Mr. Thrifty Takes a Road Trip: Finding Quality and Value in Mid Coast Maine

Anyone who has been to the Great State of Maine will wholeheartedly agree with the State’s Slogan, It Must Be Maine; The Way Life Should Be.  Maine is a terrific and ever popular tourist destination, particularly in the spring and summer.  And, with the influx of tourists, prices have gone up.  Way up.  Fear not, though, fellow saver: Mr. Thrifty presents you with the following curated tips and recommendations on how to make your money go further:

Stock Up and Save

A road trip to Maine will often involve a drive through New Hampshire.  And that’s the location of Mr. Thrifty’s first recommendation: the New Hampshire Liquor and Wine Outlet No.76, just off the I-95.  This outlet remains the top grossing liquor store in New Hampshire and is a must stop for a hella wicked many locals and passersby on the way to Maine.  Stock up on the way to your destination and also on your return trip, as identical twin stores are located on both sides of the I-95.

Portland – A Destination for Foodies

Portland will be the destination for many people.  In recent years Portland has become a foodie’s paradise, and with good reason.  For a meal that is sure to impress your family and friends, Mr. Thrifty recommends both Fore Street and Street & Co. While reservations may be tough to score, both establishments leave up to 1/3 of the seats for walk-ins and serve full menus at the bar.  Go early, though, to add your name to the rather lengthy wait list. 

An Anthony Bourdain Favorite

As you wait for your seat or, if you are simply looking for an alternative to the tourist scene, Mr. Thrifty recommends following the locals to……….J’s Oyster Bar – a Mrs. Thrifty favorite.  Once Portland’s best secret, J’s was popularized by a shout out from the late Anthony Bourdain.   Mr. Thrifty recommends J’s not so much for the oysters (though they are good) as much for the atmosphere.  Curious?  You’ll understand when you see it live. 

Breakfast at Becky’s

Of course, no trip to Portland is complete without a breakfast at Becky’s Diner.  Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, you will be hard-pressed to find better wild blueberry pancakes anywhere in the world (And please don’t skimp, splurge for the maple syrup).  Yes, it will be busy. And, yes, it will be worth the wait. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir mug and a blueberry muffin to go on the way out.

Factory Outlet Savings

If you continue your tour of Mid Coast Maine onto Camden, Rockland, Rockport and Thomaston, and you should, Mr. Thrifty recommends the following:

Factory outlet stores in Freeport and Kittery usually offer some good bargains. Make sure you stop off at LL Bean and Kittery Trading Post for some great outdoor gear (you are in Maine, after all !).

Resort Style Luxury at The Samoset

The Samoset Resort, located oceanside in Rockport, is a destination unto itself.  Mr. Thrifty encourages anyone on an expense account to stay, have a few lavish meals, and play a round (or two) of golf.   Those of you looking to sample the high life while minding your pocketbook take note: La Bella Vita, a casual Italian restaurant at the Samoset, has a value oriented, little known happy hour, with high quality, reasonable drinks and bar bites (it even has a surprisingly good gluten free version of its gourmet pizzas).  Relax and enjoy a casual meal at one of New England’s top resorts, take a self-guided tour and don’t worry about the parking meter (free parking abounds).

Primo – Rockland’s Favorite

Continuing on the food theme, it’s tougher to find a better meal anywhere than at Primo in Rockland.  While prices tend to be on the high side and reservations may be hard to come by during peak season, Primo has a reasonably priced bar menu and offers $1 Oysters on Sundays – a deal that is second to none in the area.

But Maine isn’t all about the foodie experience; surely you will want something more lasting to remember your trip.

Shawshank Redemption, Anyone ?

Looking for a quality souvenir on the cheap ?  Look no further than the Maine State Prison Showroom in Thomaston.  The wooden sailboats, carving boards, cedar soaps and toaster tongs, among other items, all stamped “Hand Crafted at the Maine State Prison” will be edgy, lasting reminders of your relaxing Maine vacation, not to mention conversation starters that will have you longing for another viewing of The Shawshank Redemption.

Save the Best for Last: Brooks Trap Mill

Finally, for the fisherman (or woman) in your family, Brooks Trap Mill, locally owned and operated for over 60 years, is an absolute paradise.  Renowned for being the go-to supplier for the commercial fishing industry, its retail showroom, open to the public, will offer merchandise that is a cut above anything you will find elsewhere in Maine.  Stop by and you will not be disappointed.  Ask for the Mr. Thrifty discount if you do……the reaction will not disappoint you, either.

Interested in a More Mainstream Experience ?

Check out the recent New York Times article – 36 Hours in Camden and Rockland.