u/Equivalent-Agency377

I’m looking for opinions from those that know both PNW and Acadia. We have a one week trip to Martha’s vineyard at end of July with friends and my husband has always wanted to see Maine -coastal towns, lighthouses and lobster. We decided to tack on 7-9 days for a Maine trip the beginning of August. We’re kinda “slow travelers” and like to be in spots for a few days at a time, and would like to build in some serene places with big nature so are thinking about ending up at Acadia and flying out of Bangor. Would it make sense to go to a town like Camden to stop for two nights and then five nights on the quiet side of MDI? The thing is we really don‘t like dealing with crowds, congested driving, parking hassles as it isnt relaxing - plus we have a 4 year old. In washington state, there’s gorgeous big nature close by so am wondering if it’s worth extra drive to get up to Acadia, or if it’s just as beautiful to stay in a few small towns on Maine coast to relax? We likely won’t get back to Maine since it’s so far away so would like any insights.

Last year we went to Tofino and Ucluelet in Canada and it was so glorious and rejuvenating - and well worth the drive to get there. Would Acadia be similar, or more like Yosemite in the main parks with throngs of people?

I am looking for people’s experience with using managed services for their investments (AUM basis) after fire.  We are transferring to Merryl Lynch after decades of doing things on our own because things are a bit more complicated in the draw down phase (husband already FIRE, and I will next year), and also I am a little less sanguine with market swings now, and would rather someone else be one in charge.  I realize that the fees aren’t worth it for most in this subreddit but we’ve decided for our situation that it is.  

Anyone have positive experiences with a manager, and can share what the set up was that made it helpful? What did they do for you that was different from doing on your own? 

Also, what do people think of the alternative investments they use (ie 20-25 percent of a portfolio, much less in bonds).  Examples include KKR infrastructure, Ares strategic income, blackstone private equity, FS MVP private markets, Coatue innovative strategies, collier secondaries.  These were never options in my 401k or typical things we invested in so trying to learn more before we proceed.  

The amount investing is around 6 million. We own our home and have about 200-250k annual spend, with pension of 65k.