10 Stress-Free Maine Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Coastal states have a great deal of beauty to them, and The Pine Tree State, which is Maine, is no exception. Craggy coastlines, scenic waterways, thick forests, and beautiful peaks are scattered throughout this state that blend perfectly with the numerous towns to visit. Although towns like Portland and Bar Harbor get a lot of traffic, other parts of Maine are just as stunning and far more relaxing to visit.

For those who want to avoid the massive crowds, enjoy the coastal air at your own pace, and relax to the fullest over the weekend, consider checking out the following locations.

Rockport

Rockport is situated in the heart of coastal Maine and has a lot going for it in its small-town charms, various souvenir shops, art galleries, and outdoor activities. The Samoset Resort is one of Kennebunkport's prime hotels for a weekend getaway that will keep you close to everything.

As for main attractions, some of those activities include golfing by the ocean at the Samoset Resort Golf Club. For a more unique experience, visiting the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship can give you courses in furniture making and related skills. All of this is on top of the numerous outdoor activities like skiing, birdwatching, hiking, and sailing. If you do decide to indulge in that, swing by Rockport Marine Park to see an Andre the Seal monument in honor of Andre being a guest of Rockport for 20 years.

Old Orchard Beach

Considered to be one of the more popular seaside resorts in Southern Maine's York County, Old Orchard Beach is still a stress-free experience when everything you could ever want is nearby the main attraction: 7 miles of pristine sandy beach with surrounding attractions, shops, and more. To get the most direct oceanfront accommodations, staying at the Abellona Inn & Suites on York Street is ideal.

Aside from the beach, other attractions include a pirate-themed mini-golf course in Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf that offers two 18-hole courses for expert golfers and children in mind, as well as Palace Playland, which is a seasonal amusement park with a Ferris wheel, 25 amusement rides, and a 24,000 square-foot arcade. The wooden Beach Pier is also another prime area that is lined with souvenir shops, bars, and eateries.

Blue Hill

Located at the opening to the Mount Desert Narrows, Blue Hill offers wonderful views of the ocean and the surrounding coastal hills—hence the town name of Blue Hill. All in all, it's a hiker's paradise with ample outdoor activities and a nice blend of things to do in town for a weekend getaway. The Blue Hill Inn is ideal with two kitchens available for cooking and old-fashioned and comfortable rooms.

For those wanting to hike, there is no shortage of trails where you can soak up the Blue Hills' natural beauty. The Blue Hill Mountain Osgood Trail is a beautifully maintained trail with some rocky areas, but it takes you up along the Blue Hill Mountain. Reaching the top will make the trip all the more worthwhile. For hikers seeking a challenge, the Blue Hill Mountain Hayes & Service Trail is the best pick. It's similar to the Osgood Trail but involves stone steps and passes through older growth trees.

In town there is a good selection of things to do, with a few bookstores, a gift shop, and an art gallery. Visiting that aforementioned art gallery, Cynthia Winings Gallery, is an experience, as it's housed in what used to be a barn. That aside, the art media on display show Maine landscapes or abstract pieces that art lovers will enjoy.

Belfast

Not to be confused with the small town of Belfast, Prince Edward Island, the one in Maine is a charming town that has a lot to offer. That much is clear, as its downtown is a national Main Street designation, meaning Main Street America officially recognizes Belfast for its commitment to developing its downtown area. Staying at the Belfast Harbor Inn is one of the best ways to see why.

The town of Belfast has a lot to offer in terms of activities, but some of them include the Waterfall Arts, which is a comprehensive community arts center for any art lover to enjoy. For the outdoor adventurers, the DoryWoman Rowing experience will take you on a wooden boat through the Belfast Bay and the Passagassawakeag River. And for food, a unique culinary experience awaits you at Fon's Kitchen, which offers a taste of Thailand in Maine.

Rangeley

Renowned for its four-season destination, the town of Rangeley is an adaptable but still beautiful town to visit that offers plenty of activities to do, so you don't have to stress about it. A central and ideal place to stay would be the Rangeley Saddleback Inn, which is located near several of the region's recreational attractions.

Overall, Rangeley has no shortage of outdoor activities for those who want to experience the outdoors to the fullest. Golfers have the choice between Mingo Springs Golf Course and Evergreen Golf Club. Meanwhile, the Rangeley Lakes Region makes it prime for every water-based activity you can think of during the spring and summertime, as well as several ice- and snow-related activities in the winter. Within town, the Rangeley Friends of the Arts offers popular and classic musicals, dramas, and comedies all year round. There's also the Outdoor Heritage Museum for those who are interested in history, which shares the unique history that made the Rangeley region one of the premier outdoor spots.

Kennebunkport

One of Maine's wealthiest communities, Kennebunkport, is a summer haven for the affluent class that still has a small-town charm to it, especially if you visit any other time than the summer. You can browse through all kinds of souvenir shops, art galleries, and boutiques, and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Take your pick of any of the plentiful and often luxurious hotels, like the Kennebunkport Inn, and get ready for a stress-free weekend.

Kennebunkport clearly offers style in its hospitality, but that also extends into its activities. The Maine Foodie Tours is a good example of this, as you get to sample the various locally made foods and beverages through a relaxing and seasonal walking tour. Another iconic walking tour is the Museum in the Streets, which shares local historic sites and stories, events, and traditions in Kennebunk. For outdoor adventures, the beaches and rivers offer opportunities to kayak through their Kayak Excursions. You can also consider whale watching or deep-sea fishing too if you want to avoid the beach-going crowds too.

Brunswick

A designated Main Street Community, Brunswick is a college town with a vibrant community and plenty of favorite places to shop, dine, and enjoy stress-free. For some casual lodging, The Brunswick Hotel and Tavern is a good two-for-one, as it offers excellent lodging and has one of the most popular restaurants in Brunswick.

As for things to do, the Maine State Music Theatre is worth considering for some Broadway-quality performances. Otherwise, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is just one of the nine art museums to browse through and appreciate. Lastly, the Tontine Mall is a central area that makes shopping fun to experience. It even has its own cinema, the Evening Star Cinema.

Camden

Considered by some to be the Jewel of the Maine Coast, Camden is an iconic resort town filled with affluent families. That much is clear with the sprawling estates and mansions. But despite all the wealth of this town, Camden is riddled with locally owned shops, a walkable downtown and harbor business district, and plenty of activities that you can enjoy regardless of the season. To get the most out of the experience, The Belmont Inn is a historic bed and breakfast and a favourite for travellers.

For the adventurous types, Equinox Guiding Service will take you rock or ice climbing in the area. The Camden Public Library has been serving as an anchor for the community for a long time and has a treasure trove of books to pick out and read. Check some out, and you've got an excuse to visit Camden in a few weeks. And if you visit during prime sailing conditions, hopping aboard the Schooner Surprise will let you experience Camden's waters and soak up more of its coastal beauty.

Stonington

If you're a fan of lobster, then Stonington is the place to be as the state's largest lobster port. That aside, it's a pleasant waterfront town to be in with winding streets, 19th-century buildings in the downtown district, and serving as the gateway to the Merchant's Row archipelago, one of the largest clusters of islands in the country. Staying at the Inn on the Harbor will give you a fantastic view of the working waterfront while you visit.

For things to do, there is a wide variety of forest trails, such as Barred Island Preserve, which leads to a beach during low tide to explore. In town, there is the Deer Isle Artisans Market, which is filled with handcrafted gifts of all kinds. Otherwise, the Opera House Arts has year-round professional and community theatre, film, music, and dance shows to enjoy.

Damariscotta

Regarded as a favorite for Mid-Coast Maine residents for decades, Damariscotta draws in families with its family-friendly activities, coastal charm, and oysters. If you plan to stay here, a prime place to stay is the Newcastle Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Autumn time features the annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival in the area, which has food, displays, music, and an oyster-shucking competition. Other related oyster activities involve a guided oyster ecology tour from Midcoast Kayak, among others. You can also enjoy the view of various grand mansions from Damariscotta and Newcastle, two towns that are separated by a single bridge over the Damariscotta River. Wandering through the towns is an experience where you can see the Lincoln Theatre and several local stores to browse the day away.

From the hiking through the Blue Hill trails to the beauty of Rangeley and its outdoor fun, Maine offers a lot of beautiful scenery and enough places that are off the traditional coastal tourist towns that are waiting to be explored. If you want to unwind and experience something different, Maine has plenty of unique towns that can create some unforgettable experiences.