This place was like a trip down memory lane. Everything I remember from holidays growing up in the 80’s and 90’s was all around and the best part… I didn’t even look to see if I could get wifi anywhere! The charm is so enamouring that you forget to check your emails, social media etc and want to just enjoy your surroundings, which nowadays sounds so old fashioned.
Where we flew into:
LHR—BOS (with Delta Airlines) although if you are flying domestically much easier to go to Portland.
Where we stayed:
Spruce Point Inn- http://www.sprucepointinn.com
You can’t help but feel that Dirty Dancing camp ambience whilst walking around the grounds of the Inn which is exactly why I loved it! I wanted to find a watermelon and just carry it whilst dancing along the dock. Although this place boasts wonderful amenities such as two pools, manicured lawns, spa, and waterside location it was the old school games we enjoyed the most (complimentary of course). We spent afternoons splitting time playing Shuffleboard and Horse Shoes and then on to the Game Room playing Pac Man and Ping Pong , cartwheeling on the grass at sunset and then sitting around the campfire eating s’mores in the evening. They even offer free bike rental and water sports and a water taxi to town.
They also did a good job of emailing use before our trip informing us of activities that would be going on and the app is well worth downloading for other ideas around the area.
What we did in the area:
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens- (15 min drive from the hotel)- http://www.mainegardens.org
Must do even if you are not a horticulturist. Very interesting arrangements and just a beautifully thought out and maintained garden. Stayed approximately 90 minutes and got to see most of the grounds (just skipped the kids garden as we don’t have any). They even had artists painting that you could speak to and ask questions.
The Footbridge- Built in 1901 this wooden footbridge allows for beautiful views across the harbour as well as being very convenient to get into town. If you can’t find a space to park in the centre just park on the other side of this bridge and walk across, it literally takes 5 minutes.
The Town of Boothbay Harbour- Such a pretty little town with old-fashioned shops, including the Country Store and Candy Store. Lots of arts and crafts for sale and pretty to stroll through. There was also a craft fair which I believe is most Saturdays in the summer.
Southport- This is about a 15 minute drive from Boothbay and we went for the Lighthouse but much to our dismay it is now private property so we could only view it from afar. We did however stop at the local General Store which was much better equipped than expected. Good for groceries and booze!
Wiscasset- About a 40 minute drive away is the pretty town of Wiscasset which is most famous for Red’s Eats Lobster Rolls. The line was an hour-long but sure worth the wait! If you are in a rush Lobster Wharf is a great substitute in Boothbay with no line at all!
LL Bean and the Outlets at Freeport- About an hour drive is the Freeport Outlets and if you are an LL Bean fan this is the place to go. Their flagship store is huge however the outlets surrounding it are not amazing. If you are in town for a short time this could be skipped.
For full shop listings visit www.onefreeportvillagestation.com
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse- http://www.pemaquidpoint.org/wc.php
Exactly what I had imagined for the Lighthouses of Maine, this place does not disappoint and worth the hour drive. There is also a museum and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse itself. Best part was walking on the jagged rocks and looking at the amazing views across the water. You can also stay here if you have deep pockets!
Picture at the top.
Where we ate and drank:
Mama D’s Mercantile– http://mamadscafe.com
We came here for breakfast…TWICE it was that good! Home comforts and such friendly service it was hard not to return. Don’t forget to check out the ‘Specials’ board where we found grits much to my Southern Husband’s delight! Very reasonably priced also.
McSeagulls- http://www.mcseagullsonline.com
Stepped into McSeagulls for a cheeky Bloody Mary to start off our day. This is definitely the place to be for party time in the evening. There are also lots of bars surround this on the dock for variety.
Lobster Wharf- http://www.boothbaylobsterwharf.com
Very generous portions, particularly the Lobster Rolls which were brimming with lobster meat. Also worth trying the grilled swordfish sandwich if lobsters aren’t your thing.
Lobster Dock- http://www.thelobsterdock.com
Delicious warm lobster rolls served here and don’t forget to order your Whoopi Pie, best I have tasted!
Bogies at Spruce Point Inn- http://www.sprucepointinn.com/bogies
Lobster Mac and Cheese is not to be missed, however if you are looking for variety this may not be the place for you. The menu is reminiscent of a bar menu with a few restaurant extras.
Candy Store in Boothbay Town- So Old Fashioned with decor and the candy. Stock up on many different flavours of Taffy!
If we had more time:
I would have loved to have seen more of the lighthouses, but most can only be visited by boat which we didn’t have time to do. This list is very helpful in highlighting the ones worth visiting in the area: http://www.boothbayharborblog.com/newagen_seaside_inn/2008/01/the-spirit-of-m.html
If the water taxi is not too busy from Spruce Point they happily oblige a mini tour of the harbour.
Cycle around and play games!
-till the next experience
YOLO Inc. 