Boothbay Harbor, Maine

 Something Special

Boothbay Harbor might just be my favorite coastal Maine town. That's saying a lot as I really like small town Maine. It's a perfect destination for a reprieve from the hustle of everyday life. Enjoy scenic drives, boat tours, kayaking, seafood, and more. It has a rich history, quaint local shops and boutiques, delicious dining, and world-class boat excursions, A 1,000-foot-long footbridge connects the east and west sides of the Harbor, allowing easy access for visitors to enjoy a plethora of fun activities. Although there is much to do, it has a certain calmness about it. Very special indeed. 

Boothbay Harbor, located in Lincoln County Maine, has a population of just over 2,000 people and includes the villages of Sprucewold, West Boothbay Harbor, and Bayville.  Boothbay’s first settlers were the Abenaki people who called the region Winnegance. The town of Boothbay Harbor was incorporated as a separate community from Boothbay in 1889. It was developed as an important fishing center, able to hold hundreds of ships in its port. Within 40 years, fishing and canning industries came also. Today, thousands of visitors come annually to enjoy this seaside experience.

I've only visited Boothbay several times and only in the Autum. It was absolutely perfect, cool breeze, warm sun, puffy white clouds and deep blue skies. My wife and I did a lot of research regarding where to eat and there are some great places. That all went out the window when we crossed the footbridge and saw the first restaurant on the west side, the Harborside 1901 Bar and Grill. We read the menu and saw grilled octopus. We ate one floor above the dock with a spectacular view of the harbor. The octopus was so good we came back and ate there twice. Maybe one of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot.                                                                   

A trip to the Boothbay Harbor Region wouldn’t be complete without soaking up a little of the local culture. With over 200 artists in this region, you will discover studios and galleries offering art to tempt every taste and palate. Artisans and merchants will entice you with handmade treats and treasures, while chefs from over 50 in-season restaurants will tempt your palate with everything from fresh seafood to ethnic cuisine. There is also vibrant boutique shopping in this quaint town. Tidepools is the best place to head if you know you want to buy something made in Maine— but have no idea what you are looking for. This seasonal shop leases space to artists, makers, and vendors of all kinds; you’ll find everything under one roof, which for me is perfect. From fresh produce, baked goods, and preserves to handmade accessories and wall art can be found there. And while most things are locally made, you’ll also find interesting stuff from all over the world at Tidepools. But not my wife, we must go into most of the stores just to make sure nothing has escaped us. If you go to Maine, and you really want to experience the perfect coastal town, Boothbay Harbor is it.