7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Maine
Maine, the most comprehensive and northerly state in the Northeastern US’ New England region shares boundaries with the Gulf of Maine, the neighboring state of New Hampshire, as well as the Quebec and New Brunswick provinces of Canada. Recognized for its rugged Atlantic & Bayshore shorelines, precipitous Appalachian Mountains, densely wooded interiors, and numerous crystal-clear waterways, the mind-boggling State of Maine is a great choice for adventurous souls looking for plenty of open-air activities and astounding waterfront scenery. Even though the maximum number of tourists head to the state’s southernmost part, which has many miles of unsullied sun-kissed beaches, stunning coastlines flecked with old lighthouses, and is the location of populous metropolises like Portland, the innumerable teeny towns scattered all over the state often gets overlooked. So, those wishing to discover the Pine Tree State at close range should spend a vacation at any of these undiscovered small towns.
Stonington
Stonington, formerly called ‘Green’s Landing,’ is a serene Hancock County fishing town in eastern Penobscot Bay occupying the southern end of Deer Isle Island. Adjudged as one of the principal lobster ports of the country and a sizeable lobster port of the state, the town is esteemed for its inviting working waterfront and painstakingly maintained landmark properties that line the downtown’s serpentine streets. When in Stonington, dedicate some time to enjoying concerts at Stonington Opera House, window shopping from Geoffrey Warner Studio and other notable art galleries, savoring tasty cuisines served by prize-winning eateries like 44 North Coffee - Stonington Café, Stonington Ice Cream Company, etc., and traversing the abutting Barren Island Preserve’s forest-covered trails.
Bethel
Considered to be the state's 'most beautiful mountain village,' Bethel is situated on the western fringe of Oxford Hills and the southern side of the White Mountains’ Mahoosuc Range in Oxford County. Apart from the craggy ranges, the town’s nearness to the White Mountain National Forest has made it a leading all-weather outdoor retreat and a model jumping-off point for multifarious recreations. During the warm summers, adventurists can partake in hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities in the coterminous wilderness areas, while superb alpine skiing is offered at the Carter’s XC (Cross-Country) Ski, Sunday River Ski Resort, and Mt. Abram Maine Resort in the winters. Throughout the year, Bethel’s bewitching downtown provides the best accommodations and dining facilities, where sightseers can relax and satisfy their hunger after a hectic tour of the myriad sites of interest like the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Grafton Notch State Park, Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, Hastings Homestead Museum, Table Rocks Arts Center, and Middle Intervale Meeting House & Common.
Camden
A paradisal Knox County town in Maine’s Mid-Coast region, Camden is a well-known summer colony for prosperous Northeastern US families who wish to spend some cherished moments at the spacious estates and stately mansions. Located next to Penobscot Ray at the bottom of Camden Hills, this 5,232-inhabitant town has been baptized after the First Earl of Camden for his vital role during the American Revolutionary War. Countless 19th-century architectural treasures, art galleries, locally-owned shops, boutiques, and award-winning restaurants like Natalie’s Restaurant - Relais and Chateaux, and The Waterfront Restaurant Camden fill the pedestrian-friendly downtown and harbor business district. A tour of the Camden Harbor Park & Amphitheater, Camden Public Library, Camden Opera House, and the proximate Camden Hills State Park are not to be missed; while merrymakers get to attend several events such as the Camden Winterfest, Camden Windjammer Festival, US National Toboggan Championships, Christmas by the Sea, and Camden Harbor Arts & Crafts Show every year.
Boothbay Harbor
Home to 2,027 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this immaculate Lincoln County community abutted by Linekin Bay in the east and the Sheepscot River in the west is set on the southern extremity of a peninsula in the Gulf of Maine. Fondly called, ‘The Boating Capital of New England,’ Boothbay Harbor entices thousands of holidayers during the warm summers who wish to catch sight of the region’s plentiful marine life, unwind by the waters, and relish some delicious seafood. Stroll down the waterfront area and take note of the infinite shops like the Gimbel & Sons Country Store, and Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, apart from many eateries such as Boathouse Bistro Tapas Lounge & Restaurant, Shannon’s Unshelled - Rt. 27, etc. Saunter the excellent footbridge and tour other notable sites including the Carousel Music Theater, Burnt Island Lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor Railway Village & Museum, Maine State Aquarium, Abacus Gallery, and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.
Castine
Originally called by the Indigenous Tarrantine Abenaki Indians as ‘Majabigwaduce,’ Castine is one of New England’s oldest settlements located in eastern Maine’s Hancock County on a headland in Penobscot Bay, around 130 miles north of Portland. With over 100 historical markers scattered all over, this pretty seaside town named after an illustrious French military officer oozes a peculiar old-fashioned allure through its carefully maintained historic sites, churches, Castine Post-Office, deep-water harbor, antiquarian houses, and the noteworthy Wilson Museum. Stop by the main campus of the Maine Maritime Academy, Castine Golf Club, the Wadsworth Cove & Backshore Beaches, the 1828 Dyce Head Lighthouse, and a 500-foot naval research ship (T/S State of Maine), besides exploring the more than 4.3 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails of the 185-acre Witherle Woods Preserve.
Rockland
Rockland, the administrative center of southern Maine’s Knox County, is situated along the Penobscot Bay’s western banks, approx. 81 miles northeast of the state’s most populous city. Famed for its completely operational harbor and craggy shoreline interspersed with inlets, the town is, at present, the economic hub of the Midcoast Maine region, which receives a considerable number of summer tourists. Holidayers must browse the downtown’s numerous commercial shops, boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops, and first-class eateries such as Home Kitchen Café and Primo Restaurant serving an array of food ranging from conventional New England dishes to modern cuisines. When in town, the Farnsworth Art Museum, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Maine Lighthouse Museum, Coastal Children’s Museum, Rockland Breakwater Light, Rockland Historical Society & Museum, and the adjoining Owls Head State Park & Lighthouse are must-visits.
Old Orchard Beach
A renowned seaside resort destination, Old Orchard Beach occupies the inward side of Saco Bay in York County on the Southern Maine Coast. Dubbed, “Garden by the Sea,” this 8,960-inhabitant town’s most celebrated site of interest is a 7-mile-long immaculate beach that covers three discrete towns: Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, and Saco (from north to south), as well as features umpteen beachfront properties, condominiums, motels, and bed & breakfasts like Sandpiper Beachfront Motel and Old Orchard Beach Inn. An assortment of small businesses that cater to tourists including T-shirt shops, ice cream parlors, burger joints, and seafood diners such as The Shack and Joseph’s By the Sea is in the town’s inviting downtown. Additionally, Old Orchard Beach houses a seasonal amusement park named Palace Playland - which consists of around 25 amusement rides, a 24,000-square-foot arcade, a recently constructed Ferris wheel, and a wooded Beach Pier lined with bars, souvenir shops, and gastronomic venues.
From Bethel - “Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village” to Boothbay Harbor - “The Boating Capital of New England,” the unconventional tiny communities of the 9th least populous and 12th smallest state of the nation are waiting to welcome holidaymakers from near and far. Regardless of the fact that you are visiting the Pine Tree State on your short holidays or lengthy vacations, these charming towns will certainly fascinate you with their untouched beauty, riveting attractions, and scrumptious seafood cuisines.
