Spring, Summer, Fall: No trip to the Boothbay Harbor region would be complete without visiting the nearby Burnt Island Lighthouse and living History Museum. Purchased by the Maine Dept. of Marine Resources in 1998 the site was converted into a Living History Museum and modeled to depict life on a lighthouse during the 1950’s. The museum’s hosts dress in period clothing and lead interpretive and educational three hour tours daily. Taking part in these tours offers a glimpse into the lives and history of Maine Island lighthouse keepers and their family lives. Learn about local plants, animals, and fisheries and there importance in Maine’s economy. Visitors to Burnt Island can also enjoy picnicing, swimming, or fishing for Striped Bass of the islands rocky coast. Daytripping to the island is made easy by multiple ferry services from mainland to island. For the more adventurous the island is accessible by sea kayak when the tide and weather allows for safe passage. A visit to Burnt Island Lighthouse will make you feel you’ve gone back to another time.
Tag: Fall
Boothbay For Kids: Great Things To Do For The Whole Family
Summer, Fall: Two of my children’s favorite places to visit in the summer is the Boothbay Railway Village and the Maine State Aquarium. Both are easy to find and both will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.The Boothbay Railway Village is located right on the way to Boothbay Harbor. This antique village is home to 28 historic structures surrounded by the railroad track where vistors can of course board the train and ride one an authentic steam engine. In addition to the train ride, which of course is a huge draw in itself for my 3 boys, you can take a tour of all the buildings in the village. Two historically relevant structures on-site are the Town Hall and the Spruce Point Chapel both which have been restored to their original charm.There is also an array of antique automobiles and historic firehouse exibit. But, let’s not forget the train…and for all those young Thomas the Tank Engine fans, he comes to visit the Railway Village in the summer so you definitely don’t want to miss out. The next stop is the Maine Marine Aquarium located in West Boothbay. This wonderful aquarium which offers interactive displays like a 20 foot long petting tank where visitors can pet a sharks and skates. The collection of regional fish and invertebrates is impressive and the extraordinary lobster display showing all sizes and colors is a don’t miss. They actually have 23 lb. lobster there named Fritz. I am sure that your children or the child in you will be fascinated by spending a day at these two great spots in Boothbay.
Fort Knox: Maine’s Own Fort Knox
Summer, Spring, Fall: Maine is home to its own Fort Knox, located in Prospect along the Penobscot River. The fort was built in 1844 orinally to protect the state from a British Naval invasion. During the American Revolution it was utilized as a cannon battery. The fort is a great historical treasure that can be explored by the whole family. There is now an observatory at the top of the newly constructed Penobscot Narrows Bridge in which can be accessed through the fort. It rises 420 ft. above sea level and provided visitors with unbelievable views of the whole fort as well as the river valley. Bring a picnic lunch with you or make this a stop on your way up to Bar Harbor. The Fort is open from May to November, sun up to sun set. It is a great way to experience Maine’s rich history.
Farnsworth Museum: A Wonderful Collection Of Maine And American Artwork
Summer,Winter,Spring,Fall: Where can you find some of the country’s most comprehensive collection of art related to Maine? How about a complete collection of three generations of Wyeth’s? All of these treasures can be found at the Farnsworth Musuem located in the heart of downtown Rockland. The museum is a wonderful place for the whole family to visit and enjoy a wonderful collection of 18th and 19th century artwork from famous artist such as Frank Benson, Thomas Eakins and Eastman Johnson. This is a wonderful museum that houses some well noted and a very large collection of sculptor as well. The museum is a great place to visit while you enjoy the newly re-vitalized Rockland Harbor and downtown area. With a great collections of shops and restaurants you can certainly find plenty to do. After visiting the Farnsworth’s Rockland campus get in your car and head toward Cushing and visit the historic Olson House. Painter Andrew Wyeth created many of his best-loved works there and his famous painting Christina’s World was painted at that house in 1948 which is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Cellardoor Winery: A Treat For The Pallet
Summer, Fall: Cellardoor Winery, located in Lincolnville, is Maine’s only winery / vineyard. All wine is pressed and aged on site. Come and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vineyards as you sample a variety of fine wine. The grapes are a mix of American and French strains. So if you are visiting gift shop full of quilts, ceramics and wine related gifts from around the world. Next Downeast Maine, be sure to stop and smell the grapes at Cellardoor Winery.
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