Boothbay Harbor, A Busy Summer Town With One-of-a-Kind Attractions.
Written: Dec 09 '04 (Updated Aug 12 '05)
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Pros: Diverse with attractions for all ages in a family.
Cons: A lot of hilly walking if you want to explore it all.
The Bottom Line: This is a town that is definitely touristy but has a couple of unique ....that keep bringing me and my family back.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Boothbay Harbor |
As a break in the long drive from NY to Maine's Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor area we have stayed in Boothbay Harbor. After our first stay we understood that it was more than just a place to sleep, it was a destination to explore and enjoy.
It's Different
We have been to many of Maine's seaside towns but for some reason I always felt that this place was a bit different, and it is. I suppose part of it is its layout. Most of the town is together on a bay but part of it is across a small harbor that divides the town into two sections. We have always stayed at a fine place by the name of Rocktide Inn. This is on the quieter side of Boothbay Harbor. What is unique about this town is that there is a footbridge, built in 1901, that connects the two parts. This wooden structure even has a small shop in the middle of it. Hey you never know when you'll get the urge to drop a few bucks on some kind of souvenir. It takes just six or seven minutes to make the trek across the bridge from the far side to the heart of town. By the amount of people that take the stroll, it's my guess that this is as much a destination as a means of short transport between the two parts of town. It is a fun leisurely walk with fine views of the harbor.
Besides the town being split up I also like that the main part of town where all the "action" is is on different levels due to the hilly nature of the shoreline. This adds to a feeling of anticipation of "What's around the next corner?". The town seems to have been haphazardly planned and in this case it's a plus.
Candle Pin Bowling
Boothbay Harbor has a number of unique attractions that draw me to it. One is the candle pin bowling alley. This is a very low key, unpretentious, fun place to visit that is made from logs. The eight lane building was built in 1946. You can't help but pass the place when walking from the town to the bridge. The prices were very inexpensive and they have all the shoes and snacks you may need. This game is played with a ball that you hold by palming it. There are no holes and I would say its about the size of a soft ball. You roll the ball down the lane at ten pins that are tall and thin (candlepins). This is a fun game and a good diversion in inclement or foggy weather. We happen to do it every time, rain or shine.
Something Else A Bit Different
After crossing the bridge you'll first encounter some restaurants. This town is full of good ones. I hope to review one or two at some point. Fresh seafood is served everywhere and lobster is the specialty. Many restaurants offer outside dining with fine views of the harbor. Maybe you'll dine at one and go to another for dessert or perhaps a relaxed beer or two.
One thing we always do when in town is make plans for the Cabbage Island Clam Bake. This is a full meal and a tour all in one. We have done it about four or five times now. You must book early.
You get on a boat that takes you out to an island while pointing out places of interest and seals sunning. Once on the island you have a couple of hours. There's a pit of burning coals with seaweed over it. This is where they cook the lobster. Everyone waits in line to pick up two lobster, a bunch of steamer clams, corn on the cob, whole onion and a Maine baked potato. You also get to pick out your own picnic table outside with beautiful views or perhaps eat in the enclosed dining room. The wait staff bring drinks and dessert of blueberry cake. Be sure to check out their web sit.
http://www.cabbageislandclambakes.com/clambakes.htm
Afterward you can just walk the island or perhaps play some volleyball or horseshoes. They also have a full bar. They have just one hammock. Ha, that's a favorite of mine after a wonderful dinner.
Sight Seeing
The harbor has a number of boats that will take you out on a cruise or fishing. There is at least one whale watch tour everyday. I recommend always checking the seas before going out. With my motion sensitive stomach I never go out in anything over two and three feet. To me its a total waste of money to go out, only to feel sick. As with the Cabbage Island Clambake be sure to make reservations early.
The town
For anybody who saw the movie Popeye with Robin Williams years ago you will understand what I describe as a make believe sea-side town. There is something about this town on the water with so many docks wooden bridges and moored boats along with the different levels of dry land that evokes that Popeye image. When walking down into it, it just doesn't have a real look to it. It's almost like an overdone movie set. Be sure to have a camera.
This is a very touristy town but you will find some interesting things to do and see that are different than the usual souvenir shops that are so prevalent here and up and down the Maine coast. There were some art galleries with sculptures that were pretty cool. I should say that you will find many galleries, more that in most Maine towns. I did like browsing through them. An old hardware store right in the middle of it all brings memories of what a true small-town mom and pop store is like. There's a small food market in town but if you need to stock up on supplies you'll find supermarkets just out of town.
A saltwater taffy store has machines mixing the stuff and the candy is as fresh as you can imagine. It's hard to walk out of there without something. Sherman's book store is also in town. I have been to the original Sherman's in Bar Harbor many, many times over the last thirty years. It was nice to know they have a second one in Boothbay Harbor.
A small ice cream shop dominates a part of the towns main area with a line that is constantly out the door. "Do not", I repeat "Do not order lobster ice cream!" I, like a typical tourist, did try it and it is terrible. The employees must have laughs at night at all the non-Mainiacs who order the stuff. The lines are worth the wait for some of the ice cream flavors.
We have sat on the library lawn listening to concerts given by local musicians while having a little of the local fudge. We haven't gone to their local theatres but it is good to know they have live shows and even a movie theatre. One thing that may be difficult is finding convenient parking. We leave our car in the lot at our Inn and walk to the town. It's a perfect distance.
Closing Remarks
Boothbay Harbor happens to be a fine name for a town. It's also a good place to spend a day or two or perhaps three. There are some nice drives along the coast nearby with lighthouses and lobster boats to be viewed and though we never went they do have a small aquarium and a couple of local museums too. Though we have been to this picturesque town a number of times, there is still more to discover and explore with many Inns and B&Bs to stay at.
The Rocktide Inn Boothbay Harbor
Cabbage Island Clambake
Coastal Maine, One man's view
Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park
A Canadian side trip from Maine's Acadia National Park
Portland, Maine
Portlamd Head Light
The Portland Museum of Art
Howard Johnson's Hotel, Portland
Desert of Maine, Freeport
Recommended:
Yes
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