We're heading up to Maine for a LONG Memorial Day weekend and I'm wondering if any local ME FTers know which lobster shacks are already open. I just called Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster and they're already for the season. Any place else between Kittery and Boothbay Harbor?

Thanks.

Analise, I imagine you get off the MassPike at I-495 when you drive up to Maine, but if for any reason you stay on the Pike and then head north on I-95 (Rte. 128 for us locals), there's a great ice cream and clam shack, called Dairy Joy, just a couple of miles off of I-95 just after you get on from the Pike (it's on Rte 117 in Weston). They're open for the season, and offer some of the best fried clams around, as well as a decent lobster roll.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll post more detailed directions.

I was in Kittery a month or so ago and Bob's was already open. I have to imagine that they'll all be open by Memorial Day.

Red's on Route 1 in Wiscasset, at the south side of the bridge, is open. But it's perhaps not as isolated and bucolic as what you want. And I'm virtually certain Robinson's Wharf over in Southport (a few minutes from Boothbay) is open by then:

www.robinsonswharf.com

My family and I were up around Pemaquid/Damariscotta six weeks ago, but pretty much everything was closed. It all comes back to life this month.

[QUOTE=Blumie]Let me know if you're interested and I'll post more detailed directions. QUOTE]

Hey Blumie, I'd like directions. Not that far of a drive for me.

Hey Blumie, I'd like directions. Not that far of a drive for me.
Exit I-95 (Rte. 128) at Route 20 (the exit is two miles north of the I-90/Mass Pike/I-95 interchange) and head east on Route 20 towards Waltham and Watertown. In about 1/4 of a mile, you will reach a traffic light, followed immediately by a gas station on the left, followed immediately by another traffic light. Take a left at the second traffic light and follow the signs to Route 117 (I think the sign may say Route 117 towards Stow). At the next set of lights, take a left on Route 117 (heading west). Dairy Joy will be on the right in a couple of miles.

FWIW, I think their fried clams are as good, if not better, than most of the north shore places. Also, they have great soft serve, including, in one machine, coffee and raspberry, which can be swirled into "javaberry," and, in another machine, orange and vanilla, which can be swirled into "creamsicle."

FWIW, I think their fried clams are as good, if not better, than most of the north shore places. Also, they have great soft serve, including, in one machine, coffee and raspberry, which can be swirled into "javaberry," and, in another machine, orange and vanilla, which can be swirled into "creamsicle."

Wow, blast from the past! I used to get creamsicle ice cream from Dairy Joy as an occasional treat after day camp in the area, once upon a time. I didn't realize that place was still there - next time I get up that way I'll definitely have to try out the "grown-up" treats like fried clams!

Red's on Route 1 in Wiscasset, at the south side of the bridge, is open. But it's perhaps not as isolated and bucolic as what you want.
Red's Lobster? :p

Wow, blast from the past! I used to get creamsicle ice cream from Dairy Joy as an occasional treat after day camp in the area, once upon a time. I didn't realize that place was still there - next time I get up that way I'll definitely have to try out the "grown-up" treats like fried clams!
Very little has changed from when we were kids, except the prices!

next time I get up that way I'll definitely have to try out the "grown-up" treats like fried clams!

And you have to make sure you order your clams with the bellies, strips are for kids. :)

Analise, I imagine you get off the MassPike at I-495 when you drive up to Maine....

Blaspheme! Everyone knows you take 290 between the Pike and 495.

And I'll back OB one on the clams.....you gotta get whole belly. (great, now I'm craving them).

And you have to make sure you order your clams with the bellies, strips are for kids. :)At Dairy Joy, I don't think strips is even an option!


Blaspheme! Everyone knows you take 290 between the Pike and 495.Makes total sense, plus it provides a scenic tour of beautiful downtown Worcester!

Blaspheme! Everyone knows you take 290 between the Pike and 495.That's how we drive. We take the Mass Pike to 290 to 495 to 95. But I am keeping Blumie's suggestion in mind because often enough, 290 is jammed so there are times I stay on 90 until 495.

I forgot about that place on Rt 1 by the bridge at Wiscasset. Good to know they're open. The one on Southport looks great. I just wish I could see the menu beforehand. Their website is just a screen saver for all intents and purposes. :p

The one on Southport looks great. I just wish I could see the menu beforehand. Their website is just a screen saver for all intents and purposes. I can vouch for the Southport one -- it's on a pier on a quiet cove, a few minutes away from the Boothbay in-season circus, and the menu has everything: lobsters, clams, mussels, corn and other sides, fried fish sandwiches for those who don't like lobster, and beer and wine too.

That's how we drive. We take the Mass Pike to 290 to 495 to 95. But I am keeping Blumie's suggestion in mind because often enough, 290 is jammed so there are times I stay on 90 until 495.

Taking 290 through Worcester has become much more painful since the resurfacing started and the new 146 connector project. Going east on 290 is easier with fewer delays than going west, but it is certainly not easy driving (think I-95 in southern Conn in construction season). Of course, 90 to 495 is a but longer mileage, but may actually be shorter (sometimes) as you skip both the 290 Worcester traffic and the inevitable 290 to 495 backup. Hint: don't get in that long exit ramp line when you see it forming, stay in the middle lane and there will be opportunity to get over later.

If you find yourself in the mood for some clams about halfway on the way to Maine, try Ronnies in Auburn on Rt 20. The ambiance is poor, but the clams will fill your need. Although I know you are a lobsta lover, others may enjoy the clams.

for Worcester traffic reports http://www.wtag.com/cc-common/traffic/traffic.html

and for MA highways
http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/expwy_MA/

Taking 290 through Worcester has become much more painful since the resurfacing started and the new 146 connector project. Going east on 290 is easier with fewer delays than going west, but it is certainly not easy driving (think I-95 in southern Conn in construction season). Of course, 90 to 495 is a but longer mileage, but may actually be shorter (sometimes) as you skip both the 290 Worcester traffic and the inevitable 290 to 495 backup. Hint: don't get in that long exit ramp line when you see it forming, stay in the middle lane and there will be opportunity to get over later.This is good information. As an aside, I never get into those long lines when I see them forming. I know there is always an opportunity much closer. ;)

That said, what is the 146 connector project? Is there a new highway I need to know? They've been working on 290 for years now. We'll be on it next Wednesday around 10am. Should we just stay on 90 to 495? We'll be on it again Sunday night of Mem Day weekend. Should we also avoid 290 then?

This is good information. As an aside, I never get into those long lines when I see them forming. I know there is always an opportunity much closer. ;)

That said, what is the 146 connector project? Is there a new highway I need to know? They've been working on 290 for years now. We'll be on it next Wednesday around 10am. Should we just stay on 90 to 495? We'll be on it again Sunday night of Mem Day weekend. Should we also avoid 290 then?

146 is the road from Worcester to Providence. We use it to go to PVD. It is a limited access road that runs through small towns but moves right along. The 146 connecter connects the newest exit off the Mass Pike (between Auburn and Millbury) at I-90 with I-290. I am not sure it will be much use to many from Worcester (except maybe those from South Worcester), but it opens the Blackstone Valley for development.

I-290 is really only a problem at rush hour, say 7-9 am and again at 4 to 6 pm. At 10 am on Wednesday and on Sunday night of Memorial day weekend, you should be fine. Can't imagine any workers out there doing any ot construction at that hour. Happy trails.

Red's on Route 1 in Wiscasset, at the south side of the bridge, is open.

What's the one at the north end of the bridge/causeway on the left heading toward Boothbay (I'm thinking years ago)?

My uncle is a tradesman in Boothbay. To think we used to go there before Boothbay was discovered.

What's the one at the north end of the bridge/causeway on the left heading toward Boothbay (I'm thinking years ago)? There's a restaurant there called the Rusty Scupper I think. Not sure what else is on the short stretch of Route 1 between the bridge and the Rt. 27 turnout besides a shoe outlet and a big antique barn.
My uncle is a tradesman in Boothbay. To think we used to go there before Boothbay was discovered. We started going there in 1970 and my Mom is retired to nearby Barter's Island. Oh, it's "discovered" now, all right, but the boom may have peaked. Boothbay tourism has fallen off over the last few years, I understand, and the local interests don't know quite what to do. Part of it may be insanely expensive in-season prices... $300 motel rooms and pretty ordinary $100 meals stick in the mind, and not in a good way.

There's a restaurant there called the Rusty Scupper I think.

The place I'm thinking of was a little clam shack on the LHS as you head north. I know the place you're talking about and I thought it was across the highway. Then again, it's been so long I may not know what I'm talking about.

If you are going through Seacoast NH on your way to Maine, try Petey's Summertime Seafood on Ocean Blvd (RT 1A) in Rye, NH. Best seafood in the area (much better that Bob's or the Weathervanes, etc). He's open Tuesday - Sunday. Definately the best chowder anywhere - people call from out west for him to ship it beause they miss it so much.

Further up in York, the Lobster Barn was always good but I haven't been there recently.

Also, on a side note, there was very severe flooding in parts of Maine this week - specifically the York and Wells area. I'd do some checking ahead of time to find out what roads and/or businesses may still be closed. Lots of major roads were washed out. It's the first time in my memory that parts of Rt 1 and Rt 95 we're closed due to flooding.

Gail

Also, on a side note, there was very severe flooding in parts of Maine this week - specifically the York and Wells area. I'd do some checking ahead of time to find out what roads and/or businesses may still be closed. Lots of major roads were washed out. It's the first time in my memory that parts of Rt 1 and Rt 95 we're closed due to flooding.

Good points. Let's hope that the recent floods don't mean a return of last year's red tide whcih decimated the shellfish industry. Thankfully, red tide doesn't effect lobsters.

Take the exit for WELLS MAINE off the MAINE TURNPIKE North.At the bottom of the ramp , go left. Follow this roadto the end. At the light , go left on this road (ROUTE 1 ). Approx. 2-3 miles on the left is CAPT HOOKS SEAFOOD. Great lobster rolls , clam rolls and lobsters. Just down the road on the right from here is the MAINE DINER. Great lobster pie, lobster rolls and
breakfast served all day.
If you are early enough you can get the best doughnuts at CONGDONS.
To get there, you will go back to the intersection you turned from. Go straight
through it and approx. 1-2 miles on the right is CONGDONS.great doughnuts and breakfast also.

There are also a several great places for lobster in Ogunquit. One little quaint place is The Shack in Perkins Cove...further up Route 1 past Ogunquit Beach, there are several places to dine on the red creatures.

Enjoy,
Sue
Ace Concierge
www.aceconcierge.net




We're heading up to Maine for a LONG Memorial Day weekend and I'm wondering if any local ME FTers know which lobster shacks are already open. I just called Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster and they're already for the season. Any place else between Kittery and Boothbay Harbor?

Thanks.

We're heading up to Maine for a LONG Memorial Day weekend and I'm wondering if any local ME FTers know which lobster shacks are already open. I just called Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster and they're already for the season. Any place else between Kittery and Boothbay Harbor?

Thanks.

Well, I'd tell ya but ya can't get theah from heah so wouldn't do any good..! ;)

Anyway....the following link might be helpful to you, lists some places and opening dates....I've been to The Block and Tackle and Cook's but it's been years and can't say if they are any good now (it's funny.. I live within an hour of the coast and don't go there much anymore!). Hope this helps some...

www.harpswellmaine.org/eats.htm

We're heading up to Maine for a LONG Memorial Day weekend and I'm wondering if any local ME FTers know which lobster shacks are already open. I just called Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster and they're already for the season. Any place else between Kittery and Boothbay Harbor?

Thanks.
This will be off your route but well worth it. The lobster shack in Cape Elizabeth. You should check out the wall street journal article.

This will be off your route but well worth it. The lobster shack in Cape Elizabeth. You should check out the wall street journal article.
The article, from the May 23 Wall Street Journal, doesn't say anything more about the place than this:

"It's worth the 15-minute drive [from Portland] to the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth, where you can devour lobster and fried clams at the oceanside picnic tables (Tel. 207-767-3755, www.lobstershack-twolights.com)."

Welcome to FlyerTalk, twnrunr.

This will be off your route but well worth it. The lobster shack in Cape Elizabeth. You should check out the wall street journal article.I've been to that place lots of times. I love the location at 2 Lights; I am not impressed with their lobsters I have to say.

We went to Harrasseeket Lunch and Lobster and to this true lobster shack right next to Popham Beach State Park. It was called Percy's and it was perfect.

We went to Gilbert's a few times in Portland for their delectible clam chowder and fried clams. Breakfast at Becky's was a must.

fried clams.

Whole belly, I hope!