ARTICLE BY SARAH WALKER CARON
Maine is home to so many authors and a vacation destination for so many more. With its picturesque coastlines, working waterfronts, quaint towns, and deep-rooted lore, it should be no surprise that so many writers are inspired by and reference Maine in their books.
If you are looking for something to do this autumn that springs from the literary page (and why wouldn’t you be?!), these novel-inspired adventures are the perfect plan.
‘The Cliffs’ by J. Courtney Sullivan
A Victorian house sits abandoned on a secluded Maine bluff overlooking the ocean. When Jane stumbles on it, she is mystified by the dishes in the cupboards, the clothes in the closets, and the marbles still on the floors. Twenty years later, she’s back in Maine after a terrible mistake threatens her career and marriage. She’s horrified to find the Victorian unrecognizable — gutted and transformed into a glossy monstrosity. Meanwhile, the new owner is convinced the house is haunted. She hires Jane to research the home’s history — a story even older than Maine itself.
“The Cliffs” is an enthralling story filled with twists and turns set in Maine in a fictional town based on Ogunquit (with some nods to Portland), according to the author.
Go: Portland and Ogunquit
Do: Take a walk along Marginal Way in Portland to see the cliff walk that inspired the one that Jane walks her mother’s dog Walter along. Then head to Perkins Cove in Ogunquit for a walk across the pedestrian bridge that inspired one in the book. While you’re there, take in the fishing boats (the Finestkind boat inspired the one in the book), do a little shopping, and grab a bite to eat.
Eat: Why, Barnacle Billy’s (70 Perkins Cove Road, Ogunquit) of course! This seafood restaurant overlooking Perkins Cove Harbor is the inspiration for Charlie’s Chowder House.
‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry
Popular romance novelist Emily Henry set “Happy Place” in the fictional Maine town of Knott’s Harbor. In the book, Harriet and Wyn were the perfect couple — the kind that meets in college and just seem to go together. But … they don’t. In fact, they’ve broken up but not told their best friends. And rather than spoiling the group’s annual weeklong vacation, they head to the Maine cottage and pretend they haven’t been split up for five months. Surely, the former couple can fake it for one week, right?
While Emily Henry has been pretty tight-lipped about her inspirations (or where she likes to spend time in Maine), her descriptions of the town, which include a bookstore, a candy store, a coffee shop, and an eatery overlooking a harbor, provide some hints. Sounds like a lot of midcoast towns, right?
Go: Despite the harbor reference, the descriptions remind me of Brunswick, with its walkable downtown filled with shops and eateries. Start your downtown stroll at Reverie Coffee House (117 Maine St., Brunswick) for a caffeinated beverage. Then head to Gulf of Maine Books (134 Maine St., Brunswick) to find just the right book for your vacation, like one of the characters always does (she’s a cozy mystery fan). And don’t forget to stop at Wilbur’s of Maine (143 Maine St., Brunswick) for a confection or two.
Do: While you’re in Brunswick, why not stop by the Bowdoin College Museum of Art (245 Maine St., Brunswick)? There are also several galleries in Brunswick, in case you want to take some fine art home.
Eat: For that harbor eatery experience, head to nearby Harpswell, where there are many eateries overlooking the water including the renowned Morse’s (119 Lookout Point Road, Harpswell). Be sure to try the sauerkraut while you’re there.
‘Flying Solo’ by Linda Holmes
Laurie returns to her Maine hometown to deal with the estate of her great-aunt Dot, who lived to 93. As she cleans out the house, she finds a mysterious wooden duck at the bottom of a cedar chest along with a love letter to her never-married aunt that references ducks. Though she’s told the duck has no value, it disappears and Laurie is swept into a mystery trying to unravel who would steal a worthless duck and why and what secrets her aunt was keeping.
“Flying Solo” is set in the fictional town of Calcasset, which was also the setting for her hit first novel, “Evvie Drake Starts Over.” Writer Linda Holmes said in interviews her family spent time near Rockland as a child and that it’s loosely based on that area. But the library? Think Camden for that part.
Go: Stroll along Main Street in Rockland where you’ll find Hello Hello Books (316 Main St., Rockland), The Grasshopper Shop (400 Main St., Rockland), and many other shops to keep you occupied. While you’re there, don’t miss the local favorite Rock City Cafe (also 316 Main St., Rockland) for a coffee.
Do: After you’ve explored Rockland’s downtown, take a walk out to the Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light. It’s just under a mile and a scenic stoll. Or head to Camden to check out the Camden Public Library, where the second floor inspired scenes in the book. Maybe there will even be an event for book lovers happening there.
Eat: In “Flying Solo,” Laurie orders Thai food for herself and her friends. In keeping with that, Roselyn Thai Fine Cuisine (80 Camden St., Rockland) is a good choice. Or, while you’re in Camden head to the acclaimed Long Grain (20 Washington St., Camden) for Thai curries, stir-fries, and more.
