- Belfast, Islesboro, Northport & Searsport It only takes a quick glance at the map to see that this broad swath of rocky shoreline and rolling countryside is indeed located at Coastal Maine's heart.
A brief visit is all you'll need to learn that the Belfast area is nestled in Maine's heart in a more important way as well.
The local flavor of our area can be seen as you walk the docks and watch lobstermen hauling their traps or drive along the countryside to see farmers planting their
crops or tilling the soil. Mom-and-Pop businesses along the country roads are where you can find home baked goods, home grown foods and a little local gossip, too.
Our area is well known for its exceptional crafts and antiques.
When ships sailed from Boston to ports in Maine (east of Boston), the wind was
at their backs, so they were sailing downwind, hence the term 'Down East.'
- Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport Boothbay Harbor was founded as a fishing and shipbuilding village, and it still operates as such today. In the summer, tourists mingle with local lobstermen, but
this seaside town still maintains its rustic charm. The quickest way across town is the footbridge that crosses Boothbay Harbor. If the water view is not enough,
there are quaint village streets to explore and outdoor band concerts and craft fairs to attend. The nooks and crannies of the Boothbay shoreline are ideal for
exploration via sea kayak, and the village is also a popular departure point for trips to Monhegan Island as well as whale watching cruises and puffin tours.
Sport fishermen depart from the harbor in search of tuna, striped bass, bluefish, and cod. Thanks to the Boothbay Region Land Trust, more than 922 acres of land has
been preserved for the enjoyment of the public. The areas encompass miles of hiking trails, several historic and prehistoric sites, and the Rachel Carson Greenway,
which honors the founder of the contemporary environmental movement. From 1953 to 1964, Carson spent her summers in the Boothbay region, writing much of The Edge of
the Sea and all of Silent Spring from her Southport Island cottage.
Oceanfront community on the Southern Coast, Home to Portland Head Light Cape Elizabeth is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Portland, along the Southern Maine coast. Extending 12 miles into open ocean, rimmed by craggy shores
and sandy beaches, Cape Elizabeth marks the entrance to spectacular Casco Bay. Most of the town's residential and commercial activity lies close to the bay's edge.
The size of the community is 9,337 acres, or 15 square miles. 2000 census figures put the town's population at 9,068, with a population density of approximately 550
residents per square mile.
The town contains Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Edward Hopper's painting, "Lighthouse Hill", showing Cape Elizabeth Light at
Two Lights, is the country's most famous lighthouse painting. It is part of the collection of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Camden, Lincolnville & Rockport Discover the heart of mid-coast of Maine. See why the Camden area is called "The Jewel of the Maine Coast".
With its allure of contrast of mountains giving way to Penobscot Bay, on Maine's jagged central coast, the Camden area attracts people who could live anywhere:
artists, writers, boatbuilders, and Silicon Valley icons. Camden Maine has something for everyone and every age. It is know as the "soft adventure capital of the
coast". Spectacular, expansive, and right outside the door. Camden Hills State Park, most of it within Lincolnville town limits, offers more than 30 miles of hiking
and cross-country-skiing trails, some with Camden harbor views from atop 780-foot Mount Battie. The massive "ponds" (Norton, Coleman, Pitcher) are peaceful redoubts
for swimming and canoeing
Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, South Bristol & Wiscasset Located near the head of the Damariscotta River, twelve miles from the ocean, Damariscotta is a key focal point for mid coast Maine residents and visitors.
Explore the richness of our year-round communities... From the crashing surf at Pemaquid Point, to the quiet of hiking at Dodge Point, to sampling the many hand
crafted goods, the Damariscotta Region offers something for all. Known for its spectacular natural landscape, the region is home to a variety of outdoor activities.
During the warmer months, enjoy swimming at Damariscotta Lake State Park or beach combing at Pemaquid Beach. In the fall, take a foliage trip on the River Road or
the Bristol Road and see the area come ablaze with the changing leaves. Snow enthusiasts can find cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. And during any
season, hiking one of our several nature trails brings you an appreciation for our natural beauty.
- Freeport is great place to visit. And a great place to live.
The Town of Freeport is located along the shores of Casco Bay, approximately two hours north of Boston and only 20 minutes north of Portland, Maine.
Freeport is a beautiful coastal Maine village with over 170 upscale outlets, designer shops, eclectic boutiques, B&B´s, hotels, great restaurants & casual cafes.
Home to world-famous L.L.Bean and to numerous outdoor adventures Freeport also possesses a wealth of rural, residential, ocean-front, and recreational areas.
The town is rich in beauty, history, and a population that is strongly committed to its community.
- Arrowsic, Georgetown & Phippsburg In 1650 John Parker established the first permanent homestead on the Island of Georgetown. He bought the island (then called Rascohegan) from a local Indian
named "Robinhood". At that point the island became known as Parker's Georgetown Island. Georgetown or Georgetown-on-Arrowsic was the name given to a large area
surrounding the island that included Woolwich, Phippsburg, Arrowsic and Bath and was incorporated in 1716. But by 1841 each of these communities had incorporated,
leaving Georgetown in sole possession of the name.
Georgetown is home to Reid State Park, Josephine Newman Sanctuary (managed by the Maine Audubon Society), and Ledgemere Nature Preserve
(managed by the Nature Conservancy).
Phippsburg, Maine continues with its long history to shipbuilding and its association with the sea. The current principle industries are fishing and tourism.
It is best known for Popham Beach State Park. This well-known beach is considered to be one of the best and longest sandy beaches in the State of Maine.
This wonderful natural wonder is a popular site for locals and visitors alike. Because of its size, there is always an uncrowded spot that you can call your own.
From the beach, you can also see other attractions that make Phippsburg so popular Fox and Wood islands. It is an easy walk to Fox Island at low tide, but care should
be taken not to get marooned there when the tides begin to rise.
Phippsburg is one of those rare spots where freshwater and seawater meets. It is an excellent place for those who wish to experience both ocean
adventures and fresh water activities.
Peninsulas, islands and the highest headlands join in an intricate design cast by the glaciers of the Ice Age to give Harpswell one of the most distinctive geographic
profiles of any Maine-coast town. On the west is a single peninsula, Harpswell Neck, a thin finger of granite, pine and rolling meadows dotted with classic 19th-century
homes, a scattering of working farms, white churches of architectual perfection and the no-nonsense front yards of the Neck's scores of working lobstermen. To the east,
Harpswell's other half is really a string of three islands - Great, Orr's and Bailey. Each is joined by bridges, of which the Cribstone Bridge that links Orr's and
Bailey is the only engineering marvel of its kind left in the world. Those who live on these islands are either part of the growing residential community, summer
cottage owners or lobstermen and fishermen. Judging by the number of working boats moored in Mackerel Cove, Cundy's Harbor and each of the several other fine deep-water
harbors that are Harpswell's greatest natural resource, those lobstermen and their fishing brethren are still a pivotal part of their community.
Harpswell is made up of some 47 offshore islands (the most in Maine and possibly of any town in the lower 48) with 216.8 miles of coastline. Local lore suggests the
islands are haunted, some claim visits improve their health, and there is said to be buried treasure on some islands. While the islands are inviting because of their
raw beauty and solitude, there are several islands that have unique features such as seabird nesting colonies, historic sights, and protected beaches
Money Magazine rates this region as one of the top ten destinations in North America for vacations!
Spend a day or spend a week. Rent a cottage on the beach, or relax at a luxurious oceanside spa. Climb Mt
Agamenticus, or shop at Americas number one factory outlet stores in Kittery. Visit the famous Nubble Lighthouse,
officially the Cape Neddick Light Station, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Stay at a cozy
B&B, then take a bounce on the Wiggly Bridge, a suspended foot bridge over the York River. Discover Ft. McClary, a
revolutionary war fort, which the legendary John Paul Jones sailed past on his way to the British Isles aboard his
sailing ship, the Ranger. Visit the Kittery Historical Naval Museum to see the importance of our 200 year old shipyard
in the development of the region.
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