If you have never been to the Maine Coast, you’re truly missing out on one of the most beautiful places in the world. Situated at what feels like the edge of the Earth, its pristine waters, luminous skies and abundant wildlife make for a peaceful and utmost relaxing holiday. Not to mention the seafood is some of the freshest you’ll ever sink your teeth into.
If you’re looking for a summer getaway that is relaxing, affordable and the perfect mix of city and country, check out our Maine micro guide to Portland and Boothbay Harbor. A mere 90 minute drive from one another, spend a day and night in Portland before heading northeast to Boothbay where you should spend as much time as humanly possible.
Portland
Stay
The Danforth – This is how a bed and breakfast should be done – always. Situated in a historic house almost two centuries old, each room offers a unique design, wood-burning fireplace and WiFi. Don’t miss homemade breakfast every morning, prepared with the most delicious ingredients Maine has to offer.
163 Danforth Street | 207-879-8755 | danforthinn.com
Eat
Duckfat – This awesome little sandwich shop is the perfect place for lunch. Be bold and order the duck confit panini or corned beef tongue reuben and grab some crispy french fries, fried in duck fat, for the table.
43 Middle Street | 207-774-8080 | duckfat.com
Eventide Oyster Co. – Eventide was featured on Bon Appétit’s shortlist of the 50 best new restaurants in America in 2013, and it’s still not a meal to be missed. With more than 20 oyster varieties on the raw bar, expect a wait on the weekends – or grab five friends and make a reservation.
86 Middle Street | 207-774-8538 | eventideoysterco.com
Drink
Portland Hunt & Alpine Club – Andrew Volk’s craft cocktail bar not only keeps the spirits flowing until 1am daily, food is served until close to satisfy late-night munchies. Try the Chilton County (bourbon, lemon, peach butter, egg white) or Late Night at OOB (rum, other things, shame) if you have a sense of humor.
75 Market Street | 207-747-4754 | huntandalpineclub.com
Boothbay Harbor
Stay
Cottage Connection – Forget about the hotels in Boothbay Harbor, you want to rent a cottage. Not only will you be able to cook for yourself (if you’re into that) and settle into ultimate relaxation, the character of these homes cannot be matched by even the most endearing bed and breakfast. Whether you want a place on the water or in town, Cottage Connection has the largest selection of rentals in the region.
675 Wiscasset Road | 800-823-9501 | cottageconnection.com
Eat
Boat House Bistro – This triple-decker restaurant has one of the best harbor views in town. Get to the roof and sip on a negroni while you wait for favorites like lemongrass cured salmon, the catch of the day sandwich or lobster every which way you can imagine.
12 By-Way, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-0400 | theboathousebistro.com
Lobsterman’s Wharf – This East Boothbay eatery has a huge patio and massive dining room with great scenery both indoors and out. Have a drink at the big bar before tucking into steamer clams and the kind of Maine lobster dinner that will make every other lobster dinner seem inferior by comparison.
224 Ocean Point Road, East Boothbay | 207-633-3443 | lobstermanswharf.com
Atlantic Edge Lobster – If you rent a cottage, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the fresh fish markets in the area. We love Atlantic Edge Lobster because the staff is friendly and knowledgable, the location is convenient and the seafood is spectacular. Get your live lobsters here if you’re brave enough to give them a hot bath.
71 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-2300 | Facebook
Downeast Ice Cream Factory – When you’re ready for something sweet, visit this little mom and pop ice cream shop that has everything you’re looking for and more. Pile homemade blueberry cheesecake or Elvis Pretzel (salted caramel ice cream with chocolate covered pretzels and caramel swirl) into a waffle cone, or make a trip to the candy-laden sundae bar for a real treat.
1 By-Way, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-3016 | Facebook
Drink
Mine Oyster – If you’re in the mood for live entertainment, Mine Oyster brings in some pretty awesome bands from near and far. Grab a drink and a table or boogie down on the dance floor. The vibe in here is truly awesome with people of all ages imbibing and have a great time. Check out the scene at the club downstairs from the balcony.
16 Wharf Street, Pier 1, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-6616 | mineoyster.net
Knot Gray’s Wharf – And speaking of the club, this is the closest it gets to one in Boothbay Harbor. You probably won’t feel the need to drop it with all that relaxing you’re doing, but this is where the local 20-somethings hang after the restaurants and kayak rental spots close. Start at Mine Oyster (above) and gauge the music and crowd from the upstairs patio. You’ll know when to head downstairs.
16B Wharf Street, Boothbay Harbor | 207-633-5629 | knotgrayswharf.com
Shop
Sherman’s Maine Books & Stationery – With essentials like blueberry jam, lobster cookie cutters, nautical coasters and the like, you have to be a tourist for five minutes and check out the souvenir bounty at this bookstore / gift shop hybrid. It’s perfect for grabbing some postcards or keeping your lady busy while you sneak off for a beer down the street.
5 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor | (207) 633-7262 | shermans.com
Anderson Studio – Rent a cottage like we told you, and you just may find a few ceramic pieces from Anderson Studio on the mantle. Since the 1950s, they have been creating USA-made wildlife sculptures for coastal Maine residents and visitors alike to remind them of their surroundings with lively creatures, bowls and vases.
5 Anderson Road, East Boothbay | 207-350-3057 | andersenstudio.com
Visit
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse – One of the most frequently visited attractions on the Maine coast, this beautiful white lighthouse receives about 100,000 visitors each year. Climb to the top, check out the old lantern and gaze out to sea. Walk through the Fishermen’s Museum next door for an eerie history of shipwrecks.
Pemaquid Point Road, New Harbor | 207-677-2494 | lighthouse.cc
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