Mid-Coast Maine
The Boothbay Region
The Boothbay area is renowned for it's natural beauty, abundance of waterfront and water related activities. Though its located only 10 miles south of U.S. 1, the area boasts over 100 miles of waterfront. The region is made up of several small villages, each unique in its beauty and history. In addition to the numerous restaurants, shops and galleries that you will find here, the area is also home to The Boothbay Botanical Gardens, which is currently rated as the #1 public garden in the nation by Tripadvisor, The Maine State Aquarium and a large fleet of tour boats.
East Boothbay
East Boothbay is a small village located on Linekin Bay, only a few miles east of downtown Boothbay Harbor. With its picturesque shoreline, and abundance of waterfront, East Boothbay is a favorite vacation spot for many. Here you will find the famous Ocean Point, a popular summer cottage colony, and it's 2 mile Ocean Point Loop which offers stunning rocky vistas and views of 3 lighthouses. The Penninsula is surrounded by Linekin Bay to the west and The Damariscotta River on the east side, and is a great area for boating and kayaking. East Boothbay has long been known for it's boat building, which continues today. Ocean Point Inn and Lobsterman's Wharf are excellent local waterfront restaurants, and The East Boothbay General Store serves a variety of specialty foods and the best sandwiches around.
The Damariscotta Region
The Damariscotta Region is made up of a variety of small villages and towns located on the Bristol Penninsula. Surrounded by the Damariscotta River to the west and Muscongus Bay to the east, here you will find an abundance of natural beauty combined with a wide range of activities and attractions.
Damariscotta/Newcastle
Located at the gateway to Bristol Pennisula and right off of US RT 1 is the walkable downtown area known as the "Twin Villages." Made up of Newcastle and Damariscotta, which are divided by the Damariscotta River, you will find several great restaurants, shops and galleries. At the village center sits the Lincoln Theatre which hosts live performances and films. Additionally there are kayak and boat rentals and a river cruise line. Head further south down penninsula to explore the authentic charm of Maine's past. There are several great landmarks and attractions including Pemaquid Park Lighthouse, Pemaquid State Park's large white sandy beach and the Fort Henry museum.
Camden/Rockland
Camden is a popular vacation destination with the unique feature of being set between the mountains and and the sea. There is an abundance of activities for the outdoor entusiast. With Camden State Park, several small mountains as well as the waterfront area, you can stay busy on the land or the sea. A hotspot for fantastic restaurants, there are no less than 3 James Beard nominated chefs in town. There is also great shopping and nearby wineries.
Nearby is Rockland, an up and coming working town with a revitalized downtown, a burgeoning art scene and some great new restaurants. Here you will find the world renowned Farnsworth Museum that has the largest collection of Wyeth family works in the country, and over 20 galleries all within walking distance. The waterfront here is largely working, with many fishermen and lobstermen calling Rockland their home base.
Bath/ Brunswick
Head south down Route 1 and you will find the working village of Bath. With a long boat building history, Bath Iron Works is one of the largest employers in Maine. Bath is another great village on the water that is filled with great shops, restaurants and is a great place to spend an afternoon. South of Bath there are a couple of Maine's best beaches including Reid State Park and my favorite Popham Beach. They are definitely worth the drive. Brunswick is home of Bowdoin Collage and has the area's most diverse restaurants. The area's global cuisine is a big draw, as is the Bowdoin College museum of Art and the downtown shops and art galleries.
Perched right on the edge of the sea, the charming village of Boothbay Harbor offers the very best of Maine. Where else can you find a quaint seaside village that combines stunning natural beauty with everything you could want in a pedestrian friendly downtown? Check out our great restaurants, shops and galleries, outdoor recreational activities such as boat tours and kayak rentals and our world class live entertainment venues. More info about Boothbay Harbor here