Boothbay Harbor has lengthy been a favourite cease on Maine’s midcoast after we are taking a Maine coastal highway journey. First settled within the 1600s, the naturally-protected waters of Boothbay Harbor have seen a wealthy historical past in shipbuilding and fishing. Today, guests are drawn to this charming seaside city as a result of it’s sufficiently small to take care of its quaint character, however provides sufficient issues to do in Boothbay Harbor to fulfill a spread of pursuits.
Each time I go to I uncover one thing new, from the native artisans to the close by oysters farms. It has all the time been well-known for whale watching however it took me till just lately to comprehend I may see puffins close to Boothbay! While it’s tempting to simply cease for the night time, there are such a lot of issues to do in and round Boothbay Harbor — each on the water, by the coast, and inland, that you just actually ought to keep for no less than a weekend, if not longer.
When to go to boothbay harbor
Visiting Boothbay Harbor is very enjoyable for those who can time your journey to coincide with one of many city’s annual occasions, like April’s Fishermen’s Festival, or the extra well-known Windjammer Days in June. A visiting fleet of historic windjammer ships sail into Boothbay Harbor for 2 days of enjoyable from parades (each road and boat), to excursions and stay leisure, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza. (Learn what it’s wish to take a crusing vacation on a Maine Windjammer Cruise.)
Spring additionally brings 35,000 tulips in bloom on the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. While winter is ushered in by the Boothbay Lights Festival, that includes a ship parade and fireworks, together with different festivities.
While there could also be one thing occurring 12 months spherical in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport, most guests choose to go to in the summertime. Summer season begins entering into gear round Memorial Day, though you should still see some extra restricted hours through the week till later in June. The season quiets down after mid-October when boat excursions and different locations start to close down for the 12 months.
Things to do in Boothbay Harbor
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Whatever the season, you will discover loads of issues to do in Boothbay Harbor, however these are the highest points of interest and actions to not miss, particularly in the summertime.
Hop on One of Cap’n Fish’s Cruises
Cap’n Fish provides harbor excursions, whale watching excursions, and even puffin cruises aboard its fleet of ships docked in Boothbay Harbor. There is a alternative of excursions to choose from, relying on how a lot time you’ve got and what you need to see (seals? whales? puffins? lighthouses?). These cruise previous close by islands and make a fantastic day journey (or half day) choice across the nice Boothbay Harbor area.
On my final go to, I joined a 2.5 hour cruise out to Eastern Egg Rock to search for puffins. While I’ve loved seeing puffins in Iceland, the novelty of seeing them in my dwelling nation was an enormous draw.
Atlantic puffin colonies have been reestablished off the coast of Maine, by way of the onerous work of the Audubon Society and Project Puffin. These cute little creatures at the moment are flourishing, though take into account that they’re much smaller than you may anticipate and difficult to see from the boat. You will need to deliver alongside a strong pair of binoculars or a fantastic zoom digicam lens. We had been fortunate sufficient to see dolphin, a whole bunch of puffin, and another hard-to-spy birds together with razorbills.
A couple of ideas:
- Arrive early to line as much as board so as to get a major viewing spot
- Bring one thing heat to put on as it’s all the time colder on the water
- Be ready for those who get movement illness
- Leave the hat at dwelling except you’re ready to lose it
- Don’t neglect these binoculars!
- Wear sunscreen because the reflection off the water might be sturdy and produce sun shades (ideally ones which have a strap so that you don’t lose them.)
Learn to Shuck at Glidden Point Oyster Farm
If you’re a fan of oysters, or simply need to be taught extra about this space’s lengthy oystering historical past, plan to cease at Glidden Point Oyster Farm, only a brief drive (20 minutes) away in Edgecomb. You can ebook a 30-minute strolling tour of the oyster farm and be taught all concerning the oystering course of. Trust me, it’s eye-opening and provides you a higher appreciation for these mollusks.
Glidden Point additionally has a retail storefront and a patio picnic space so you possibly can select a couple of oysters to attempt, together with a number of beer, wine, and different native snacks. Just be ready to learn to shuck for those who haven’t already mastered this ability! I’ve since gotten even higher at shucking after a visit to Prince Edward Island.
Go Shopping in Town
One of the most effective issues to do is to spend a while simply strolling round Downtown Boothbay Harbor. You will discover some traditional Maine procuring locations, like Maine Sea Bags and Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Store (Maine’s Oldest Bookstore). There are your typical memento outlets, like Coastal Maine Gifts and Gimbel & Sons Country Store, however it’s also possible to discover some extra eclectic outlets with dwelling decor and handicrafts, like Sweet Bay and Mung Bean.
Boothbay Harbor additionally attracts many artisans and there are many galleries to browse for pottery, glass, and effective arts. If you’re employed up an urge for food, a fantastic place to seize a snack is the Coastal Maine Popcorn Company for some enjoyable flavored-popcorn or ice cream (I’d advocate the blueberry!) at Downeast Ice Cream Factory.
Eat Fresh Seafood
There are loads of Boothbay Harbor eating places to select from to get a lobster roll or nice seafood, however some of the genuine is the Boothbay Lobster Wharf. You can both stroll throughout the footbridge from downtown or drive to this informal waterfront restaurant on a working wharf. Here you possibly can seize a picnic desk by the water and benefit from the view whereas sampling some scrumptious seafood.
For oysters, I’d advocate Mine Oyster within the coronary heart of downtown Boothbay Harbor. Some different well-liked eating places embody Ports of Italy or Ports Pizzeria for Italian, Kaler’s, Boathouse Bistro, and Shannon’s Unshelled.
Walk throughout the Pedestrian Footbridge
The city of Boothbay Harbor is wrapped across the harbor and the 2 sides are related by a pedestrian footbridge. You can get some nice views by strolling throughout the bridge, particularly at sundown when the bridge is twinkling with vivid lights and the boats and buildings are mirrored within the nonetheless waters.
Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is considered one of Maine’s prime points of interest. The Gardens supply over 300 acres of decorative and themed gardens, mature forests, wetlands, and tidal shoreline with interpretative trails.
Currently, the principle exhibit is the Guardians of the Seeds, an exhibit of large troll sculptures produced from recycled wooden by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Kids will completely love seeing these trolls and discovering their secret message. This exhibit is included in admission however you should definitely get your tickets upfront!
Be positive to examine the web site calendar for particular occasions and reveals.
Stop on the Boothbay Railway Village
The Boothbay Railway Village is a residing historical past museum that provides guests a style of what life was like within the mid-Nineteenth to mid-Twentieth centuries in rural Maine. You can discover 35 acres of historic Maine buildings, which have been preserved in a recreated village of aged and classic buildings that had been assembled from throughout Maine. There is a still-functioning Town Hall, a chapel nonetheless used for weddings, retail outlets, homes, and a preserved railway practice station.
Visitors may also trip the rails behind a classic steam or diesel locomotive or view a group of 60 vintage autos. Artisan Days embody demonstrations from woodworkers, blacksmiths, stone carving, weaving, and even lace making.
Explore the Maine State Aquarium
The Maine State Aquarium remains to be closed for renovations, however is anticipated to reopen in 2023. Operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, this aquarium features a assortment of regional fish and invertebrates that may be seen throughout the rocky shore setting.
A preferred attraction is the 20 foot-long contact tank that homes a mess of sea life together with sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and scallops. If you pack a picnic, you possibly can take pleasure in lunch within the picnic space overlooking the water.
Visit Nearby Lighthouses
The Maine Coast is dotted with scenic lighthouses and fairly a couple of are situated inside a brief driving distance from Boothbay Harbor. Just quarter-hour aways, the Burnt Island Lighthouse is a well-liked spot. Built in 1821, it’s the second oldest lighthouse within the state of Maine. Since the lighthouse is situated on an island, you have to take a 15-minute ferry boat to get there. Tours are solely supplied on restricted days so you have to pre-book with Balmy Day Tours upfront.
If that doesn’t work out, you possibly can drive to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in about 45 minutes from downtown Boothbay Harbor. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park is open day by day from 9 am to five pm from mid-May to mid-to-late October for a small entrance charge. In the park you possibly can take a tour of the Lighthouse Tower, go to the Fishermen’s Museum within the Keeper’s House, or view work of native artists within the Art Gallery. There are picnic tables on website and room to stroll and see the lighthouse from a number of angles. Just watch out and keep off the rocks as they are often slippery and harmful.
Where to Stay in Boothbay Harbor
There are many choices in and round Boothbay Harbor relying on what you might be in search of (resort environment, mattress and breakfast, family-friendly inn, or trip rental.)
Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront
Located on Townsend Avenue, one of many foremost thoroughfares into city, the Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront was my alternative for my final go to to Boothbay Harbor. Located only a five-minute stroll to the middle of city, this Victorian-style mattress and breakfast supplied all the pieces I used to be in search of on my latest keep. First, there’s off-street parking to make it simple to reach after which discover on foot. The location was extraordinarily handy, with lovely water views from the Adirondack chairs on the garden and dock behind the lodge. Some rooms are even oceanfront suites with water views.
The rooms have been just lately renovated to have a recent, fashionable but coastal attraction. A connoisseur breakfast is included, delivered proper to your door on the requested time. And whereas I used to be within the entrance of the constructing, the road noise and light-weight was minimal and didn’t disturb my keep.
Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa
If you might be staying for a couple of days and need to have the area to calm down and revel in your downtime in your trip, the Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa is a perfect alternative. With 55 acres of shoreline outlined by spruce woodlands, the Spruce Point Inn provides kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles for visitors’ use, together with croquet, shuffleboard and a sport room full with traditional arcade video games for leisure.
When it’s time to calm down, there are two swimming pools and full service spa, together with three eating choices. Just take into account that it’s a few 10 minute drive to get into city.
Tugboat Inn
The Tugboat Inn is a Boothbay traditional. Located proper on the water on the town, the handy location (with free parking) and budget-friendly pricing make this lodge well-liked with households. While the decor and facilities are extra primary, I stayed right here on my first visits to Boothbay Harbor and I’ve fond recollections of these journeys.
Boothbay Harbor is usually a stand-alone vacation spot, or a cease in your Maine coast highway journey.
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