So I'm heading to Acton, Maine next weekend to spend a week with the wife's family on Great East Lake. From what I'm gathering, we're out in the middle of nowhere... Wondering anyone has suggestions on things to see/do, places to eat, places to drink beer, etc.? Day trip suggestions are welcomed, though I know my in-laws aren't going to be interested in spending too much time in the car. Beer-wise, my wife and I vacationed in Vermont last year (and are heading up to Hill for a day this trip) and are spending Labor Day weekend, post lake, in Portland (which we also did last year). I'm open to suggestions in both of those places as well but feel like we've got a pretty good handle on what we're looking to do in both spots. TIA!
I can't say enough good things about Allagash Brewing Co. in Portland. Maine Beer Co. in Freeport also produces excellent beer. I have not visited these places, I can only speak for there beers.
The middle of nowhere is way better than the far end of nowhere. It would be about a 45 minute drive to Deciduous Brewing. And you've probably figured out for yourself that you'll be within an hour's striking distance of all the breweries in the Portsmouth and Portland areas. If you're doing a trip up to Greensboro from Acton, you'll drive right past Schilling Beer Co./Resilience in Littleton and it would be insane not to stop there. A half hour detour down 93 on the way back would get you to Kettlehead, too.
Allagash is amazing, their tour is a nice one too. If you go to their website it will tell you what they are pouring on draft, and you can see the beers to go. They have some awesome stuff to go right now; Avance/Coolship Cerise/ Little Sal........They also have a bottle list their of some more rare and cellared beers for on site consumption. Also while in Portland check out Bissel Brothers, I cant say enough good thing about them, killer stuff and usually have a good selection to go as well. Tap selections are posted on their website, and cans release days are their as well. But follow them on instagram to see daily cans (left over from the days prior etc) One last stop, Oxbow has their barrel and blending house in Portland as well, extensive tap list and bottle selection.....Hope that helps!!
My guess is to/from HF you'll be traveling Rts 302 & 16 through NH, in which case it would behoove you to stop for a meal at Moat Mountain in North Conway. Iron Mike is a good pale ale but if they have the Call it a Day DIPA definitely get some to go for enjoying back in Acton.
OK here's some hyperlocal suggestions... If you want a decent place to eat with an average beer selection I'd hit up Willy's Ale Room on Rt. 109. Thursday night is wing night and their wings are pretty damn tasty. The locals can be... colorful, but the group of us here like going because something crazy always seems to happen. If you go into Springvale, about 20 minutes away, check out the Publick House. Decent food and the best tap list in the area. And they're usually cheap too. If you venture in Sanford, go to The City. It's a bottle shop/liquor store/cigarette store/hobo hangout that has a great selection of local beers. Don't mind the crazy lady that's in there talking/yelling. She's harmless. But the owner is a bit of a beer nerd so he's into buying local stuff and honestly the selection is just about as good as Portland stores.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Looks like I've definitely got some options when we venture off the lake!
Moat is worth a stop for the food, but the best beer in that area by far is Saco River Brewing in nearby Fryeburg. Either way the Conway/North Conway area is pretty neat and worth a visit. Acton is also just a few towns over from Gneiss Brewing in Limerick, which I haven't had a chance to visit yet but I've heard good things.
