Mahone Bay

Wrapped around a sweeping curve of water, this pastoral town's tranquil tone is set by three vintage churches along the grass-fringed shoreline. Of course, life here wasn't always so serene. Mahone Bay was once a thriving shipbuilding center. Before that, it was popular with pirates and privateers. In fact, Mahone Bay was named for the type of low-lying ship they used: it's a corruption of the French word mahonne (a low-lying barge-like boat). Today you can still kayak into the bay's secret coves or around its many islands, including Oak Island, reputedly a favorite haunt of the notorious Captain Kidd. Modern-day treasure hunters are better off perusing the galleries and studios onshore. Although it has a population of just 1,100, Mahone Bay boasts an enviable assortment of craftspeople.