6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Maine
For eager travelers looking for that authentic New England experience, there’s no better place than these small, idyllic Maine towns. Whether you want to explore the islands of the Merchant's Row archipelago in Stonington or take in a show at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, these six undisturbed towns to visit in Maine remain unaffected by the persistent passage of time. Even after all these years, their classic New England architecture remains intact — from the heart of downtown to the surrounding local neighborhoods. So, when you’re ready to step back in time, check out these lovely towns in Maine.
Blue Hill
Nestled along the calm shores of Blue Hill Bay, Blue Hill delivers tranquil coastal charm in the heart of the idyllic Blue Hill Mountains. The winding streets through town yield breathtaking views of the Bay and rustic New England-style shops that feel like stepping back in time. You can stop in quaint shops like The Meadow of Blue Hill or Bears n' Me for treasures to bring back home, or you can grab a satisfying breakfast at Sandy's Blue Hill Cafe (bring your appetite because the portions are huge).
While spending an afternoon in the adorable downtown district is enough to while away an afternoon, you can miss the amazing views Blue Hill has to offer. Horton Emerson Park is a beloved “pocket park” among the locals, offering winding trails through wildflowers and amazing water views. Be sure to check out its newest granite sculpture called “Window of the Sea Wind,” installed in 2011. There’s no better view in Blue Hill than the short one-mile hike up Blue Hill Mountain via the Osgood Trail that lends sweeping views of the vast forests below. With natural beauty and old-fashioned New England charm, Blue Hill is a wonderful place to relax over a long weekend.
Stonington
Hidden away on the southern tip of Deer Isle is the undisturbed area of Stonington, a sleepy fishing village untouched by time. The narrow streets downtown wind through local cafes and shops, with a stunning view of the ocean. You can catch a live show at the historic Stonington Opera House (built in 1912). As one of the biggest lobster ports in the state, no trip to Stonington is complete without indulging in some fresh lobster! Stonecutters Kitchen offers fresh lobster caught by local fishermen, and the lobster rolls are out of this world.
Stonington is also known as the gateway to the Merchant Row archipelago, a cluster of islands off the coast that offers some of the most beautiful views in the state. Launch a canoe or kayak to explore the many islands of the archipelago, or relax at one of the many sandy beaches. You can camp out on Saddleback and Nathan islands or go for a swim in Green Island’s old quarry. The sleepy downtown vibes of Stonington paired with its proximity to the archipelago make it a wonderful place to spend a weekend.
Wiscasset
On the banks of the Sheepscot and Back rivers is where you’ll find the hidden gem of Wiscasset. Known for its classic Federal-style architecture in an idyllic fishing village, walking the narrow streets of Wiscasset feels like walking inside a postcard. One of the more popular places in Wiscasset is the Creamery Pier, which hosts a collection of rustic food stands and local stores. It feels like a mini county fair (sans the rides) all year round. If it's the season, be sure to grab an amazing lobster roll at Sprague's Lobster while enjoying the views of the water.
If amazing architecture is what you’re after, the Nickels-Sortwell House is a must-see when you’re in town. Built in the early 1800s by a wealthy ship captain, it offers visitors a rare glimpse back in time via self-guided tours. It’s classic Federal-style architecture at its finest. History buffs will love exploring the dusty halls of the Lincoln County Museum, which was formally Wiscasset’s jail. The old structure is one of Maine's oldest surviving jails. Wiscasset is one of those rare cities that hasn’t changed much over the years, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
Boothbay Harbor
On a peninsula between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers is the dreamy fishing village of Boothbay Harbor. With colorful New England architecture, winding city streets, and salty sea air, it’s like a little slice of heaven. It has everything you would expect from an untouched New England city: rocky coastlines, lighthouses, and some of the best seafood on the Atlantic Coast. Catch a live show at the beautiful Opera House at Boothbay Harbor (built in 1894) or grab some of the best seafood at The Pub, a favorite among the locals. It even has a Maine lobster bake every Tuesday evening in the summer.
As for stunning New England vistas, Boothbay Harbor has you covered. With seven lighthouses and uncrowded rocky beaches, the surrounding nature and views are almost as charming as the downtown area. Barrett's Park is a must-see for visitors, with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, picnic areas, and swimming areas. Just one mile off the coast of Boothbay Harbor is Burnt Island Light House, which is only accessible via canoe or kayak. If you make the short trip, you can explore this untouched island and get a closer look at the lighthouse. The slow-paced and rustic vibes of Boothbay Harbor make it a great place to check out on your next Maine road trip.
Camden
When you imagine an undisturbed city in New England, the city of Camden likely comes to mind. Dotted with church steeples, rolling hills, and boats docked at the shoreline, it’s a laid-back city where times move just a little slower. Walking down Main Street overlooking the Megunticook River, you can grab a brew and a lobster roll at Sea Dog Brewing Company and then walk across the way to take a picture of Megunticook Falls, or watch boats dock at the port. Next to the beautiful Camden Public Library is the Camden Amphitheater, a lovely green space that hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year.
Ready to explore the great outdoors? Camden is home to some amazing parks and overlooks. The view at the top of Maiden’s Cliff offers panoramic views of the area, as well as Megunticook Lake, and it’s only a two-mile hike roundtrip. Part of Camden Hills State Park, it's another fantastic stop for visitors who might also enjoy hiking (or driving) to the peak of Mount Battie. With fantastic food, untouched rustic scenery, and so much to discover, Camden is the ultimate New England experience.
Damariscotta
Welcome to the oyster capital of New England! Aside from the scrumptious oysters (more on that later), Damariscotta is home to grandiose mansions and historical buildings, like the Lincoln Theater. Built circa 1875, the Lincoln Theater is the heart of Damariscotta and hosts live performances and various events throughout the year. With few commercial establishments and local stores peppered along the Damariscotta River, driving through this blissful town feels dreamlike. A stop at the Chapman-Hall House is also worth your time. Built in 1754, it's the oldest home in town — and one of the oldest in the state.
However, the tranquil setting and breathtaking views of the Damariscotta River are just the beginning. Damariscotta is known for its oysters, and the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site was once a massive oyster shell heap and now serves as a beautiful green space with hiking trails. The townspeople of Damariscotta are so proud of their oyster heritage that they hold annual events like the Pemaquid Oyster Festival which serves great food and even holds an oyster shucking competition. If you love dreamy views and oysters, add Damariscotta to your Maine road trip list.
Small Town Magic Awaits
While Maine isn’t the northernmost state in the continental United States (that title belongs to Minnesota), it comes in at a close second. Maine is known for its rocky bluffs and shorelines, forests of thick and fragrant pine trees, and cozy little villages waiting to be discovered. Some sites are so remote that they can only be accessed by canoe or kayak, such as the Burnt Island Light House in Boothbay Harbor. So, if you are on the hunt for a place that provides stunning views sans the crowds and traffic, be sure to add one (or all!) of these towns to your next New England road trip.
