8 Towns in Maine That Were Ranked Among US Favorites

With its mouth-watering coastline, a vacation to Maine is rarely an option. It is more like a rite of passage. You have not fully experienced New England — if you have never set foot in the Pine Tree State. And it is not just the state's rugged coast. Inland Maine hides a cornucopia of beautiful small towns, mostly layered with nature, often slow-paced and peaceful. While it is hard to select favorites, an objective eye (and heart) will agree that the following eight towns in Maine are among US favorites.

Camden

Framed by the spectacular views of Mount Battie and the beautiful Penobscot Bay, Camden’s natural setting is to die for. Although this Maine mid-coast jewel is small — and home to less than 5,000 residents — it is a big name in the vacation landscape. People come here to wander through the trail-laden Camden Hills State Park, a choice place to take in the magic; swim or hunt for shells at the Laite Memorial Beach, or explore the 66-acre Merryspring Nature Center, a beautiful park with rambling trails through magical woods, grassy meadows, and beautifully tended flower gardens.

Scope for a good read at the Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café — before sitting down to yummy lobster rolls at the aptly named Peter Ott's on the Water, a long-running waterfront restaurant that provides heart-warming views of the bay.

Yarmouth

Located just over 10 miles northeast of Portland, it is easy for Yarmouth to be in the shadow of Maine’s largest city. Yet Yarmouth, with its charming village atmosphere, is the envy of many coastal towns. Expect a stunning waterfront, rich maritime heritage, and sandy beaches. The Royal River winds through the heart of town, adding a layer of rustic charm to an already beautiful spot.

The Village Historic District, featuring the iconic First Parish Congregational Church, is dotted with beautifully preserved buildings and landmarks. Pop inside The Yarmouth History Center and Archives, especially if you want a snapshot of the area’s history. On the way, Owl and Elm serves great cocktails in a terrific atmosphere — and will deserve an hour or two. Finally, Royal River Park, with its nicely paved trails and sparkling waterfalls, can effortlessly steal a whole afternoon.

Ellsworth

Providing access to one of the most visited national parks in the United States, Maine’s famed rocky shoreline, and the Union River, which flows through the town, Ellsworth has everything going in its favor. That is without mentioning a tongue-tingling culinary scene, which features tasty spots such as Rooster Brother on Main Street, the unassuming Provender Kitchen + Bar, and Serendib, which serves inventive Indian and Sri Lankan fare in a bright and cheerful setting.

Art enthusiasts will want to amble through Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, one of the best fine art galleries north of Boston — while outdoor enthusiasts have the Union River, the peaceful Forest Ridge Campground, and the 180-acre Woodlawn Grounds and Trails, which features both forested and field trails.

Rockland

While Camden is right next door and rightly gets a lot of mentions, Rockland also deserves attention. It is less touristy than its northern neighbor and, hence, often draws fewer crowds. One will be smitten by the views of the ocean, relish the town’s historic charm, and tingle the taste buds with a delicious array of seafood varieties. One of the things that make Rockland a top favorite is the Maine Lobster Festival, a wildly popular five-day event — typically held in August — dedicated to Maine’s tastiest and most coveted export.

Harbor Park has a nice boardwalk to stroll and inhale lovely views, while the aptly named Sandy Beach, with its sliver of soft sand, is a nice spot to catch the breeze and cool the skin. When hunger pangs begin to set in, work your way to Claws, a vibrant venue known for tender and juicy lobster rolls. Afterward, spend time at the Farnsworth Art Museum, known for its large collection of Wyeth family paintings.

Greenville

Greenville is a town every artist will love to paint on canvas. This inland eye candy sits on Moosehead Lake, an idyllic haven encircled by a vast, forested wilderness. As to size, Moosehead is the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. Get a good camera, one with a decent number of megapixels, and indulge in a private moose safari — especially if there is only one thing you must do in Greenville. Make no mistake. This will turn out to be a memorable experience.

Taking the cue, Lily Bay State Park, and its pretty beach, is just as swoon-worthy, if not more. Other Greenville attractions include Moosehead Marine Museum, which houses the Katahdin, a historic cruise boat that serves as a vital link to a bygone era.

Winter Harbor

Another US favorite in the Pine Tree State, Winter Harbor, is peacefully sandwiched between Mount Desert Island to the west and the Schoodic Peninsula to the east, the only limb of Acadia National Park found on the mainland. The Schoodic Peninsula is a secluded oasis but similar in scenic splendor to parts of Mount Desert Island. The air is fresh and crisp at Winter Harbor, an armada of lobster boats a frequent sight, and the atmosphere decidedly laid-back and friendly.

One of Maine’s most adorable small towns boasts an enticing line-up of locally owned culinary spots, including Treehouse Seaside Grill, a waterfront restaurant with an enticing atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate whopaints Gallery, a working studio known to fire the imagination.

Rangeley

If you are looking for a lesser-known Maine; the Maine of mountains and lakes, the Maine of hardwood forests and autumn brilliance, lace up for Rangeley, a peaceful community nestled in the heart of the vast Rangeley Lakes region. Expect a realm of endless outdoor adventure here, including at the lake that lends the town its name. Step back in time at Rangeley Inn & Tavern, the last of almost a dozen grand hotels that once hosted visitors arriving by train from Boston, New York, and Philadelphia to experience the region's spectacular natural scenery.

Then, head to attractions such as Quill Hill, a panoramic overlook with 360-degree views of the Rangeley Lake area. Alternatively, mingle with locals at Moose Alley, a versatile entertainment venue known for its state-of-the-art bowling.

Presque Isle

Tucked away in the central portion of Aroostook County in northern Maine, Presque Isle is one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. It is a dainty town of less than 9,000 that styles itself as “almost an island, always a community.” Known to blend adventure and relaxation in delightfully equal measure, Presque Isle will make any first-time visitor completely blown away. Expect a rejuvenated downtown area, where a line-up of tasty restaurants front the streets, including stand-outs such as Bubble Tea Cafe, a cozy space offering a selection of good-tasting smoothies, shakes, and ice coffees.

Presque Isle stream flows through the town and imbues it with a noticeably rustic allure. There is Mantle Lake Park as well, which features picturesque walking trails. Do not miss the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway either — a magnificent ribbon of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams.

Trust Maine — with its rugged coastline, ocean-facing villas, and sandy beaches — to leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. The Pine Tree State also hosts one of America's most visited national parks: the Acadia National Park. Pine-speckled mountains, shimmering lakes, and verdant valleys, define inland Maine. To explore this underrated wonderland, pick a top-ranked beautiful small town, from where you can explore nearby attractions and sites.