You know how sometimes you have your usual plans for the holidays? For example, I’ve had the entire week of Thanksgiving off from work for the last few years. So my routine is to stay at home, sleep late, catch up, go to my parents to help on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, have Thanksgiving lunch with the fam on Thursday, and help my parents decorate for Christmas on Black Friday (no, I am not a Black Friday shopper). Then, on Saturday and Sunday, I slowly realize that I have to go back to work and get this terrible pit in my stomach… For a few years now, that has been my Thanksgiving week routine. This year, I was planning the same thing. Until I was invited to Maine.
Well, let me tell you something… this past August I had a friend throw an invitation out to me. My friend Stacie is working on running a 5K in all 50 states. She told me she was going to Maine the weekend before Thanksgiving break for her Maine 5K and asked if I wanted to go. You know, I thought to myself…this is an opportunity that I’ve never experienced. Why not!?
I love running and I’ve been trying to improve my 5K times each time I race. Then hello, it’s Maine. A 5K out of state, in Maine, yes, hours away from Canada. I love traveling and experiencing new adventures and this such a wonderful adventure in Maine.
We flew out of STL early on Saturday and got back to STL late on Monday. It was a whirlwind weekend, but boy we had the best time, and what a great race!
McKernan Inn
You must stay at McKernan Inn! This is a quaint inn that is a hospitality center on the campus of a community college. It has about 8 rooms with most of them facing the ocean. Emma, the manager and the student workers were so great! Everyone was hospitable, kind, and respectful. Because we went in November, we were the only ones there so it was very quiet and peaceful. Our room was on the third floor facing the Atlantic Ocean. We could see the Portland Head Light in the distance. It was the cutest place.
With the views of the ocean and the eastern sky, the sunrise was incredible and picturesque. At night after the sun set, our room had candles in the windows that came on when it got dark. You even get breakfast with a view in their sunroom. Being in Maine in the off-season, it was slow, quiet and peaceful. There was no one with us and you could sit and enjoy the view in peace.
What to Wear to Maine in November
Well, let me tell you this…I hate being cold and Maine in November is definitely that! The wind is gusty that is for sure! I was able to pack enough for the weekend in a carry-on suitcase.
This is what you need: a comfy set to travel in, a pair of jeans, a warm sweater, comfy sneakers to walk in, a puffer vest, a coat, gloves, and a beanie.
I was also able to pack running clothes in my carry-on too. When I run, I get warm so sometimes I overdress. It is best to dress like it’s 10-20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature when you run. The temperature at race time was 40 and windy, I was still dressed a bit too warm, but my running fit was leggings, a lined long-sleeve shirt, my race long-sleeve tee over it, a warm headband, a neck gaiter in case the wind got in my face and gloves (which quickly came off). I also wear my flip belt to keep my keys and ID on me while running. I like my running pants to have leggings to have pockets to fit my phone in and I also bring along my ear pods to play my hype music while running.
So if you are traveling to Maine in late November, pack to stay warm and pack some comfy shoes you can walk around to explore. Check out my Amazon Storefront for packing ideas!
Cape Elizabeth, Maine Turkey Trot
I do love running 5Ks because for me it is a challenge to beat my previous 5K or set a new PR. This is a very popular Turkey Trot. There were about 500 participants in this race. It took place at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. It was such a fun course. The first two miles were mostly downhill. But…if you know anything about races…what goes down must come back up and boy, let me tell you what a hill at the end of the race. Mix that with the wind and goodness, what a challenge.
I did not give up, though. I couldn’t attack the hill like I usually try to do but I at least put some kick into the finish line. I finished 7th out of 25 in my age division. What an experience and what a fun course! Check out my TikTok profile to see a video I put together of race day.
Portland, Maine Sightseeing!
When you think of Maine, you’re probably going to think of lighthouses and lobster rolls. Well, guess what, those are Maine. Now, the season is from March 31 to October 31 so going in late November we just missed the season. However, it was so quiet and slow-paced that I am not sad to have missed the season, this time around.
The most photographed lighthouse in the world is Portland Head Light. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would walk to the lighthouse and sit on a stone looking out at the ocean for inspiration. The lighthouse was incredible and the views were beautiful!
Before we left for Maine, everyone said that we must try a lobster roll. Now, I was all about trying it but my friend, Stacie was not. You can find lobster rolls anywhere you look. We ate at this place called Little Tap House. It was a farm to table restaurant and it was incredible!
Maine is also famous for Whoopie Pies so we were told to find some before we left. There was this place called Cape Whoopies that we found and OMG the Whoopie Pies are to die for there!! You can order them and have them shipped. We were able to take them home in our carry-on luggage.
We also took some time to explore downtown Portland for a couple of hours. There are tons of shopping and food options! Next year, I plan to take an extra day to do a little more exploring, eating, and shopping.
Take the Adventure!
I am so glad my friend invited me to run the Cape Elizabeth 5K Turkey Trot in Maine. It did not take me long to decide to go on this trip. I had the best weekend trip to start my week-long Thanksgiving Break. It was rejuvenating, and refreshing, and when I travel and take adventures, it gives me perspective! Perspective on where I’ve been and where I’m going in life.
So my advice to you, book the flight, take the trip, and enjoy the adventure!
Have a good one! Here’s to the next adventure!
-Joelle
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