One of the best aspects of Maine is the authenticity found around every corner. From buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places to towns that have never changed, those who love the old days will love just about every corner of Maine. While we have tons of areas that have stayed true to their roots, there are some that feel absolutely frozen in time. The best of these are our fishing villages. If you’re looking for a day trip that feels quaint and true, we recommend a trip to Stonington. As one of the best fishing villages in Maine, there are plenty of things to do in Stonington, Maine!

The small village is located on the southern portion of Deer Isle.
Sam T / Flickr
Stonington is made up of the small villages of Oceanville and West Stonington.
The town is incredibly picturesque.
nschouterden / Flickr
However, its true story is one of fishing. It's known as one of the last big fishing villages in Maine, where lobstermen exist not for show or for tourists, but to make a living. The area has also become a haven for Maine's artist community.
Joyce / Tripadvisor
The downtown area is undoubtedly exactly what you'd imagine of a lovely Maine village.
valleygirl_tka / Flickr
The main part of town runs along the beautiful harbor, which means a day of shopping and eating can also include taking in the views.
Management/ Tripadvisor
You might consider stopping for a bite to eat at Harbor Cafe, located on Main Street.
Harbor Cafe, 36 Main St, Stonington, ME 04681, USA
Harbor Cafe / Facebook
Every Saturday they have a prime rib special and every Tuesday is a fried haddock special.
Enjoy a great meal, then take in this view.
Takemetoalaska/ Tripadvisor

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Overnight stays are surely recommended.
Boyce's Motel, 44 N Main St, Stonington, ME 04681, USA
Spencer Means / Flickr
Not because you won't have time to fit everything in, but because the town is lovely and deserves a slow visit. Check out Boyce's Motel for a truly fun time away. This spot has been around since the 1960s and is located about a 5-minute walk from the Stonington dock. This is where you can pick up the ferry to Isle-Au-Haut.
Spencer Means / Flickr
If you've come to Stonington after hearing about its arts community, you'll want to include Opera House Arts on your itinerary.
Opera House Arts, 1 School St, Stonington, ME 04681, USA
valleygirl_tka / Flickr
This not-for-profit organization exists to help Deer Isle continue to be a historic arts, education, and recreation center.
Housed at the Stonington Opera House, you'll find a number of fun things to do.
Alan Sandercock / Flickr
They offer a year-round schedule of film, performance, and arts workshops, and community events. To learn more about what's there to offer at the Stonington Opera House check out its website.
History buffs should check out the Dr. Arnold C. Brown Memorial Building.
Stonington Town Hall, 32 Main St, Stonington, ME 04681, USA
Spencer Means / Flickr
Built in 1885, it is now home to Stonington's town hall.
Food lovers AND history buffs should be sure to visit the Stonington Lobster Co-Op!
Stonington Lobster Co-Op, 51 Indian Point Rd, Stonington, ME 04681, USA
stereogab / Flickr
Officially started on April 24, 1948 at 5 p.m., the first board of directors of the Stonington Lobster Coop convened at Odd Fellows Hall. The mission behind the co-op is to "engage in the buying and selling of lobsters and fish of all kinds; to conduct a store or stores for the buying and selling of hardware, electrical supplies, fishermen’s equipment, oil, gasoline, sporting supplies; and to deal in, acquire, buy, sell, assign and transfer, and otherwise dispose of all kinds of property."

Today, when you stop by, you'll get a nice dose of dock sites, along with a good idea for how real lobstermen actually work.
Any visit to this incredible town will fill you with a sense of just how incredible Maine really is.
ALAN SCHMIERER / Flickr

If you’re interested in learning more about the Stonington Lobster Co-op, check out this video:

These are just a few reasons why Stonington is one of the best fishing villages in Maine. Plan a visit and we are sure you will agree.

Curious about other small towns in Maine? Plan on visiting a few, but remember you’re bound to get hungry. For that, we recommend a few greats spots in Maine’s most special towns!

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More to Explore

Things To Do In Maine

Michelle S. | March 17, 2023

What are the best day trips in Maine?

The best day trips in Maine will take you to all corners of the state and appeal to all sorts of interests. Some great ones include:

  • The Libby Hill Forest, Gray. This beautiful spot charges no admission and offers access to some of the most lovely nature in the state.
  • Biddeford Pool, York County. This beautiful seaside village is just 40 minutes from Portland and offers peace, quiet, and water access.
  • Blue Hill, Hancock County. With tons of hiking trails and quaint culture, this town is a must-visit for a slower pace.
  • Lincolnville, Waldo County. This quirky little town of 2,000 people is one of the most unique in the state. Come for the art, the food, and the interesting people.

 

And, for one of the most delicious day trips you can possibly take, consider exploring the Maine donut trail.

Which hidden gems in Maine should I visit?

You should visit as many hidden gems in Maine as you possibly can. The following options are a great place to start:

  • Wiscasset Antiques Mall, Wiscasset. This treasure trove of hidden gems is one of the best places to spend a day. Search for unique local finds and vintage goods you didn't even know you needed.
  • The unassuming Town Of Rangeley, Franklin County. Just about everything in this town is a fun hidden gem to those who have never visited.
  • Reversing Falls, Pembroke. This unique phenomenon makes the water look like a waterfall is flowing in the opposite direction. If you can't imagine such a thing, be sure to visit!

 

See more just like this on the Maine hidden gems road trip. It leads to some of the best little-known spots in the state!

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Stonington, ME 04681, USA