Boothbay Harbor - More Than Just a Stopover!

A few days back, we had the pleasure of hosting two great guests, Tom and Rita, at Bayberry House for five days.  Now, Tom is one of the most meticulous planners I've ever met, even about his holidays.  Being a fella who likes to be organized myself, I asked him what they were going to be doing during their stay.  Well, he pulled out an EXCEL spreadsheet and, spreading it carefully on the kitchen counter, proceeded with relish to tell me their itinerary.  Talk about impressive!  I asked him if I could share it on our blog site to give future guests an idea of all the great things to see and do in the mid-coast area while staying at Bayberry House.  So, with Tom's kind agreement, here is a wonderful example of how to spend a five nights' stay at Bayberry House.

Day1 - Arrive at Bayberry House at 3:00 p.m.  After check-in, walk downtown and spend some time shopping, making sure to sample some of the fantastic flavors of popcorn from Coastal Maine Popcorn Company and fudge from Orme's Candy Store.  Grab a great of dinner of lobster and steamers at the Lobster Dock and turn-in early, resting up for a full day tomorrow.

Day 2 - After breakfast, head on down to down to Pier 8 in the Harbor for the Balmy Days trip to Monhegan Island.  After a full day of hiking and browsing the art galleries on Monhegan, arrive back in Boothbay Harbor at about 4:30 p.m. needing a bit of rest and relaxation.  Spend a few hours with a good book and a cold drink on Bayberry House's front porch, if you catch a few winks as well, so much the better.  Try hard to resist the temptation to walk down to the Downeast Ice Cream Factory, because you have reservations at 7:00 p.m. at Ports of Italy.

Day 3 - Leave after breakfast for the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, remembering to dowse yourself with a liberal dose of bug spray.  Try to see as much of the gardens as two or three hours will allow, a tall order considering its about 270 acres.  By the time you've finished tromping about the gardens, you've definitely worked your breakfast off and are ready to eat.  Where to go?  Bet's Famous Fish Fry for fried haddock.  Fish in a dish - yum!  In the afternoon, go out on the water on the Sarah Mead with some friends.  This is a wooden sloop with either Captain Randy or his son Nate at the wheel.  Regardless of who you're with, it's great fun and, because the boat holds a maximum of six passengers, it feels like a private charter at excursion boat prices. Returning from your sail, you relax around the inn for a few hours before going out to dinner.  Still feeling a bit full from lunch?  Go to the Boathouse Bistro for their tapas.  These great little dishes allow you to sample such interesting fare as Maple Syrup Scallops and Lobster Creme Brulee.  Just right when you're unsure about how hungry you are.  Plus there's a great view from the third floor deck.

Day 4 - Today's the day for venturing out a bit.  After breakfast, head back up Route 27 to U.S. 1, then east (or north if you prefer) to Damariscotta.  Turn down route 129 all the way to the point of the peninsula and you'll be at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.  The view of the ocean is absolutely breathtaking, especially if you venture up to the top of the lighthouse.  Then, its back up to US. 1 and a brief stop in Waldoboro for a scrumptious piece of pie and some coffee at Moody's Diner.  A half hour's drive will get you to Thomaston and the museum dedicated to Henry Knox, George Washington's chief of artillery and the nation's first Secretary of War.  It's then just a short trip to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland to view their impressive collection of works by Andrew Wyeth.  Cap off your day with a visit to In Good Company, a fantastic little place to dine just a few hundred feet from the Farnsworth.  An hour's drive and you're back at Bayberry House for a well-earned rest.

Day 5 - Ready to try something different?  This morning, a short walk to Granary Way will get you to Tidal Transit for some ocean kayaking.  They have many different excursions options for both the novice and experienced paddler and nothing beats the view of the islands and headlands from right at water level.  Returning from your time on the water, no trip to Boothbay Harbor would be complete without a lobster roll from Shannon's Unshelled, right there on Granary Way.  The lobster is fresh and plentiful, a real treat for anyone who enjoys Maine's favorite crustacean with a bit of butter.  After all that exercise and a great meal, you may feel you need a nap.  If not, venture up Route 27 for a few miles to the Boothbay Railway Village.  This open air museum has several historic buildings to tour, as well as an antique car collection.  Top it off with a ride on the steam train.  What could be better than a step back into yesteryear?  On the way back to Boothbay Harbor, stop at the Watershed Craft Brewery to sample a pint or two.  If you still haven't had your fill of great seafood, go to The World is Mine Oyster for dinner.  As the name indicates, this is the definitive place in Boothbay Harbor to sample local shellfish.  A special treat is their Lobster Mac and Cheese.  As you stroll back to Bayberry House, stop at the Downeast Ice Cream factory for the best tasting ice cream in the world.  If you still have any energy left, drive the fifteen minutes to Ocean Point for an unforgettable sunset.

Well, if you can accomplish more than that in five days, my hat's off to you!  And that's not including such great experiences as the Cabbage Island Clambake, the Maine Aquarium, Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, L.L. Bean's in Freeport, and the list goes on and on.  Not to mention a host of other great eateries to enjoy in and around Boothbay Harbor.  Still thinking of just spending one night in Boothbay Harbor?