Boothbay, ME, Guide and Information

When you think of summers in New England, you probably imagine fresh lobster, beach days, and hiking. You maybe surprised to know that there’s shopping too. Travelers may come to Maine for its rocky coastline and rugged wilderness, but they stay for the charming towns like Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay Harbor is a small coastal community nestled into Maine’s coastline that boasts unrivaled access to the ocean and an idyllic small town New England atmosphere. Besides the stunning harbor views, Boothbay visitors will fall in love with the area’s boutique shops. To check out our favorite shops in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, continue reading below.

Maine’s jagged coastline and the powerful Atlantic drawd artists to its shores every year. Inspired by their surroundings, the work they create captures the magic and beauty of New England, in a way you can only understand if you’ve been here before. To browse jewelry, art, and home goods from local artisans all over Maine, head to Abacus Gallery or Boothbay Harbor Artisans Co-op. For fine, locally made pottery, head to Dirty Bird Pottery or Edgecomb Potters.

Summer in New England is a sensory experience. There are the sights and sounds of the ocean as it meets Maine’s rocky and heavily forested shoreline. There’s the feeling of the icy Atlantic and hot summer sun during a day on the water. There’s the smell of the forest and coastal air. Lastly, there’s the taste of New England’s rich and storied cuisine. No trip to Maine is complete without explore in the local food scene. It’s not all lobster rolls and blueberries, but would you complain if it was? Continue reading below for Our Go-To Restaurants and Bars in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

As one of Boothbay’s most beloved breakfast spots, Blue Moon Cafe, gives guests a beautiful view of the waterfront from their shaded deck while you enjoy a classic New England Breakfast. Stop by any morning to start your day with a delicious meal, or head to Blue Moon Café for Sunday brunch to indulge with mimosas, cinnamon-pecan French toast, and Maine blueberry pancakes.

One of the benefits of being practically surrounded by water in the Boothbay Harbor Region is that many of the restaurants here offer terrific waterfront dining replete with extraordinary views. Most of these establishments–at least those open year round–also afford pleasing views from their interiors for those days when it’s best to sit inside with a bowl of chowder and a glass of wine. McSeagulls, Fisherman’s Wharf Inn & Restaurant, Kaler’s Waterfront Restaurant and Brown’s Wharf figure among the best-loved in Boothbay Harbor. If you’re looking for a waterfront restaurant that will roll out the red carpet–or at least a dog bowl–for your pup, go to the Big Dog Bar at Brady’s at the head of the harbor.

For a sophisticated dining experience in Boothbay Harbor, go to the Harborside Tavern at the far end of the footbridge. If their food, craft cocktails, or views of this iconic bridge don’t woo you, their live music surely will.

One look at your Discovery Map for Boothbay Harbor and the Boothbay Region (both sides!) in Maine and you understand that water plays a big role in this destination. It always has and it likely always will. Not only is there a lot of it but it’s also very deep in Boothbay Harbor, providing perfect conditions for all kinds of seafaring vessels. At any given time, hundreds upon hundreds of boats may be moored there. Most yachtsmen consider this renowned port on Maine’s central coast to be the most important one on the eastern seaboard north of Boston.

With a name inspired from Boothby, a hamlet in Lincolnshire, England, the area was settled by the English during the early to mid 1600s. The pilgrims even sailed here in 1622 from Plymouth to replenish their food supplies at Damariscove Island. In addition to farming and fishing, the region later became known for its shipbuilding, an industry that’s still alive and well today. From building wooden sloops to naval ships for World War I and II as well as for the Korean War, to luxury yachts for the elite, Boothbay’s history of craftsmanship runs as vast and varied as the number of maritime vessels that have sought shelter within its harbor over the centuries. Learn more about the rich maritime history of the area at the Boothbay Region Historical Society in Boothbay Harbor.