U.S. 201 eventually runs into I-95 which continues to follow the Kennebec River almost all the way to the sea at Bath. The coastline lives up to its reputation. No vast sandy beaches here. But the rocky and rugged coastline is breathtaking.
Just a few miles down the coast is the little town of Freeport which has become one of the nations largest outlet centers. It all started with a local business...L.L. Bean ...which still operates its retail store there 24 hours per day 365 days per year. But now you can go up and down the streets of the town and visit outlets of such retailers as Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, J. Crew, Jones of New York, Coach, Samsonite and many more. Getting Barb and Peg out of this town was no easy chore.
On down the coast past Portland and a stop near Old Orchard Beach for some famous Maine lobster. The girls each had a single 1 1/2 pound lobster. Bob and Dave took advantage of the opportunity to get a pair each. (At 2 lobsters for $12, it was too good a deal to pass up.) One thing to remember about eating lobster -- get a good grip on it when you are cracking the shell. Shortly after this photo was taken, Dave was trying to break a claw with the nutcracker and the darn thing flew up into the air, flew about 20 feet and landed with a clatter right in the middle of another group's table. They were kind enough to return it. (Make you hungry? Click here and you can order a fresh lobster dinner that will be delivered direct to your home tomorrow.) Of course it will cost a bit more than 2 for $12, but it will save you an 1600 mile round trip drive for dinner.
In Kennebunkport if you drive out the coast road you can get a good view of George And Barbara Bush's summer home. Of course, this served as the summer White House between 1989 and 1992. The estate has been in the Walker/Bush family for many years. The former President and First Lady were at home when this photo was taken....we were going to drop in for a visit, but we spent so much time shopping in Freeport that we had to continue on to Boston.
Looking for more information?
Check out these links:
Maine Guide
Freeport Merchants
L. L. Bean
Kennebunkport Information
Maine Lobster To Go
