7 Maine Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
Take a journey to the upper northeastern corner of the United States. Sharing borders with Canada, New Hampshire, and the Atlantic Ocean, Maine is a natural paradise boasting striking fall foliage, a pristine coastline, lush forests, and sky-high mountains. Maine is home to the iconic Appalachian Trail, the beauty of Acadia National Park, and Mount Katahdin. Venture up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in Hancock County, and one of the first places to see the sunrise in the country. After exploring all the natural wonders, hidden among all the beauty, await plenty of small towns with unmatched friendliness.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England town with a maritime lifestyle, a packed events calendar, and a welcoming community. Join the crowd in June for the Maine Ocean Festival at the Oceanarium. Thrilling for all ages, the extensive list of things to do includes marine-themed crafts, STEAM activities, a performance by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, and guest speakers. Count thousands of stars in September at the annual Acadia Night Sky Festival. The event attracts tourists, astronomers, and stargazers from all over and is the perfect way to start the fall season.
A trip to Bar Harbor is not complete without enveloping yourself in endless wilderness, and Acadia National Park is a phenomenal spot to do so. Climb Cadillac Mountain to be one of the first in the country to see the sunrise. From intense treks to peaceful strolls, explore around 158 miles of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. Get close to the rushing waters with a Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. cruise. The boat ride provides an incredible opportunity to spot Maine's wildlife in its natural element. Say hello to the adorable puffins or watch the majestic whales glide alongside.
Freeport
Set along the striking shores of Casco Bay, Freeport is a haven for shopping. The town earned its spot on the map as the birthplace of the iconic retailer LL Bean. Take a photo with the Bean Boot outside of the Flagship store and then get ready to browse for hours. Purchase high-quality outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories in every color imaginable. Continue indulging in retail therapy at the Freeport Shopping Outlets. Treat the kids to a new outfit from Carter's, grab a new pair of shades from Sunglass Hut, and finish with some chocolate from the Lindt store.
Throughout the year, Freeport hosts many intriguing events, encouraging visitors to come back again. Nothing says waterfront living quite like delicious seafood straight from the source. The Maine Oyster Festival, every June, is a massive feast of the finest coastal eats. Take a tour of oyster farms, learn how to shuck, meet the farmers, and revel in a world-class culinary experience. Kick off the fall season with the Freeport Fall Festival, a three-day, jam-packed event. Dance to the live music, check out creations from local artists, and take home a taste of Maine from the food vendors.
Bethel
Tucked away in the White Mountain Range, Bethel boasts a picture-perfect landscape in all seasons. The best way to immerse in Bethel's natural beauty is on horseback. Just a short drive from Bethel, ride through the mountainscape at Deepwood Farm. Whether riding through the snow, fiery fall foliage, or warm summer breeze, the trail rides are a tranquil journey.
Each season is filled with festivities that light up Bethel with smiles and friendly faces. July marks the annual Summerfest. Previous exciting feats include a parade, wildlife encounters, craft vendors, fireworks, and museum exhibits. Have a Hallmark-style fall season at the Bethel Harvestfest. Past activities include apple picking, an apple pie contest, horse-drawn wagon rides, chainsaw carving demonstrations, and a farmer's market. Watch as Bethel turns into a winter wonderland at Winterfest. Warm up with a hot chocolate or soup, meet Santa, and listen to the Bethel High School Choirs.
Presque Isle
Located roughly 30 minutes from the New Brunswick border, Presque Isle has a magazine-worthy countryside, flowing lakes, and a hospitable atmosphere. The Northern Maine Fair marks the height of summer and nicely encapsulates rural life. Stay for the weekend for the horse show, pie contest, monster truck rides, beef auction, and hearty food vendors. Stick around for the first Saturday in December for the Holiday Light Parade. Watch the excitement down Main Street and see the final winners of the Best Parade Floats.
Presque Isle has a wide selection of dining options for all preferences. Governor's Restaurant and Bakery is a local hotspot. Typically held in June, Lobster Roll Day is a delicious event not to be missed. Call ahead and dig into some of Maine's best seafood. Stay for dessert and finish off with a sweet ending, such as a giant cake slice or pie like grandma makes. Teresa's Corner Cafe & Bakery is another spot where residents rave about the Lobster Rolls. The rustic eatery also offers a delectable menu of wraps, soups, muffins, cookies, and other familiar favorites.
Farmington
As the name suggests, Farmington has a long-time agricultural heritage. Established in 1794, the town has an intriguing history and a stunning old-timey downtown. Nordica Homestead Museum is a must-see when in the area. From old Coca-Cola memorabilia to vintage Tiffany jewelry, dinnerware, and remarkable gowns, the collection is one-of-a-kind. Afterward, take a short 5-minute drive and head to Main Street. Cozy up and get comfortable at Java Joe's Corner Cafe, offering appetizing sandwiches and locally roasted and brewed coffees.
Throughout the year, Farmington always has something happening. Feel like a part of the family at the Maine Fiddlehead Festival. For three days, enjoy a buffet-style feast and try local culinary delights. Learn to take home a taste of Maine with the on-site cooking demonstrations. Do not forget to check out the vendors and purchase produce directly from the farmers. Energetic and fun-loving, the Farmington Fair has been a notable annual extravaganza since 1840. Events include a poultry and goat show, steer and oxen pull, pie-eating contest, barrel racing, and a midway.
Damariscotta
Damariscotta is a coastal beauty along the shores of the Damariscotta River. The tiny town is known for its oysters. Dive into the fascinating world of these majestic sea creatures with Damariscotta River Cruises. Take a journey on a two-hour boat tour and see the farm-to-table process. During the tour, try the famous oysters and pair them with Maine craft beer, wine, and cocktails.
Visitors who would prefer to eat and drink without the swaying of a boat should head to King Elder's Pub, a local gathering spot. Historical and magical, the building has served the area for over 100 years, wearing many hats as different establishments. Fresh seafood always hits the spot, especially when locally sourced. Try the New England crab cakes, mussels, and the famous oysters.
Make some new friends at one of Damariscotta's events. Each October, see massive decorated pumpkins at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the fall. Past events include a giant pumpkin parade, a pumpkin pie eating contest, a kids' pumpkin hunt, and a pumpkin dessert contest. The holiday season lights up the town with the annual Villages of Light festival on Thanksgiving weekend. Wave to Santa Claus at the parade, followed by a lineup of elves, dancers, fire trucks, and other decorated floats. Kids will love the cookies and crafts at the Skidompha Library.
Blue Hill
Blue Hill is another legendary Maine harbor town. Surrounded by waterfront views and a rugged backdrop, Blue Hill attracts nature lovers and those looking to get active outdoors. Grab a camera and a good pair of shoes and hike up Blue Hill Mountain for panoramic views of the area. Test your skills on the challenging Hayes Trail or bask in an easy stroll through the forest on the Osgood Trail. Kids and kids at heart will go nuts for the Blue Hill Fairy Tale. Watch the forest come to life with enchanting wood carvings, mushrooms, and hand-crafted signs.
Immersed in arts and culture, Blue Hill hosts many events to capture the wonderful world of creativity. Become a master of written works at Word, the Blue Hill Literary Arts Festival. Sign up for a writing workshop to learn from the best or take part in the writing contest. Engage in the classics at the Blue Hill Bach Festival. Commemorate the musicians who started it all and relish performances featuring music by Bach, Vivaldi, Purcell, and Monteverdi. This celebration of the fine arts is moving and memorable.
Feel the Warmest Welcome in Maine
Maine is the essence of classic New England, with many towns brimming with nautical heritage and painted with a diverse landscape. Join the year-round celebrations where residents are waiting to say hello. Get a new wardrobe in Freeport's shopping heaven or lounge on the waterfront in Bar Harbor. Explore the fairytale forest in Blue Hill or see larger-than-life pumpkins at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta. Farmington brings culinary masterpieces to the area with its Maine Fiddlehead Festival and the nostalgic Farmington Fair. Dig into the famous lobster rolls in Presque Isle or ride through the mountains in Bethel. Maine has the perfect atmosphere that feels like family.
