Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
I decided to take the advice of the couple I met yesterday on the Vaughan Woods Trail and visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine. I left Augusta around 10 am and traveled on backroads to Boothbay. After visiting the botanical gardens I setup camp near Portland, ME.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
There is much to see at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. I was primarily focused on the hiking trails and visiting some of the displays. There is also the trolls or guardians of the seeds scattered throughout the gardens. The trolls are made out of wood and some stand 25 feet high. The center has a scavenger hunt avail for kids to find the trolls throughout the gardens as an educational experience.
Botanical Gardens: One of many fountains and water exhibitions
One of my favorite parts was the Vayo Meditation Garden. This is a recreated Japanese meditation garden a hundred feet from the cove, situated in a moist forest with all the associated smells, breezes, birds, and butterflies. I grabbed a seat on one of the rocks facing the water and ate my lunch serenaded by the birds above me.
Botanical Gardens: View of the forest through a sculpture
There are so many sections that I’ll refer you to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden’s, Gardens and Key Features page. There are programs running daily which may have an additional charge beyond the general admission. The entrance fee is 24 USD and there are various discounts available.
Botanical Gardens: End of Season
The trails are very well maintained and have wood chips to soften your step. Many part of the gardens are wheelchair accessible. It’s a very inclusive environment. The trails have sculptures periodically along the way to enhance the experience.
Trip To Portland
I took backroads along the coast to get to Portland. The scenery was very relaxing. The trees are also beginning to turn. All along the coast there are interesting building along waterways.
Fish House: One of many such structures along water ways.
As you travel, you see things like this boat that is sitting in a cove just rotting away. Environmentally, I wander what damage is being done. Are there any gas, oil or chemicals onboard? It certainly makes for interesting conversation.
Boat in a Cove: It’s seen better days
Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine
I was coming across the bridge on Rt 1 into Wiscasset in heavy traffic and had to stop for the stop light right after the bridge. On the far right corner was a long line coming down the street and wrapping around the corner. They were waiting for lobster rolls at Red’s Eats in Wiscasset. Apparently, some locals feel this is the best lobster roll in Maine. Red’s Eats website would agree.
Lobster Roll Line: Red’s Eats in Wiscasset, Maine
Tuscan Table In South Portland ME
Met a colleague that I worked with at Veeder-Root in Simsbury here in Portland, ME. We had Italian at the Tuscan Table in South Portland ME. The food was well prepared, service was good and the atmosphere was really welcoming. Prices were a bit higher than I would expect for such a restaurant but so many restaurants are struggling. I’ve heard so many people talking about not being able to find people to work. The restaurant has high demand but because of lack of staff, those that are working feel burned out.