Chickery's Travels

Chickery's Travels logo. A blue-green Earth globe with continents surrounded by dots with an arrow denoting movement or travel and "Chickery's Travels" as part of the dotted circle. Next to this is a photo of their blue and white Arctic Fox 5th Wheel with the awning out.
  • Home
  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Tampa
        • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
        • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
        • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
        • Why We Love Tampa
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Biggest Regret Full-Time RV Living
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Cooking Videos
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • About Us
    • RV Shows We’re Attending
    • Contact Us
    • Follow Us
    • Why We Are Full-Time RVers

12:51 pm by Julie Leave a Comment

Coastal Maine Road Trip

If you’re yearning for an unforgettable seaside getaway, look no further than the magical coastal region of Maine. With charming harbor towns, picturesque lighthouses, and stunning national parks, Maine offers countless opportunities for making memories. In this post, we’ll guide you through the must-see destinations that should be on your Coastal Maine vacation itinerary.

Table of Contents
  • Take in the Quintessential Harbor Life at New Harbor
  • Visit the Iconic Pemaquid Point
  • Conquer Mt Battie at Camden Hills State Park
  • Explore the Picturesque Town of Camden
  • Discover the Majestic Monhegan Island
  • Marvel at Acadia National Park

Take in the Quintessential Harbor Life at New Harbor

Only 60 miles north of Portland on the Pemaquid Peninsula, New Harbor is one of the last working harbors remaining along the mid-coast. The harbor and surrounding area are steeped in the rich history of fishing, lobstering, and boat building. The area is mostly residential with large tracks of undeveloped land. You won’t find tee shirt shops or the hubbub of most tourist destinations. Things here are simple, peaceful, relaxed, and move at a comfortable pace.

Stroll along the harborside and immerse yourself in the classic seaside atmosphere – complete with lobster boats, scenic harbors, and vibrant local markets. Grab a bucket of steamers at a nearby seafood shack, and enjoy your meal overlooking the serene waters of this idyllic haven.

We found it to be the perfect base for our exploration of coastal Maine. Between day trips to Acadia National Park, Camden Hills State Park, and Monhegan Island, we spent many enjoyable days walking around the peninsula, exploring tidal pools along the rocky coast, riding our bikes to get a treat at the Harbor Ice Cream Shack, and lounging on the deck watching the lobster boats returning after a hard day’s fishing.

Visit the Iconic Pemaquid Point

The closest point of interest is Pemaquid Point with a lighthouse, fort, and beach. Colonial Pemaquid is home to Fort William Henry and archaeological digs from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Fort is a wonderful stone structure to explore and imagine yourself as one of the early pilgrims to this area. There is a museum that houses the artifacts found on this site and explains the long history that exists here. Next, wander over to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. This striking historic landmark has graced the Maine coastline since 1835, providing endless inspiration for artists and photographers alike. The 38-foot stone lighthouse sits on an impressive outcropping of stripped granite that extends into the Ocean. We recommend visiting during a low tide to get the full effect! You can even climb the tower to experience the amazing view from the top.

And you won’t want to miss lunch at the Sea Gull Restaurant with magnificent views of the Maine coast.

Pemaquid Beach is a crescent sliver of white sand and calm waters perfect for swimming or soaking in the sun. There is a small entrance fee, but it has a bathhouse, restrooms, snack bar, picnic tables, the town ball field, and plenty of parking.

Conquer Mt Battie at Camden Hills State Park

With its panoramic ocean views and miles of hiking trails, Camden Hills State Park is undoubtedly an adventurer’s paradise with 5,700 acres of wooded hills. Summit Mt. Battie, a rewarding 800-foot peak offering sweeping views of surrounding lakes, the beautiful wooded hillsides, and of course Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Make sure to bring your camera, because you will want to capture every moment of your adventure. By foot, the hike to Mount Battie will normally take up to two hours, but you can opt to get to the top by car if you are not able (or inclined) to hike up. A small fee is charged for the drive up the summit. Camden Hills State Park also has a campground with water/electric hookups for RVs up to 45’ in length.

Explore the Picturesque Town of Camden

After seeing Camden from afar, drive down to the city for lunch and a walk around the harbor. Downtown Camden is a delight of upscale shops, antique shops, general stores, seafood eateries, and cafes. The 1957 film Peyton Place was filmed here. Enjoy lunch at a historic diner, the Boynton-McKay Food Company. The building, which opened as an apothecary in 1893, is still fitted with the original birds-eye maple cabinetry, Minton tile checkerboard floor, and pressed tin ceiling. Wander through its historic streets, lined with lovely Victorian homes and intriguing small businesses, or charter a sailboat and explore the bay.

Discover the Majestic Monhegan Island

My absolute favorite day trip is to Monegan Island. For more than 100 years, Monhegan has been a summer haven for artists and other visitors who appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, its relaxed atmosphere, and its unhurried pace. Just 10 miles offshore, Monhegan is a mountainous island where about 70 residents live within a square mile of spectacularly scenic terrain with no cars! The only way to the island is via ferry and one of the three points of origin is New Harbor. Hardy Boat Cruises offers the Monhegan Island Ferry Service as well as other trips such as Puffin and Seal watching cruises.

Upon your return stop for fresh lobster at Shaw’s Wharf Restaurant. Be sure to get a lobster roll—Shaw’s serves over 10,000 of them each year. A lightly buttered bun cradles glistening chunks of perfectly shredded, bite-size meat. While eating you can enjoy views of the Harbor, and you might even see a boat pull up to Shaw’s and offload their day’s catch.

Marvel at Acadia National Park

No trip to coastal Maine would be complete without a road trip to Acadia National Park. Spanning over 47,000 acres, Acadia National Park is a true natural wonder with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. Located mostly on Mount Desert Island, Acadia is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

Spanning over 47,000 acres, Acadia National Park is a true natural wonder with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor activities. Located mostly on Mount Desert Island, Acadia is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

  1. Drive the Park Loop Road: Spanning 27 miles, the Park Loop Road is a scenic drive that offers panoramic views of the park’s various terrains. Stop at the many overlooks to take breathtaking photos, or enjoy a picnic at one of the numerous designated spots.
  2. Walk along the Ocean Path to Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff: For a captivating coastal experience, embark on the Ocean Path hike that leads to Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. Thunder Hole is a natural inlet where crashing waves generate an incredible booming sound, while Otter Cliff is a 110-ft bluff that offers a mesmerizing vantage point over the Atlantic Ocean.
  3. Catch sunrise or sunset at Cadillac Mountain: As the tallest mountain on the eastern coast of the United States, watching the sunrise or sunset at Cadillac Mountain is a must for any visitor. From the summit, you’ll be treated to remarkable views stretching to Bar Harbor and beyond.

To make your Coastal Maine vacation one for the books, be sure to venture off the beaten path, experience the serenity of nature, and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this enchanting region. Most importantly, take time to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere that Coastal Maine has in abundance.

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Collage of Coastal Maine including a view of the ocean from Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park and an image of Pemaquid Lighthouse.

Filed Under: Maine, New Harbor, Pemaquid Point, USA Tagged With: Lighthouse, New Harbor, Pemaquid Point

3:34 pm by Julie Leave a Comment

Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine

Just 10 miles offshore, Monhegan is a mountainous island where about 70 residents live within a square mile of spectacularly scenic terrain with no cars! The only way to the island is via ferry,

A hidden gem sitting just off the coast of Maine, Monhegan Island is the perfect destination for a day trip filled with adventure, breathtaking views, and the ultimate chance to reconnect with nature. With its rugged coastline, vibrant art community, and miles of pristine hiking trails, Monhegan Island promises a day full of unforgettable experiences. This blog post will delve into the top things to do on a day trip to this captivating island, providing you with the ultimate guide to exploring Monhegannorma’s incredible offerings. So, pack your bags and get ready to be immersed in the mesmerizing beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine.

Table of Contents
  • About the Island
  • 1. Hike the Island’s Trails
  • 2. Visit the Monhegan Island Light and Museum
  • 3. Relax and Picnic at Lobster Cove Beach
  • 4. Explore the Art Scene
  • 5. Enjoy Bird-watching and Botanical Bliss
  • 6. Savor the Scenic Ferry Ride Back to the Mainland

About the Island

For more than 100 years, Monhegan has been a summer haven for artists and other visitors who appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, its relaxed atmosphere, and its unhurried pace. Mohegan is authentic, beautiful, and rustic. Just 10 miles offshore, Monhegan is a mountainous island where about 70 residents live within a square mile of spectacularly scenic terrain with no cars! You can only get to the island via ferry, and we recommend taking Hardy Boat Cruises’ Monhegan Island Ferry Service out of New Harbor.

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Filed Under: Maine, USA Tagged With: Cathedral Woods, Hardy Boat Cruises, island, Lobster Cove, monhegan, monhegan artists, Monhegan Island Activities, Monhegan Island Maine, monhegan maine, New Harbor Day Trip, trip to monhegan, Whitehead

12:34 pm by Julie 2 Comments

Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss

Acadia National Park is a stunning natural wonder located on the coast of Maine. It is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River, and it offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a longer stay, you can find plenty of things to do within the park. On a two-day visit, you can experience the majesty of Acadia by taking a drive along the Acadia National Park Loop Road, hiking the Ocean Path past Thunder Hole to Otter Cliff, exploring the summit of Cadillac Mountain, discovering Bar Harbor, and kayaking Western Bay and Blue Hill Bay. Each of these activities will provide you with a unique experience in one of America’s most beautiful destinations.

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Filed Under: Maine, USA Tagged With: kayak, national park, Ocean Path, Otter Cliff, sand beach, Sieur de Monts Springs, Thunder Hole, thunderhole, tourist destination, Western Bay

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