For those familiar with Boothbay Harbor, would you recommend staying in the town, or just outside in one of the more secluded places -- Five Gables, Lawnmeer Inn? Is driving into the town always a nightmare?

Thanks, Carolyn

I've only been there once, but I would recommend staying in town (or within walking distance). It's kind of small and parking can be difficult. It's such a quaint, little town anyway so I don't think you'd mind staying in town.

We stayed in town at the Admiral's Quarters Inn (http://www.admiralsquartersinn.com/welcome.shtml)... the Island Suite was delightful...GREAT view! Deb and Les were wonderful hosts...Deb's breakfasts are wonderful. I liked being in town for walks after dinner. I would imagine in September the town would close up pretty early at night.

been there by rag boat and were able to find a comp mooring.the town was a bit of a hub bub. glad we didn't have to drive by car to get to it.good lobsters at the pound.glad we came by boat.

Didn't find the Lawnmeer to be anything special.....saw a place "downtown", Howards House or something like that, looked interesting and well located.

Traffic is really non-existent by big city standards though parking can be tough. Staying downtown makes you close to "everything"
which is really only restaurants and a few shops. Very small quaint village without much to do or see. Just for relaxing and enjoying the shore.
Andrew's Harborside Restaurant was casual and very good. The Rocktide is another good choice for dining. And don't miss the Boothbay Ice Cream Factory, the brownie sundae is amazingly good. It's right behind Ben & Jerry's. B & J's built right in front of them, I hope they didn't put the factory out of business!

Driving into town is no problem whatsoever. The advantage of staying in town is that a parking space comes with the room and you can walk everywhere. But, even if you drive to town, you'll find parking - probably not right downtown, but not too far a walk either. I would agree that the Lawnmeer is nothing special. Five Gables, though, is positively gorgeous in a lovely setting. Our favorite place to stay is Ocean Point in East Boothbay (www.oceanpointinn.com) where the sunsets are magnificent.

Stayed at the Five Gables Inn last summer and really liked it, I'd definitely stay again. The drive into Boothbay wasn't bad, and we ate at the Lobsterman's Wharf right in East Boothbay. Food was good, and it wasn't too crowded (compared to downtown Boothbay). It seemed to draw more of a seasonal crowd, rather than weekenders. I really liked the Five Gables Inn, it was large for a B&B (15 rooms), and the rooms were not fussy with a lot of dolls or doilies. It's located on a nice location along a private lane across from the water. It has a nice porch to sit on, and then a dock out to the water. It was a great trip, I think that you'll enjoy it.

Being in town made the trip so wonderful. We never moved the car most of the week except when it rained and we took a ride. The restaurants are all fantastic. There is a fantastic inn on the water - name used to be Waters Edge - now I think its Sur La Mer - highly recommend staying here. Nice rooms, great location, right on the water, can walk anywhere in town.