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THINGS
TO DO IN MAINE
LAND LOVERS
~For the land lovers, bird watchers, hiking enthusiasts and mindful walkers~
Many places have no cell signal, Should you be going on a long hike, please leave your whereabouts in your room. You never know when you might need assistance from a sprained ankle.
Hikes:
The Darling Maine Center - 5-minute walk from my house, complete with trails down to the river, map at the office
La Verna Preserve - Begins o Rt. 32, multiple paths, longest is about 6 miles
Hog Island, Bremen
Mount Battie - Camden fabulous view at the top
For more hikes, check out the trail book in your room.
Feel free to take the walking stick in the room or ask for walking poles, and of course, please practice responsible mindfulness while walking the trials.
A SWEET
LITTLE GEM
The Granite Hall is an old-fashioned penny candy store, with a fascinating history. Please read about it on their website. The shop is located in Round Pond. GPS it, or you might just drive right by it.
Now you may not think you need candy, but I assure you, not one of my guests has regretted the visit. Why? Because once you step inside, your heart will be taken back in time… the screen door squeaks, the kids laugh, and the parents are calm. and oh my the candy, large vintage jars of penny candy…
It’s worth it just to watch the kids have their turn at the pickings, and believe me, the employees (local college/high school kids), love doing their job. one kid might ask for 10 of this and 3 of that, and, please no green ones.. it’s a hoot, and it’s Maine, the way life should be.
I was behind a kid who had $10. to spend and no one rushed him.
So if you’re “from away”, take the time to experience this, and I almost forgot, they also serve
Giffords Ice cream…how can you lose?
BEACHES &
PICNIC AREAS
Pemaquid Point and Lighthouse
This is our State Lighthouse that appears on the quarter.
Pemaquid Point is a rare beauty as both the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. It is the most photographed and many a wedding takes place there. There are picnic tables. Though many people go down on the rocks, beware, we have sadly lost many to rogue waves proceed cautiously. ( no, this is not a legend I witnessed one.)
Pemaquid Beach, Bristol also offers a picnic area, grassed and with tables.
Another important note. Please do not feed the seagulls, they will snatch food right out of your hand and in fact bite. They will also ransack your beach bag while you are on a stroll or in the water. Place a towel over your belongings, even if it isn’t food, and place a book or shoe on top.
Reid State Park Beach - Georgetown, Maine (207) 371-32303 Beach and Picnic 10 minutes from Bath
Popham Beach, Bath Maine (207) 389-1335 A truly magnificent beach and state park
It wouldn’t be fair to leave off The Breakwater Lighthouse downtown Rockland. An equities walk out on the rocks lighthouse n the middle of the water. Plenty of good eats in Rockland, a small historic town.
But if you prefer some solitude, please walk down to the Darling Marine Center and enjoy a lunch by the river. Feel free to jump in. Quite refreshing.
CRUISES,
KAYAKING, &
MORE
The Hardy Boat offers day trips to Monhegan Island, which is an artist’s mecca. No cars are allowed on the island. Stunning views, hikes, and breathtaking personal gardens, This boat also offers evening cruises, puffin watching, and more, Reservations required- New Harbor, (207) 677-2026
Damariscotta River Cruises - reservations (207) 315-5544
Cap’n Fish Cruises - Boothbay Whale watch and more\(207) 613-7339 reservations
Maine Maritime Museum cruises on the Kennebec River - Bath(207) 443-1316 reservations
Maine Kayak and Paddleboard, New Harbor well-trained staff, offering rentals and guided tours
(207) 677-3455
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay magnificent gardens, please look up the website to see all they offer, (207) 633-8000 reservations
GROCERIES
& SUCH
10-minute drive to Damariscotta:
Hannafords - Full market
Rising Tide- Health Food Store
Maine Street Grocery, a smaller market, directly across from Rising Tide
Hanley’s Market, at the intersection of 129 and 130 Small convenience store with gas station
Weatherbird (to go) Damariscotta- excellent croissants, single portion: cake/ cookies and more
also has dinner entree for takeout, both daily and frozen. Lovely selection of wines and cheeses
it’s a combo store with a kitchen retail shop in the back.
Reillys Market in New Harbor Wonderful small market (on your way to Pemaquid Beach or Pemaquid Point Lighthouse) with everything from packaged goods, wines, pizza, and to-go sandwiches.
Reny’s “the Maine Adventure” well, what can I say, they sell everything from shoes, apparel, canned goods, home goods, outdoor essentials, bug spray suntan lotion, and more. And the price is unbeatable.
well worth the experience
Walgreens; similar to CVS and Rite Aid
RESTAURANTS
The Hub Seafood, Bristol ME. Great fresh seafood call ahead
The Seagull - at Pemaquid Point, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with spectacular views (207) 677-2374
The Pemaquid Seafood Co-op - perfect picnic style lunch and dinners overlooking Pemaquid harbor, they make their own fabulous chips BYOB (207)677-2642 A well-run summertime favorite.
VIP Maine Mobile- a food truck par excellence- lookup on FaceBook for the menu, it changes every day. This is the gem of the peninsula, take out, drive to the Pemaquid Lighthouse, and enjoy a peaceful meal with a breathtaking view. Definitely a personal favorite, nothing is fried. (207)592-7090
The Contented Sole, Pemaquid, Lovely views great food.
In-Town Restaurants:
If Oysters are your things, pretty much, pick the eatery by your favorite view, becasue all the restaorants here in the Damariscotta area are superb! Why? Because they're all harvested right here. Can't get any fresher.
Bred In The Bone, Damariscotta, Out newest addition. One taste of their homemade pasta, close your eyes, and you'll swear you're in Italy. And yes, I'm Italian. addition.
The Shuck Station, my guests rave about it. (207)682-0129 more than just oysters.
The Publick House, in Newcastle, has excellent pub food try the mussels, you won’t be disappointed. (207)563-343
Fernald’s Country Store - a sandwich list longer than your arm and then some. (207) 563-8484
Damariscotta River Grill fine dining, yet don’t be fooled, their burgers are among the finest,
(207)563-2992
The Lobster Haul is an unassuming little eatery right in the center of town, behind the bookstore
(207)682-0110
River House Maine- Damariscotta Some say the best little restaurant in town. A real farm-to-table menu that changes weekly. People rave about their Sunday brunch.~an intimate gem ~located on the river downtown(207) 563- 6156
There are more to choose from, many very good ones, but this is my personal list, for quality, consistency, and excellent customer service. Your feedback is appreciated. Bon Apetit!
ButterUpCakes Cafe 77 Main Street Damariscotta, ME. Gluten-free cafe and hard cider bar.
Shaw's Fish and Lobster Wharf 129 State Rt. 32/ New Harbor,ME. 207-677-2200
The Hub @ Pemaquid Oyster Company, 1005 Bristol, ME. 207-315-5092
SHOPPING
The Good Supply - Pemaquid on Rt. 130 Beautiful, renovated barn, handcrafted gifts, over 90% of these quality treasures are made here in Maine, form ceramics, textiles wood, jewelry, and more. Yes, they ship. and yes, They are also online. The Good Supply. org
Pemaquid Lighthouse Art Gallery
River Arts Gallery, located in Damariscotta behind the bookstore
Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop
17 Backstreet Landing
Damariscotta, ME 04543
207.563.7807
You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re a wanderer of shops downtown:
Damariscotta
Bath
Camden
Belfast is well worth the drive.