Boothbay Harbor

Located on the shores of the Midcoast region, Boothbay Harbor is a popular tourist destination. Ocean-view dining opportunities, boutiques (hand-made jewelry, home decor, clothing, gifts, pottery), marinas, art galleries, and souvenir shops line the village streets.

Perhaps the best way to appreciate this seaside town is from the water. Seafaring adventures depart from in-town docks, including windjammer scenic cruises, deep-sea fishing voyages, and whale watching trips.

Visit the Historical Society in Boothbay Harbor and the Museum in Southport to learn about ice cutting and the area's rich ship building culture.

In warm weather, grab scoop of ice cream and relax on one the benches near the water's edge. Did we mention the fresh fudge and salt-water taffy?

There are a number of annual events worth checking out:

The Annual Fisherman's Festival  (late April)
Features Trap hauling, cod fish relay, old - fashioned fish fry, Miss Shrimp Princess Pageant, lobster crate race, and other contests. Location: Main St, Boothbay Harbor. www.boothbayharbor.com.

Annual Windjammer Days Festival (late June)
Full rigged windjammers sail into the harbor. Two fun - filled days of harbor side concerts, fireworks, an antique boat parade, a street parade, games and activities for the children, and plenty of food. Location: Waterfront, Boothbay Harbor. www.boothbayharbor.com.

Annual Harbor Lights Festival  (early December)
Santa and friends arrive by boat, horse drawn wagon rides, craft fair, lighting of the Christmas tree, community caroling and the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade. Times: All day. Location: Downtown Boothbay Harbor. www.boothbayharbor.com.

 

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Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island conjures up so many images that even Mainers who've never been there instantly nod and say "Ah" when you say you're going to the island. They might be thinking of a Jamie Wyeth painting, or a piece by one of the many famous artists who worked or still work on Monhegan. They might be remembering the dispute that lobsterman had over territories with the folks from Friendship. Or they might have heard about the excellent birding that can be done there, and only there, because of its prime spot offshore -- close but not too close.

That might sum up the tenor of the island community. It's close enough so that a year-round population has managed to survive and persevere for at least 100 years. About 75 people live there

year-round. The islanders aren't isolated; they know what's going on, their kids go away to college, they have electricity and telephone lines. But it's not so close that anyone can just decide to live there. It's about 12 miles offshore and winter nights are long and windy. Like many of Maine's island communities, Monhegan struggles to find a balance between the need to attract tourism and the desire to have some privacy.

More about Monhegan Island >