After spending August through January in Maine, I think it’s fair to say that Kyle and I are honorary Mainers. Our original plan was to stay in his family’s summer cabin on Lake Damariscotta for a few weeks. However, after falling in love with the state’s simplicity and remoteness, a few weeks quickly turned into six months. Surprisingly enough, we didn’t road trip through the entire state, but we did get to experience some of Maine’s most beautiful treasures. Since so much of Maine relies on tourism, many attractions completely close their doors September through April. So, I’ve broken down our trip city with our top 10 things to do in Maine, including the best times to go, fun seasonal activities, and, of course, a handful of incredible restaurant recommendations. 

Also, it’s worth noting that Kyle and I lived in Damariscotta and Lincolnville, which is right next to Camden, for about three months each. Our recommendations for these two cities are much more detailed (and biased) than the others.

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

1. Sailing on Lake Damariscotta

Damariscotta, Maine is absolutely beautiful with a low-key “dockside” feel. Even though it’s central to all the popular spots, Damariscotta is much less touristy area than the majority of the popular things to do in Maine. Damariscotta Lake, or as we called it “Lake Damariscotta,” covers 4,600 acres and encompasses part of the towns of Jefferson, Nobleboro, and Newcastle. In the summer, it’s a great spot for water sports, community events, and exploring tiny islands– one of which Kyle’s family has long dubbed Blueberry Island for its delicious and prolific blueberry production. We had a blast sailing around the lake, and although I still have no idea what I’m doing, learning to sail by myself is on the top of my goals list for next summer. 

Again, Kyle’s family cabin is on Lake Damariscotta, so we’re lucky to have immediate access to the water year round. If you’re unable to find a rental spot in the summertime (and it is very difficult to do so), you can still access the lake and all of its amenities from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Damariscotta Lake State Park. 

More Things to Do in Damariscotta

1. Split Rock Distillery in Newcastle: Even if you don’t like whiskey or vodka, Split Rock Distillery is worth a tour and a tasting! It’s about ten minutes from the heart of Damariscotta in a town called Newcastle. They produce Maine’s first organic spirits in a truly exceptional facility with truly exceptional dudes running the place. Every time we went in (and yes, there were quite a few times– Kyle loves their Bourbon Whiskey), they recognized us and made us feel right at home.

2. Beth’s Farm Market: One of the best things about Maine is a focus on community. There are so many mom and pop spots that thrive because Mainers continually (and purposefully) patronize these local spots. This mentality particularly applies to local farms. One of our favorites is Beth’s Farm Market in Warren, Maine, which is just about fifteen minutes outside of Damariscotta. Everything sold at Beth’s is grown at Beth’s– from flowers to fruit to vegetables to meat. Even if you don’t need any fresh produce, it’s worth the trip for photo ops alone. The way they’ve designed the market is too adorable for words!

Beth’s is also a fun place to go in the fall! They have a corn maze and a TON of different colored and sized pumpkins to choose from.

Seasonal Things to Do in Damariscotta

1. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest (October): If you happen to extend your trip into October, hanging out at the Damariscotta PumpkinFest is a must! This quiet town goes crazy with parades, impressively decorated pumpkins (keep scrolling for evidence), and a Pumpkin Regatta race that’s so hilarious Kyle and I will be telling our grandchildren about it.

When I say the pumpkins were impressively decorated, I’m really not kidding. These are just two of my favorites– neither of which placed in the decorating competition.

It’s really a heartwarming community effort. We bought and wore our Damariscotta Pumpkinfest shirts with pride, as did everyone else at the festival. 

2. Tour de Farms (September): Kyle and I aren’t very resourceful, but luckily for us, his Aunt Cindy is. She found out about the Tour de Farms bicycle tour at Morris Farm, which aims to connect cyclists and local food lovers with the farms of Midcoast Maine. We signed up for the Family Ride, which is still a very grueling 18 miles of hills, and got to visit a bunch of local farms, like Bailey’s Orchard and Fuzzy Udder Creamery. Plus, when you’re done, you get to dive into a barbecue buffet of delicious food sourced and prepared by the participating farms. 

Before officially finishing with a big community farm-to-table barbecue, we got to stop at Oxbow Brewery in Newcastle, which was awesome. I can’t remember which one was my favorite, but I do remember liking everything I tasted. 

Where to Eat in Damariscotta

1. King Eider’s Pub: Our favorite foodie spot in Damariscotta, Maine is definitely King Eider’s Pub. They make the most incredible burgers and haddock sandwiches. Also, Kyle’s family goal is to one day get their own mug on the ceiling. Apparently, there’s a ten year wait list, so they’ve got a while to wait. 

2. Moody’s Diner: Another great spot is Moody’s Diner, which is a right of passage for anyone traveling through Maine. Aside from their fruit and whoopie pies, the food isn’t particularly fantastic, but it’s cheap and a Maine favorite. Not kidding, Moody’s is so popular among locals that they have their own motel and gift shop. 

3. Sprague’s Lobster or Red’s Eats: And if you drive about 10 minutes to the pretty town of Wiscasset, stop by Sprague’s Lobster or Red’s Eats for an obligatory lobster roll! Red’s Eats is known as the “place to go” and always has a line around the block, but Sprague’s is cheaper, faster, and just as delicious in my opinion. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

2. Shopping on Commercial Street in Portland

Portland used to be Maine’s capital and is the largest and arguably most well known city in the whole state. For this reason, most of the popular things to do in Maine are located here. Outside of a few random day trips, Kyle and I didn’t spend too much time in Portland, but we did enjoy the time when we spent it. Commercial Street is a historic street at the edge of the working waterfront area of Portland, and it’s the place to go. You’ll find tons to do there– from shopping to museums to breweries to foodie spots. Plus, if you like boats and yachts, you’ll be in nautical heaven. 

Where to Eat in Portland

1. Portland Lobster Company: When in Portland, you must eat at least once at the Portland Lobster Company. The waterfront bar and patio gives you one of the best views dining views in all of Portland. Plus, they were awarded with the 2016 Best Lobster Roll, 2016 Best Outdoor Bar/Patio, and 2016 Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Towners– and they’ve been raking in similar awards since 2014. 

2. Hot Suppa!: Maybe it’s the southern girl in me, but if you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast, you’ve got to go to Hot Suppa!, a southern kitchen and bar in downtown Portland. The menu at Hot Suppa! is all made from scratch from quality ingredients, and local goods are used whenever possible. It’s affordable, hip, and absolutely delicious. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

3. Mountain Biking in Acadia

Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s biggest tourist attractions for many reasons– the primary reason being Acadia National Park. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the summertime, it’s just absolutely stunning, and it’s an easy day trip from anywhere central, like Damariscotta. You can easily pack a picnic on the grass, plop down, stare out at the water filled with hundreds of boats for hours. Bar Harbor also offers a variety of bike rentals, guided tours, hiking trails, and canoe/kayak rentals, so there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do or see. 

We rented mountain bikes and explored all around Acadia National Park, stopping for lunch, tea, and popovers at Jordan Pond House. This place is one of Maine’s oldest summer traditions, and especially after a rigorous bike ride, it’s a gorgeous green oasis with a stunning view of the park. Make reservations if you can, especially during lunch and the very busy teatime. If you can’t or forget to make a reservation, try to go before 11:30am or after 4pm for minimized wait times.

And at sunset Acadia National Park is unreal. We headed to where we knew our view would be best– right on the rocks overlooking Sand Beach and Otter Cliff. We also got to see Thunder Hole in action, which was awesome. It’s called “Thunder Hole” because when the right size wave rolls into the natural formed inlet (with a small cavern formed low, just beneath the surface of the water), a deep thunderous sound emanates.

Where To Eat in Bar Harbor

The aforementioned Jordan Pond House is a must-stop, even if just for tea. If you’re in a rush or don’t have energy to bike/drive through Acadia, the Thirsty Whale Tavern is a charming local pub with fabulous food (their burgers and lobster rolls are particularly yummy). Also, Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium is a family spot operating in both Maine and Massachusetts, and it’ll quickly curb your sweet tooth with their delicious chocolate and ice cream. 

Also, note that Bar Harbor is a seasonal town. For a Maine travel ideas in the winter, check out this exclusive Bar Harbor Winter Travel Guide. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

4. Exploring Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

When I was told I’d be visiting a lighthouse, I was unenthused. I’ve seen many haunted lighthouses in Florida, and none of them are all that special. Or scary. The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is a different story. Not only is there are a museum containing artifacts of local maritime history, but the view from the rocky cliffs is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. 

Kyle and I love it there so much that we visited multiple times during our stay in Maine, even though it’s quite a trek from Lincolnville. Pemaquid is great for an inexpensive (or free if you skip the museum) family adventure or for a romantic spot to watch the sunset. 

Where to Eat at Pemaquid Point:

Sea Gull Restaurant: The Sea Gull Gift Shop and Oceanfront Restaurant is within walking distance of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, and they make a killer brunch. My personal favorite is their fresh crabs benedict… it’s so amazingly good! If you’re not much of a rock climber or museum fan, just hang out in the gift shop and/or sip mimosas while enjoying the oceanfront view. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

5. Lobster Picnicking in Round Pond

Round Pond is a tiny little rural town with a whole lot of charm. It’s (unfortunately) completely funded by seasonal tourism, so unless you’re visiting in the summertime, you may not get too lucky with things to do or places to eat. If you are able to visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, some of the most fun spots to eat in all of Maine are here– and it’s only about a fifteen or twenty minute drive from Damariscotta and Wiscasset. 

Where to Eat in Round Pond

1. Round Pond Lobster Co-Op: The Round Pond Lobster Co-Op is a must. Corroborated by me and every member of Kyle’s family, their Yelp reviews say it all. Around $17 will get you an fresh caught lobster dinner (as in caught anywhere from 5-60 minutes ago) with clams, corn, and potato chips. Plus, you get to enjoy an Instagram-worthy view of lobster boats, sailboats, and waterfront pier. Invite your friends and family, pack some extra snacks and drinks (it’s BYOB) in a basket, and have a big picnic on the dock to support one of the hardest working establishments in the area. Side Note: De-shelling a lobster is much different than ordering lobster tail in a restaurant. You’ll leave with a full stomach and an appreciation for those who de-shell lobster on a regular basis.

2. Dot’s Bakery: Another great spot in Round Pond is Dot’s Bakery, which is an incredible farm-to-table restaurant that operates on the porch of Dot’s personal family home. I highly recommend stopping in for brunch or breakfast. Each time you’re there, do yourself a favor and pick up at least two of her pies. The blueberry and strawberry rhubarb are absolutely amazing.  Just make sure you call before heading; they’re a very small, family-run operation, so they open/close at their discretion. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

6. Whale Watching in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is one of the most popular summer spots in all of Maine. They’re flush with tours, boat rides, shops, and delicious oceanfront restaurants. I did a full post on our whale watching excursion a few months ago, but I said it once and I’ll say it again– Boothbay Harbor is the place to go whale watching, and Cap’n Fish is the boat to go on. We had sightings of Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right, and Pilot Whales, although most were Finbacks. Just in case someone has an unexpected spout of sea sickness (like me), bring some Dramamine just in case. Also, the later in the season you go, the more likely you’ll need some heavy layers. These boats get coooold. 

Again, for a full recap of our whale watching adventure, click here!

Where to Eat in Boothbay Harbor

Wannawaf: Imagine a hot Belgian waffle covered in ice cream, chocolate sauce, and toppings of your choice. It’s no longer a dream; it’s a reality at a sweet little shack in Boothbay called Wannawaf. They serve fresh, hot waffles, ice cream, and gourmet hot dogs in a fun environment right by the ocean. We ate there every time we were in the area, and I never had a single regret. The only sad thing is that they’re only seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

7. Nature Hiking in Camden

For being such a tiny Maine town, Camden hustles and bustles year round. Kyle and I actually lived right outside of Camden for about four months, and we were so lucky to be close to a non-seasonal town with year-round events, incredible food, and culture. One of our favorite things to do in Maine (not just in Camden) was hike Mount Megunticook Trail and Mount Battie Trail, especially in the fall. Both are described as moderate to strenuous hikes, but when you have an enthusiastic tour guide like our awesome landlord Joe, they’re easy breezy. Plus, between the months of September and November in particular, the weather is perfect… and pictures will never do the view overlooking Camden’s colorful fall foliage justice. 

We also went on a few Camden nature hikes with Kyle’s fabulous mom when she came to visit. Seriously, the view from Mount Battie is just incredible. 

Also, if you like flowering hydrangeas in prolific community gardens, Camden isn’t a bad place to go for that, either. Actually, looking for hydrangeas is one of my favorite things to do in Maine. They bloom like crazy in the spring and summer, and they can be white, blue, pink– you name it. I’m only sharing  a few in this post, but I’m pretty sure 10% of all my Maine photos are of different hydrangea bushes. 

Seasonal Things to Do in Camden

1. The Camden International Film Festival (Late September, Early October): The Camden International Film Festival is an annual documentary film festival based in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine. It traditionally takes place on the last weekend in September. For a film buff like Kyle, an all-access pass to CIFF was worth every penny. For me, I bought individual tickets to the specific documentaries I wanted to see. Someone from the production crew, whether it be the director, producer, or the documentary subject, is present and available for Q&A after every show. It’s quite an experience, and it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re around Camden in late September/early October!

2. Leaf Chasing (Fall): You can go leaf chasing pretty much anywhere in the New England area, but the views from Camden are hard to beat. Plus, Maine has their own Maine Foliage website, so you can track peak fall foliage conditions for optimal leaf chasing. 

And I don’t know what it is, but I’m partial to the bright yellow foliage. I mean seriously, how gorgeous is this?

3. The Camden Snow Bowl (Winter): I’ve never heard Maine associated with great skiing, but the Camden Snow Bowl is pretty legitimate! Camden is actually the only East Coast ski destination with ocean views, which is pretty nuts, and daily ski rates peak at just $43 on weekends. Their seasonal dates obviously depend on the weather, but on average, they’re open from January through late February and potentially into March. Oh, and the Camden Snow Bowl is also home of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, which Kyle and I just barely missed, in late February.

I skied and Kyle snowboarded. I’m the world’s worst winter athlete, so I hated every second of actual movement. Even after almost ten trips to Colorado, I’ll never quite get the hang of stopping.  Kyle really enjoyed fine tuning his snowboarding skills, though! 

Where to Eat in Camden

1. Long Grain Thai Restaurant: If you ask any Maineiac (see what I did there?) for a restaurant recommendation, I would bet that 98% of them will list Long Grain Restaurant as a must-go. Their thai food is incredible, fresh, and reasonably priced, and the small mom-and-pop atmosphere further sets it apart from other nearby restaurants. Seriously, the entire restaurant is probably the size of your living room, yet somehow they make it work and produce a menu of the yummiest food in all of Maine. To be specific, their spicy wide noodles and beef panang are devine.

Like almost anywhere in Maine in the summertime, be sure to call for reservations beforehand. The entire restaurant maybe has twelve tables and ten bar stools, and they’re always completely booked, even during regular off hours. If you want to go in the fall or winter, you have a much better chance at getting a same-day reservation, but even still, I’d recommend calling first if you’re prone to hanger. 

2. Boynton-McKay Food Co.: Another one of our favorite Camden foodie spots is Boynton-McKay Food Co. They make an mean huevos rancheros, and their coffee isn’t too shabby or overpriced, either. 

Also, if you’re willing to drive another fifteen minutes to the town of Belfast, stop by Chase’s Daily and Meanwhile in Belfast. Chase’s Daily serves coffee and vegetarian quiches and pastries in the mornings, vegetarian lunch every day, and vegetarian dinner on Fridays only. Coming from a meat eater, the vegetarian aspect doesn’t take anything away from the food. And Meanwhile in Belfast serves the most delicious neopolitan pizza I’ve ever eaten at an affordable price. Kyle and I were blown away by the food in this tiny little town! 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

8. Touring Museums in Rockland

Rockland is only about ten minutes from Camden, and it’s yet another one of Maine’s biggest cultural hubs. It’s filled with historic artwork, cultural theaters, and mouthwatering local dining– not to mention one of my favorite wall murals in all of Maine (located on the back side of Rock City Cafe). Three of Rockland’s best and most popular museums are the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, and the Sail Power & Steam Museum. Although it’s not a museum, the historic and community-run Strand Theater provides a variety of film, live performances, and educational events that contribute to the growth of a strong artistic and cultural community in Maine. Oh, and it’s absolutely stunning on the inside. 

Where to Eat in Rockland

1. Primo Restaurant: When I said that Rockland is home to mouthwatering local dining, I wasn’t kidding. This place is revered for its homegrown culture and local dining establishments. Although it was a tough decision, our favorite place to eat in Rockland is and probably will always be Primo. Primo is an upscale restaurant with several different dining rooms and a fan base that spans the entire state. Quoted straight from their website, “Primo is situated on a nearly 4 acre sustainable farm that produces varies types of food, raises animals and grows flowers using farming techniques that protect the environment and help foster the development of healthy living for our community.”

Primo is truly an impressive establishment, and although its prices are a little high for regular meals, they host $1 oyster nights on Wednesdays and Sundays! Side Note: Check their website to make sure those days haven’t changed! Kyle and I have gotten in and out with two dozen oysters and champagne for under $50. Pretty darn amazing. Always try to make reservations beforehand, and do not bother calling– they’ll never call you back. We learned that the hard way. Book online, and you’ll be good to go!

2. Fog Bar: Another great spot with a fabulous atmosphere is Fog Bar. Our typical date night routine involved stopping at Fog Bar after a movie at the Strand or before dinner reservations at Primo. It’s probably the hippest spot in all of Rockland/Camden, they have great food, and they offers a pretty sweet happy hour! Also, I can’t remember which nights in particular, but they host regular open mic nights that are a lot of fun to watch, too. 

3. Rock City Coffee Roasters: Also, if you’re looking for a quiet place to work and you can’t find a Starbucks (spoiler alert: you definitely won’t find a Starbucks), Rock City Coffee is the place to go. Their lattes are delicious, and their food isn’t half bad either. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

9. Visiting the LL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport

One of Maine’s biggest claims to fame is being home to the founder of LL Bean, the late Leon Leonwood Bean. Because Maine is such a huge part of the company’s history and heritage, their flagship store is in Freeport, Maine, along with the surrounding Freeport Outlet stores (including a separate LL Bean outlet). LL Bean is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it’s basically Maine’s version of Disney. I probably made the two hour drive close to ten times in the six months we lived there. Despite the longer lines, my favorite time to shop was around Christmastime. LL Bean’s Christmas decorations were like any other with a simulated Night Sky Dome, Santa’s workshop, and forest of twinkling Christmas trees.  

Where to Eat in Freeport

Linda Bean’s: When in Rome, right? If you’re going to Freeport to shop at LL Bean, you may as well eat at Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern across the street. The food is a little overpriced, but it’s delicious and it may be the only place in town where you can find blueberry chicken wings. 

Top 10 Things to Do in Maine:

10. Apple Picking in Hope (August-October)

I included apple picking as the last thing on this list of things to do in Maine NOT because it’s not one of the more fun activities but because not everyone visits in the late summer/early fall. According to Maine Apples (yes, they have their own website), apple picking season begins in August and is in full swing from early September to late October. There are dozens of orchards around the state, but our favorite is Hope Orchards. Their mission is to grow fresh fruit as a healthy enterprise for the land, grower, consumer, and neighborhood– and they do it so well!

Whether you want to pick your own or just buy your own fresh apples or cider from their stand, Hope is an adorable community-run orchard, and their apples are so delicious that they’re carried by demand at regional grocery store chains, like Hannafords. Plus, it’s worth noting that you’re allowed to take photos at Hope Orchards. Kyle and I had a not-so-pleasant interaction with another orchard that wasn’t quite so hospitable (honestly, who doesn’t let you take pictures at an orchard?), and it really soured our experience with them. 

Where to Eat in Hope

Hope is really tiny, and there isn’t much to do in this specific town aside from the orchard. Surprisingly enough, though, the Hope General Store is pretty darn fabulous. They serve pizza, rent out movies (old school Blockbuster style), and carry the most delicious variety of organic spiked ciders. If you’re looking for great sit down restaurants, it’s probably worth making the twenty-five minute drive to Camden.

… and there you have it! I hope you enjoyed this very thorough travel guide and detailed list of things to do in Maine. Not exaggerating, it’s taken me about three months to put this guide together. There are just so many great thing to do in Maine, and it’s hard to narrow them down (hence all the bonus activities)! We’re already trying to figure out if we can make another trip up there this summer. My fingers are crossed that we can pull it together. Maine really is just such a wonderful place– and now it’s a melting pot of memories, too!