12 Off The Beaten Path Maine Towns
Maine is well known as a place to get away from landlocked areas and experience the enchanting coast. People are drawn to its rocky coastline, pristine wilderness, and quaint coastal towns. Destinations such as Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Old Orchard Beach usually steal the spotlight, drawing crowds and turning would-be-quiet towns into bustling hot spots for vacationers. However, for those seeking a more authentic and quiet adventure, Maine is home to a plethora of tranquil hidden gems for travelers to discover that are off the beaten path. From quaint Belfast to charming Norway, the state of Maine has some great destinations waiting to be explored.
Belfast
Along Route 1 up the coast of Maine, about a 2.5-hour drive (100 miles) past Portland, is the picturesque small town of Belfast, incorporated as only the 8th city in Maine in 1853. The town's center today is evocative of a storybook, with modern boutiques, art galleries, and cozy local eateries burrowed in between the historical treasures of pre-Civil War architecture. It's this blend of past and present that gives Belfast its unique allure. The main street leads directly to the harbor. There, a typical summer scene is of fishing boats swaying gently in the water, while seagulls weave back and forth overhead. Summer also brings sailboats, gliding through the bay, their white sails catching the sun's rays in a most enchanting way. Belfast City Park graces the coastline, offering various sports facilities like a baseball field, basketball court, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Come join the locals who gather here for play, picnics, or open-air concerts on the vibrant green overlooking Belfast Bay.
Fort Kent
Drive along to the northernmost end of Route 1, known as "America's First Mile." to reach Fort Kent. This sleepy little town, with a strong Acadian French heritage, is nestled by the Saint John River, which forms a natural border with New Brunswick, Canada. Fort Kent's town center offers everything you need, from pharmacies and hardware stores to a variety of restaurants, serving anything from comfort food to Chinese cuisine.
For folks who want to be closer to the hub, find lodging at the Northern Door Inn, roughly a 20-minute walk or three-minute drive to Riverside Park where you can enjoy outdoor ice skating (with lights for nighttime skating) and two tennis courts, also with lights, along with a lighted athletic field intended for multiple activities. Guests will even find snowshoes and ice skates for public use if they need them. If you do go in the winter, be sure to take advantage of the skiing Fort Kent has to offer at Lonesome Pine Trails, only a 3-minute drive away. You might try to catch the Can-Am Crown International Dog Sled Race if you are there in early March. Visit the official website at https://can-am-crown.net to check for dates.
No matter when you visit, you will witness mesmerizing sights, from winter sunsets over the frozen Saint John River to rainbows gracing the valley behind the mountains. Throughout your stay, the sound of church bells from New Brunswick, Canada, will echo across the river, accompanied by the sweet scent of rain-soaked trees in the summer.
Lubec
If you have in your mind the idea quintessential Maine lighthouse, it is likely the lighthouse at West Quoddy Head in Lubec that’s been etched into your memory from photos you’ve seen of Maine. This iconic lighthouse serves as the backdrop to Quoddy Head State Park's activities. Explore 5 miles of scenic trails and enjoy the salty ocean air mixed with pine scents. When hunger strikes, head to designated beach or lighthouse picnic areas with tables and grills. If you are in the mood for RVing, check out Sunset Point RV Park, just an 11-minute drive away. Experience tranquility by the campfire, savor locally sourced seafood (cooking supplies provided free of charge), and watch the sun sink below the horizon for a perfect end to any day.
Blue Hill
This region is known for its exceptional quality of granite; such exceptional quality that it was used in the construction of the world-renowned Brooklyn Bridge. First-rate granite and interesting trivia aside, when pondering Blue Hill, think of forest hikes, canoeing, kayaking, and even sailing. Visitors here will find galleries a library for perusing, and little shops where local artisans sell their wares. If you find yourself feeling peckish, consider swinging by the Humblebee Café, where you will find a wide variety of delicious cuisine from fish and chips to sandwiches to coffee cake. Be sure to save a little of your appetite for later dining in an 1832 farmhouse known as Arborvine, the restaurant on its own has been said to be destination-worthy. Or, if you fancy handcrafted beer, consider stopping by the Deep Water microbrewery for a beer and a game of cornhole on the lawn beside the pub. If you’re more of a wine connoisseur, don’t miss the Blue Hill Wine Shop, where you will find not only wine, but an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and pates. The tiny town of Blue Hill, just under an hour’s drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, offers much of the flavor of a typical Maine coast tourist town, without the chaos of all the crowds.
Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island is the ideal escape from crowds and noise, reachable only by boat. Ten miles offshore, this quaint island was a 17th-century fishing village and trading post, with many of its 64 year-round residents descending from early inhabitants. Take the regular Monhegan Island ferry from mainland Maine during the warm months of the year.
The island is very small only 1.75 miles long and .75 miles across. Do not let the island’s small size fool you, though. There is plenty to do here, whether coming for a day trip or an extended trip. Visit Monhegan Museum and meander through the various art galleries and maybe even take an art class. Be sure to pack a few art supplies in case the mood strikes you to create your artistic souvenir. Also, don’t forget your hiking shoes for walking on the island’s nearly 12 miles of trails weaving through moss-covered forests. There are plenty of places for picnicking, bird watching, seal and puffin watching, and enjoying the sunrises and sunsets as sea fog lifts and settles around you.
Bethel
No matter the season, you will find plenty to do in this little town. It is located a 10-minute drive from the well-known ski resort of Sunday River, so it makes a perfect location to stay for your winter vacation. It has as much wintery fun as you would expect in this town that holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s tallest snowperson. Visitors will find Bethal close enough to get to the ski slopes easily, but just far away from the resort crowd after an afternoon of skiing. Round off your day with dinner at The Bethel Sugar Shack, a family-run restaurant that serves a variety of belly-warming foods for everyone in your party, not to mention amazing desserts of ice cream, cheesecake, or Maine's own declared state dessert, the Whoopie Pie.
In warmer seasons, you will not run out of things to do. Park your RV at Bethel Outdoor Adventure Campground, then hike Bethel Community Forest Ridge Summit Trail or kayak/tube on the Androscoggin River. At the end of your day, gather around a campfire and enjoy some peaceful moments with family or friends. Fall asleep at night serenaded by the call of loons and the distant howl of a solitary coyote.
Norway
Home of Maine’s oldest weekly newspaper, The Advertiser Democrat (initially known as The Oxford Observer), still in production, this idyllic town is located roughly an hour and fifteen minutes (44 miles) drive northwest of Portland. The town boasts a charming downtown with colorful shop fronts housing handmade crafts, games, comics, antiques, quilt-making supplies, clothing, and even wine and knitting supplies in one shop. As you stroll the shopfront, you will likely be lured by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods at the Fare Share Market, the local natural food co-op. There are so many more restaurants and shops to discover along these quiet streets, you might need more than one day to enjoy them.
Remember your hiking shoes and bike helmet for outdoor adventures. After shopping, enjoy nature hikes or bike rides in warm months, and in winter, opt for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, all just a mile from downtown. Regardless of the season, visitors will want to savor Norway, Maine's laid-back atmosphere and tranquil introspective experience.
Lebanon
When thinking of this town off the beaten path, picture fresh, plump blueberries for days and boutique wines produced locally. You will find these delights at the Berry Best Farm and the Prospect Hill Winery respectively. Being located roughly an hour west of Kennebunkport (27 miles), on the border between Maine and New Hampshire, puts Lebanon in a unique position for a variety of activities. Proximity to the Salmon Falls River and many lakes and ponds allows for great fishing opportunities. So, grab your fishing rod and head down for a tranquil afternoon of smallmouth bass or perch fishing. Or perhaps you would prefer an afternoon on a boat, gently rocking on a lake, casting your line in hopes of catching brook or rainbow trout or maybe a landlocked salmon.
Alternatively, if grabbing a little exercise while exploring nature is your desire, worry not. Would this be in Maine without a nature trail nearby for wooded adventures? Look no further than Gully Oven Park, where you will find not only a trail for hiking but a unique geological formation of an oven-shaped cavern (hence, the name) amongst the rocks, near a rushing waterfall.
Additionally noteworthy, Lebanon also caters to golfers with Lebanon Pines Golf, where the lush green surroundings provide a tranquil setting for a round or two.
Rangeley
This little town in western Maine is known for its gorgeous lakes surrounding it. The region itself is known by the name Rangeley Lakes Region and comprises 112 lakes and ponds. It does not take much to imagine the plethora of opportunities this kind of geography affords visitors to the area. The many bodies of water coupled with an abundance of nature trails provide countless outdoor adventures from fishing, to hiking, to ice skating. If traveling during the warmer months, do not forget your bathing suit and sunscreen for a refreshing swim at Rangeley Lake State Park Beach, known for its clear and cool water.
For those seeking a more adventurous perspective and a chance to behold the region's splendid scenery from the skies, why not consider a seaplane excursion with Acadian Seaplanes? Picture the exhilaration of soaring high above, witnessing the breathtaking fusion of vibrant autumn hues and the glistening blues of numerous lakes this fall season!
Yarmouth
Yarmouth is located a mere 15 minutes away (12 miles) from Portland, Maine along Highway 295. You might want to consider visiting this beautiful little coastal town for a truly relaxing experience. Like any Maine coastal town, you will find lots of waterside activities to do while you spend the day unwinding. Head to Sandy Point Beach with your beach blanket and picnic for an afternoon of relaxation. Immerse yourself in the slow pace of life all around you, watching the clouds float by overhead and kayakers and lobster boats gliding and ambling by.
For a fun, educational experience the whole family is sure to love, do not forget to swing by Eartha, the world’s largest rotating globe. Located off Route 1 just five minutes (1.7 miles) Northeast of the center of Yarmouth, the globe is housed in a large atrium visible from the highway. Inside the atrium are two balconies accessible to the public for viewing the giant globe at several angles.
Lisbon
Less than an hour north (36 miles) of Portland lies the small town of Lisbon, Maine. There, you will find all sorts of wholesome activities to delight everyone in your party. Notable for its wide variety of activities year-round, Beaver Park on Cotton Road is sure to keep you occupied. Be sure to bring your fishing rods because there, you will discover ponds stocked with fish for the catching. In the afternoon, throw on your bathing suit and take a dip in one of the ponds to cool off. Come back in the winter for ice skating provided the ice condition is good. (Call ahead to find out.)
Visit in the fall for apple picking at Willow Pond Farm, a quick 7-minute ride from Lisbon's center. At the farm, there are opportunities galore to create some amazing lifelong core memories. Share an outdoor lunch in the designated picnic area with plenty of green space for the kids to run free or climb trees. Reconnect with your inner child and let go of adult stress in this charming setting.
Newport
This unassuming little town holds many hidden treasures to explore, away from the usual crowds found at so many of the tourist destinations in Maine. With Sebasticook Lake at its center, you will discover excellent opportunities for canoeing, fishing, or water skiing. Lace up your comfortable shoes for a stroll along the scenic River Walk to Newport's lively downtown. There, you will delight in galleries, shops, and a variety of wholesome eateries from which to choose after you’ve worked up an appetite. If you are a history enthusiast, you might be glad to know there’s a museum and a local history resource room for you to visit inside the Newport Cultural Center.
In Conclusion
Maine is abundant in off-the-beaten-path, rustic locations waiting for travelers to discover the state's lesser-known treasures. From the picturesque coastal charm of Belfast to the tranquil beauty of Fort Kent, the iconic lighthouse of Lubec, and the granite-rich region of Blue Hill, Maine has so much more to offer than its popular tourist destinations. Each of these towns offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit, allowing visitors to experience Maine in its purest form. So, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Maine's off-the-beaten-path towns have something special to offer. It is a reminder that even in a state known for its iconic destinations, there are always more hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
