When visiting New England, many come in search or small, quaint harbor towns. While places like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have their places, if you are looking for something a bit more unique in an New England experience, then be certain to look into, and consider, a visit to one of Maine’s many beautiful Harbor Towns.
Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Located in Midcoast, Maine, Boothbay Harbor is about an hour and a half from the Portland area, and the Jetport. Whether you choose to rent a cottage, stay at a motel overlooking the harbor, or at a B&B;, you have a myriad of choices in lodging and prices ranges when you visit Boothbay Harbor. This tiny spot offers numerous shopping experiences, from the more tourist type of shops, to clothing and jewelry. The Coastal Maine Popcorn Company is a great place to pick up a gourmet treat. If you are a woman left alone by a husband out on a fishing trip, pamper yourself at Aura Salon and be certain to ask for Rachael.
Dining experiences in Boothbay Harbor, Maine are as diverse as the lodging options. Andrew’s Harborside Restaurant is a reliable choice with reasonable prices, and you can’t go wrong by dining at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn. However, do check out some of the more out of the way restaurants, too. From casual to more formal, from lobster to pizza, there is an eatery in Boothbay Harbor, Maine to suit your tastes and budget.
While enjoying your stay in Boothbay Harbor, be certain don’t forget to take a whale watching trip with Cap’n Fish Boat Tours. Boothbay Harbor, Maine is also only an hour north of Freeport, Maine, home of LLBean and numerous outlet stores. For more information, go to www.boothbayharbor.com.
Rockland, Maine
Drive up the midcoast farther north and you’ll come to often overlooked Rockland, Maine, home to the annual lobster festival, held in July. Rockland, Maine overlooks a bit of Penobscot Bay and is decorated with marinas galore. Accommodations are available on the water in downtown at the Trade Winds Motor Inn, or at the more rustic Ledges Motel and Cabins, right outside of town., Certainly B&B;’s abound and there is a motel, inn or cabin setting in your price range. New England and B&B;’s go hand in hand.
The downtown area features many diverse shops and restaurants. The Grasshopper Shop is a delight, full of clothing and anything else a woman might like. Cafe Miranda restaurant offers classic fare and the Brown Bag Restaurant is a great place for lunch. There are many choices, including Pizza hut, Burger King, and Mickey D’s, giving you numerous money saving options. Movie theater’s are close by, too. Rockland is just a hop, skip and a jump from Camden, Maine and all it has to offer, but is less crowded.
Camden, Maine
Keep heading north on Rt. 1 and you’ll run right into Camden, Maine. Camden, Maine is the quintessential, quaint, New England harbor town. Also on Penobscot Bay, Camden lodging offer some superb views of the bay, as well as nearby Mount Battie. The Camden Harbor Inn is an indulgent, luxurious choice, and The Blackberry Inn will delight. More modest, budget conscious accommodations, such as The Birchwoods offer the traveler a wide range of choices.
After climbing Mount Battie to get the most gorgeous view of the bay available, you will be hungry. Camden promises a food for every mood. If it’s seafood that you’re after, then Cappy’s Chowder House will titillate your taste buds. More worldly wise cuisine is to be found at several cafes and bistros. Eat to your heart is content with the many choices.
Camden is located in an area that is within an easy drive to Searsport and Belfast, Maine, known as a stretch of Maine and New England that is an antique lovers delight. To find out more, go to: www.camdenme.org
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine is a tourist mecca with a lot to offer. Shopping abounds, as does beautiful scenery. Accommodations are available in all types and price ranges, from private rental homes, to cottages and hotels and motels. The Bar Harbor Inn is a lovely favorite, but often booked. A Days Inn is located in Bar Harbor, and the Anchorage Inn promises clean, inexpensive, yet well located rooms.
When it comes to dining, the sky is the limit. Stewman’s Lobster Pound offers an authentic lobster eating experience. Prepare to get your hands messy. The Waterfront, Club Dining Room is an upscale eating option, while the West Street Cafe has more down home fare. For a complete listing, check out : www.barharborinfo.com.
If you’ve taken the time to make it all of the way to Bar Harbor, Maine then don’t miss a quick trip to Nova Scotia. Go for a day or overnight. The high speed Cat ferry will get you there and back in no time. With so many harbor towns in New England to explore, please consider some of the many offering in Maine, where you will find New England harbor towns at their best.
