The Best Small Towns in Maine To Chill Out

Maine is best known for several things, including lighthouses, lobsters, and pretty coastlines! While people looking to live or visit the state look towards cities like Lewiston or Portland for more urban activities, the whole state is ripe with small-town appeal and nature to explore. Those by the coast can stop by one of the many seafood restaurants to enjoy locally caught dishes and delicacies. These towns are filled with friendly people, calm atmospheres, and laid-back opportunities to make the most of any stay for any person. Make sure to try the lobster!

Stonington

Stonington is a very peaceful locale bundled with the town of Deer Isle, which is both off the shore and linked to the mainland by bridges. The town is Maine's pride and joy when it comes to lobster, with more being caught on this island town than anywhere else in Maine. People often come for the calming locations and the lobster, usually both. Close by is the Crockett Cove Woods Preserve, where visitors and residents hike through dense fog. The town hosts many artists' dreams, with shops and galleries open throughout selling art and furniture. Some notable examples are Nervous Nellies, The Turtle Gallery, and the Geoffrey Warner Studio/Owl Furniture. The shores are quiet, and the houses are quaint, giving Stonington a lot of charm alongside its bustling lobster industry.

Bar Harbor

On Mount Desert Island is an incredible getaway called Bar Harbor. It's on an island on the ocean, which gives it a very isolated and calming atmosphere. The harbor has many authentic seafood spots alongside other Italian and Latin cuisines. So, for people who aren't fans of shrimp and lobster, Bar Harbor's the way to go! For those who are, definitely give Bar Harbor Lobster Co. in downtown a shot. Creative folk will love the different museums and centers like ArtWaves, which have local art, artists, and activities throughout the year. Also, the town is a robust shopping district, so shop and relax at the harbor any time of year. Many tourists come to stay in Bar Harbor to visit the nearby Acadia National Park, where visitors can walk, bike, drive, or kayak to explore all of the local beauty Mount Desert Island has to offer.

Bridgton

In the west of Maine lies a resort town called Bridgton, which has plenty of local attractions to visit and partake in. Skiing is their main activity, with the Pleasant Mountain Ski Area serving as the catalyst for people wanting to hit the slopes. With many different trails for ranging skill levels and plenty of ski lifts, this resort is fun for the whole family! Much of Bridgton's history still stands, with 18th and 19th-century architecture scattered around town for visitors to explore. One of these sites is the Rufus Porter Museum, which features the works of the painter of the same name. It's open seasonally or can be booked via appointment. Those who want to have some fun in the comfort of their car can visit the Bridgton Twin Drive-In, which has several features and food to purchase without leaving your vehicle.

Rockport

On the border of Rockland, which itself is a city, is Rockport! Rockport is a small town turned tourist hub for people who want to be away from city life for any amount of time. In town is a wealth of artists whose spirit has gone unchanged for many years. The Rockport Opera House was built in 1891 and still provides music and plays to this day; the town runs it. The Maine Media College, which is in town, will continue to teach and educate young minds in the area who want to be creative, making sure that Rockport's creative energy stays alive for years to come. A must for any visitor is the Rockport Marine Park, a popular spot being the Andre the Seal attraction. Andre was a seal raised by a resident who's been forever immortalized on a bench in the park where he often visited. Throughout Rockport, there are also several bars and grills right near the shore, like 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill.

Camden

Camden is a coastal town that welcomes people year-round with ocean views from the ground and high up from its nearby mountains. Camden Hills State Park has several trails with mountaintop vistas to see the town and the Atlantic Ocean, including the Mount Battie Trail, Megunticook Adam's Lookout, and more! Private boat charters like Moon Dog offer unforgettable experiences, even if you're relaxing or taking in the sights. Why not end it all with some locally caught lobster at one of the many seafood places around town? Camden also has plenty of lodging, like the Captain Swift Inn, to make sure everyone who comes by is accommodated well.

Fryeburg

While Fryeburg is only home to little more than 3,000 residents, hundreds of thousands of visitors come by every October to celebrate the Fryeburg Fair. This event is the largest agricultural fair in all of Maine and has been running annually for over a century, which is why it's become so popular. Many activities here include livestock shows, horse pulling, farm equipment demonstrations, a petting zoo, and so much more. People who'd like to escape the action could go to the nearby White Mountain National Forest, lined with trails like Blueberry Mountain and Big Deer Hill. The Saco Valley Sports Center in town attracts people with its vintage bowling alley and collection of arcade games and in-house food, which is fun for any age.

Old Orchard Beach

In the south of Maine on Saco Bay is Old Orchard Beach, a town containing seven miles of beach to get a tan or swim on. Rent a boat charter or kayak to enjoy the state's water by riding or fishing. Enjoy the Palace Playland, an amusement park on the water with rides for all ages, like slides or the Tilt-A-Whirl! Plenty of food and prizes are also offered at the park, so there's no shortage of things to do on the water. The nearby Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf offers a fun mini-golf course over bridges surrounded by rock formations, making it unforgettable. Don't forget to try some french fries on the pier or grab some seafood at one of Old Orchard Beach's many seaside restaurants.

Maine's Enchanting Small Towns and Natural Splendor

With its 17 million acres of forest, there's plenty of outdoor fun and relaxation in Maine, whether skiing, fishing, stargazing, or just taking a simple walk. The whole state is unforgettable, even when people do something as menial as strolling the street. The quiet mixed with wilderness and small-town charm is what makes not just the state but the whole region so unique and special. Everything's slower, and the villages and towns are tight-knit, so for people looking for a not-so-fast lifestyle, consider Maine.