Boothbay Harbor, Miane
 

During our trip to Maine, we are planning on staying in Boothbay Harbor, does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Also, any good <BR>restaurants? Thanks in advance!

Can't help you much on restaurants - we had rented a house, and ended up buying great lobsters from Whotten's (spelling?) lobster pound, in Mill Cove, almost every night, and eating at "home." We ate several meals at the Lobster Dock, on the other side of the bridge across the harbor. The lobster & lobster rolls were good. The ice cream place in the center of town had GREAT homemade ice cream. <BR> <BR>There are many boat trips from Boothbay Harbor; I'm sure all of them are good. We took a 1 1/2 hour cruise around the Harbor, passing by the island where a lot of seals hang out. There are kayak tours, too - I would have done that if I didn't have young kids. <BR> <BR>The New England Acquarium, near Southport Island, was very interesting. <BR> <BR>We spent one afternoon at Pemaquid Point. It's gorgeous there, and fun to climb around on the rocks. We ate lunch at the lobster pound in New Harbor. Because it's a working harbor, it was even more scenic than Boothbay's Harbor. <BR> <BR>We went one day up to Kelmscott Farm, north of Camden, which raisese rare breeds of farm animals. It was interesting, and our kids loved it. We then ate at a nearby lobster place right on the ocean (can't remember the name), then spent some time in Camden, which was smaller and prettier than I expected. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

Last time I was in Boothbay was awhile ago (I spend five summers there teaching sailing xx years ago) so I won't try for restaurants, but nearby places include: Reid State Park (the only sandy beach in Maine), and go for a meal in the less touristy towns of East Boothbay and Christmas Cove. Also Wiscasset is a big antique shop mecca.

Hi Julie-- <BR> <BR>I just returned from this area and had a great trip. We stayed at the Newagen Seaside Inn, which is further out the same peninsula that Boothbay Harbor is on, way out on the tip. They have a dining room with pretty good food, if you are looking for a change of atmosphere while you are there. <BR> <BR>We really enjoyed the Maritime Museum in Bath. Obviously you have to have at least A LITTLE interest in such things, but they have organized a great collection of shipping artifacts, as well as a very interesting tour on the process of building wooden boats. <BR> <BR>The Pemaquid Point lighthouse is one of the nicest we saw, and an easy drive from this area. <BR> <BR>We did not make it to Monhegan Island, but I really had hoped to go, and the ferry leaves from Boothbay Harbor. it would be most of a full day. <BR> <BR>If you would like more info, I have posted a trip report called "Wonderful Sailing Trip to Maine". Have a great trip

Boothbay has a neat old town that is fun to browse through. It's right on the coast. There is a trolly you can take for free (tip $1 for driver) that goes around town. Renting Kyakks is a VERY popular thing to do, they can be rented in town or on Southport Island. The Lobster Dock in Boothbay and Robinsons Wharf on Southport offer great lobster meals. All the hotels have restaurants too if you want a fancier dinner. For a little fancier, have lunch on the deck of Fishermans wharf looking into harbor.

We took a cruise to see lighthouses from the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. This was a full day, bring a picnic lunch and eat on a small island. We found a little spot in the trees overlooking the water. The Museum has a variety of trips. Check their website. You can spend hours exploring every side road and discovering a new place to eat lobster. We also took bag chairs and found a quiet spot at Pemaquid Point and also the top of Mt Battie in Camden (incredible view) to read and watch the ocean. Bring binnoculars and a good sun hat. Take an insulated bag so you can carry cold drinks and maybe a picnic. The cruise was definitely the highlight of our trip and probably the best we've ever taken. Great narrator who explained how boats use lighthouses to navigate, the ecology of the area, and some of the shipwreck disasters.