Stephen King's Maine
United States
Stephen King has two homes in Maine, and many of his gritty stories are set here. US Route 1 runs "downeast" past the LL Bean flagship, the Bath Iron Works, the 1827 Pemaquid lighthouse, and the spectacular Penobscot Narrows Bridge, with Acadia's pink granite coast as the centrepiece.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Portland
Maine's largest city and an unlikely food capital with more restaurants per capita than New York. The Old Port and Eastern Promenade overlook Casco Bay.
- Freeport
Home of the LL Bean flagship, open 24 hours every day since 1951. The outlet village sprawls around it on a classic Maine main street.
- Bath
The City of Ships. Bath Iron Works has built destroyers here since 1884; the Maine Maritime Museum covers nine acres of shipbuilding history.
- Pemaquid Point
The 1827 lighthouse on a dramatic ledge of faulted granite, one of the most-painted and most-photographed spots on the Maine coast.
- Rockland
The self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world hosts the Maine Lobster Festival each August. The Farnsworth Art Museum holds the finest Wyeth collection.
- Camden
Maine's most picturesque harbour, home to a fleet of Windjammer schooners. Camden Hills State Park rises directly above the waterfront.
- Penobscot Narrows Bridge
One of only three bridge observatories in the world, 120m above the Penobscot River, with panoramic views of the Maine coast and interior.
- Acadia National Park
Pink granite peaks plunge into the Atlantic. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in the US to see sunrise from October to March.
- Bar Harbor
The gateway town on Mount Desert Island. The Bar tombolo connects to Bar Island at low tide; whale-watching boats leave from the town pier.
- Bangor
Stephen King's home city and gateway to Maine's wild north. Once the lumber capital of the world, marked by a 9-metre Paul Bunyan statue.
Where to Eat
- Fore StreetAmerican
Renowned for its wood-fired dishes and farm-to-table approach, offering a seasonal menu in a rustic-chic setting.
- Eventide Oyster Co.Seafood
Famous for its fresh oysters and inventive seafood dishes, served in a modern, casual atmosphere.
- PrimoItalian
Farm-to-table dining with an on-site farm, offering Italian-inspired dishes in an elegant farmhouse setting.
- The Lobster Shack at Two LightsSeafood
Iconic spot serving fresh lobster rolls and seafood with stunning ocean views from picnic tables.
Things to Do
- Portland Head LightHistoric Site
Historic lighthouse offering picturesque ocean views and a museum detailing its storied past.
- Maine Maritime MuseumMuseum
Exhibits on Maine's maritime heritage, including shipbuilding and sea trade, with interactive displays.
- Camden Hills State ParkNature
Offers hiking trails with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding mountains.
- Acadia National ParkNational Park
Expansive park featuring rugged coastline, forested trails, and the iconic Cadillac Mountain.