9 Stunning Small Towns In Maine
Any traveler of Maine has no doubt seen the sign in Wiscasset declaring itself as "The Prettiest Village in Maine." It's such a bold claim that you may have considered checking for yourself to ensure it is as beautiful as they claim, and you won't be disappointed. Not only is Wiscasset one of the most scenic, but Maine's many other small towns are arguably just as stunning. Camden and Kennebunkport's harbors will make you feel like you have stepped back in time, and in Castine, you can view Penobscot Bay on the water with Castine Kayak Adventures. You will have to visit these small towns in Maine to see for yourself how stunning they really are.
Camden
If you can only go to one small town in Maine, let it be this one: Camden. From the harbor to its popular lobster rolls and the Village Green, Camden is everything Maine. Perfectly packaged in a small town that shows how special Maine really is.
With the town resting on the Penobscot Bay, there is a perfect opportunity to sail through it on the elegant Schooner Surprise. Alternatively, to get a bird's-eye view and experience nature to the fullest, you can consider Equinox Guiding Service. They are AMGA-certified climbing guides who lead rock, ice, and mountain climbing all across Maine.
In town, the French & Brawn Marketplace is a good place to stock up on supplies and grab a bite to eat. Everything from deli and baked goods to fresh produce, quality meats and seafood, and beers and wines is available. And if you have been out on the water or taking in the sights for too long, a good place to dine out while taking in the view is Peter Ott's On The Water. As the name suggests, the restaurant is on the water and thus closes during the winter. That said, visit during any other season, and you will be treated to pub dishes with maritime twists. All the ingredients are fresh from the waters, too, making the dining experience all the fresher.
Damariscotta
Probably one of Maine's best-kept secrets, Damariscotta is your picture-perfect town by the Damariscotta River. Everything is in scale, with the town being the perfect fit to explore and experience.
The downtown district has a variety of stores jam-packed with personality and charm. One notable one is the River House, a farm-to-table restaurant located right on the Damariscotta River. Their main mission is sustainability and supporting local food and farmers, and that goal has made them a pretty popular coastal eatery. So be sure to plan ahead and reserve a seat if you plan to go there. Another local favorite is The Lobster Haul, arguably the place that provides the freshest lobster, crab, and clams in Midcoast Maine. If you are a seafood fan, pick some up and enjoy delicious lobster rolls.
Getting the full view of Damariscotta's beauty, though, you will need to travel further out. Fortunately, that is easy to do with Damariscotta River Cruises, which brings you along the rivers to explore the Oyster Capital of Maine.
Blue Hill
Sheltered harbors, lighthouses, and stunning islands, the Blue Hill Peninsula is one of those unforgettable places that, if you visit once, you will want to visit again. Secluded nature preserves and timeless villages dotting this area make it all the more stunning to explore, too. Naturally, the peninsula's namesake, Blue Hill, is one of the premium summer destination towns and has been since the mid-1800s.
To this day, the vibrancy of the town has remained intact, with artists and craftspeople, art galleries, and small shops furthering the town's beauty. Many artists draw inspiration from the iconic Blue Hill Mountain, a completely traversable peak that offers views of the peninsula. In town, some of the charm lies in its historical places, like the Jonathan Fisher House, an 1814 historic house museum featuring Rev. Jonathan Fisher's collection of art, furniture, writings, books, tools, and other items. In addition, the Blue Hill Historical Society has amassed a varied collection of antiques and stays in the equally historic Holt House, a National Register of Historic Places site.
Boothbay Harbor
A laid-back village that is a little out of the way from Route 1, the town of Boothbay and its subsequent harbor, Boothbay Harbor, features a working waterfront, amazing natural beauty, and a mixture of restaurants, cultural events, art, islands, and lighthouses. The town is a little slice of a secluded harbor that well rewards you for going off the usual road.
An easy way to take in the natural beauty that Boothbay has to offer is the paths at the Linekin and Burley Preserves. With about 138 acres devoted to the paths, you will have plenty to explore. Alternatively, you can look at some of Boothbay's art through the Boothbay Harbor Region Sculpture Trail. Available all year round, it is a series of public art exhibits that feature 18 sculptures all within walking distance. Getting onto the water is also simple with Cap'n Fish's Cruises. These cruises have been bringing people out to the waters to see whales, seabirds, marine wildlife, and lighthouses for over 80 years, and still are an excellent choice for taking in the natural beauty of this stunning small town.
Wiscasset
Wiscasset is known as "The Prettiest Village in Maine," and it has a certain charm that reflects much of Maine and New England. Old, lovely churches and older-looking homes sit along the Sheepscot River estuary; this town is vibrant and filled with a rich history and culture.
Alongside the pretty landscapes, another iconic place that brings people in is the lobster rolls served at Red's Eats. With the establishment being at the foot of Main Street, having this be the kickoff to a stunning town is just perfect. Further in, you will see that history lives and breathes in this place through the form of antique shops dotting the area. The Wiscasset Antiques Mall is the most notable, with merchandise changing daily. And for a quick glimpse at a wide stretch of scenery, the Maine Art Gallery is another viable option with artwork from hundreds of local artists on display.
Stonington
As soon as you arrive in Stonington, you enter an authentic Down East village. A working fishing village through and through, the town serves as the gateway to the Merchant's Row archipelago, one of the largest clusters of islands in the country. And just like the archipelago, the town itself is beautiful.
Stonington Lobster Boat Tours is a great way to take in the sights while also possibly seeing seals and other marine wildlife. You will even learn about lobsters and how to catch them. For a more personal and private look through the waters, the Sea Kayak Stonington establishment offers guided sea kayak trips, instructions, and rentals, as well as a gift shop. For those preferring to stay on dry land, the Crockett Cove Woods Preserve is not far out of town and gives you the opportunity to stroll through a fog forest. With about 98 acres to explore, the fog forest is densely packed with red spruce, and the hiking experience is unlike anything else.
Kennebunkport
A cosmopolitan community that has the historical charm to send you back in time, the uniqueness of Kennebunkport is part of why this town is so stunning. The historic Dock Square gives you a slice of coastal exploration with historic buildings, stores, and restaurants, each with its own personality.
For those who want to see more natural beauty, Goose Rocks Beach gives you three miles of white sand to walk across. The beach is in family-friendly waters protected by a barrier reef, making it great for swimming. Given its seclusion, arriving in the morning or afternoon at this beach will ensure it's quiet enough for you to appreciate the stunning locale. And no trip to Maine is complete without appreciating a lobster roll or two. The Clam Shack during the off-winter seasons is a good consideration with their own award-winning lobster rolls. It is a quaint shop, but it captured the attention of Travel & Leisure Magazine, The New York Times, Food Network, and Yankee Magazine. All with glowing remarks.
Rockport
A pastoral landscape that meets the coast, Rockport has all the essence of Camden, except it's just a little busier. Even so, it doesn't sacrifice its looks and beauty one bit, as Rockport stands on its own as a beautiful town to explore.
Not far from Camden itself, Rockport is home to the famous Rockport Opera House, a common destination for locals and tourists. The Opera House features a variety of music, dance, play performances, and other activities throughout the year, including the Bay Chamber Concerts. Another iconic spot is Mary Lea Park. Dedicated in part to one of Rockport's famous philanthropists, Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the serene park is right next to the historic Opera House, complete with several benches that give you a nice view of the beautiful harbor. It's even used as a staging for local musicians.
Another highly popular park to take in the sights is the Rockport Marine Park. It's small in size with a close-up view of the harbor, but the main attraction is the marble slab depicting Rockport's most famed celebrity: Andre the Seal. With two books and a 1994 film dedicated to the Seal, his antics and charm won over people's hearts to the point that they dedicated this beautiful park to him.
Castine
Tall and proud elm trees and an absolutely gorgeous harbor, Castine is a beautiful sight of land and sea that is hard to compete with. But what really pulls it all together in this historical town is the friendly townsfolk who tirelessly preserve this little piece of history every day.
The town is home to the widely celebrated Maine Maritime Academy, a 35-acre campus that tourists can explore and where special events take place. Beyond that, visiting Castine any day of the year is a treat. During the spring, Castine Kayak Adventures offers a look at coastal Maine through an up-close, on-the-water experience. During the summer, the Castine Historical Society offers free walking tours that history buffs would love to take, for deeper details on what makes this 400-year-old town amazing. And with the fall, the blend of colors makes the many nature trails in the surrounding area a beauty to behold. Top among them is the Witherle Woods, a gorgeous trail that is perfect for beginner and intermediate hikers.
From appreciating the antiques and the majesty of Blue Hill to the fog forest in Stonington or the Merchant's Row archipelago, Maine offers a lot of beautiful sights. This includes some of the town's big landmarks that pull people in, too. Regardless of the season, the next time you get a chance to explore Maine, stop by some of these iconic places. Even if it is just to take in the view of these stunning towns.
