Boothbay Harbor Region

Despite its popularity, Boothbay Harbor and the area surrounding Linekin Bay still retain the charm of a gentrified fishing village. Schooner, whale watch, sightseeing and even puffin cruises leave the harbor regularly; one goes to a lighthouse where visitors can meet the keeper and his family. The town itself is filled with beautiful old homes, many of which are now classy B&Bs, and attractive family-friendly resorts dot the wooded shores of Linekin Bay without dominating the landscape. The area has long been a popular haunt of artists, whose work is shown and sold in galleries along the narrow winding streets of Boothbay Harbor. An Opera ...

Despite its popularity, Boothbay Harbor and the area surrounding Linekin Bay still retain the charm of a gentrified fishing village. Schooner, whale watch, sightseeing and even puffin cruises leave the harbor regularly; one goes to a lighthouse where visitors can meet the keeper and his family. The town itself is filled with beautiful old homes, many of which are now classy B&Bs, and attractive family-friendly resorts dot the wooded shores of Linekin Bay without dominating the landscape. The area has long been a popular haunt of artists, whose work is shown and sold in galleries along the narrow winding streets of Boothbay Harbor. An Opera House and Carousel Theater complete the cultural climate as centers for music and performing arts. The coast is broken by several bays separated by long peninsulas, well worth exploring for the scenic ocean vistas at the end and for the pretty little coves. The newest attraction is the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens, where the stunning three-season flower beds overlook trails that wind down the hillside to follow the shore and wander inland through shade gardens and native wildflowers. The Maine State Aquarium in West Boothbay focuses on local sea life with kid-pleasing interactive exhibits.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.