10 Most Neighborly Towns In Maine

Maine, a giant-sized northerly state in the American Northeast’s New England region, pridefully endorses its sobriquet: “The Pine Tree State,” owing to its thick pine forests, productive river valleys, glacier-scoured mountain peaks, clear waterways, and irregular shoreline by the Gulf of Maine and the mighty Atlantic. Although Coastal Maine with its immaculate sun-kissed beaches, old lighthouse-flecked shorelines, extraordinary waterfront scenes, a slew of open-air activities, and the presence of populated urban centers like Portland, is always the top choice for many holidayers, the innumerable neighborly small towns peppered throughout this wondrous state remains largely unnoticed. Those wishing to experience The Pine Tree State more closely must spend their sabbaticals in any of these friendly Maine towns.

Kennebunkport

An entrancing resort destination set at Kennebunk River’s mouth in York County of southwestern Maine, Kennebunkport is around 29 miles southwest of Portland. A shipbuilding and fishing hamlet at the outset, the town has steadily grown into one of the state’s wealthiest communities and an acclaimed summer getaway for the affluent class. Holidaymakers must peruse the Dock Square area’s myriad gift shops like Dock Square Emporium, clothing stores like Dock Square Clothiers, art galleries like Landmark Gallery, and seafood restaurants like Alisson’s Restaurant. Do explore the Walker’s Point Estate, St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Cape Porpoise - located northeast of Dock Square and southwest of Goose Rocks Beach, and the close-by Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; besides participating in yearly celebrations like Kennebunkport Festival, Memorial Day parade, and Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude.

Bethel

Occupying the southern fringe of the White Mountains’ Mahoosuc Range and the Oxford Hills’ western tip, Bethel is a heavenly alpine town in Oxford County. Other than the lofty peaks, the community’s nearness to the White Mountain National Forest has made it a top-notch year-round relaxation retreat and an ideal jumping-off point for miscellaneous recreations. During the warm season, indulge in hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities in the neighboring natural reserves, while in winter, enjoy some excellent alpine skiing at Mt. Abram Maine Resort, Carter’s XC (Cross-Country) Ski, and Sunday River Ski Resort. Additively, do tour the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, Hastings Homestead Museum, Gibson’s Apple Orchard, Table Rocks Art Center, Middle Intervale Meeting House & Common, and the Gem Theater.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town in Hancock County, is situated at the foothills of Cadillac Mountain by the sides of Frenchman Bay, on the northeastern shores of Mount Desert Island. Ceremoniously incorporated in 1796 and labeled ‘Town of Eden,’ the town was relabeled ‘Bar Harbor’ in 1918 after a sand and gravel bar noticeable during falling tide. From May to October, thousands flock to this sought-after tourist destination due to its adjacency to the astounding Acadia National Park. Featuring miles of hiking trails and carriage pathways, the Acadia National Park offers a wide variety of recreations for outdoorsy types. Furthermore, an infinite number of cyclists from far and wide are drawn to this northern endpoint of the Atlantic Coast Bicycle Route and the eastern terminal of the Adventure Cycling Association’s Northern Tier Bicycle Route.

Castine

Castine, one of New England’s oldest towns, firstly named ‘Majabigwaduce’ by aborigine Tarrantine Abenaki Indians, sits atop a peninsula in Penobscot Bay, more or less 130 miles north of Portland. With over a century historic markers strewn throughout, this 1,320-inhabitant Hancock County town emanates an idiosyncratic retro feel thanks to its antique-style houses, historic sites, churches, and specialty museums like Castine Historical Society and Wilson Museum. Castine Golf Club, Maine Maritime Academy campus, the Wadsworth Cove & Backshore Beaches, T/S State of Maine (Maine Maritime Academy’s naval research ship), the 1828 Dyce Head Lighthouse, and hiking and cross-country skiing trails of Witherle Woods Preserve are some of Castine’s recognizable attractions.

Stonington

Historically titled ‘Green’s Landing,’ Stonington is a panoramic coastal settlement in eastern Penobscot Bay on Deer Isle Island’s southern extremity. Routinely ranked as one of the country’s best lobster ports and the state’s biggest lobster port, this Hancock County town is noted for its lovely working waterfront and well-kept heritage-listed properties lining the snaky lanes of the Downtown. When in Stonington, window shop from Geoffrey Warner Studio (OWL Furniture), watch concerts at Stonington Opera House, traverse the Barred Island Preserve’s forest-covered trails, and feast on luscious dishes served by Stonington Ice Cream Company, Fin & Fern, and 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille restaurants.

Boothbay Harbor

This 2,027-inhabitant town in Lincoln County is located on the southern edge of a peninsula in the Gulf of Maine, limited by Linekin Bay to the east and the tidal Sheepscot River to the west. During summers, thousands of holidaymakers flock to this “Boating Capital of New England” to relax by the waters, savor lip-smacking seafood, and catch sight of the region’s plentiful marine life. Take a stroll down the footbridge and the waterfront area along with checking out crowd-pullers like the Maine State Aquarium, Carousel Music Theater, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Railway Village, and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.

Old Orchard Beach

Styled “The Garden by the Sea,” Old Orchard Beach is a praised seaside resort in Southern Maine’s York County on Saco Bay’s inner side. The town’s most conspicuous attraction is its 7-mile-long unstained beach that embraces three unalike towns: Saco, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach, in addition to featuring several beachside residential dwellings, condominiums, and bed & breakfasts like Old Orchard Beach Inn. A selection of tourist-oriented businesses stuffs the wooden Beach Pier and the town’s downtown, while the seasonal amusement park - Palace Playland comprises a 24,000-square-foot arcade, a newly constructed Ferris wheel, and roughly 25 amusement rides.

Camden

Camden, a blissful Knox County town in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, is a widely known summer colony for rich Northeasterners hailing from Philadelphia, Boston, and the Big Apple, who wish to spend quality time at their sizeable estates and regal mansions. Situated at the base of Camden Hills by the side of Penobscot Bay, this picture-perfect town has been named in honor of Charles Pratt - the First Earl of Camden for his active help during the Revolutionary War. Incalculable 19th-century structures, home goods stores like Hundred Acres, gift shops like Once A Tree, boutiques like Hearth and Harrow, art galleries like Page Gallery, and eateries like Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s cram Camden’s downtown and harbor business district. Spare time from your crazy schedules to inspect special points of interest like Camden Public Library, Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheatre, Camden Opera House, and Camden Hills State Park, aside from showing up at yearly celebrations such as the Camden Windjammer Festival, Camden Harbor Arts & Crafts Show, Christmas by the Sea, and US National Toboggan Championships.

Damariscotta

“The Oyster Capital of New England” this adorable Lincoln County community is set close to the Damariscotta River’s mouth, approx. 12 miles from the Atlantic coast. Because of its peerless small-town charm and copious Pemaquid oyster supply, Damariscotta has long been a preferred vacation destination for tourists and Mid-Coast Maine residents alike. A prominent shipbuilding center, the town features numerous medieval properties in Greek Revival, Federal, and Italianate architectural styles. The Chapman-Hall House (constructed in 1754), Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop, Kefauver Studio & Gallery, Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta Farmer’s Market, and Frances Perkins Center are some unmissable sites. Annually, try to attend the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder ‘Alewives’ Festival, Pemaquid Oyster Festival, and Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta.

Wiscasset

Lincoln County’s administrative capital, Wiscasset, oftentimes dubbed ‘Maine’s Prettiest Village,’ occupies the Mid-Coast region of the state alongside the Sheepscot River’s western banks. Placed just an hour’s distance from the most populous city of Maine, this primarily fishing, lumber trading, and shipbuilding center served until 1807 as the most active seaport to the north of Boston. At present, the Wiscasset Historic District encompasses a significant portion of the town and comprises many noteworthy properties, including Nickels-Sortwell House, Lincoln County Courthouse, Wiscasset Jail & Museum, Wiscasset Public Library, Capt. George Scott House (Octagon House), Castle Tucker, etc. Also, check out Monkey C Monkey Do - the state’s sole zipline & adventure park, Wiscasset Antiques Mall, Marston House Wiscasset, and Rendall Fine Art Gallery; and relish lip-smacking dishes at top-class eateries like Water Street Kitchen & Bar - Wiscasset and Sprague’s Lobster.

From “Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village” - Bethel to “The Oyster Capital of New England” - Damariscotta, the closely-allied settlements in the nation's 12th smallest and 9th least populous state are waiting to welcome globetrotters from all over the world. Irrespective of the time of the year you are visiting The Pine Tree State either for your weekend trips or lengthy retreats, these hospitable towns will undoubtedly spellbind you with their salubrious natural charm, hypnotizing allurements, exciting annual festivities, and flavorsome seafood delicacies.