Where History Meets Hospitality
To experience MidCoast Maine’s maritime charm while you settle in for a timeless vacation, look no further than many of our historic inns. The architecture, smaller size, and more personalized service are welcomed features of these thoughtfully preserved and updated inns. Most inns are found in more scenic areas and offer unique, different rooms to choose from. Accommodations range from surprisingly affordable to pinch-yourself luxury.
The Norumbega – Camden
Did we say, “pinch yourself”? The stunning Norumbega in Camden is known as “The Stone Castle by The Sea.” Overlooking Penobscot Bay, the great house was a private residence for over a century. One year ago, the Norumbega underwent a detailed renovation throughout. The inn’s elegant guest rooms, luxury suites, fireplaces everywhere, personable service, and landscaped grounds make any stay delightful.
The Bradley Inn – New Harbor
One of Maine’s most renowned lighthouses – Pemaquid Lighthouse – is a short walk away from the bed and breakfast Bradley Inn. Fifteen unique guest rooms include luxury amenities and breakfast in the casual yet coastal-elegant restaurant. Originally built in the early 1900s as a boarding house, The Bradley Inn is ideally located to explore the shoreline and wildlife around Pemaquid Point.
The Jeweled Turret Inn – Belfast
Graceful, wide verandas overlook the gardens and the grounds of this late 1800s Victorian home. The verandas and the four elegant parlors are irresistible for reading a book or enjoying coffee or tea. Breakfast is served in the oak-paneled dining room and includes house specialties such as German pancakes. The historic buildings and active waterfront of Belfast are within a short walk from the Jeweled Turret.
The 1774 Inn – Phippsburg
This waterfront Georgian-style mansion built in 1774 was owned by the same family for 234 years until 2008 when it was transformed into the 1774 Inn. The inn’s scenic location and rustic event barn have made it a popular wedding venue. However, there’s no need to get married to enjoy the 1774. The restored farmhouse has eight bedrooms, breakfast and dining rooms, and beautiful views of the water and gardens.
The Lindsey Guest House – Rockland
Hidden just steps away from the thriving art museums and small shops of Rockland, the Lindsey Guest House is a welcoming retreat. Each of the nine guest rooms is unique and the intimate common spaces include an even more hidden garden courtyard. The owners at The Lindsey are known for their hospitality, insights about exploring Rockland, and for serving memorable, three-course breakfasts.
Captain Nickels Inn – Searsport
Once the home to Captain Albert Nickels, this 1874 oceanfront home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The ten newly renovated rooms and suites offer amenities from private balconies and fireplaces to views of Penobscot Bay. The lovely Captain’s Suite has exclusive access to the widow’s walk with stunning views of the bay. Enjoy breakfast in the solarium and later enjoy coffee or tea from chairs at the ocean’s edge.
The Spruce Point Inn – Boothbay Harbor
For over a century, the Spruce Point Inn has been a destination for guests seeking an expansive oceanfront setting. In the 1870s ocean steamers began bringing summer travelers from Boston and New York City to Boothbay Harbor and the Inn. The lodge, cottages, and townhouses are stylish and cozy. For families, the pool, game room, and outdoor activities including kayaking and hiking provide hours of fun.
David Robbins Homestead – Union
A short drive from Camden will bring you to this wonderful bed and breakfast on Seven Tree Pond. Built in 1786 and with just three lovely guest rooms, the Homestead is a special, quiet retreat. Enjoy a made-to-order European-style farmer’s breakfast then enjoy the day watching the wildlife and listening loons on the pond. Or bring a kayak or canoe to explore the three-mile-long pond.
Whitehall – Camden
Originally a sea captain’s house built in 1834, the Whitehall became known as a luxurious retreat for guests who arrived by train or chauffeured cars. Today, the Whitehall is a far more casual place to relax and unwind. With its large, covered porches, freshly styled rooms, and easy walking distance to the shops and restaurants in Camden, you can give the chauffeur the week off.
Berry Manor Inn – Rockland
Located in Rockland’s historic district, the 1860s Berry Manor Inn and adjacent Rockland Talbot House offer a quiet or romantic escape. Each of the inn’s beautiful Victorian-decorated rooms and ensuite luxury baths are unique in design and furnishings. Rockland’s renowned art museums, galleries, restaurants and shops are a short walk away.
Benjamin Packard House – Bath
This beautifully restored 1790 Italianate inn was once the home of Benjamin Packard, a well-known shipwright in Bath. His name was given to a 244-foot square-rigged ship that sailed out of New York. The inn has four guest rooms and a private garden to enjoy morning coffee or an afternoon glass of wine. The Kennebec River is a short, one-block walk away.
Grey Havens Inn – Georgetown
There are only a few historic inns that offer the panoramic ocean views you can enjoy at the classic, shingle-style Grey Havens. Built in 1904, the inn sits atop a high bluff overlooking islands and lighthouses in the distance. All but one of the inn’s rooms has an ocean view. Enjoy cocktails on the magnificent porch, then take a tale inside at the wonderful BLUE restaurant.
Lime Rock Inn – Rockland
The turreted Victorian mansion has been chosen as the “Best B&B in Maine” by readers of DownEast magazine two years in a row. And it’s no surprise because the owners of the distinctive inn are focused on the simple comforts and amenities provided to guests. The gourmet food, complimentary guest pantry, and luxury ensuite baths for each of the eight rooms make any stay memorable and relaxing.
Newcastle Inn – Newcastle
This historic inn overlooks the scenic Damariscotta River. Each guest room in the Main House and Carriage House is unique and many include views of the river. While it’s tempting to simply camp out on the large deck overlooking the river, other waterfront villages and attractions are close by. Just minutes from the inn, you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the Damariscotta or nearby lakes.
Looking for more ways to explore history in the MidCoast? Read about our shipbuilding, Main Streets, and of course, lighthouses.