Planning a Maine vacation? From Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to lobster rolls, coastal towns and wild blueberries, two Southerners share their guide to making the most of Vacationland.

In HOW TO MAINE: Two Southerners' Guide to Vacationland, Retire Southern host James Lewis sits down with Matt Lane, who grew up spending summers on Mount Desert Island, and Eddie Goepp, who recently explored Maine for the first time with his wife and two young sons.

Together, they discuss planning a Boston-to-Bar Harbor road trip, stops in Kennebunkport, Rockland and Camden, and choosing between Boston, Portland and Bangor as arrival airports. Matt shares his family's traditions at the Parkman House and Parkman Cottage, while both guests explore the different experiences visitors can find in Bar Harbor, Bass Harbor and Northeast Harbor.

For travelers visiting Acadia National Park with children, Eddie shares his experiences at Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Bubble Rock. Matt adds his favorite hiking spots, kayaking and paddleboarding on quiet coves, and fishing at Long Pond.

Then comes the food: Maine lobster rolls, soft-shell lobsters known as sheddahs, fresh mussels, oysters, clam chowder and a 41-pound roadside halibut. Hear Matt and Eddie's seafood picks, including Thurston's Lobster Pound, Graffam Bros. Seafood, The Clam Shack, Geddy's and Brasserie Le Brun, plus their takes on cold versus warm lobster rolls and butter versus mayonnaise.

They also tackle Maine vacation myths, what Southerners should pack and why blueberry pie, welcoming people and a slower pace can become the best reasons to return.

"I went for the lobster, but I'll come back for the blueberries."

Read the companion Maine travel guide, "I Went for the Lobster, but I'll Come Back for the Blueberries," for more on exploring Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and Maine's coast.

Discover more travel stories and podcast episodes at retiresouthern.com.

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