What to see
We have been visiting the beautiful town of Castine for the past 30 years. Located on a picturesque peninsula near Penobscot Bay, it’s close to the popular destinations of Blue Hill and Bar Harbor and offers a blissful, unsurpassed tranquility. The wide, central ‘Main Street’ leads to the town dock, where you can grab a lobster roll from Safe Harbor Cafe (5 Sea St, Castine) and watch boats, from schooners to dinghies, against the backdrop of the surrounding islands .
Don’t miss Dice Head Lighthouse on the edge of town. The views are spectacular and the color of the sky at sunset is truly magical. Lil’ Toot boat tours provide great cruises in the harbor in Castine. There are also many places to kayak, which we highly recommend as it’s a great way to see secret coves.
Castine has a rich architectural history, with houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The town has a variety of styles, from early colonial homes to stately Federal homes. Many of these historic buildings have been carefully preserved, reflecting New England’s architectural heritage, such as Redwood (circa 1885), La Rochelle (1903), and Skylands (1925), Martha Stewart’s estate.
Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor is a must hike. Taking in all of Maine’s natural beauty and wildlife, you might even see black bears. There are many different routes, but Cadillac Mountain is our favorite because it provides great views of the entire park. If you’re staying the night in the Mount Desert Island area, a trip to Pirate’s Adventure Golf (70 First Street, Old Orchard) is fun. The kids don’t have to justify themselves to go – the long 18-hole mini golf course follows the amusing and informative history of the famous pirates.
Where to shop
The biggest store of all is the Blue Hill Wine Shop, a barn turned wine lover’s dream. Max and Mary Treitler, the husband-and-wife team of owners, are Blue Hill locals, and their lovingly-selected store offers a variety of cheeses and many of the best grocers from around the world. The staff fulfills any wine requests, like the best rosé for lobster or the perfect red for steak.
Compass Rose Bookstore is a charming bookstore that offers a great selection of books, with an entire section dedicated to Maine authors (there are a lot!). Enjoy coffee and delicious sweets while you browse. Meanwhile, Andre Strong is a bookseller specializing in diaries and magazines, gardening, history, fine binding, letter collecting, travel and literature related to Maine and New England.
Ronald Harte Antiques is the most eclectic store filled with art, pottery, curios, lamps and furniture. A favorite of decorators and architects, it offers a unique option perfect for adding character to any space.
Where to eat & drink
Arborvine has stayed true to its mission of serving the freshest and most locally sourced foods. Whatever the season, you can find the best taste from regional farmers, fishermen and hunters.
The Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound (1237 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton; ) is a must-visit food stop. Perfect for lunch on the way to Acadia National Park or a late dinner on the way back, it’s located just off Route 3, just before the bridge to Thompson’s and Mount Desert Island. It is a landmark establishment and a favorite among Bar Harbor residents. You sit outside and crack and pick the lobster yourself, always with a bag of Lay’s salty crisps.
Our favorite restaurant in Downeast Maine is Sammy’s Deluxe, located just outside of Camden. The creative vibe translates directly into their food, with beautiful and playful expressions of Downeast Maine’s freshest ingredients. Personal favorites include the salt-smoked haddock and the halibut and beans in a green garlic and lovage broth. Mismatched cutlery and a variety of random plates add to the magic.
Tinder Hearth is an unbeatable pizza shop with al fresco dining where you can sit in the magical garden surrounded by a sea of wild flowers, enjoying a thin crust pizza from a stone oven with a menu that changes daily. The place is so popular that you can only book online on Monday morning, and the bookings are gone in minutes. Because it’s Maine, the garden offers fresh oysters and soft-serve ice cream with waffle cones.
Perched on bluffs above the beach in Deer Isle, Aragosta offers a delightful dining experience with beautiful coastal views. Renowned for its fresh seafood and creative dishes that emphasize local ingredients, it’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
Where to stay
The Pentagöet Inn & Pub is a charming Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast in Central Coast Maine, nestled on a seaside bluff among majestic elms. The inn provides lovely accommodation with views overlooking the historic village and Castine harbour. In front of the Pentagöet, you can find sweets, great coffee and a hand-picked book from Compass Rose Bookstore.
The historic Castine Inn was built in 1898 with its wraparound porch and stunning views of the bay located just one block from the water on Main Street. I love a late breakfast at The Castine in its wonderful dining room – it’s famous for its biscuits and the town’s hand-painted murals.
The Claremont is located near Acadia National Park, in Southwest Bay, and offers chic cabins, a heated outdoor pool, an on-site spa, numerous dining options and stunning views of Cadillac Mountain.