The Bangor Maine area is a vibrant four-season destination with an exhilarating range of attractions, activities and things to do. Summer brings cool lake breezes and the lush beauty of Maine’s woods and mountains. Fall gives rise to the breathtaking reds, golds, and oranges that attract travelers from all over the world. Snow turns our hills into a winter wonderland. The cozy wintertime experience is complete with hot cocoa in front of a crackling fire. With flowers blossoming and trees budding, the landscapes surrounding the Inn burst back to life in the spring. Many guests prefer this quiet and lovely season.
 
When planning what to do during your stay in Bangor, Maine, be sure to check out these recommendations. 

Take A Scenic Drive To Camden, One Of Maine’s Loveliest Coastal Town

​Head to Camden via Route 1 South (approximately 2 hours from The Lucerne Inn). Take Route 1A East to Ellsworth (home of one of L.L. Bean’s Outlet store). Take a right on to Route 1 South in Ellsworth and follow it all the way to Camden, one of Maine’s loveliest coastal towns.

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​Places to consider visiting on Route 1 between our hotel and Camden are Bucksport, home to Fort Knox, Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs and the Marine Museum. To reach the museum from our hotel outside of Bangor, ME, take Route 1A West back to East Holden (a town neighboring our hotel) and turn onto Route 46 South. Follow 46 to Route 1 South and continue onto Searsport (approximately 40 minutes).

Visit Maine’s Largest City, Portland

​Portland, Maine’s largest city, is in southern Maine approximately 2 ½ hours from The Lucerne Inn, by way of Interstate 95. From our hotel, take Route 1A toward Bangor, in Brewer take 395 West (approximately 8 miles). Take exit 1-A onto I-95 South which will take you all the way to Portland. 

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You may also choose the longer coastal route, which offers beautiful scenery. Follow the directions to Camden, but continue to follow Route 1 down the coast to Portland. Before reaching Portland, you may want to stop in Freeport, a town dedicated to outlet stores such as L.L. Bean, Coach, Gap and many more.

Our Hotel Is Minutes From Bangor, Which Is Minutes From The Coast

Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park are approximately 45 minutes from the Inn. From our hotel, take Route 1A to Ellsworth. At the junction of Routes 1 and 3, continue straight ahead onto Route 3 taking you all the way to Mount Desert Island and into the heart of Bar Harbor.

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Home to many fine shops, restaurants, whale watching, biking, hiking and a movie theater—all open seasonally. Mount Desert Island boasts one of the country’s most beautiful parks, Acadia National Park, which is easily accessible from Bar Harbor.

​To view the roughest coastline of Schoodic Point which is considered part of Acadia National Park though not located on the island, take 1A East to Ellsworth. Turn left on the Washington Junction Road. This road ends at Route 1. Turn left and follow Route 1 through Hancock and Sullivan. Turn right on Route 186 and follow the signs for the park.

Take Advantage Of The Beautiful Landscapes Around Our Hotel

Baxter State Park in Millinocket (northern Maine) is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to Maine’s largest mountain, Mount Katahdin and numerous trails for hiking, bike riding, and cross-country skiing. Take 1A West to I-395 West. From 395 take I-95 North (Exit 1B) and exit at Medway. From there, take Route 157 West to Millinocket and follow the signs to the park.

Skiing

​The Sugarloaf Region is one of the most beautiful in Maine and your best bet for downhill skiing in the winter months. Also wonderful for hiking and whitewater rafting in the summer. From our hotel, take 1A West to 395 West. From 395, turn onto I-95 south until Exit 1-A Newport. 

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Turn right off the exit then, shortly after, take a left onto Route 2 and follow it to Skowhegan. In Skowhegan, take Route 201 North to Route 148 West. Continue on into Madison and take 201A North to North Anson. Take Route 16 North to Kingsfield, which had several nice restaurants, inns, and shops (some open only in the winter). Continue on Route 16 up to the mountains.

Explore The Artistic Side Of Eastern Maine

Blue Hill is an artistic community with some wonderful shops and restaurants, approximately 35 minutes from our hotel. Take Route 1A East to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, turn right at the stop light next to the Clock Park.

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Follow Route 172 through Surry and into Blue Hill. You can also take Route 1A West from our hotel to Route 46 in Holden. Take 46 into Bucksport. Take Route 15 in Bucksport into Blue Hill.

Go International

​Canada is not far away if you are headed to Campobello Island, which is approximately 3 hours from our hotel in the Bangor area. From the Inn, Take Route 1 A East to Ellsworth and then turn onto Route 1 to Machias, approximately 2 hours from the Inn.

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Machias is home to Helen’s Restaurant, a diner famous for its tremendous homemade pie. Take Route 189 into Lubec (home of West Quaddy Head Light House), which is next to Eastport, then Eastern-most town in town in the United States. Then cross the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge onto the Island.

ATTRACTIONS

Acadia National Park

Maine’s rugged beauty is on spectacular display at Acadia National Park. As the natural home to numerous plants and animals as well as the tallest mountain on the nation’s Atlantic coast, you can take a hike, bike or simply appreciate the gorgeous scenery.

Bar Harbor

Located by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a wide variety of activities for the perfect Maine vacation. Whether you want to take advantage of the lovely natural surroundings, shop at charming stores or sample delicious eateries, Bar Harbor has a great assortment of fun things to experience during your stay. 

Bangor

Often viewed as the gateway to Maine’s natural beauty, Bangor combines scenic views and community activities in one place. From great mall shopping to a wonderful farmers market to a terrific selection of restaurants, you’ll always find memorable activities to experience in this terrific city.

Darling's Waterfront Pavilion

Enjoy fantastic musical performances at this open air amphitheater. This 58-acre public park is ideal for seeing top acts surrounded by scenic views of Maine’s natural beauty. With its convenient location, you can listen to the music industry’s biggest names in this distinctively stunning outdoor venue.

Cross Insurance Center

For events of all types, Cross Insurance Center is the ideal host. Located along Bangor’s historic riverfront, this popular venue is the place to enjoy a wide array of community events. Its sizable arena also draws audiences for concerts, performances and other types of exciting functions.

Baxter State Park

If you love the outdoors any time of the year, Baxter State Park is the perfect destination for you. It offers a great selection of activities that include fishing, hiking, skiing and biking. You can enjoy every season while always admiring the extraordinary Maine landscape.

Grand Theater

Experience superb community theater with local players dedicated to offering you great shows. Before your visit to the area, make sure to check the schedule and reserve seats to upcoming performances. 

University of Maine in Orono

Since its founding in 1865, the University of Maine has distinguished itself as an outstanding educational institution. The flagship campus of the University of Maine system, this great school provides a wide variety of programs and community events that are open to the public.

Collins Center for the Arts

Offering an eclectic schedule of cultural events for eastern and northern Maine, you can enjoy a terrific assortment of productions at the Collins Center for the Arts. From Broadway tours to world-class concerts to dance performances, you’re sure to be delighted by the center’s wide spectrum of entertainment. 

Maine Discovery Museum

With its interactive exhibits, fun opportunities to explore and thought-provoking discussions, the Maine Discovery Museum is  family-friendly destination designed to inspire creativity. Experience a greater understanding of the world while learning significant aspects about Maine at the same time.