My husband, Gary, and I took the family (daughter and son) to Maine for summer vacation. One of the main highlights of our August trip was the temperature.

It was at least 10 degrees cooler than it was here in ATL, definitely long sleeve weather.

It was in the 70’s the entire time, with one day reaching 80.

The first day we went to Portland. We were told Gilbert’s Chowder House had some of the best chowder in town and they were right.

I had the best bowl of New England clam chowder and fried clams I’ve ever had.

We took in a play in Ogunquit, Maine (The Music Man) and afterward, we went shopping. There’s an outlet mall in Kittery, Maine, where I found a Calphalon store.

I added a few pans to my set and a stainless toaster I just love.

The next day, we went to one of several beaches. We tried our first lobster rolls complete with drawn butter. Of course, seafood is abundant in Maine, so finding that kind of food is easy. It’s everywhere.

We also went on a whale watch tour handled by Odyssey Whale Watch (about $97 per person). Patience is necessary here because you have to wait until the whales are ready to surface.

The whale watch involved a lot of time in the middle of the ocean waiting, but when you see the whales (and we saw many), waiting was definitely worth it.

Our last tour was great. We went on a foodie tour handled by Culinary Delights Trolley Tour ($45 per person).

We boarded a trolley and visited restaurants where chefs told us about preparing their dishes.

The best part was that we got to sample seafood chowder, smoked salmon, wine, beer, soda, bakery items, cheese spread, and Maine’s popular desert—whoppie pies.

Maine is very picturesque and quaint.

I would go back in a heartbeat.