Eat, See, Do: Coastal Maine

Bar Harbor

You can’t visit this Mount Desert Island town without going to Acadia National Park. Bring your hiking boots to hit the trails or go for a drive through the park to see beautiful views of the coast. Visit Criterion Theater at 35 Cottage Street to get your fix of art deco architecture, watch a movie, or check out a live show.

When you get hungry, head to C-Ray Lobster at 882 State Highway 3 to dig into lobster bake and steamers. Or go to Atlantic Brewing Company at 15 Knox Road to try a locally brewed beverage like Bar Harbor Real Ale or Cole Porter.

Then kick back with a nightcap atop the aptly named Sunset deck at this last minute cabin rental, with striking views of sprawling forest.

Lubec

This town of around 400 people is the closest you can be to Africa in the U.S.! Located next to the Canadian border, you’ll love the views while hiking 4.5 miles of trails at Quoddy Head State Park. Legs need a break? Head out on the water from 69 Johnson Street with Lubec Sardine Company on a whale watching tour. You might spot other local wildlife like bald eagles and seals while listening to tales of local fisherpeople! 

When you’ve worked up an appetite, take a brief walk to stop by the Water Street Tavern at 12 Water Street. Satiate your stomach with the fresh, seasonal menu (full of seafood!) and sample an impressive wine list. For dessert, Monica’s Chocolates at 100 County Road is a must! Enjoy Maine Needhams, a local favorite made of coconut topped with almonds, blueberries, or pecans and dipped in chocolate! Then wrap up your day with a cozy night by the fire in your quaint discount beach rental while being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bay.

Exterior of blue building with art galleries sign hanging above door

Stonington

Located at the Southern Tip of Deer Isle, you must take a series of bridges to reach this tiny town! (Don’t worry, you can reach it by car!) Spend a few hours at Discovery Wharf at Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. Drive to 13 Atlantic Ave for a family fun adventure as you learn about local marine mammals and fishing from the pros! When you’ve had your fill of fishy fun, visit Opera House Arts at 1 School Street. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and hosts movie screenings and live events. Check the schedule to visit during a showing you’re stoked about.

Feeling peckish? Caffeinate (and try incredible pastries) at 44 North Coffee at 7 Main Street. The Deer Isle cafe roasts their beans nearby, ensuring incredibly fresh coffee! For dinner, head to Fin and Fern at 25 Seabreeze Avenue. The menu of local cuisine ranges from homemade pasta to oysters and calamari. Be sure to make a reservation so you can get a seat.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport in Southern Maine was a major ship-building town in the 1600s. The area is dotted with captain’s mansions, kept in top shape or restored. Get up close to the Tudor architecture at St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery Estate. Today, friars lead mass and practice their studies here, and lead visitor tours among the lush grounds. Kennebunkport is also well known for its beaches! Head to Colony Beach near the entrance to Kennebunk River to search for seashells, or Goose Rocks Beach off Kings Highway and Belair Ave if you’re looking for a spot to swim!

Love fresh, locally harvested ingredients? Visit Earth at Hidden Pond at 354 Goose Rocks Road. The restaurant is open year-round, offering a menu of “farm to fork” dishes such as cavatelli, swordfish, and octopus. Chez Rosa at Cross Street serves French food at their New England barn-like location. The cozy bistro atmosphere is the perfect place for a date! The menu includes dinner and drinks, like pollack wellington, steak frites, and a wide variety of wines. Don’t leave without trying the French apple cake or crème brûlée.

Rockland

Last minute beach rentals abound near the classic coastal town of Rockland on Penobscot Bay. Get to know the area by stopping at Farnsworth Art Museum at 16 Museum Street. The 20,000-square-foot gallery space houses over 15,000 works of American art. Meander among the paintings and sculptures in the permanent and rotating collections. You can’t visit Maine without learning a little about lighthouses! Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum at 1 Park Drive (a three-minute walk from Farnsworth Art Museum) to check out lighthouse artifacts and mementos like lightbulbs, lanterns, and emergency alert horns. This museum is full of unique maritime history and stories.

Wake to the sound of waves at this affordable vacation rental right on the water. Then kickoff your day at Home Kitchen Cafe at 650 Main Street. Grab breakfast dishes like the pigs boogie omelet or huevos rancheros. Or, dig into lunch like a burrito bowl or pastrami Reuben. Everything here is homemade, and many menu items are inspired by Hispanic cooking. When you’re ready for dinner, stop by In Good Company, a restaurant and wine bar at 415 Main Street. The eatery has a notable wine list and cocktail variety and focuses on pairings perfect for their drinks menu. Try the blue cheese butter roasted beef medallions wish mashers paired with a delicious Bordeaux. 

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