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9 Finest Issues to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine within the Summer time


Boothbay Harbor has lengthy been a favourite cease on Maine’s midcoast after we are taking a Maine coastal street journey. First settled within the 1600s, the naturally-protected waters of Boothbay Harbor have seen a wealthy historical past in shipbuilding and fishing. At present, guests are drawn to this charming seaside city as a result of it’s sufficiently small to take care of its quaint character, however affords sufficient issues to do in Boothbay Harbor to fulfill a variety of pursuits.

Every 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 but it surely took me till not too long ago to comprehend I might see puffins close to Boothbay! Whereas it’s tempting to simply cease for the evening, 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.

Boats on the water in Boothbay Harbor at sunset

When to go to boothbay harbor

Visiting Boothbay Harbor is very enjoyable when you can time your journey to coincide with one of many city’s annual occasions, like April’s Fishermen’s Competition, 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 avenue and boat), to excursions and stay leisure, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza. (Study what it’s prefer to take a crusing vacation on a Maine Windjammer Cruise.)

Spring additionally brings 35,000 tulips in bloom on the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Whereas winter is ushered in by the Boothbay Lights Competition, that includes a ship parade and fireworks, together with different festivities.

Whereas there could also be one thing occurring yr spherical in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport, most guests want to go to in the summertime. Summer time season begins stepping into gear round Memorial Day, though you should still see some extra restricted hours throughout 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 yr.

Boats on water and island in Boothbay Harbor Maine

Issues to do in Boothbay Harbor

Observe: This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.

Regardless of the season, you will discover loads of issues to do in Boothbay Harbor, however these are the highest sights and actions to not miss, particularly in the summertime.

Hop on One in every of Cap’n Fish’s Cruises

2 puffins swimming in the water

Cap’n Fish affords harbor excursions, whale watching excursions, and even puffin cruises aboard its fleet of ships docked in Boothbay Harbor. There’s a alternative of excursions to choose from, relying on how a lot time you’ve gotten and what you need to see (seals? whales? puffins? lighthouses?). These cruise previous close by islands and make an ideal day journey (or half day) possibility across the nice Boothbay Harbor area.

On my final go to, I joined a 2.5 hour cruise out to Japanese Egg Rock to search for puffins. Whereas I’ve loved seeing puffins in Iceland, the novelty of seeing them in my dwelling nation was a giant draw.

Atlantic puffin colonies have been reestablished off the coast of Maine, by way of the arduous work of the Audubon Society and Challenge Puffin. These cute little creatures are actually flourishing, though needless to say they’re much smaller than you would possibly anticipate and hard to see from the boat. You’ll want to carry alongside a strong pair of binoculars or an ideal zoom digicam lens. We had been fortunate sufficient to see dolphin, lots of of puffin, and another hard-to-spy birds together with razorbills.

A couple of ideas:

  • Arrive early to line as much as board so to get a major viewing spot
  • Convey one thing heat to put on as it’s all the time colder on the water
  • Be ready when you get movement illness
  • Go away the hat at dwelling except you’re ready to lose it
  • Don’t neglect these binoculars!
  • Put on sunscreen because the reflection off the water might be sturdy and convey sun shades (ideally ones which have a strap so that you don’t lose them.)

Study to Shuck at Glidden Level Oyster Farm

Woman shucking oysters at Glidden Point Oyster Farm

If you’re a fan of oysters, or simply need to study extra about this space’s lengthy oystering historical past, plan to cease at Glidden Level Oyster Farm, only a brief drive (20 minutes) away in Edgecomb. You’ll be able to guide a 30-minute strolling tour of the oyster farm and study all in regards to the oystering course of. Belief me, it’s eye-opening and provides you a higher appreciation for these mollusks.

Glidden Level additionally has a retail storefront and a patio picnic space so you’ll be able to select a couple of oysters to attempt, together with a choice of beer, wine, and different native snacks. Simply be ready to discover ways to shuck when you haven’t already mastered this talent! I’ve since gotten even higher at shucking after a visit to Prince Edward Island.

Go Procuring in City

hand holding cup of ice cream in front of Down East Ice Cream Factory

Among the finest issues to do is to spend a while simply strolling round Downtown Boothbay Harbor. You will see that some traditional Maine procuring locations, like Maine Sea Baggage and Sherman’s Maine Coast Ebook Retailer (Maine’s Oldest Bookstore). There are your typical memento outlets, like Coastal Maine Items and Gimbel & Sons Nation Retailer, however you may also discover some extra eclectic outlets with dwelling decor and handicrafts, like Candy Bay and Mung Bean.

Boothbay Harbor additionally attracts many artisans and there are many galleries to browse for pottery, glass, and tremendous arts. In the event you work up an urge for food, an ideal place to seize a snack is the Coastal Maine Popcorn Firm for some enjoyable flavored-popcorn or ice cream (I’d advocate the blueberry!) at Downeast Ice Cream Manufacturing facility.

Eat Contemporary Seafood

Fried clams from Boothbay Lobster Wharf

There are many Boothbay Harbor eating places to select from to get a lobster roll or nice seafood, however one of the vital genuine is the Boothbay Lobster Wharf. You’ll be able to both stroll throughout the footbridge from downtown or drive to this informal waterfront restaurant on a working wharf. Right here you’ll be able to 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. Another standard eating places embrace Ports of Italy or Ports Pizzeria for Italian, Kaler’s, Boathouse Bistro, and Shannon’s Unshelled.

Stroll throughout the Pedestrian Footbridge

Pedestrian bridge in Boothbay Harbor

The city of Boothbay Harbor is wrapped across the harbor and the 2 sides are linked by a pedestrian footbridge. You will get some nice views by strolling throughout the bridge, particularly at sundown when the bridge is twinkling with brilliant lights and the boats and buildings are mirrored within the nonetheless waters.

Go to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Thomas Dambo troll in Kentucky
Thomas Dambo troll in KY

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one in all Maine’s high sights. The Gardens supply over 300 acres of decorative and themed gardens, mature forests, wetlands, and tidal shoreline with interpretative trails.

At the moment, the primary exhibit is the Guardians of the Seeds, an exhibit of large troll sculptures produced from recycled wooden by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Youngsters will completely love seeing these trolls and discovering their secret message. This exhibit is included in admission however you should definitely get your tickets prematurely!

You’ll want to examine the web site calendar for particular occasions and displays.

Cease on the Boothbay Railway Village

The Boothbay Railway Village is a dwelling historical past museum that offers guests a style of what life was like within the mid-Nineteenth to mid-Twentieth centuries in rural Maine. You’ll be able to 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’s a still-functioning City Corridor, a chapel nonetheless used for weddings, retail outlets, homes, and a preserved railway prepare station.

Guests also can experience the rails behind a classic steam or diesel locomotive or view a group of 60 vintage autos. Artisan Days embrace demonstrations from woodworkers, blacksmiths, stone carving, weaving, and even lace making.

Discover 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 Division of Marine Sources, this aquarium features a assortment of regional fish and invertebrates that may be seen inside the rocky shore setting.

A well-liked 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. In the event you pack a picnic, you’ll be able to take pleasure in lunch within the picnic space overlooking the water. 

Go to Close by Lighthouses

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Pemaquid Level Lighthouse

The Maine Coast is dotted with scenic lighthouses and fairly a couple of are positioned inside a brief driving distance from Boothbay Harbor. Simply quarter-hour aways, the Burnt Island Lighthouse is a well-liked spot. Inbuilt 1821, it’s the second oldest lighthouse within the state of Maine. Because the lighthouse is positioned on an island, you must take a 15-minute ferry boat to get there. Excursions are solely supplied on restricted days so you must pre-book with Balmy Day Excursions prematurely.

If that doesn’t work out, you’ll be able to drive to Pemaquid Level Lighthouse in about 45 minutes from downtown Boothbay Harbor. Pemaquid Level Lighthouse Park is open every single day from 9 am to five pm from mid-Could to mid-to-late October for a small entrance payment. Within the park you’ll be able to take a tour of the Lighthouse Tower, go to the Fishermen’s Museum within the Keeper’s Home, or view work of native artists within the Artwork Gallery. There are picnic tables on web site and room to stroll and see the lighthouse from a number of angles. Simply watch out and keep off the rocks as they are often slippery and harmful.

The place to Keep in Boothbay Harbor

There are various choices in and round Boothbay Harbor relying on what you might be on the lookout for (resort ambiance, mattress and breakfast, family-friendly inn, or trip rental.)

Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront

The Harborage Inn in Boothbay Harbor Maine

Situated on Townsend Avenue, one of many major thoroughfares into city, the Harborage Inn on the Oceanfront was my alternative for my final go to to Boothbay Harbor. Situated only a five-minute stroll to the middle of city, this Victorian-style mattress and breakfast supplied the whole lot I used to be on the lookout for on my current keep. First, there’s off-street parking to make it simple to reach after which discover on foot. The situation was extraordinarily handy, with stunning 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 not too long ago renovated to have a recent, trendy 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 Level Inn Resort & Spa

If you’re staying for a couple of days and need to have the house to loosen up and revel in your downtime in your trip, the Spruce Level Inn Resort and Spa is a perfect alternative. With 55 acres of shoreline outlined by spruce woodlands, the Spruce Level Inn affords kayaks, paddleboards and bicycles for friends’ use, together with croquet, shuffleboard and a recreation room full with traditional arcade video games for leisure.

When it’s time to loosen up, there are two swimming pools and full service spa, together with three eating choices. Simply needless to say it’s a few 10 minute drive to get into city.

Tugboat Inn

Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor maine

The Tugboat Inn is a Boothbay traditional. Situated proper on the water on the town, the handy location (with free parking) and budget-friendly pricing make this lodge standard with households. Whereas 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 generally is a stand-alone vacation spot, or a cease in your Maine coast street journey.

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