6 Time-Capsule Towns in Maine
Small-town Maine deserves more recognition for its place in the formation of the country, and it is home to many stunning landmarks. It is every bit as impressive in its rugged wilderness as it is for its downtown historic districts, and several of its towns have preserved their buildings and their original architecture. Walking along these ancient streets, reminiscent of a time capsule, it is easy to imagine the lives of those who set the cobblestones in place. Between its roots and its rural and rugged charm, visitors to this longstanding state will enjoy it in every facet and will find plenty of untouched history to appreciate.
Lewiston
First settled in 1760, Lewiston was once a farming community along the banks of the Androscoggin River. It bloomed into an industrial center by the mid-1800s, and since then has retained a steady population and honored its own past in the process. Some of the most beautiful original architecture is still on display in its most historic buildings, such as the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which dates back to 1870, and Bates College, a neoclassical, colonial, and gothic masterpiece that has been a proud educational center since 1855.
Not to be outdone, the modern attractions, such as Baxter Brewing Company, give visitors even more to enjoy. Above all, though, Lewiston is an old town that has kept some of its most integral and important buildings in pride of place since their construction.
Wiscasset
Historic enough that most of its downtown is on the National Register of Historic Buildings, Wiscasset “remains essentially intact,” according to the town website. Many of its buildings are original from the 17th or 18th centuries, which means those who visit can appreciate its bloom as a shipping town along the Sheepscot River while simultaneously admiring the architecture of the elegant brick Lincoln County Courthouse (the longest continuously operating courthouse in the state); the Old Jail, which operated until the 1950s; and the Sunken Garden, created over a hundred years ago in the burned-out remains of an old hotel.
Even more historic than the town is the wilderness around it: visitors can appreciate the untamed beauty of the Sortwell Forest, which borders the town itself and boasts acres of trails suitable for hiking, walking, or biking.
Kennebunkport
Incorporated in 1653, Kennebunkport has always been a popular destination for travellers. It has two beaches to visit: Goose Rocks Beach, which is three miles long and features stunning ocean and island views; and Colony Beach, which is smaller and more private. The coastline along the languid Colony Beach is a perfect place to watch boats come and go from the nearby marina.
The town center sprawls in and around Dock Square. The heart of the town, Dock Square, is home to local shops like Dock Square Emporium, boasting a collection of unique items, and Beach Grass, a gift shop highlighting local artists in an array of nautical-themed goods.
Once a hotbed of shipbuilding and trade along the Kennebunk River, the town of Kennebunkport is just as thriving today as it was in its nascency.
Castine
Considered one of the oldest towns in New England, Castine is a charming community. Some historic sites include the Castine Inn, overlooking the Penobscot Bay, which is a quaint cream-colored building built in 1898, surrounded by a wraparound porch and featuring a mural that spans the entire length of the dining room.
The Inn is located at one end of Main Street, while at the other, shops and restaurants take center stage. The Breeze & Castine Variety is a great lunch locale serving the famous East Coast lobster roll, while at the water's edge, Dennett's at the Wharf is a popular dinner destination. Every bit as charming as it was when built centuries ago, Castine's unchanged shops and historic buildings lend themselves to the aura of a still-thriving coastal village that has endured for generations, and will continue for generations more.
Bath
Like the waterfront town of Castine, Bath is also rooted in a nautical past. Striving to combine its past with the present, many of its local attractions center on the preservation and promotion of the town's history. The Maine Maritime Museum, for example, showcases the evolution of regional watercraft over the years, as well as the beginnings of the lobster industry along the Maine Coast.
Another local favourite is The Virginia, reported to be Maine's first ship. Built in 1607, the vessel nowadays is a popular tourist destination. Even offering excursions on the ship, people on board The Virginia can learn about local craftsmanship and the history of shipbuilding in Bath and Maine.
Searsport
Searsport is rich in history, small-town warmth, and natural beauty. Emphasizing its own maritime heritage and scenic views of the Penobscot Bay, many of its oldest attractions are based around its roots as a port town. Settled in the 1760s, Searsport, in its heyday, had 17 shipyards.
The Penobscot Marine Museum showcases this history as well as natural regional formations around the town that are still enjoyed today, such as Moose Point State Park, a recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay, and Sears Island, at the top of the Bay, which is uninhabited and undeveloped but home to several species of birds, mammals, fish, and flora. Vehicles are prohibited on the island, but tourists are welcome to explore on foot or by bike if they choose.
Explore Historic Maine
With towns reaching back to the 1600s and miles of untamed coastline between them, the state of Maine is much the same today as it was hundreds of years ago. It is so untouched in parts that walking in port towns like Bath, home of the state's oldest ship, or along the streets of Wiscasset and its historic, unchanged downtown, visitors can easily convince themselves they have jumped through time. Enjoy untouched beaches and beautiful architecture, because the main street of a small town is one of the best-preserved historical sites in the country.
