12 Storybook Towns In Maine
Maine is one of the earliest European-settled regions in the United States, a legacy still visible in the streets and histories of its storybook towns. Towns like Wiscasset offer countless options for historical recreation, from historic houses to an English-style old fort. Another community, Ogunquit, is home to multiple art museums and its own art colony. Other towns even house places like a troll-filled botanical garden, giving them a signature fairytale feel.
Wiscasset
Wiscasset blends its natural surroundings with historic architecture. The town is neatly concealed by the bend of a river, and once you approach, your first glimpse of the town is Castle Tucker, which sits above the rest of the village. This structure isn’t a castle in truth, but it is still an imposing and magical-feeling building. It was built by Silas Lee in 1807 and consists of one large central building with two rounded bays, one at either side. The buildings' furnishings are Victorian, as the Tucker family restored and furnished the building in 1858.
If you want to take an even closer look at the history of the region, stop by the Fort Edgecomb State Historic Site on Davis Island. This fort was built in 1809 during the lead-up to the war of 1812 and increasing tension with England and its nearby Canadian colonies. While exploring the history of the fort, take a look out of the old musket ports for a stunning view of the river.
Castle Tucker isn’t the only historic building you’ll see in Wiscasset. Visitors can also see the Federal-style Nickels-Sortwell House. This home was constructed by William Nickels, a shipping magnate, in 1807. The building served as a tavern for many years after Nickels lost his fortune during Thomas Jefferson’s Embargo. The building was restored to its colonial style in 1899 by Alvin Sortwell.
Stonington
Stonington sits on the south end of Deer Isle and is often referred to as the gateway to the Merchant’s Row archipelago. The region is close to the ocean and covered with coniferous forest, filling the air with a scent of salt and pine. Hikers can enjoy the trails at Settlement Quarry. There are several different areas through which to trek, with access to the woods, the quarry’s historic structures, Webb Cove, Merchant Row, Isle Au Haut, and even Camden Hills.
The ocean view is beautiful in town, and you see the shore from downtown. While you’re there, stop by Dog Watch Cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the sea breeze. Be sure to also taste the fresh lobster and seafood while in town. Noah's is a great spot to stop in for some authentic New England comfort food.
If you want a taste of the region’s history, stop by one of the many historic sites, including the Sellers House, a house from the 1830s that offers a look at what village life looked like in the 1800s.
Ogunquit
Ogunquit lies at the intersection of the Ogunquit River and the Atlantic Ocean. The town's surrounding nature and historic streets create a peaceful atmosphere and help tell the story of its rich history. Visitors can explore the parkland of the Dorothea Jacob Grant Common to take in the scenery and the town’s history.
While there, stop by the Winn House, an 18th-century home named after Captain James Winn. the home is thought to have been built around 1780, most likely by James Winn Sr., and there is also evidence to suggest a restoration in the early 1800s. The Ogunquit Heritage Museum is also a great place for history buffs. This museum is brimming with artifacts and exhibits highlighting the town's fishing and lobstering heritage.
The town is also a great place for those who appreciate art and artists. The Ogunquit art colony has been around since the late 1800s, and much of it can be found displayed at Barn Gallery. This gallery hosts exhibits of local artists, all working in various mediums. It isn’t the only gallery in town, either. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is another great place to visit. This art museum boasts a large permanent collection of American paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs from the late 1800s to the present.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport lives on the ocean, bordering both the Atlantic and the Kennebunk River. One of the town’s claims to fame is its role as the Bush family's primary summer vacation spot. The town, as a result, acted as a sort of summer residence for two of America’s past presidents.
While in town, visit the town's historic district, anchored by the historical society. The historical society also offers tours of its building, an 1853 Greek Revival mansion. Dock Square is ideal for street shopping, with several boutiques and galleries to stop into. After your afternoon stroll, have dinner at Alisson's Restaurant for down-to-earth New England seafood.
You can also enjoy a day in the sun, swimming or surfing at Gooch's Beach, a sandy beach perfect for an ocean adventure or building sandcastles with the kids. While near the oceanfront, take a tour of the Goat Island Lighthouse or walk to the overlook near Walker's Point for the perfect view of the sunset.
Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is in southern Maine and sits on a peninsula between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. The town offers countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and is rich with art.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are a fantastic way to spend an afternoon outside. The gardens feature Guardians of the Seeds, a collection of recycled-wood troll sculptures by famed Danish artist Thomas Dambo. These sculptures live in the woods and create an almost fairy-tale-like experience as you walk through. The gardens are also home to Slater Forest Pond, a beautiful pond surrounded by native shrubs and trees and home to frogs, minnows, and dragonflies.
Kids of all ages can also enjoy the Gulf of Maine Discovery Center, an interactive marine education center with hands-on exhibits and displays that bring visitors closer to ocean life. If you’re looking for more educational experiences, you can also take a Museum in the Streets walking tour to see all the town has to offer while learning about historically significant sites and the role they played in building Boothbay Harbor into what it is today.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a coastal town situated on Mount Desert Island’s northeastern shore in Hancock County. The town is also at the base of the 1,530-foot-tall Cadillac Mountain. Renamed Bar Harbor in 1918, the town was originally called Town of Eden when it was founded in 1796. Its current name came from the sandbar that becomes visible during low tide.
The town is a popular getaway destination for many, with its peak tourist season landing between May and October. One of the major draws for visitors is the town's close proximity to Acadia National Park. The national park offers tourists ample hiking trails and access to outdoor adventure, including rock climbing, kayaking, and even horseback riding.
In addition to the biking trails in the national park, Bar Harbor also attracts many cyclists as the terminal for both the Adventure Cycling Association’s Northern Tier Bicycle Route and the Atlantic Coast Bicycle Route. If you are more interested in marine wildlife, then you can also stop by Bar Harbor’s marina to book a nature cruise. This offers you the perfect chance to spot local animals or just enjoy the ocean scenery.
York
York calls the Gulf of Maine home and sits at the mouth of the York River. The town is beautifully preserved, and many original buildings still stand, bringing the town a storybook-like old-time feel. One such building is the Old Gaol. This building features a red clapboard façade and was once Maine’s first prison.
Another historic site in town is the Emerson-Wilcox House. This building has been many things over the years: a tavern, a general store, and even a post office. It is over 250 years old, and its most recent purposes were as a home and now as a museum featuring 10 different rooms from 10 different periods between 1750 and 1850.
The Donnell-Hancock Warehouse is the last colonial period commercial building remaining on the York river. It was constructed in the mid-18th century by a ferry owner and chair manufacturer to store goods before they were shipped around the world. Today, the historic building gives visitors hands-on insight into the history of colonial Maine.
Camden
Camden is a beautiful small town on Penobscot Bay, also sometimes referred to as where the "mountains meet the sea." The town is a popular weekend destination thanks to its beautiful scenery and lively downtown. While visiting, stop by the town’s historic opera house for a show. The venue still hosts a variety of live performances, including ballet, musical theater, and, of course, opera.
If you appreciate documentaries, you might want to visit during the annual Camden International Film Festival. CIFF takes place every September and also features filmmaker Q&As, interactive installations, and networking sessions. If you want to enjoy some of the town’s famous scenery, visit Camden Hills State Park. The park gives visitors the perfect spot for camping alongside many stunning hiking trails.
Castine
Castine, Maine, is one of the oldest towns in New England and lies in Penobscot Bay, just about 130 miles north of the city of Portland. The town itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's preserved historic sites, parks, and harbor give it an old-world New England feel that is distinct and welcoming.
One way to dip your toes into the town’s 400-year history is to take a walking tour with the Castine Historical Society. Step into the past and explore the sites, learning all there is to know about each of the town’s many historical markers. You can also visit the Wilson Museum for even more historical exploration. The museum boasts million-year-old fossils, Bagaduce River horseshoe crabs, tools of early humans, and of course, many artifacts related to Castine’s own local history. Be sure to also visit the seaside while in town. Some days, there are even live concerts on the town pier, ideal for a summer’s evening out.
Rockland
Rockland is Knox County’s administrative center and is located on the western shores of Penobscot Bay. The town is well known for its harbor, which remains fully functioning to this day, as well as its stunning and rugged shoreline. As the region's commercial center, Rockland gets many visitors each year, and its downtown area has many shops, specialty stores, art galleries, and restaurants for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Local restaurants offer various kinds of food, including traditional New England favorites and more modern fine dining. Visitors can stop by Rustica Cucina Italiana for handmade pasta or Sammy's Deluxe for seasonal seafood. Visitors can also stop by the Center for Maine Contemporary Art to enjoy exhibitions, paintings, and cutting-edge installations by Maine-based artists. The Farnsworth Art Museum also features work by many renowned American artists.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard beach is often nicknamed “The Garden by the Sea." Its most famous attraction is its beach, the spotless sand along Saco Bay, making the town an ideal resort location. This seven-mile-long beach actually encompasses three towns, the other two being Scarborough and Saco. The beachfront properties and bed and breakfasts make for a wondrous summer getaway in the heart of New England. The wooden beach pier is lined with souvenir shops, bars, and spots to stop for a bite to eat.
Visitors can also enjoy Palace Playland. This is a seasonal amusement park that includes a 24,000-square-foot arcade and a Ferris wheel, alongside around 25 other amusement rides. If you want to go on a sailing adventure, check out Broad Reach Adventures. These tours offer visitors a hands-on, intimate sailing experience around Saco Bay.
Damariscotta
Damariscotta has been called “The Oyster Capital of New England,” and it's easy to see why. This town is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of seafood along with immersive history lessons. The town has grown in popularity as a destination in recent years, maybe because of its New England Charm, maybe because of its fresh Pemaquid oysters.
The town is also home to several landmark properties that capture Federal, Italianate, and Greek Revival architectural styles. One such property is Chapman-Hall House, the town’s oldest building, built in 1754. The house is cared for by the Lincoln County Historical Association, and you can take a tour of the house on weekends from early June until mid-October. The Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site allows visitors to wander through a historic apple orchard while learning the history of the ancient shell heap that once covered the region’s shoreline. The beautiful area is also a great place for a picnic by the river.
If you are one of the many visitors in town for the oysters, be sure to visit during the annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival. This festival celebrates the oyster farms of the Damariscotta river region and is typically held in September.
Storybook Maine Towns
Maine is a state rich with history and delicious, fresh seafood. Its small towns reflect the region's New England roots and display its history in their preserved architecture, their ample museums, and their dedication to continuing the culture. Visitors can feel this history whether they are exploring old buildings, walking a pier, or having a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants serving New England classics. The towns on this list put their storybook charm front and center, and their downtowns and beachfronts offer visitors a style and a vibe that seems lifted from the pages of one of their favorite books.
