Here Are The 10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Maine
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Michelle
Author
If you’re looking for charm, history and beauty, Maine is a great place to visit. Count yourself extra lucky if you happen to live in or near one of these beautiful, charming small towns in Maine. Check out this list for some of the best small towns in Maine and plan to visit them all, because each of them are true Vacationland treasures!
Belfast, ME 04915, USA
A lovely town about 100 miles from Portand, Belfast provides a great mix of art, local food and waterfront views. In June 2015, the first "Maine Fare" took place, celebrating and sharing local artisans, food and musicians. Check out the Maine Fare website for next year's schedule of tastings, live concerts and farm tours.
Bath, ME 04530, USA
Bath, Maine, is renowned for its shipbuilding industry and has become known as the "city of ships." The famous "Bath Iron Works" can still be found here. Stop by the Maine Maritime Museum as well as the Chocolate Church Arts Center which often hosts events.
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Eastport, ME, USA
Not only is Eastport, Maine, unique for being the easternmost city in the US (not to be confused with Lubec, which is the easternmost municipality), but it is also a city comprised solely of islands. Come in July for the annual July 4th Codfish Relay (which is actually part of a larger celebration of both the US and Canada) and stay for the Salmon Festival in September. If you leave and crave more, come back for the New Year's Eve sardine drop at midnight.
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Vinalhaven, ME, USA
Rural Vinalhaven is a town on the Fox Islands accessible by ferry from Rockland. Oftentimes used to refer to the entire island, Vinalhaven is one of the smallest towns on this list and offers visitors a handful of locally owned bars and restaurants, many of which shutter for the winter. Come for lovely walks in the Lane's Island Preserve, a look at the Robert Indiana pieces scattered throughout, and for at least one night at the beautiful Tidewater Motel.
Rockland, ME, USA
Rockland may be the point of departure for the ferry to Vinalhaven, but it's worth sticking around a while to enjoy it before heading off. Or, maybe even instead! While not exactly off-the-beaten-path, Rockland offers small town charm and quintessential Maine feel. Enjoy unique local food (our current favorite is food truck, "'Wich, Please" currently sharing indoor winter space with "Comida") and drinks. You'll find plenty of shops to pop into along the way.
Rockland is also home to the annual Maine Lobster Festival that takes place each summer.
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Lisbon, ME, USA
Lisbon, Maine, is known for the annual summer Moxie Festival which features a parade, fireworks, and 5k road race. Originally marketed as a medicine in 1876 by its creator, Dr. Augustin Thompson, it was guaranteed to cure "loss of manhood, paralysis and softening of the brain." When the soft drink market kicked up, he switched up his tactics and Moxie became what it is today.
Lubec, ME, USA
This easternmost municipality in the US is also the closest place to Africa in the contiguous US. You'll also find the beautiful West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, which sits next to the Quoddy Narrows separating the US from Canada. Fun fact: Visit West Quoddy Head Light Station in Maine and you can see the very spot where the light first touches the continental U.S.
Brooklin, ME 04616, USA
A Nordic coin was famously found in beguiling Brooklin, Maine. Whether it indicates that there were once Vikings in the area remains to be proven, but the town has earned its way onto this list for plenty of other good reasons. Take a trip here to see the Brooklin Boat Yard as well as artists, writers, musicians, and potters. Combine this will a trip to Blue Hill, a lovely little village with a general store, galleries and places to sleep. If you can't make the trip, pick up a copy of any E.B. White book to get a literary sense of the place. Much of his inspiration came from his hometown of Brooklin.
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Castine, ME, USA
Home to the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine has a rich seafaring history. When you're there, check out the town's post office - the oldest, continuously running one in the USA.
Freeport, ME 04032, USA
This list wouldn't be complete without mention of Maine's favorite outlet town! Come for the outlets, but don't forget that Freeport, Maine, is more than just shopping (though that giant boot is definitely impressive!). Check out the Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster for a roll and their "onion middles." Then, walk it off in Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park.
What are your favorite small towns in Maine? Live in one that you think we should write about? Let us know!
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More to Explore
Best Small Towns in Maine
What are the best small towns for a weekend getaway in Maine?
Maine is made up of special places, hidden in the woods or tucked along the coast. That’s what makes this place so unique. It’s easy to plan a weekend vacation in a go-to spot, but it’s even more fun to set aside some time to explore the other places. That being said, here are some of the best small towns for a weekend getaway in Maine:
- Norway. This little town has a main street filled with restaurants, bars and shops that will keep you busy all day. What was once a quiet little pass-through is now a destination all on its own. Spend the weekend enjoying all of this plus the outdoors with a stay at this adorable tiny house just down the road.
- Port Clyde. Sitting on the southernmost section of the St. George peninsula in the central part of the state, this quiet coastal town is absolutely fantastic. At one point it was a busy port, but today it's ideal for people who love peace and quiet and salty air.
- Blue Hill. This small town has over 2,500 year-round residents, which is a testament to just how great it is. There's a ton of fantastic nature to explore, but the art scene here is fun too.
- Harpswell. This sleepy little beauty is a great day trip if you're looking for a quiet spot on the Maine coast. The town has the longest coastline of any town in the state and includes islands just off the coast.
- Wiscasset. Perhaps best known for its lobster shacks, Wiscasset is a conveniently located town that's fun to visit or simply drive through. It's referred to as "the prettiest village in Maine" and a weekend getaway here will prove why. There's a lot to visit if you love history, but the sights of the water are just as compelling.
- Boothbay Harbor. Just an hour and a half north of Portland, this is a great day trip from southern Maine and northern Maine. A must-visit is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens which offers wonderfully green and vibrant gardens from spring to fall. In the winter experience Gardens Aglow when millions of lights adorn the trees for a truly spectacular experience.
- Lincolnville. This little mid-coast gem is small but mighty. With a vibrant community feel, you'll love visiting some of the little shops here. And if you're hungry, you're in luck! The town is known for its great food and beverage. It's also home to Cellardoor Winery, which is a beautiful place to visit on a sunny day.
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Deer Isle. You'll find another great weekend getaway in The Pine Tree State located in Down East Maine, a region totally unlike what you'll find in the rest of the state. The remoteness of Deer Isle makes it great for those who want to get away. A destination for artists from all over, you'll also find some great art galleries here to check out.