Driving through the Mid-Coast area of Maine, whether for "leaf peeking" at the autum colors or enjoying the nostalgia of Bar Harbor or the "Jewel of Maine" harbors in Rockport, Lincolnville and Camden, one of the most important questions is always: where to stay and where to eat.

Lobster Bake at Samoset.

In Rockport there's the legendary landmark Samoset Resort, recently restored and comfortably nestled between lush green hills and the blue waters of Penobscot Bay. Open year round, Samoset offers golf, tennis, hiking and swimming indoors or outdoors. Its 178 suites and rooms offer grand views of ocean or the rolling hills of its 18-hole championship course. Ask for the Flume Cottage built on a peninsula out over the ocean - a unique hideaway with spectacular views from every window. Dine in Marcel's for American seafood combined with classic European recipes. Or the Breakwater Cafe for traditional New England fare (www.samoset.com).

In Bar Harbor, we like the Regency (www.barharborholidayinn.com) just outside of town. Located on one of the area's prime waterfront sites, its oceanfront rooms will reward you with spectacular views. Be sure to dine at Stewman's waterfront lobster pound where you can watch your own lobster being dropped in steamy tubs of boiling water. It's funky, fun and the only waterfront lobster pound around town. For a more traditional dinner, the restaurant at the Regency has one of the area's best chefs. The Bar Harbor Regency is about a mile from the town's shopping district near the entrance to Acadia National Park. Prefer an in-town lodging experience? Head to the new Harborside Inn on the bay - just a few steps from Main and Cottage Streets where most of the shops and downtown restaurants are located.

In Camden, the Blackberry Inn, built in 1849, has earned great reviews with its whimsical decor and location. The Inn is just a couple of blocks from the town's picturesque harbor which is lined with fine restaurants, shops and is home port for many of Maine's Windjammers. It's also ideally located for a day sail on Penobscot Bay, a hike up Mount Battie, an island kayaking excursion, or a swim in lovely Lake Megunticook. Or just wandering around and shopping in town. (www.blackberryinn.com

For more than 100 years, one of the most imposing homes (and now a 12-room inn) in Camden has been Norumbega - Maine's Stone Castle by the Sea. Built in 1886 its stone facade, towers and general grandeur make it a village landmark. And a unique, nearly mysterious place to stay. Filled with antiques and an imposing aura of the past, Norumbega offers handsome rooms in keeping with its facade, a dining room for breakfast (included) and evening dinners. Its story is at www.norumbegainn.com.

- Judi Janofsky & Rich Steck