If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway in Maine, you might want to consider Boothbay Harbor, a charming coastal town, 166 miles north of Boston and a little over an hour north of Portland, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to explore the history, culture, nature, or cuisine of this region, you will find something to suit your taste in Boothbay Harbor.
Boothbay Harbor is located in Lincoln County, Maine, and has a population of just over 2,000 people. It includes the villages of Bayville, Mount Pisgah, Sprucewold, Isle of Springs, and West Boothbay Harbor. The town was originally settled by the Abenaki people who called it Winnegance, meaning “the place of many falls”. In 1730, Colonel David Dunbar founded the town of Townsend, which was later renamed Boothbay in 1842. The town of Boothbay Harbor was incorporated as a separate community from Boothbay in 1889.
Boothbay Harbor developed as an important fishing center, able to hold hundreds of ships in its port. It also became a shipbuilding hub, producing minesweepers for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Today, Boothbay Harbor is home to Hodgdon Yachts, the oldest boatbuilder in the United States. The town also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Windjammer Days Festival, the Harbor Fest, and the Festival of Lights.
One of the main attractions of Boothbay Harbor is its beautiful natural scenery and abundant marine life. You can enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the islands from the 1,000-foot-long footbridge that connects the east and west sides of the town. You can also take a boat tour or a whale watching cruise to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and whales in their natural habitat. If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the coves and inlets of the harbor on your own.
Another way to experience the nature of Boothbay Harbor is to visit one of its many parks and gardens. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a must-see for anyone who loves flowers and plants. It features 295 acres of gardens, trails, ponds, waterfalls, sculptures, and exhibits that showcase the beauty and diversity of Maine’s flora and fauna. You can also visit Barrett Park, a waterfront park that offers picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming spots, and fishing piers. Or you can head to Ocean Point Preserve, a scenic spot that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the lighthouse.
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Boothbay Harbor, you can visit one of its museums or historic sites. The Boothbay Railway Village is a living history museum that recreates a typical Maine village from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can see vintage trains, cars, buildings, and artifacts that tell the story of life in rural Maine. You can also ride on a steam train or a model railroad around the museum grounds. Another museum worth visiting is the Maine State Aquarium, which displays a variety of marine creatures native to Maine’s waters. You can see lobsters, sharks, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, and more. You can also touch some of them at the touch tank or feed them at the feeding station.
Boothbay Harbor is also known for its delicious seafood and its quaint shops and boutiques. You can sample fresh lobster, clam chowder, scallops, oysters, and more at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the harbor. You can also browse through the local shops and galleries that offer unique gifts, souvenirs, art, antiques, books, clothing, and more. You might even find some treasures at one of the flea markets or yard sales that take place regularly in town.
Boothbay Harbor is a perfect destination for a reprieve from the hustle of every day. Between its rich history, quaint local shops and boutiques, delicious dining, and world-class boat excursions,there are all kinds of fun things to do in Boothbay Harbor.