8 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In Maine
Maine is a laid-back state with all of the elements of a slow-paced destination, such as low population, less chaotic environment, natural splendor, and history lures. However, some towns in this state seem to be more laid-back than others. In these towns, locals engage in their daily pursuits with remarkable calm and zero traffic, even as nature thrives gloriously on the side. Plus, there are so many natural, historic, artsy, and cultural attractions to keep people busy in these towns, making them all the more irresistible. From Camden, with its charming harbor, to Blue Hill Peninsula, here are eight slow-paced Towns to visit in the Pine Tree State.
Blue Hill
Blue Hill, a town named after its 940-foot namesake hill, is where travelers will find peace, serenity, and scenic ambiance to lose track of time. Once here, history buffs can kick back at the Blue Historical Society Museum, where the town’s past comes alive at the Holt House Museum through exhibits. More history is available at Jonathan Fisher House, a historic house of the first minister to settle in the town. Meanwhile, adventurers in town are always welcome to explore the Peters Brook and Penny’s Preserve, featuring a 5-mile trail with highlights such as a waterfall and the scenic Peters Brook. The area also has a small beach for swimming, boating, sunbathing, and kayaking. For art aficionados, Jud Hartmann Gallery is a great place to explore artworks and purchase some as souvenirs.
Castine
Castine’s history dates to 1613 and by 1760, the first permanent settlement was established in the area, making it one of the oldest towns in New England. Largely renowned as the home of Maine Maritime Academy, this historic town is also spectacular for its cozy vibes, thanks to its population of just above 1,000 people. Once in this lovely town on Penobscot Bay, visitors can head to the Castine Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s roots through various exhibits and programs. On the outdoors, Dyce Head Lighthouse is an imposing beacon and scenic attraction to admire, although decommissioned. Elsewhere, Wadsworth Cove is a 200-foot-long beach where visitors can relax, bask in the sun, swim, beach comb, and enjoy picnics. Visitors here can also get active by kayaking or boating on Penobscot Bay. In the meantime, art lovers can always visit Gallery B to browse through its collection of contemporary artworks of over 30 internationally recognized artists.
Calais
Calais is a cozy town by the St. Croix River on the Canadian border, where time seems to move slowly. Visit this town and start with a scenic walk on the 1.5-mile Calais Waterfront Walkway coursing along St. Croix River in the heart of downtown. Explore more of the outdoors at the 318-acre Devil’s Head Conservatory Park along the St. Croix River with beach access and a few miles of hiking trails like the 1.2-mile Shoreline Bluff Trail, which leads to a picnic area featuring views of the Canadian shore and various trees and wildlife. For more adventures, visit the nearby St. Croix Island on the Canadian border and then head to the Wabanaki Culture Center in town to learn about the area’s native American tribes. When it’s time to relax, stop by the State Cinemas to enjoy blockbuster movies.
Phippsburg
Phippsburg is as relaxed as they come in Maine, with a small population of approximately 2,000 people. Here, life seems to move at a much slower pace and visitors will have many ways to enjoy each stroke of the clock. For starters, the town boasts a captivating ocean scenery best seen at the 605-acre Popham Beach State Park, where the Kennebec River joins the ocean. The park has a sandy beach to bask in the sun, picnic promenades, watch the sunset, embark on water sports, and explore tidal pools. Visitors can also explore the nearby Hermit and Malaga Islands to kayak or fish on the Kennebec River. Away from the adventures, art lovers are invited to purchase fine paintings at the Andrea Gallery while history buffs can explore the Fort Popham and Fort Baldwin historic sites to marvel at the coastal military fortifications as they overlook the river.
Belfast
Belfast is a quaint, laid-back small town along a river estuary in Penobscot and Belfast Bays. Renowned for its remarkably calm setting, the town beckons visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of overcrowded cities while offering a handful of charming sights and sounds. Once here, visit the Belfast City Park overlooking Penobscot Bay to relax, enjoy picnics, stroll on a walking path, fish in the bay, and use various sporting facilities like a swimming pool and tennis court. Next, stroll on the Belfast Harbor Walk to admire sailboats on the water, gardens, and picturesque ocean scenery. Proceed to Heritage Park to enjoy a waterfront picnic with amazing views. Afterward, soak in some history at the Belfast Historical Society Museum, where exhibits, presentations, and memorabilia mirror life in a bygone era. When it’s time to dine, head to Rollie’s Bar and Grill on the main street for a hearty lunch.
Bath
Bath is one of the oldest towns in Maine, housing some of its iconic and historic attractions. Plus, its cozy ambiance, slow-paced life, and a small population of just above 8,000 make it a draw for peace-loving vacationers. Visitors here will be met with the Maine Maritime Museum - a foremost attraction on the Kennebec River, housing artworks, documents, and artifacts about the state’s maritime roots. The town also hosts Maine’s First Ship on the Kennebec River, and visitors are welcome to enjoy a sailing tour of the reconstructed 1607 ship. The Baths Iron Works is another iconic attraction on the same river to explore as it is one of the largest shipyards in the US, founded in 1884. For visitors looking for laid-back activities, the Linwood Temple Waterfront Park is a great spot in Bath to enjoy boating or just sit on the benches admiring the ocean views. For more laid-back experiences, head to Chocolate Church Arts Center to enjoy a show.
Camden
Camden is one of the most popular summer resort towns in Maine, famed for its picturesque harbor and a host of water-based adventures. Yet, the town is laid-back and charming, even when its population swells in the summer season. Visit this town and start an unforgettable experience with scenic views of sailboats and spectacular ocean scenery at its harbor. Next, relax at the Waterfront Restaurant on the harbor with delicious seafood and stunning views. Take things a step up by hiking to Camden Hills State Park at the top of Mount Battie to relish sweeping views of the town, its harbor, Penobscot Bay, and neighboring islands. Remember to savor the scenic aura of Megunticook Falls on the main street as it flows from its namesake river down to the Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and into the ocean. Later, explore the beautiful Curtis Island Lighthouse that sits on the edge of the harbor, overlooking the waters. And on a cool evening, unwind with musical and comedy shows or movies at the Camden Opera House.
Lubec
Lubec is a beautiful town remarkable for being the most easternmost point in the Contiguous US. Hence, it might be hard to reach but even harder to forget as the town is not only laid-back but full of amazing sights and things to do. Visitors here would first be gripped by the town’s natural scenery on a peninsula overlooking Passamquoddy Bay. Explore the town’s beautiful scenery by visiting the West Quoddy Lighthouse, a scenic beacon with its striking red and white strip painting. Afterward, visit Hamilton Cove Preserve to hike its numerous trails that course along beautiful pebble beaches, magnificent cliffs, and headlands. History buffs can check out the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial, a tribute to the lives lost in the waters of Washington County throughout the town’s fishing history. Elsewhere, Crow Town Gallery is a great stop to admire wonderful art creations.
Maine surely knows a thing or two about how to win the hearts of laid-back tourists and those seeking an escape from the rowdiness of big cities. With enchanting, small towns where serenity and peace are the prevailing characters, the Pine Tree state is a quintessential New England getaway any day. But there is more to the pervasive calm and uncrowded features of these towns. As each stroke of the clock is savored and endures longer than usual, the ocean scenery beckons, history calls, and art entices every visitor in these slow-paced towns of Maine.
