Destinations
Canines on the Maine Line
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
This state leads the way in Fido friendliness.
By Carol Bryant
Continued from September/October 2009 issue’s Destination: Maine
Acadia National Park is a mere 55 miles distance from Belfast. Soaring granite cliffs, ocean air and trails galore are at Fido’s beck and call. We opted for Park Loop Road, a 20-mile thoroughfare that culminates with Cadillac Mountain—at 1,530 feet, it’s the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coastline north of Brazil. In fact, visitors are known to arrive atop the mountain at dawn to see the sun rise at one of the first places in the United States. Breathtaking, mountainous views and a nifty gift shop await you at this elevation.
Recover from Acadia and fuel your body with lunch in nearby Bar Harbor. The downtown shopping district encompasses seven to eight blocks, complete with Fido-friendly eateries, stores that offer biscuits and water to your pooch, and waterfront views and grassy areas upon which to relax. I learned of places to dine in Bar Harbor from the very helpful Diana de los Santos of Bark Harbor on Main Street. She not only directed us to establishments that would be as Fido hospitable as she, but we were given several pages of Fido-friendly places to go, things to see and helpful information.
While winding down our week-long stay in Maine, I learned of the term “As goes Maine, so goes the nation,” referring to Maine being the only state in the country which used to have its elections in September. This Pennsylvania gal’s wish upon winding down her week-long stay in southern Maine echoed those very words. I hope that as Maine is one of the most Fido-friendly states I have ever visited, so too will the rest of the nation become as friendly and accommodating. Leave no dog behind!
IF YOU GO
ACCOMMODATIONS
Comfort Inn Ocean’s Edge
159 Searsport Ave.
Belfast, ME
(207) 338-2090
www.comfortinnbelfast.com
Room Rates: $100 to $200, amenities desired
Pet Fees: $10 per night, nonrefundable
Pet Policy: According to the hotel’s website, “Dogs are welcome in this hotel. We’ve never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We’ve never had a dog who stole the towels, played the TV too loud or had a fight with his traveling companion. We’ve never had a dog who got drunk and broke up the furniture. So, if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome, too!”
DOG NEWSPAPER AND GUIDE
Downeast Dog News
The Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches, & Trails in Maine
(207) 593-0404
www.dognewsisgoodnews.com
Issue 39 September/October 2009
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 at 2:17 pm and is filed under Destinations. You can leave a response by clicking here.
7 Responses to “Canines on the Maine Line”
September 10th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I found this article very helpful and Maine will be a future destination for my dog and I. Thank you
September 10th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
After reading this article, Maine will definitely be on the map of places to go for me and my canine best friend. The writer paints a beautiful picture of the area – one I can’t wait to experience!
September 11th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Wow, I’ve never been to Maine and did not know it was so dog friendly. I will definitely plan to take a future trip to this area. Great article, I would have never considered this destination.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Wonderful article. I live in Texas and Maine is a long way away, but this makes me want to make the trip. Shannon, my honey puppy, can wait to see the sun come up there.
September 17th, 2009 at 11:09 am
This story gives great information and is easy to read. Anyone who has traveled with a dog or two can now add Maine as a very good destination. Also it was helpful to include specific hotel information. Obviously the hotel people have a sense of humor and are very welcoming to people with dogs (or dogs with people!).
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:57 am
I liked this article because my wife and I will be traveling to Maine next month and we are bringing our dogs. Looks like we will be going to the right places. Perfect timing.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
My wife and I will be going to Maine with our dog next month. This is a great article to let us know how pet friendly the state is. Perfect timing.
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