The MidCoast in Bloom! Flowers, Vegetables, and Beer Gardens too!

As summer arrives, gardens, parks, and forests throughout the MidCoast are reaching their peak display of flowers and foliage. The summer vibes brought on by June make us want to explore nature trails and appreciate the gardens found in villages or along country roads. And you’re while exploring gardens, be sure to include some great outdoor beer gardens too. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy:

 

 

Merryspring Nature Center – Rockport and Camden

Over 66 acres of meadows, forests, and gardens are yours to appreciate and learn about at the beautiful non-profit Merry Spring Nature Center. Well-maintained trails wind through diverse habitats including wetlands, woodlands, and fields. The Center has separate and extensive gardens including meditation, kitchen, and wildflower gardens. Workshops, guided hikes, and nature-based events are held throughout the year for garden lovers of all ages.

 

 

Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheatre – Camden

The beautiful Camden Harbor Park is just steps from Main Street in the heart of Camden. Set on a gentle slope overlooking the harbor, the park offers wonderful views of the waterfront and nearby mountains. The meticulously cared-for gardens are filled with native flowers, shrubs, and trees. The centerpiece of the park is a stunning stone amphitheater built into the hillside. It offers comfortable views of the water and the park’s greenery.

 

 

Gardens at the Farnsworth Art Museum – Rockland

This year, Farnsworth Art Museum is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special year-long exhibition of classic and contemporary art. Less known about the museum is its delightful garden that provides an oasis to explore and enjoy. Pathways wind through landscaped grounds, seasonal plantings, and an outdoor gallery of sculptures and art installations. Benches and seating areas throughout the garden offer visitors a place for relaxing, artistic contemplation.

 

 

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay

Considered one of New England’s premier botanical gardens, this stunning 300-acre retreat along the coast in Boothbay is a must-visit destination. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is known for its diverse collections of plants and themed gardens. You can explore the Central Garden with its tranquil water features and sculptures, the Rhododendron Garden, the Rose and Perennial Garden, The Children’s Garden, and many other garden areas. Walk along the trails that wind through the gardens or simply relax and enjoy the remarkable surroundings.

 

 

Ft. Knox State Historical Site – Prospect

This spectacular granite fort is a popular destination for architecture and history enthusiasts, but it also offers wonderful views of the Penobscot River and the surrounding landscape. There are walking paths and trails around the fort for exploring and outdoor activities. Choose one of the picnic tables throughout the peninsula and enjoy the views overlooking the river.

 

 

Fernwood Nursery & Gardens – Montville

Known as “Maine’s Shadiest Nursery”, Fernwood Nursery has one of New England’s largest collections of shade-tolerant native and woodland plants. With a firm belief that gardening should be fun, all of the plants are chosen to be hearty and not in need of extra care. Visitors to the gardens will see hundreds of varieties of Hosta, ferns, wildflowers, and other shade-loving perennials. Something is always in bloom from Solomon Seal to delightful Trillium.

 

 

East of Eden Flower Farm – Bowdoinham

A love affair with dahlias, tulips, and peonies helped start the East of Eden Flower Farm in Bowdoinham. Stop by East of Eden’s small farm stand on Sadie Lane for organically-grown heirloom blossoms, fresh produce, and seedlings for your own garden. Their six-acre farm has some of the best agricultural soil in Maine and is supplied with fresh water from Merrymeeting Bay.

 

 

Swell Farm Flowers – Rockland

The young owners of Swell Farm Flowers know that flowers are special and can improve any day. Their self-serve farmstand on Old County Road highlights what is blooming each week either in mixed bouquets or a “farmers bunch” – straight bunches of flowers and foliage to design your own arrangement at home. Using the same organic practices for their flowers, they also sell veggie, herb, and flower seedlings.

 

Glendarragh Lavender Farm – Appleton & Camden

During July and August, lavender-scented air and brilliant blooms surround the fields of the Glendarragh Farm in Appleton. It’s a sensory delight that can be enjoyed by strolling in the fields or having a picnic lunch. During the height of the bloom, you can pick your own lavender or visit the farm store. The farm grows English and Dutch lavender varieties which they use to make finely scented home goods and bath products. The farm also has a store open year-round in Camden. For more, read about a day trip to Glendarragh Farm.

 

 

Oxbow Brewing Co. – Newcastle

Tucked in the woods a few miles from Newcastle, is the Oxbow Brewing Company. Founded in 2011, Oxbow quickly became known for its authentic farmhouse-style ales and since has expanded to Oxford and Portland. The original brewery took its name from Oxbow Bend in the nearby Damariscotta River as a recognition of the company’s commitment to the local environment. Housed in a renovated barn, you can visit the brewery, walk around the small orchard and enjoy what’s on tap outdoors at their rustic seating.

 

 

Marshall Wharf Brewery – Belfast

Few outdoor beer gardens can rival Marshall Wharf Brewery which overlooks beautiful Belfast Bay. All of their craft beers are “brewed at sea level’ in a large, industrial space located on the Belfast waterfront. The brewpub is known for its large beer menu that ranges from classic styles such as Tug Pale Ale to adventurous experiments such as a sour Passy Sunrise Blood Orange Gose. Spend a day exploring Belfast’s historic and lively town then settle in with a fresh pint to watch the boats along the waterfront.

 

 

Monhegan Brewing Company – Monhegan Island

The outdoor beer garden with the best setting in Maine is ten miles out to sea. Monhegan Island is accessible only by boat and there are no cars or paved roads. You can take a boat from several different towns and while you can return the same day, staying over in one of the small inns is a great part of the island experience. The taps at Monhegan Brewing always have five beers and two hand-crafted sodas. All seating is outside and most tables are protected from the sun and light island rain.