk or york harbor.

emalloy

If you go on the pike, York to Cape Elizabeth should take less than an hour. If you use route 1, much longer.

Fra_Diavolo

A great lobster shack on perhaps the most beautiful harbor in Maine is a few hours further up the coast, but I wouldn't reveal the location on a public forum.

This idea of having a "lobster experience" -- we always just eat them -- makes me think I should buy up some old resort and open a lobster theme park!