We are considering visiting Maine in mid-March over our spring break. We would visit Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby. Is there a good area to stay that is somewhat central to all 3? Or should we stay multiple places?
Also, what does one do in Maine in mid-March? It seems like it would be to cold for hiking and beachcombing, right? Last time we were there was June and we went to Acadia and Wells Beach.
Thanks!
Honestly I would stay in Portland. It should be affordable that time of year (it definitely is not in the summer) and Bates & Bowdoin are both an easy drive. Even Colby is only a little over an hour. But Portland is a cool little city with lots to do and good food, etc.
I love living in Maine but March and April are tough. I would plan on visiting museums and art galleries. And eating in some of Portland’s excellent restaurants.
Thanks. Will there still be snow on the ground? If we bundle up can we see lighthouses? Do they have lobster rolls year round? lol
We went on our college tour of Maine around the same time in 2022. You could stay in Portland, which would be longish drive to Colby (but manageable). You could also stay in Lewiston, Brunswick, or Bath, which would put you closer to everything, and it would still be easy to get into Freeport or Portland for dinner if you want (I love Portland, personally, so if you don’t mind the drive, stay there).
March weather is inconsistent – could be terrible, or could be fine (won’t be great). There could be snow on the ground – or there could be mud. We went on a short hike in Wolf’s Neck State Park (close to Freeport), which was lovely and gave us a taste of the seaside. On the other hand, we got steady downpours parts of the other days we were there. If you google things to do near Brunswick or Portland, you should find beaches and lighthouses to visit. Given your daughter’s interests in environmental studies, if you have extra time at Bowdoin, take a drive out to the Schiller Coastal Studies Center, which is a short(ish) but spectacular drive from campus. You could also visit the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Center, which is actually closer to Brunswick than to Lewiston. In Lewiston, you could visit the Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, which is right near Bates. At Colby, be sure to walk through the Perkins Arboretum, which is right near the Admissions Office.
Yes, you can get lobster rolls! Portland has great restaurants – seafood, Asian, other – but avoid tourist traps like DiMillo’s. If you’re in Lewiston around breakfast time, get bagels at Forage Market. If you’re there around lunch or dinner, Boba and the Pub at Baxter are both good.
I’d probably stay in a few places. If touring schools is the objective, I’d try to get closer to them. You can do Bates and Bowdoin from one location (Freeport?) and I’d go to Waterville for a night. Colby’s art museum is worth a visit.
Weather that time of year can be cold and gray. Portland is fun, so that could be another location if youhave time for non-visit activities. I think it really depends on whether you want to spend a lot of the week driving. I would not.
Another vote to just stay in Portland. The furthest visit is just about an hour away which IMO isn’t a big deal. To me that would be easier than jumping from one location to the next for each visit.
Mid March is VERY off-season in Maine for anything other than the ski area’s. It’s likely to be quiet no matter where you go and when you’re not visiting the colleges Portland is likely to offer you the best options for food and activities. Weather you won’t know what you’re getting until a week before but expect cold.
I would stay in Portland if it were me.
Another Mainer recommending to stay in Portland. You might be a week or two late to get restaurant week in Portland, but you will have no problem getting a table at the highlight restaurants. Weather in March is unpredictable but you’ll likely have mud, which makes hiking miserable. Hit up the art museums at Colby and Bowdoin for nice views in the inclement weather.
There could be a huge snowfall in March…but you will be close to the coast. Tends to be milder relatively speaking there. Yes, you can get lobster rolls but they will be pricey. Yes, you can see some lighthouses…but it has the potential to be briskly cold.
Then again…if your student is considering Maine colleges, it’s actually good to go when the weather isn’t picture perfect warm spring or fall.
This!! We have lots of BBC alums in our family and although there is fierce disagreement on which school is “best”, there is no disagreement that you should vist any of these “best” schools in the weather in which you will actually experience it, not in June!
My daughter was just asking why boner if the colleges on her list have weather where is never cold or hot. lol
My running partner of many years said that they decided to move to Maine after visiting several summers in a row. Of course, after one winter they realized they might have made a mistake since they didn’t like cold weather! I guess it would be like moving to Florida after going to Disney World in February, ha.
There’s a great restaurant in Brunswick called Tao Yaun. The chef, a young woman from my town in MA (her brother was a friend of my daughter’s) was a James Beard winner. I was at the restaurant last year and the food was excellent.
I don’t think Tao Yaun is open at the moment. The cafe and market behind the restaurant is open AFAIK.
What part of Portland is the best to stay in?
Close to the wharf, if you can.
Agree with everyone’s recommendations to stay in Portland as March/April are the worst times to be outdoors in Maine. If you luck out and have some nicer weather, then you can always incorporate some outdoors excursions even from Portland.
A few restaurant recommendations: In Portland, Eventide Oyster Company, Scales, Terlingua, Duckfat. In Lewiston, Forage for bagels in the morning, and DaVincis for lunch/dinner.
The Old Port is the most touristy area with lots of hotels/restaurants/shopping. In March it may not be too pricey!
Would it be a bad idea to fly into Boston and drive to Portland?