Maine Treasure Hunt

by Ben
(Floral Park, NY)

I was reading a kindle book titled "Our Maine Adventure". It's all about a father that created a treasure hunt for his family. The author doesn't give actual locations in Maine. So I was wondering where I would go to create the same experience for my family.

We are planning to travel along the coast of Maine this summer. Any help on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Liz's Reply...

Hi Ben,

Thank you for your question about replicating the Maine treasure hunt that you read about in "Our Maine Adventure".

Since I was not familiar with the story, and therefore not able to appropriately answer your inquiry, I purchased the book and read it last night. What a great family adventure!

Barry Mestel, the author, indicates that the treasure hunt took place on Harbor Island. Assuming there is only one island in Maine that is referred to as Harbor Island...

...the island sits just off Sebasco, Maine (close to 15 miles south of Bath).

Since Sebasco is located along Casco Bay, in Maine's midcoast region, it is consistent with the author's reference to having initiated the treasure hunt while staying at a resort north of Portland, Maine.

Further research led me to the Sebasco Harbor Resort. Could this be where Mr. Mestel (a.k.a. pirate Patrick Morgan) stayed with his family?

Interestingly enough, until a few years ago...

...the Sebasco Resort owned an 18 acre piece of land, at Totman Cove. The parcel, which contains an undeveloped beach is located off West Point Road. "Our Maine Adventure" talks about driving down a road by this name, to access the beach where the family found the bottle containing the treasure map.

Although the Totman Cove land has subsequently been acquired by the town of Phippsburg, it is still accessible (by pass) to resort guests.

You may not be able to fully replicate the "Our Maine Adventure" treasure hunt, however you and your son might enjoy the Sebasco Resort Pirate Trip.

In season, every Monday and Thursday, the hotel offers a one-hour kid's Pirate cruise aboard the Ruth. You do NOT need to stay at the resort to join in the fun. The cost is $20/adult and $12/children (less if you are are a guest at the resort).

A group of up to 23 people head out to Harbor Island where a Pirate takes everyone along to find his hidden treasure, the "booty".

I don't know how familiar you are with the midcoast Maine area, but because it is so centrally located, it is certainly a wonderful place to call "home" for Maine vacations. From this area you can easily take day trips to other Maine tourist attractions in...

...Portland, Freeport, Bailey Island, and...

...Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Camden and Port Clyde.

If you are interested in staying at the Sebasco Harbor Resort you can visit their website at www.sebasco.com, or...

...read other travelers reviews of Sebasco Harbor Resort and other Maine coast hotels.

The Sebasco Resort seems to have a great selection of lodging accommodations, from a traditional Maine lodge, to cottages and suites...

...to a very unique place to stay in Maine, a room in the Lighthouse at Sebasco Harbor Resort!

Wherever your adventures take you, I hope you and your son have a wonderful Maine treasure hunt. We'd love to hear how you make out!

Best regards,
Liz