8 Towns in Maine That Were Frozen in Time

Maine is more often known for its rugged coastlines, lighthouses, and large swaths of forests, but beyond Portsmouth and the well-trodden tourist paths are small towns that seem frozen in time. From the community of Bath, "The City of Ships," to Deer Isle, secluded along the eastern edges of Penobscot Bay, it is as if the way of life has remained for centuries, where visitors can almost walk through time. If you want to feel an experience where history is not only something to be read about but something to live, these eight towns in The Pine Tree State offer a chance for a never-to-be-forgotten step back in time.

Bath

Bath has often been referred to as the "City of Ships"; with its long maritime history, it seems to have maintained a lot of its 19th-century charm. Its waterfront is lined with old shipyards and historic buildings, giving evidence of its history in shipbuilding. The Maine Maritime Museum forms a part of one old shipyard, which shows the role of the town in the building of naval vessels. Downtown Bath was lined with brick buildings and locally owned shops such as the Mockingbird Bookshop, a quaint independent bookstore that has stood the test of time. A walk through Bath feels like a leap into the pages of maritime history; the spirit of the past lives in its architecture, and the tales told by residents define it.

Wiscasset

Wiscasset is teeteringly frozen in time because of its strong 18th-century presence, whether it's from colonial homes or cobblestone streets. The many antique stores and art galleries, including the Wiscasset Bay Gallery, are hosted in buildings that have stood for hundreds of years. The iconic Red's Eats, a seafood shack doling out lobster rolls since 1938, almost seems like the epitome of the town's old-time charm. The remarkable Georgian-style structure, Wiscasset's Lincoln County Superior Court, is still a functioning government building and a reminder of this northern town's colonial roots.

Camden

Tucked between mountains and sea, this tiny town has long been a haven for artists and sailors alike. Historic buildings line the center of Camden, while the Camden Public Library, a 1920 structure, provides a look into the enlightenment-filled past of the town. One can almost imagine what fishing and shipping looked like in the 19th-century town, at Camden Harbor, where schooners tie up. One of the most striking features of Camden is the Mount Battie Memorial Tower, built in 1921. The views at its top are almost the same now as they would have been 100 years ago. Its shops, like the Owl and Turtle Bookshop and Cafe, are infused with old-time Camden.

Hallowell

On the Kennebec River, Hallowell appears almost as if history were alive in every corner of this town. Water Street is lined with brick buildings, still looking much as they did over a century ago. Old-time shops like the Hallowell Antique Mall join the historic architecture of Hallowell. History abounds in the 19th-century Hallowell City Hall and Vaughan Woods, whose trails wind their way across lands once part of a historic estate. Meanwhile, in the heart of downtown along the riverbank, soak in the sights and learn more about the granite quarries at Granite City Park, or wander down to the Quarry Tap Room for food and drinks at "Hallowell’s Deepest Watering Hole."

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport has a name as a summer haunt for New England's high class, but beyond mansions and villas of vacationing people, this city still has much of its historic character. The Cape Porpoise Lobster Company, a family-owned-and-operated seafood market, is located on the famous Dock Square of the town and has been serving fresh seafood to townspeople and visitors alike for decades. First Families Museum, housed in a historic building, offers a glimpse into Kennebunkport's role in American history. With antique shops, like the Americana Workshop, and homes well over a century old, Kennebunkport summons the charm of an early American fishing village and a dash of cozy retreat for visitors.

Castine

Castine is one of those hidden treasures along Penobscot Bay that has its 18th-century charm intact, making the town feel like being lost in time. The Castine Historical Society occupies an early 1800s building and offers deep insight into the colonial past of the town, including its dealings with the American Revolution. It is closed for the season but reopens in June. A fleet of vessels at the Maine Maritime Academy keeps the town's rich maritime heritage alive. The town's quiet harbor remains much as it was in the 1700s. The small local businesses, like the Compass Rose Books and Dennett's Wharf Restaurant, keep this town timeless. The restaurant is open in the summer.

Islesford

A very small fishing village on Little Cranberry Island, Islesford, gives a peek at what feels like another era altogether. The Islesford Historical Museum has exhibits that depict maritime history. The Islesford Dock Restaurant has been an island institution for many years, a local market that has reached out to both islanders and visitors alike with a taste reminiscent of old-fashioned Maine hospitality. It is open each spring. South of the larger Mt Desert Island, isolation has given Islesford a chance to preserve the historic character of the town, and its landscape remains unspoiled, giving a rare glimpse into what a traditional Maine fishing village was like.

Deer Isle

Deer Isle is yet another of those coastal towns where time seems to have stood still, situated along East Penobscot Bay. The historic buildings of the town, such as the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society, reflect its rich maritime history. The town is famous for lobster, but it also boasts smaller-scale, family-owned enterprises like the Island Agency, a local real estate shop, and the There's A Treat Takeout, which serves fast food and Maine seafood. West of Acadia National Park and Mt Desert Island, Deer Isle moves at a slow pace and encourages visitors to stop and smell the beauty of the town's historic architecture, quiet streets, and working waterfront.

These towns in Maine provide tourists with an opportunity to experience history up close. From the "City of Ships" Bath and Castine, hidden along Penobscot Bay, to colonial Wiscasset and Camden, these towns take you back in time while offering the niceties of life. With friendly mom-and-pop shops, historic sites around the bend, and the support of excellent neighbors, residents in these small towns consider them a version of Maine's past that is not replicated by larger cities.