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.
Tag: Summer
Maritime Museum: Celebrating Maine’s Maritime Heritage
Summer: Driving into Bath it becomes quite obvious why this town is known as the “city of ships”. Bath Iron Works located in the heart of the city has been building Navy ships for decades but, what most visitors don’t know is that nestled between the victorain homes along the Kennebec is one of the states best maritime museums. When visiting the Maine Maritime Museum you become immediately aware of the rich history that fills the walls of this historic landsite. Located on what was formerly the Percy & Small Shipyard, which was the only shipyard in the U.S. that built wooden sailing vessels one can find a treasure trove of maritime history. There is a great Pirate’s Play Ship for children and Deering Pier is a wonderful spot to welcome larger visiting ships.After spending the afternoon at the museum drive toward downtown and have lunch at the Kennebec Tavern. Located on Bath’s waterfront near the marina you can enjoy great food while sitting out in the sunshine on their waterfront patio. It’s a great spot to enjoy the sites and sounds of this historical town.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Boothbay’s Garden of Eden
Summer: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens off Barters Island Road in Boothbay is a garden of eden right here in coastal Maine. This 128 acre of land with 3600 feet of tidal frontage houses some of the most beautiful grounds, trails and art work in the area. If you take horticulture serious, this is the place for you. From native plants to the exotic the people who run this center take their job serious. The center offers some great educaitonal programs that educate visitors on the native plants of the midcoast area and offers guided tours as well as self guided tours. Admist the gardens are art exhibits, cultural and special events held on a regular basis. A new visitors center greets guest and a cafe offers fresh food as fresh as fresh can be.Their kids programs such as the Fairy Festival, Scarecrow Party and Turkey Hunt offer all ages a unique opportunity to experience the gardens from youth’s perspective. The Coastal Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to spend a day in the midst of some of the prettiest surroundings around.
Islesboro: A Simple Way Of Life
Summer: Islesboro is a year round island community located just off Lincolnville Beach. This island is also a summer haven for some of Hollywood’s famous like Kirstie Alley and John Travolta. A trip to the island can be made by hopping on the ferry leaves which leaves from the pier at the end of Lincolnville Beach throughout the day. Once on the island visitors can enjoy one of the many beaches on the 14 mile stretch of land. Islesboro is also home to Grindle Point Lighthouse and the Sailors’ Memorial Museum located in the former keepers’ house. If you bring your kayak along make sure you check out Warren Island State Park. It is a great camping area that can only be accessed by boat. The island is pretty self contained and does have a couple of small markets where goods can be purchased but, if you plan on camping for more than a couple days I would suggest you stock up on supplies on the mainland.
Lobster Shacks: Eating Like A Native
Summer: Ahh, summer in Maine, what better to do than stop at one of the many Lobster Shacks and enjoy fresh seafood right off the boat. If you are in the Mid-coast area than a drive out to New Harbor may be in order. Once you are there you have to stop in at Shaw’s Lobster Shack located right on the fishing pier and enjoy the fresh catch right off the boat. The lobster rolls are bursting with the freshest of lobster meat and the shore dinner includes the chowder to steamed lobster and don’t forget the strawberry shortcake. This is the best place to mix with the locals because the fisherman are there just off the boat enjoying a cold one perched on the docks overlooking the harbor. It is not unheard of Shaws shelling out over 10,000 lobster rolls per summer and the views, did I mention the views. Mixed with commercial fishing boats and luxury yatchs it is a great place to see how the locals and visitors mix. New Harbor is a true fishing village and the set for Hollywood’s, Message in a Bottle, so come in and enjoy the catch, you never know who you may run into.