10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss this Summer

Yes, summer will be here before you know it and it’s never too early to plan an unforgettable Maine MidCoast Escape. A summer vacation exploring the outdoors or simply watching the ocean from a beachside chair will stay with you forever. With so many things to do and places to see, here are some things you don’t want to miss.

 

 

Sail, Paddle, Swim and Surf

With its pristine lakes, beaches, quiet ponds, and hidden coves, the MidCoast has endless ways to enjoy the water. Hundreds of lakes and ponds are perfect for canoeing, swimming or fishing. For kayakers, the MidCoast is a paddler’s dream to explore sea life to visit nearby islands. Stoked to surf? Popham Beach and nearby Reid State Park in Georgetown serve up some of the best surfing in Maine. And, for the ultimate ocean sailing experience, step aboard a classic, wooden windjammer based in Rockland or Camden.

 

 

Camping and Glamping

Want to really get outdoors? The MidCoast is home to scenic campgrounds, remote island tent sites, yurts, and glamping sites – the mash-up of ‘glamour’ and ‘camping’. If you want to set up a tent, car camp, or park an RV next to a lake or the ocean, your choice of campgrounds is nearly endless. Three of the Maine State Parks in the MidCoast, offer overnight camping in beautiful locations. Of course, if your idea of camping includes a few nights in a luxurious feather bed, you’ll find plenty of wonderful inns too!

 

 

Historic Lighthouses

Exploring Maine’s iconic and still-active lighthouses is a rewarding way to experience early maritime history. Maine has the most oceanfront lighthouses in America and 24 of them are in the MidCoast alone. Today, many lighthouses are open to the public and several have adjacent museums. Most are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are actively used by the U.S. Coast Guard. Five you don’t want to miss are located at Marshall Point, Pemaquid Point, the Rockland Breakwater (shown above), Fort Point, and Owl’s Head.

 

 

New Craft Brew Releases

With the second highest number of craft breweries in the U.S., Maine is a beer nirvana. There are more than 25 breweries In the MidCoast alone and this summer, you can expect new releases from all of them. Some of our favorites are off the beaten path like Tattooed Dad in Jackson, North Haven Brewing on North Haven Island (a great ferry ride), and Monhegan Brewing Company – a terrific place to visit after hiking Monhegan Island’s trails. Plan a tasting route in the MidCoast at https://mainebrewersguild.org/visit-breweries/plan-your-route/   What a summer for exploring!

 

 

The Villages and Harbors

The villages and costal towns in the MidCoast have attracted vacationers and outdoor adventurers for generations. Each town has its own charm, shops, galleries, inns, hotels and food scenes. Walk along any Main Street and you’ll discover hidden gardens along side streets, small craft shops, outdoor outfitters, farmers markets, or a quiet café for coffee or hot cider. There are so many classic Maine towns to see – Camden (shown above), Brunswick, Rockland, Boothbay, Union, Searsport, Belfast and many more.

 

 

Mountain Trails and Easy Walks

Challenging trails and easy walks throughout the MidCoast offer spectacular views and hours of enjoyment. The Ragged Mountain area near Camden is one of the highest mountains on the U.S. eastern seaboard. Hikers there are greeted with expansive views of Penobscot Bay and distant hills. With so many family-friendly walks in the MidCoast, these are a few favorites: Penny Lake Preserve in Boothbay (shown above), Moose Point State Park in Searsport, Belfast’s Harbor Walk, and Thomaston Village Trail.

 

 

Maine’s Exciting Art Scene

Known for attracting generations of artists including Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, and Edward Hopper, a new generation of emerging artists have been inspired to explore the light and drama that is so unique to Maine. Today, one town is at the center of it all. Rockland is home to the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, the Farnsworth Art Museum, and many more galleries just steps. Also, not to be missed are the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and the Langlais Sculpture Preserve in Cushing (pictured).

 

 

 

Amazing Restaurants and New Menus

While famed MidCoast restaurants like Primo and The Lost Kitchen are garnering national praise, many new chefs in the area are introducing wonderful farm-to-table and boat-to-basket fare you don’t want to miss. A few to check out include Wolfpeach in Camden, Sammy’s Deluxe in Rockland, Sterlingtown in Union (shown above) and their “sister” coffee shop, Sterlingtown Bakehouse, The Coastal Café and Bakery in Searsport, The Hoot in Northport, and Enoteca Athena in Brunswick.

 

 

The Coastal Vineyards

Maine’s unique coastal climate and rocky soils are attracting innovative winemakers to produce terrific, grape varietals ranging from chardonnay to merlot. There are more than 25 established wineries in Maine and most are concentrated in the MidCoast. Many have attained ‘grand cru’ status and national attention. Lincolnville’s Cellardoor Winery won “Best Malbec” and a Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco Wine Competition. Other notable wineries include Sweetgrass Farm and Oyster River Wine.

 

 

Doing Absolutely Nothing

While the MidCoast offers so many things to do, there’s something it’s even better for: doing zip, zero, and nothing. Let’s face it, all of us need a little Zen and chill time and the MidCoast does “nothing” very well. Remote ponds, quiet trails, and hidden harbors offer escapes from a hectic world. If your idea of a vacation is reading a book or watching the sunset over the ocean, you’ve found your destination. Some truly laid-back places include Spruce Head in Thomaston, Pitcher Pond in Lincolnville, and Sewall Beach in Phippsburg (shown above).