8 Most Eccentric Towns in Maine

Maine is part of New England. It borders New Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine, and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. It also shares a maritime border with the province of Nova Scotia. Its rocky coastline edges the Atlantic Ocean. Maine has some of the most eccentric towns that one will find anywhere, with many featuring artistic flair, community-centric vibes, and historical maritime insights unique to this area. From famous lighthouses, scenic trails with panoramic views, seasonal opportunities, and unconventional boutiques and museums, Maine seems to have it all when it comes to a trip of hidden gems and iconic tours. Let's visit the eight most eccentric towns in Maine.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is known as one of the most artistic towns in Maine. The beloved town fosters creativity and outdoor excursions on many levels. The Acadia Coffee Company accompanies locally crafted and sustainable coffee with poetry nights to enhance the town's relaxed atmosphere. Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The Shore Path and Abbe Museum cater to the land's centuries-old heritage, offering walking paths with seaside views, stories of old shipwrecks, and interactive exhibits dedicated to the Wabanaki people's way of life.

Rockland

Rockland is among Maine's coastal cities and has a shipbuilding, fishing, and granite history. Rockland Harbor Breakwater Light was constructed in 1888 and features a near-mile-long granite breakwater pathway connecting the lighthouse to the mainland. As one of the creative communities in Maine, Rockland is home to the Farnsworth Art Museum, which celebrates Maine’s local artists and features the Farnsworth Art Museum Store, a small boutique that sells locally crafted prints and handmade goods as souvenirs. There's also the Steel House, a co-working space that offers innovative workshops and unique opportunities through exhibitions, galleries, and adult art classes.

Blue Hill

Enjoy Maine's natural beauty and local folklore when traveling through Blue Hill. The Blue Hill Co-op is a communal hub that provides local and organic foods, handmade trinkets, events such as open mic nights, and wine tastings. For local music nights and communal tales to be told, visit the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School & Festival, where the community gets together for regular outings. Blue Hill Historical Society has made it its duty to preserve the town's maritime culture and has dedicated research to the city's founders' genealogy. The Blue Hill Mountain trail leads to and through historic lands, with great views at the summit, including panoramic views of the peninsula and woodlands.

Belfast

Belfast is located near the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River estuary (the river is nicknamed “Passy” by the locals). It is a small town encompassing local art, maritime culture, shopping hot spots, and food. The Colburn Shoe Store is the oldest in the United States, opening in 1832 and offering top-of-the-line brands to its shoppers. Making your way around the town, the Belfast Harbor Walk is a curated path along the harbor that showcases public art installations and has unique bird-watching opportunities. The Belfast Historical Society and Museum and the Front Strip Steel Yard are two historical highlights to visit whose purpose is to preserve maritime cultural artifacts and the town's legacy.

Hallowell

Hallowell is known both as one of the most artistic towns in Maine and one of the state's towns that feels frozen in time. Its artistic flair is carried throughout the city through architecture, local art exhibits and galleries, and performing arts. Among Hallowell's heritage is the granite industry; Hallowell Granite Works was established in 1830 and now features office and residential spaces after being rehabilitated and revitalized. Vaughan Woods and Historic Homestead is a nature preserve harnessing the lands of the Abenaki people with walking trails and colonial-era architecture.

Castine

One of the oldest towns in New England sits as the town of Castine, a scenic location looking out onto the Penobscot Bay. The Pentagoet Inn and Pub overlooks the village harbor and is a Queen Ann Victorian-style building that doubles as a bed and breakfast and boutique pub offering local wines. Castine has a unique blend of French, British, and American influences, making it one of the most eccentric towns in Maine. The Castine Historical Society shares collections of the town's heritage and hosts exhibitions and events. The Dice Head Lighthouse still shines on Penobscot Bay. The Wilson Museum, founded in 1921, is one stop for the books, holding a wealth of artifacts that are a part of Maine's maritime culture.

Kennebunkport

One of Maine's most popular tourist destinations, Kennebunkport, is full of history, architecture, and some of Maine's most popular families. The First Families Kennebunkport Museum is an opportunity to step back and learn about the founding families, like the Bush family, and original architecture, such as the White Columns, a premier property owned by the same family for over 130 years. Goat Island Lighthouse was originally built in 1835 to guard the entrance to Cape Porpoise Harbor and now offers insight into the town's navigation history. Kennebunkport's downtown area boasts charming boutiques and cafes such as Mornings in Paris, a European-style cafe offering hand-poured coffees and sweet treats. Finally, Dock Square is full of chic shops and 19th-century eye-catching architecture.

Monhegan Island

Monhegan Island sits in the Gulf of Maine, providing a relaxed atmosphere and strong maritime aura. The Monhegan Island Light, in operation since 1824, has an associated museum that showcases the island's marine heritage and contains seasonal exhibitions; for example, it has showcased the work of local artist James Fitzgerald. As an art colony, Monhegan Island sets the stage for tours that allow visitors to explore the art galleries and studios of the island's resident artists. Live music nights are a hit on Monhegan Island; the Monhegan Brewing Company is family owned and offers island-inspired craft beers and live music for locals and passersby. Being one of Maines's most eccentric towns, the Cathedral Woods Trail is a unique mystical forest trail that features fairy houses built by locals and overlooks ocean cliffs.

Whimsy and Artistry in Maine's Small Towns

Each of the eight most eccentric towns in Maine offers an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Family legacies, ocean history, local art, and folklore expand with considerable ingenuity and originality throughout each town — an open invitation to all who wish to visit. Whether you are an avid traveler or just want a refreshing vacation that's unlike the rest, exploring some of Maine's towns is a good place to start.