The long and narrow peninsulas of the midcoast region stretch from the Brunswick-Bath area to the Camden-Rockland area up to Belfast. Slow drives down the twisting roads on these peninsulas offer glimpses of snug harbors, historic homes, the rare sandy beach, island communities, fishing villages and summer camps.
Paddleboarders skim along the surface of Belfast on a warm August day. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Brunswick, with its classic New England town common, is home to Bowdoin College and is the gateway to the coastal and island communities of Harpswell and Orrs and Bailey islands.
Bath, which had its shipbuilding heyday in the 19th century, was once home to wealthy captains, merchants and politicians who had the money, ideas and worldliness to build grand homes in Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne style. For a real sense of the area’s maritime history, The Maine Maritime Museum has outbuildings that replicate a working shipyard. The museum also has a boat that takes visitors on cruises to see shipyards at Bath Iron Works, lighthouses, islands and more.
Rockland retains its gritty, working-class feel, but also hosts some of coastal Maine’s best treasures: The Farnsworth Museum, whose extraordinary 19th and 20th century art collection includes many famous paintings by the Wyeth clan; and several of the wooden ships that make up Maine’s famous fleet of windjammers. It’s artists colony meets working waterfront.
The midcoast area offers access to several islands. Catch ferries: to Monhegan from Boothbay, New Harbor or Port Clyde; to Matinicus from Rockland; to Vinalhaven from Rockland; to Isleboro from Lincolnville.
Hiking, biking, skiing
The midcoast region offers several multi-use trails, some paved and others in open, preserved space. Users should adhere to the rules of each location.
Linekin Preserve and the Burley Loop, Route 96, East Boothbay. Adjacent preserves with 138 wooded acres and three miles of trails from moderate to somewhat difficult.
A Press Herald reporter kayaked through Cross River near Edgecomb, preserved by The Boothbay Region Land Trust.
Boothbay Region Land Trust, Boothbay Harbor. More than 30 miles of hiking trails open year-round. Area includes Ovens Mouth, Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve, Saunders Preserve and more.
Androscoggin River Bike Path, downtown Brunswick or Cooks Corner. Includes 2.63 miles of paved bicycle/walking path along the river.
Town Commons Trails, Harpswell Road, Brunswick. Trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, walking and hiking in other seasons. Picnic area in the Pine Grove at main entrance.
Camden Hills State Park, Camden. Thirty miles of trails with access from five major trailheads. — STAFF PICK
Damariscotta River Association, Damariscotta. Nine trails ranging from Boothbay to Nobleboro.
Bald Rock Mountain, Lincolnville. Trails stretches 3.4 miles to the summit.
Swan Island/Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area, Richmond. Managed by Department of Indland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Georges River Land Trust, Rockland. Trails include Frye Mountain Loop, Thomaston Town Forest, Pleasant Point Nature Preserve and Gibson Preserve.
Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham. Trail maps available at several kiosks for this 230-acre preserve.
Beaches
Reid State Park, Georgetown. Both surf and protected swim areas on 1.5 miles of beach sections.
Popham Beach is sandy and popular. Portland Press Herald photo.
Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg. Sand bar and tidal pools with three miles of sandy beach at the mouth of the Kennebec River.
Barrett’s Cove, Megunticook Lake, Camden. Shallow water, grassy areas, picnic tables and portable bathrooms.
Lincolnville Beach, Lincolnville. Limited parking at popular half-mile beach.
Crescent Beach, Damariscotta Lake State Park, Damariscotta. Shallow water, shaded grassy areas, very popular for day use.
Pemaquid Beach Park, Bristol. Often breezy so visitors try the more secluded but pebbly beach down the road.
Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick. Sheltered swimming and play areas; can be reserved by groups.
White’s Beach, Durham Road, Brunswick. Large sandy beach with fresh-water swimming.
Sandy Point Beach, Stockton Springs. Pocket beach between headlands with no facilities and limited parking.
Head Beach, 42 Head Beach Road, Phippsburg. Fine sand beach with parking at nearby campground.
Birch Point Beach State Park, Owls Head. Pocket beach with freshwater marsh and limited parking.
Laite Memorial Beach, Bay View Street, Camden. Picnic areas, grills, playground and restrooms.
Portland Press Herald file photo.
Paddling
Midcoast Kayak, 47 Main St., Damariscotta. Sea kayaking tours and lessons on Muscongus Bay and the Damariscotta River.
Water Walker Sea Kayaks, Belfast. Sea kayak gear and tours.
Port Clyde Kayaks, 3 Factory Road, Port Clyce. Kayak tours and instruction. — STAFF PICK
Seaspray Kayaking, 419 State Road, West Bath. Guided or self-guided kayak, canoe and paddleboard trips, plus rentals and free demos.
Thorfinn Expeditions, 2516 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville. Sailing instruction, day trips and custom outings and standup paddleboard rentals, lessons and tours.
Maine Sport Outfitters, Route 1 Rockport & 24 Main St., Camden. Rentals of sea kayaks, lake kayaks and canoes, plus custom outdoor adventures and day trips.
Camping
Hermit Island Campgrounds, 6 Hermit Island Road, Phippsburg
Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, 216 West Main St., Searsport
Campers Cove, 42 Campers Cove Road, Boothbay, 633-5013
Thomas Point Beach, 29 Meadow Road, Brunswick
White’s Beach & Campground, Durham Road, Brunswick
Sennebec Lake Campground, 100 Lodge Lane, Appleton
Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd., Camden
Lake Pemaquid Camping, 100 Twin Cove Lane, Damariscotta
Town Line Campsites, 255 Townline Road, Nobleboro
Duck Puddle Campground, 176 East Pond Road, Nobleboro
Orrs Island Campground, 44 Bond Point Road, Orrs Island
Meadowbrook Camping Area, 33 Meadowbrook Road, Phippsburg
Ocean View Park Campgrounds, Popham Beach, Phippsburg
NASCAR RV Resorts at Megunticook, 620 Commercial St., Rockport
Sandy Shores RV Resort, 459 Sandy Shores Road, Warren, 845-2215
Gray Homestead Oceanfront Camping, 21 Homestead Road, Southport
Chewonki Campgrounds, 235 Chewonki Neck Road, Wiscasset
Down East Family Camping, Route 27, Wiscasset, 882-5431
Reporter Deirdre Fleming clips a piece of climbing gear into her sling while rock climbing above Lake Megunticook in Camden. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Parks
Birch Point State Park, Owls Head — STAFF PICK
Fish or picnic while taking in the scenic views of Penobscot Bay, or swim in gentle surf from the crescent-shaped sand beach. Fees $1 to $3.
Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Road, Camden — STAFF PICK
Scenic vistas atop Mt. Battie are the go-to spots for hikers and mountain bikers here. The park also offers camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and watchable wildlife. Leaf peepers flock to the Mt. Battie Auto Road to view the surrounding hillside for fall colors. Fees $1.50 to $4.50.
Damariscotta Lake State Park, 8 State Park Road, Jefferson
One of the midcoast’s most popular day use parks offers picnicking, swimming, canoeing in a freshwater lake with a sandy beach. Limited parking. Fees $2 to $6.
Fort Point State Park, Stockton Springs
The more than 120 acres offers more than a mile of rocky shore, a tidal sandbar, a pier, a lighthouse, the remains of Fort Pownall, picnicking, biking, hiking and paddling. Fees $1 to $3.
Lake St. George State Park, 278 Belfast Augusta Road, Liberty
Fish for landlocked salmon and brook trout, rent boats or canoes, explore the shoreline, camp, picnic, grill and use the three to five miles of hiking trails. Lifeguards on duty. Fees $2 to $6.
Popham Beach State Park,10 Perkins Farm Lane, Phippsburg
One of the state’s rare geologic landforms, bordering the mouth of the Kennebec River and featuring a long stretch of sandy beach. Walk to Fox Island at low tide, collect shells and visit the historic fort. Fess $2 to $6.
Moose Point State Park, 310 West Main St., Searsport
Relax among the evergreens, explore tidal pools, walk the trails or enjoy the views. Fees $1 to $3.
Owls Head Light State Park, Lighthouse Road, Owls Head
Picnic near the lighthouse or on the bluff above the rocky beach, visit an old cemetery and enjoy the views of Rockland.
Peacock Beach State Park, off Route 201, Richmond
Small beach and swimming area staffed by lifeguards. Area is managed by the town.
Reid State Park, in Georgetown. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Road, Georgetown
Maine’s first state-owned saltwater beach features long, wide sand beaches like Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach, large dunes and Griffith Head, a rocky headland overlooking the park. Views of islands and Seguin light, shorebirds, terns and piping plovers. Fees $2 to $6.50.
Swan Lake State Park, 100 West Park Lane, Swanville
Swim with lifeguard supervision, picnic at sites with grills, walk the trails, fish and canoe. Fees $2 to $6.
Warren Island State Park, Penobscot Bay, off the coast of Lincolnville
Park must be accessed by private boat (no ferry service). A dozen campsites and three Adirondack shelters are available for those registered at the Visitors Information Center. Hike, fish and kayak. Fees $1.50 to $4.50.
Lighthouses
Brown’s Head Light, Vinalhaven Island
Erected in 1832 to help direct mariners around Fox Island, in 1987 Brown’s Head was one of the last lighthouses in the state to be automated. An interesting fact is that the fog horn sounded continuously for three weeks in July of 1996. Maine State Ferry provides car and passenger service from Rockland.
Ram Island Ledge Light in Casco Bay. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Burnt Island Light, entrance to Boothbay Harbor
Established in 1821, the light was automated in 1988. Still on site are the 1857 keeper’s house, the 1880 boathouse, the circa 1886 fuel house and the 1899 oil house. Seen by tour or boat cruise.
Cuckholds Light, near Southport/Boothbay Harbor
The station was established in 1892 with the current lighthouse erected in 1907. The light was automated in 1974. Not open to the public and accessible only by boat and helicopter. View it from the public landing in Southport or sightseeing cruises out of Boothbay Harbor.
Curtis Island Light, entrance to Camden Harbor
The island, which is also home to the 1889 keeper’s house, barn and boathouse, is a public park but is only accessible by boat. The brick lighthouse, built in 1896 and automated in 1972, is not open to the public.
Doubling Point Light, Arrowsic Island, Kennebec River
Find limited parking at the light station, where the gorunds are open to the public but the lighthouse and keeper’s house are not. The wooden lighthouse, built in 1898, can also be seen on sightseeing cruises.
Fort Point Light, Stockton Springs
Free parking near the lighthouse and at Fort Pownall, within Fort Point Historic Site. The 1857 lighthouse, which was automated in 1988, is not open to the public but the grounds are open seasonally from 9 a.m. to sunset.
Franklin Island Lighthouse, Muscongus Bay
The station was established in 1807 with the present brick lighthouse built in 1855. The light was automated in 1933 and its site is part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Goose Rocks Light, Penobscot Bay near North Haven
The lighthouse is not open to the public and is best seen by boat. The station was established in 1890 and the light was automated in 1963.
Kennebec River Range Lights, near Bath
Maine’s only set of range lights are identical towers built in 1908 that guide mariners into the channel when the two lights are lined up. They were originally known as Doubling Point Range Lights.
Grindle Point Light, Gilkey Harbor, Islesboro
Reach Isleboro by ferry from Lincolnville Beach where the lighthouse is close to the ferry landing. Only the museum in the keeper’s house is open to the public, seasonally. The 1874 lighthouse was discontinued in 1934 but relighted in 1987.
Hendricks Head Light, Sheepscot River entrance, near West Southport
Not open to the public, the light is best seen from cruises out of Bath and Boothbay Harbor. The station was established in 1829 and the lighthouse dates to 1875.
Heron Neck Light, Greens Island, near Vinalhaven
Best viewed by boat, this 1854 brick lighthouse is best viewed by boat. It remains an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation.
Indian Island Light, Rockport Harbor
The discontinued lighthouse (1934) is privately owned and not open to the public. See it from Rockport Marine Park or from a sightseeing cruise.
Isle au Haut Light, Isle au Haut
The island is accessible by ferry from Stonington. The grounds are open to the public but the 1907 lighthouse is not. It was automated in 1934.
Marshall Point Lighthouse. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Marshall Point Lighthouse, harbor entrance, Port Clyde
One of the most photographed sites in New England, the light was a stop on Forrest Gump’s cross-country run. The first light was built here in 1832 and a new tower was erected in 1858. The museum and gift shop are open seasonally.
Matinicus Rock Light, near Matinicus Island, Penobscot Bay
The present lighthouses were built in 1857, with the north light discontinued in 1924 and the south light automated in 1983. The island is maintained as a bird sanctuary and access is limited.
Monhegan Island Light, Monhegan Island
Reach the island by ferry and walk up the hill to the lighthouse, where the grounds and the museum in the keeper’s house are open to the public from June through September. The granite lighthouse dates to 1850.
Owl’s Head Light, entrance to Rockland Harbor
The 1852 light is an active U.S. Coast Guard station which was automated in 1989. Other buildings still on site at Owls Head Light State Park include the 1854 keeper’s house, 1895 oil house and generator building.
Ram Island Light, Fisherman’s Passage, Boothbay Harbor
The lighthouse is not open to the public and the grounds are open by appointment only. The granite and brick structure was built in 1883 and automated in 1965.
The Pemaquid Lighthouse and Fishermen’s Museum loom overhead as Cheryl Pappas of Westbrook and her friend, Alex Jones from Bermuda, enjoy the view of the ocean from the banks of Pemaquid Point. They met in Bermuda and she invited him to Maine for a visit and she decided to go to Pemaquid Point for a Maine scenic adventure. Portland Press Herald photo.
Pemaquid Point Light, entrance to Muscongus Bay, near Bristol
The stone lighthouse dates to 1835. The grounds and keeper’s house are owned by the town of Bristol. The Fisherman’s Museum is located in the keeper’s house.
Perkins Island Light, Kennebec River, near Georgetown
The wood and brick lighthouse was constructed in 1898 and automated in 1959. Other buildings on site include: keeper’s house, barn, boathouse, fog bell tower, oil house.
Pond Island Light, mouth of Kennebec River, near Georgetown
Best views of the 1855 light are from sightseeing cruises. The lighthouse is not open to the public and though the island can be reached by boat, the landing is very difficult.
Rockland Breakwater Light, Jameson Point, Rockland Harbor — STAFF PICK
The 1902 lighthouse is located at the end of a 7/8-mile breakwater and is open summer weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tower is constructed of wood and brick and stands 25 feet high.
Rockland Harbor Southwest Light, near Owls Head
This active station was established in 1987 and features a light tower atop what appears to be a modern-day home. The grounds are open to the public.
Saddleback Ledge Light, 3 miles southeast of Vinalhaven
The 1839 granite lighthouse is not open to the public and is best seen by boat. It was automated in 1954.
Squirrel Point Light, Arrowsic Island
The light was commissioned in 1895 by President Grover Cleveland. In 1901 a boathouse was added; in 1902 a fifth order Fresnel lens was added to the light. It became fully automated in 1979.
Tenants Harbor Light, Southern Island, Penobscot Bay
The island is privately owned and not open to the public. The 27-foot brick lighthouse was discontinued in 1933.
Seguin Island Lighthouse, near Popham Beach, south of Georgetown Island
Commissioned by George Washington in 1795, it is the tallest and second oldest light station in Maine. The U.S. Coast Guard ran the site until 1986, when it was purchased by Friends of Seguin Island Lighthouse.
Two Bush Island Light, Two Bush Channel, near Spruce Head
The lighthouse is not open to the public and is best viewed by boat. The 42-foot brick lighthouse was established in 1897 and automated in 1964. It is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Whitehead Island Light Station, 8 miles southwest of Rockland, off the coast of Spruce Head Island
The station was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803, the seventh U.S. lighthouse to be commissioned, and has been in continuous operation ever since. The light was automated in 1982 and the keeper’s house was torn down in the mid-1980s. Pine Island Camp was granted ownership of the light station in 1997. The non-profit has worked to restore the structures while running a variety of rest, recreation and learning programs for adults.
Museums
Boothbay Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay
Ride a steam train through the historical village, see more than 60 antique vehicles and walk the beautiful gardens surrounding some of the 28 historic structures. Open seasonally. Family memberships $60.
Bowdoin College Museum of Art, 9400 College Station, Brunswick
At the Farnsworth in Rockland, Willard Carroll posed among The Wonderful World of Oz exhibit last year. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Collections range from ancient Mediterranean works to art from the early 21st century with 18,500 items in the collection, which is one of the most comprehensive of any college museum in the country. Free admission; donations welcome.
Castle Tucker House Museum, 2 Lee St., Wiscasset
Get a look at the life of a prominent shipping family from 1858 to the end of the 20th century in this home that overlooks the Sheepscot River. One of the most intact Victorian-era homes in New England, it is open seasonally with admission fees from $2.50 to $5.
Center for Maine Contemporary Art, 162 Russell Ave., Rockport
Non-profit exhibits work by hundreds of living artists and offers programs and special events. The galleries are open seasonally with a suggested $5 donation for nonmembers.
Chamberlain Museum, Potter Street, Brunswick
Civil War Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain lived in this house for more than 50 years. The Pejepscot Historical Society now runs it as a museum offering guided tours from May through Columbus Day. Admissions fees $2.50 to $7.50.
Coastal Children’s Museum, 75 Mechanic St., Rockland
Children ages 2 through 9 and their families come here to discover and learn through play about art, science, the natural world and the Maine coast. Admission $5 per person.
Davistown Museum, 58 Main St., Liberty
Tool, art and history museum with two locations. The Liberty location offers 18th and 19th century tool exhibits, Native American tools and artifacts, libraries and a visitor’s center. Open March through December.
Farnsworth Art Museum, 16 Museum St., Rockland — STAFF PICK
View nationally recognized collections from many of America’s best-known artists, including painter Alex Katz, sculptor Louise Nevelson and Andrew, N.C. and Jamie Wyeth. The Farnsworth Homestead and the Olsen House are also part of the museum complex. Admission $8 to $17.
Lincoln County Museum and Old Jail, 133 Federal St., Wiscasset
The jail was built from 1809-11 and housed prisoners until 1954. It was the state penitentiary from 1820-24 and prisoners’ graffiti remains on the walls. Open seasonally. Admission $2 to $8.
Maine Lighthouse Museum, 1 Park Drive, Rockland
Home to the largest collection of Fresnel lighthouse lenses, lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia in the U.S. Open daily, year round. Admission $5; children free.
The Bluenose II’s first mate, Gail Atkinson, watched the crew as the schooner docked at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Portland Press Herald photo.
Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath
Learn about Maine’s maritime heritage through exhibits, artifacts, interactive areas, a historic shipyard with original 19th century buildings and an active waterfront all on a scenic campus on the banks of the Kennebec River. Admission $9 to $12 for two days; members free.
Montpelier-Henry Knox Museum, corner routes 1 & 131, Thomaston
The home is a living memorial to former Secretary of War Henry Knox, filled with many of the objects he purchased for the original mansion, where he moved his family from Philadelphia in 1795. Open seasonally. Admission $4 to $7.
Musical Wonderhouse Museum, 16-18 High St., Wiscasset
Internationally known museum is “the showplace for mechanical musical instruments” and houses more than 5,000 restored music boxes, player pianos, spring-powered phonographs, furniture, clocks and more. Open seasonally.
Kids look at a 1923 Fokker C.IV airplane at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum St., Owls Head
Home to one of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and autos in the world with more than 100 items, including bicycles, carriages and engines. Open year round. Admission $8 to $10; children under 18 free.
Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, 9500 College Station, Brunswick
The collection comes mainly from material donated by Donald B. MacMillan from his career as an arctic explorer and researcher, including more than 5,000 black and white photographs. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Free admission.
Penobscot Marine Museum, 5 Church St., Searsport
Permanent collections focused on photography, marine art, ship and boat models, navigation instruments, nautical gear, scrimshaw, clothing and fabric arts, ship’s papers, geneology and more, plus changing exhibits and events. Open seasonally. Admission $3 to $8.
Sail Power & Steam Museum, 75 Mechanic St., Rockland
Home to historically significant items and artifacts dealing with sail-, power- and steam-driven vessels. The museum also provides instruction about origins, construction and commercial and recreational purposes of the vessels. Open seasonally.
Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum, 97 Cross Road, Alna
Non-profit acquires, preserves and restores narrow gauge railroads and equipment. Displays are meant to educate the public on the social and economic impact of railroads on the communities they served. Trains run year round. Admission $4 to $7.
Back in 2008 Ryan Shay rested against the dolphin striker in the head rig aboard the Schooner Heritage, based in Rockland, while sailing off Boothbay Harbor on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, the first day of Windjammer Days. At right is the Schooner Lewis R. French, which sails out of Camden. Portland Press herald file photo.
Tours and sails
Schooner Alert, 68 Garrison Cove Rd., Bailey Island — STAFF PICK
Schooner Alert sails daily June to October from Cooks Lobster House on Garrison Cove Road. Join Captains Bethany and Perry on the 71 foot schooner to explore the Midcoast waters of Casco Bay, Maine.
Schooner Stephen Taber, Windjammer Wharf, Rockland
Come aboard for cruises that lasts overnight or for six days from Memorial Day through foliage season on a ship that has been on the water for 140 years. Also charters and specialty cruises available.
Penobscot Ferry and Transport, Knights Marine Service, 525 Main St., Rockland
Take a day trip to Isle au Haut, Monhegan or Vinalhaven or see puffins on Matinicus Rock. The small family-run ferry offers transportation to any island in the bay that has a pier.
Penobscot Island Air, Knox County Regional Airport, Owls Head
Get a panoramic view of Penobscot Bay on one of several pre-planned sightseeing tours or a custom tour you design yourself. Seating for up to five passengers.
Cap’n Fish’s Whale Watch, Boothbay Harbor
Take a boat trip to see whales, puffins, sea birds or for sport fishing or lobster trap hauling with the originator of whale watching in Boothbay Harbor.
Hardy Boat Cruises, 132 Route 32, New Harbor
Take a cruise to Monhegan Island, go on a puffin or seal watch, see the local lighthouses from the water or try the fall coastal cruise aboard the Hardy III.
Maine Wilderness Adventures, 35 Fowler Road, Thorndike
Offering canoeing and backpacking adventures as well as wildlife safaris. Trips range from a day hike or snowshoeing on a moonlit night to a week of canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
Coastal Helicopters, 26 Airport Road, Belfast
Take a sightseeing flight over some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with majestic windjammers, lighthouses, osprey, whales, dolphins and other wildlife below. Seating for one or two passengers.
Shark Six, Brown’s Wharf, Boothbay Harbor
Take a saltwater fishing trip on a 28-foot Whitewater center console vessel with all tackle provided. Trips range from Cape Small to the Damariscotta River.
All Aboard Trolley & Limosine Co., 21 Limerock St., Rockland
Enjoy a guided tour of the midcoast’s wineries and learn about the art of making wine from grape to glass. Tours include pickup from selected inns between Camden and Rockland, tours of the wineries, tastings and a souvenir glass.
The schooner Olad sails past the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. Portland Press Herald photo.
Monhegan Boat Line, Route 131, Port Clyde
Steam out of Port Clyde Harbor past Marshall Point Lighthouse and Seal Rock and on to Monhegan. Other trips include puffin and nature cruises, lighthouse cruises and scenic sunset cruises.
Boothbay Whale Watch, Fisherman’s Wharf, Boothbay Harbor
Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess, the largest and only boat in Boothbay built for whale watching. The company also offers classic rock and reggae cruises and harbor tours.
Sea Escape Charters, 23 Sea Escape Lane, Bailey Island
Sailing and boat charters for touring the area, fishing or just spending the day on the water. Also sunset tours, lighthouse cruises, Eagle Island tours and seal-watching trips.
River Run Tours, 99 Commercial St., Bath
Non-scheduled, appointment-only private coastal tours with custom service.
Belfast Bay Cruises, Thompson’s Wharf, Belfast
The steam ferry Patience offers scenic harbor cruises, sunset cruises and trips up the river to Bucksport and Bangor.
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railway, Upper Bridge Station, 1 City Point Road, Belfast
Weekend and holiday trips departing from Upper Bridge Station in Belfast. Also special events like pizza trains, rail bike trips and an excursion to the Common Ground Fair.
Balmy Days Cruises, 42 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor
Trips to Monhegan Island, harbor tours, lighthouse tours and fishing excursions offered from Pier 8 on the waterfront.
Haunted History Tours, Camden, Damariscotta, Wiscasset, Boothbay Harbor and Bath
Explore the “other side” of these midcoast towns with lantern-lit walking tours of ghostly haunts and history.
Other amusements
Montsweag Flea Market, Mountain Road, Woolwich — STAFF PICK
Discover old photos, vintage jewelry and many other antiques and collectibles at this popular and long-running seasonal flea market.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Road, Boothbay
Open since 2007, CMBG has become one of the state’s top attractions. Take a guided tour or wander the many gardens yourself, stopping at the Visitor and Education Center and the Kitchen Garden Cafe.
Acker’s Acres Disc Golf, 180 Dingley Road, Bowdoinham
Open year-round on about 20 acres of fairways through mostly mature forest.
Basket Case Links Disc Golf, 649 Boothbay Road, Edgecomb
Course winds through woods and features some rock walls and challenging holes.
Enman Field Disc Golf, 1024 River Road, Brunswick
Offers two championship-caliber courses for players of all skill levels.
Roller World – Howard SportsDome, Atwood Road, Topsham
Indoor soccer and other sports plus a roller skating facility with open skate times, dances and special events.
Monkey C Monkey Do, 698 Bath Road, Wiscasset
Zip lines and ropes course with more than 30 obstacles hanging 12 to 40 feet in the air.
Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Road, Camden
Ski and snowboard mountain with terrain park, Nordic and snowshoe trails, tubing hill and toboggan chute. Annually hosts the U.S. Toboggan National Championships in February.
Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St., Camden
Renovated Victorian opera house has 500 seats and offers concerts, conferences and other special events.
Frontier Cafe, Cinema & Gallery, 14 Maine St., Brunswick
Featuring live music from local performers. Also shows indie films and documentaries and hosts special and benefit events.
The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor
Venue dates to 1894 and offers more than 100 events annually, including many genres of music, holiday celebrations and community events.
Rockport Opera House, 6 Central Street, Rockport
Home to Bay Chamber Concerts and other events.
Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland
Live performances include music, comedy and live theater.
Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., Bath
Live theater performances and local and national touring musical acts scheduled by non-profit group in revitalized church.
Everyman Repertory Theatre, Rockport
Heartwood Regional Theater Company, Damariscotta
Maine State Music Theater, Pickard Theater, 22 Elm St., Brunswick
The Theater Project, 14 School Street, Brunswick
Northport Music Theater, 851 Atlantic Highway, Northport
Belfast Maskers, 43 Front St., Belfast
Salt Bay Chamberfest, Damariscotta
Carousel Music Theater, Route 27, Boothbay Harbor
Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, Orion Performing Arts Center, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham
Art
Bath offers a third Friday ArtWalk each month from 5 to 8 p.m. through Five Rivers Arts Alliance. The same organization organizes the Brunswick & Topsham ArtWalk on second Fridays. Several towns are home to galleries that shouldn’t be missed by fans of art from Maine and away.
Aarhus Gallery, 50 Main St., Belfast
Asymmetrick Arts, 45 Main St., Rockland
Bayview Gallery, 58 Maine St., Brunswick & 33 Bayview St., Camden
Blue Water Fine Arts, Main Street, Port Clyde
Calbeck Gallery, 12 Elm St., Rockland
Carver Hill Gallery, 338 Main St., Rockland
Gleason Fine Art, 31 Townsend Ave., Boothbay
Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren St., Wiscasset
Waterfall Arts, 256 High St., Belfast
West Island Gallery, 37 Bay Point Road, Georgetown
Breweries, wineries
Andrew’s Brewing Company, 4975 High St., Lincolnville
Established in 1992, the brewery makes English Pale Ale, Northern Brown Ale, Ruby’s Pale Ale, St. Nick Porter and Summer Golden Ale. No tours.
Marshall Wharf Brewing Co., 2 Pinchy Lane, Belfast — STAFF PICK
Brewery store and tasting room open seasonally. Seventeen draft lines are dedicated to the company’s beers; some brewed seasonally. Also the house brewery for Three Tides bar.
Penobscot Bay Brewery, 279 South Main St., Winterport
Brewer of Humble B, Meadow Road Wheat Beer, Old Factory Whistle Scottish Ale, Whig Street Blonde Ale, Half Moon Stout and seasonal Red Flannel Ale. Also look for Bay Brew ice cream flavors Half Moon Stout and Black & Tan.
Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company, 74 Hollywood Blvd., Whitefield
Established in 1995, the flagship brew is Pemaquid Ale. Also regularly brewed are Boothbay Special Bitter, Damariscotta Double Brown and New Harbor Lager.
Breakwater Vineyards, 35 Ash Point Dr., Owls Head
Open May through October for tastings Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and tours at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Portland Press Herald file photo.
Cellardoor Winery & Vineyard, 367 Youngtown Road, Lincolnville
Open May through December with complimentary tastings daily, complimentary food & wine pairings on Sunday and tours of the winery Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Oyster River Winegrowers, 12 Oyster River Road, Thomaston
“Horse-powered” vineyard that grows grapes and other vegetables and creates wines with grapes from other parts of the country.
Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery, 174 Barrett Hill Road, Union
The vineyard grows 10 different types of grapes and tasting are offered. Open seasonally.
Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery, 347 Carroll Road, Union
Visit and taste wines, ports and whiskey, hike on the trails surrounding the farm and enjoy panoramic views of the Medomak river valley.
Winterport Winery, 279 South Main St., Winterport
Creator of award-winning fruit wines. Tasting room open seasonally, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Younity Winery, 317 Albion Road, Unity
Maker of low-sulfite and sulfite-free wines with a seasonal tasting room.
Seasonal pickins
Apples
Bailey’s Orchard, 225 North Hunts Meadow Road, Whitefield
County Fair Farm, 423 Augusta Road, Jefferson
Hardy Farms, 106 Church St., Hope
Hillcrest Orchards, 560 Main Road, Winterport
Hope Orchards, 434 Camden Road, Hope
Littlefield’s Orchard, 2 Littlefield Lane, Burnham
Pleasant Pond Orchard, 430 Brunswick Road, Richmond
Rocky Ridge Orchard, 38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin
School House Farm, 1171 Atlantic Highway, Warren
Schartner Farms, Mountain View Road, Thorndike.
Berries
Sewell Orchard, 259 Masalin Road, Lincolnville. PYO blueberries when there’s an adequate crop.
Staples Homestead, 302 Old County Road, Stockton Springs. Wild organic blueberries for picking.
Spear Farm & Greenhouse, 1384 Atlantic Highway, Warren. Pick-your-own strawberries.
Blueberries On Top, 779 Barrett Hill Road, Union. Pesticide-free u-pick blueberries.
Popp Farm, 151 Popp Road, Dresden. POY strawberries.
Card’s Fruit Farm, 195 John Small Road, Bowdoin. PYO raspberries and blueberries.
Fenimore’s Strawberry Farm, 92 Keay Road, Bowdoin. U-pick strawberries.
The Lobster Fest in Rockland is a traditional cotton-candy fair meets seafood meets Maine-made crafts show. Portland Press Herald file photo.
Fairs, etc.
U.S. Toboggan National Championships, Camden
February event features teams of two, three and four competing for national acclaim on the toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl. Also fireworks, music, food vendors, skiing and snowboarding.
Bath Blarney Days, Bath
For one week each March the city goes “green” with Irish films, a 5K Shamrock Sprint, a St. Patrick’s Day parade, Moonlight Madness at local shops and more.
Wabanaki Arts Festival, Brunswick
Hosted at Bowdoin College by the Native American Students Association each April, this free festival brings together artisans, basketmakers and traditional music from the four Native American tribes in Maine – Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot.
Fisherman’s Festival, Boothbay Harbor
Weekend event features a Miss Shrimp Contest, trap hauling, codfish relay, lobster crate races and the Blessing of the Fleet Memorial Service and boat parade. Takes place in May.
Windjammer Days, Boothbay Harbor
The June 2012 version will be the 50th annual event, featuring waterfront concerts, arts & crafts fair, street parade, antique boat parade and fireworks.
Pirate Rendezvous, Damariscotta
The Mystic Pirates sail into the harbor for a weekend each June and take over the town as they search for lost treasure. Townsfolk can participate in a crew muster, pirate costume contest, treasure hunt and pirate bazaar.
Maine Celtic Celebration, Belfast
July festival celebrates the Celtic heritage of Maine with music, food, games and education, including a parade, 5K road race, bagpipes, food and craft vendors and the U.S. National Cheese Roll Championship.
Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland
Head to the waterfront each August for Maine lobsters, waterfront activities, maritime displays, arts, naval vessels, harbor cruises, entertainment and a parade.
Topsham Fair, Topsham
Agricultural exhibits, animal pulling events, 4-H, crafts, midway and harness racing – always in early August.
Maine Antiques Festival, Union
This August event is Maine’s largest antiques festival with dealers from across the U.S. and Canada offering vintage collectibles and antiques for sale.
Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival, Topsham
The largest one-day Highland Games in New England, with a wide variety of Scottish activities, athletics, pipe band performances, dance competitions and more. Always in August.
Camden Windjammer Festival, Camden
Held in early September, this event celebrates Camden’s maritime heritage from the days when four-, five- and six-masted schooners were launched in the harbor to the elegant yachts that now call Camden home.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta, Damariscotta
Week-long October event features a pumpkin paddle boat relay and pumpkin motor boat regatta, giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin catapulting and chucking, and decorated pumpkins lining Main Street.
Festival of Lights Celebration, Rockland
Santa arrives each November to light the world famous Lobster Trap Tree. Also a parade, cookies & cocoa, gingerbread houses and holiday music.
Harbor Lights Festival, Boothbay Harbor
This December event begins with the Festival of Trees at Boothbay Opera House and also includes the tree lighting, visits with Santa, wagon rides, Christmas fair and craft show.