Marydale’s guide to the awesomeness of Midcoast Maine
Very Local Highlights for Food and Fun
Focusing here on the local radius — add a 20-30 min. drive in any direction to Rockland, Camden, Belfast, for more restaurants, museums, shops, trails, and saltwater access—if you can't find what you're looking for, text me for suggestions!
Note: Most restaurants around midcoast Maine are all closed on Mondays/Tuesdays, so definitely check before assuming there are even take-out options available. Most summertime/seasonal restaurants open by Memorial Day and close by Oct./November..
10 minutes to Union Common — burgers, bar, and more, with indoor seating and an outdoor patio for distanced dining or for take-out! Great fish tacos!
— AND now there's their bakery on the common next to the grocery store for when you just have to have a latte/espresso or go to grab a great wine or specialty beer with grab-and-go lunches that are quite tasty. Yummy scones and baked goods too! They can sell out by 2, so go early each day.
11 locals recommend
Sterlingtown Public House
289 Common Road10 minutes to Union Common — burgers, bar, and more, with indoor seating and an outdoor patio for distanced dining or for take-out! Great fish tacos!
— AND now there's their bakery on the common next to the grocery store for when you just have to have a latte/espresso or go to grab a great wine or specialty beer with grab-and-go lunches that are quite tasty. Yummy scones and baked goods too! They can sell out by 2, so go early each day.
Closest grocery store, for essentials, some local products, and grass-fed local meats... but best to go to farmers markets for the freshest options! Monday - Sat. 8-7 pm, Sunday 8-6 pm.
7 locals recommend
Common Market
40 Burkett RdClosest grocery store, for essentials, some local products, and grass-fed local meats... but best to go to farmers markets for the freshest options! Monday - Sat. 8-7 pm, Sunday 8-6 pm.
Wood-fired Pizza, local veggies, yummy pre-prepared meals, the finer of the hip shelf products, wine, beer, saki.
29 locals recommend
Lincolnville Center General Store
269 Main StWood-fired Pizza, local veggies, yummy pre-prepared meals, the finer of the hip shelf products, wine, beer, saki.
THE best oysters around, IMO. Plus you can pick up $1 ea. bags from their fridge any 'ol time, on the honor system, cash only. If heading Rockland way, the farm is in South Thomaston, on a loop to the Rockland Airport, and Rt. 1... not too far out of the way for these top-shelf oysters all the best restaurants serve from here to Boston. https://weskeagoystercompany.com
Weskeag Oyster Co.
62 Elm StTHE best oysters around, IMO. Plus you can pick up $1 ea. bags from their fridge any 'ol time, on the honor system, cash only. If heading Rockland way, the farm is in South Thomaston, on a loop to the Rockland Airport, and Rt. 1... not too far out of the way for these top-shelf oysters all the best restaurants serve from here to Boston. https://weskeagoystercompany.com
Bahner Farm
153 Augusta RdRoadside farmers market on Rt. 3
Corner store, 10 mins from the studio: Beer, Chips and Ben & Jerry's, gas too. Hours are 5am-8pm Mon- Sat. -Sunday 8am -7pm.
Maritime Farms
20 Commercial StCorner store, 10 mins from the studio: Beer, Chips and Ben & Jerry's, gas too. Hours are 5am-8pm Mon- Sat. -Sunday 8am -7pm.
This farm market grows amazing veggies and has strawberries in June, Cider and pumpkins in Fall, yummy shortcake or buckle while you shop, and Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken dinners in summer (Check their website) Plus hayrides and a corn maze In October! Plus it's a lovely drive through historic Union on the way.
25 locals recommend
Beth's Farm Market
1986 Western RdThis farm market grows amazing veggies and has strawberries in June, Cider and pumpkins in Fall, yummy shortcake or buckle while you shop, and Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken dinners in summer (Check their website) Plus hayrides and a corn maze In October! Plus it's a lovely drive through historic Union on the way.
Great pizza and custom-made sandwiches, baked goods, and a good local beer and wine selection. Stocks grocery items not found in most local corner stores. Just Off Route 17 in "downtown" Washington, ME
8 locals recommend
Washington General Store
7 Waldoboro RdGreat pizza and custom-made sandwiches, baked goods, and a good local beer and wine selection. Stocks grocery items not found in most local corner stores. Just Off Route 17 in "downtown" Washington, ME
Sterlingtown Bakehouse
15 minutes- this local brew pub has good woodfired pizza and sandwiches (onsite or to go) with very good beer. Plus you may find trivia night, karaoke, and great live bands, outside fires, varied fun, check website for details! Right behind Fraternity Village store and the Church on mainstreet in the center of Searsmont. Look for the flag.
11 locals recommend
Threshers Brewing Co
22B Main St N15 minutes- this local brew pub has good woodfired pizza and sandwiches (onsite or to go) with very good beer. Plus you may find trivia night, karaoke, and great live bands, outside fires, varied fun, check website for details! Right behind Fraternity Village store and the Church on mainstreet in the center of Searsmont. Look for the flag.
Libations
The sweet spot IMO. A great deck beside the stream and a really good craft brew. Limited editions. Don't miss local music on the deck (Ck. FB) or the infamous Solstice and Equinox community bonfire gatherings — the burning man of the St. George valley!
13 locals recommend
The Pour Farm
56 Crawfordsburn LnThe sweet spot IMO. A great deck beside the stream and a really good craft brew. Limited editions. Don't miss local music on the deck (Ck. FB) or the infamous Solstice and Equinox community bonfire gatherings — the burning man of the St. George valley!
Outdoor stage, & indoor music events all the time. Check Facebook for listings. GOOD beer. Searsmont center, behind the Fraternity Village Store, driveway after the church on left...
+ New this year: Wood Fired Pizza! Order ahead for pickup, 15 mins from the studio — really yummy specialty Za from "The Stone"
11 locals recommend
Threshers Brewing Co
22B Main St NOutdoor stage, & indoor music events all the time. Check Facebook for listings. GOOD beer. Searsmont center, behind the Fraternity Village Store, driveway after the church on left...
+ New this year: Wood Fired Pizza! Order ahead for pickup, 15 mins from the studio — really yummy specialty Za from "The Stone"
Nice outdoor seating by the fire and bocce court. Oysters! Local Beer! Overlooking Belfast Harbor.
28 locals recommend
Marshall Wharf Brewing Company
36 Marshall WharfNice outdoor seating by the fire and bocce court. Oysters! Local Beer! Overlooking Belfast Harbor.
Not kidding, the best Gin in the world, wine and other delights from the copper still.
14 locals recommend
Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery
347 Carroll RdNot kidding, the best Gin in the world, wine and other delights from the copper still.
Sightseeing
You can drive to the top OR hike up from many directions, either way, you don't want to miss the view of Penobscot Bay!
163 locals recommend
Camden Hills State Park
280 Belfast RdYou can drive to the top OR hike up from many directions, either way, you don't want to miss the view of Penobscot Bay!
This lovely place offers a path along the St. George River that runs through Appleton town center (bridge by our library) and runs behind the Bird Nest Studio and flows into Sennebec Lake at a duck marsh area right below the house. You can walk through the woods behind this property to get to the rIver, but you better have good boots and your orange on during hunting season. The preserve path is more maintained, and it's just beautiful every time of year. There's a river race in the spring and this is a great spot to watch with a picnic or to put your kayak or canoe in at the landing area.
Appleton Preserve
265 Camden RdThis lovely place offers a path along the St. George River that runs through Appleton town center (bridge by our library) and runs behind the Bird Nest Studio and flows into Sennebec Lake at a duck marsh area right below the house. You can walk through the woods behind this property to get to the rIver, but you better have good boots and your orange on during hunting season. The preserve path is more maintained, and it's just beautiful every time of year. There's a river race in the spring and this is a great spot to watch with a picnic or to put your kayak or canoe in at the landing area.
The view of the valley is killer, and the colors on the barrens are just wow! Go to the crossroads in the center of town and turn up Town Hill Road, go right at the top onto a dirt section... it goes up to a granite outcropping and the road connects back with Rt. 131 if you just want a drive-through on your way...
Appleton Ridge Road
Appleton Ridge RoadThe view of the valley is killer, and the colors on the barrens are just wow! Go to the crossroads in the center of town and turn up Town Hill Road, go right at the top onto a dirt section... it goes up to a granite outcropping and the road connects back with Rt. 131 if you just want a drive-through on your way...
City/town information
No place like Belfast, Maine! A great harbor, with a harbor walk trail, connecting to a rail trail beside the river for biking or walking/running. Lots of restaurants and cool shops, the co-op is the anchor natural food grocery, and the farmers market on Sat. mornings is AWESOME with special foods, farm-fresh veggies, seafood, and crafts. Almost every weekend there is a festival of some sort... music, food, and fun to explore!
126 locals recommend
Belfast
No place like Belfast, Maine! A great harbor, with a harbor walk trail, connecting to a rail trail beside the river for biking or walking/running. Lots of restaurants and cool shops, the co-op is the anchor natural food grocery, and the farmers market on Sat. mornings is AWESOME with special foods, farm-fresh veggies, seafood, and crafts. Almost every weekend there is a festival of some sort... music, food, and fun to explore!
What was once Funky Rockland is now the Art Center of Midcoast. You have schooner and ferry departures, the blues and lobster festivals, The Farnsworth Art Museum, Center for Contemporary Art, shops and restaurants and Galleries galore on Main street. Rockland Harbor is deep and protected so many of the world's great vessels dock here. There's a harbor path that circles through town, a very nice stroll around the working waterfront...
35 locals recommend
Rockland
What was once Funky Rockland is now the Art Center of Midcoast. You have schooner and ferry departures, the blues and lobster festivals, The Farnsworth Art Museum, Center for Contemporary Art, shops and restaurants and Galleries galore on Main street. Rockland Harbor is deep and protected so many of the world's great vessels dock here. There's a harbor path that circles through town, a very nice stroll around the working waterfront...
Even though it's between Camden and Rockland, Rockport is more quiet from a tourist point of view. The breakwater path is near the Samoset golf club. It's a nice short walk out to the lighthouse... check out the schooners sailing from here! Also, Rockport has the Children's Chapel and a beauty of a little harbor. A few nice restaurants have popped up in the village, and stop at Peter Ralston's photo gallery on main street for a look-see into this artist's iconic view of Maine. The famed Maine Photo Workshop Gallery is downtown too.
21 locals recommend
Rockport
Even though it's between Camden and Rockland, Rockport is more quiet from a tourist point of view. The breakwater path is near the Samoset golf club. It's a nice short walk out to the lighthouse... check out the schooners sailing from here! Also, Rockport has the Children's Chapel and a beauty of a little harbor. A few nice restaurants have popped up in the village, and stop at Peter Ralston's photo gallery on main street for a look-see into this artist's iconic view of Maine. The famed Maine Photo Workshop Gallery is downtown too.
Activities
Well, this WAS a dam, but no longer, as it was finally removed and the salmon can make it upriver again! FLY FISHERMEN take note! At the outlet of the lake, there is a place to park off the road, and there are paths toward the old dam site and many a sweet hole to drop into. Check it out!
Sennebec Pond Dam
Well, this WAS a dam, but no longer, as it was finally removed and the salmon can make it upriver again! FLY FISHERMEN take note! At the outlet of the lake, there is a place to park off the road, and there are paths toward the old dam site and many a sweet hole to drop into. Check it out!
Just a fab hike with breathtaking views from the top.... lots of history here. Don't stand so close to the edge!
14 locals recommend
Maiden Cliff Trailhead
321-415 Turnpike DrJust a fab hike with breathtaking views from the top.... lots of history here. Don't stand so close to the edge!
Nice few miles to walk along the river or ski... and finish up in town with a hot toddy.
18 locals recommend
Belfast Harbor Walk
Belfast Harbor WalkNice few miles to walk along the river or ski... and finish up in town with a hot toddy.
Hope Orchards
434 Camden RdApple picking in Hope! Check the times.
Camden Hills State Park
280 Belfast RdHike up or drive up... great views of Pen Bay!
A short walk to the cabin at the top and a full view of the bay makes for a wonderful pic nic spot on a day you are heading to the coast. There are couple ways up... a train head further from the road path, where there is more parking.
45 locals recommend
Beech Hill Reserve
316 Beech Hill RdA short walk to the cabin at the top and a full view of the bay makes for a wonderful pic nic spot on a day you are heading to the coast. There are couple ways up... a train head further from the road path, where there is more parking.
Our local Art Museum- great shows and the Wyeth Center. A must see!
178 locals recommend
Farnsworth Art Museum
16 Museum StOur local Art Museum- great shows and the Wyeth Center. A must see!
Contemporary Art across from the Farnsworth- can see both in a day!
50 locals recommend
Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA)
21 Winter StContemporary Art across from the Farnsworth- can see both in a day!
Festivals
I highly recommend this article for the full skinny on this festival:
http://www.columbia.edu/~col8/lobsterarticle.pdf
13 locals recommend
Maine Lobster Festival
1 Park DriveI highly recommend this article for the full skinny on this festival:
http://www.columbia.edu/~col8/lobsterarticle.pdf
A wonder of Maine's best bounties, so much delicious organic food, crafts, gardens, learning, farming, animals, famous border collies in action, music, and fun on many levels! Wonderful children's area. Worth making a real long day of it, or two if you really want to see everything!
26 locals recommend
Common Ground Country Fair
294 Crosby Brook RdA wonder of Maine's best bounties, so much delicious organic food, crafts, gardens, learning, farming, animals, famous border collies in action, music, and fun on many levels! Wonderful children's area. Worth making a real long day of it, or two if you really want to see everything!
Fun
Golfers: this is the real deal. A mile from here. Links stylee w clubs (even sweet cart rentals) OR... frisbee golf! Honestly, it doesn't get much cooler IMO. Screw the PGA.
2306 W Appleton Rd, Appleton, ME 04862, United States
West Appleton Country Club
2306 West Appleton RoadGolfers: this is the real deal. A mile from here. Links stylee w clubs (even sweet cart rentals) OR... frisbee golf! Honestly, it doesn't get much cooler IMO. Screw the PGA.
2306 W Appleton Rd, Appleton, ME 04862, United States