Maine is full of small-town charm that often gets overlooked when visitors flock to the southernmost parts of the state. As a Mainer, I always encourage tourists to save time for all the magic that lies north of Portland.
My advice often invites the question, “Oh, you mean Acadia National Park?” While Acadia should not be missed, I’m talking about the in-between towns — the places with convenience stores that sell a mishmash of groceries, antiques, and lawn ornaments; places where your server is probably also the owner, and where “ayuh” is used instead of “yes.”
Here are some of the best small towns in Maine.
Ellsworth
Most know Ellsworth as a place to drive through en route to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. But there are a few reasons you should do more than stretch your legs here. For starters, you can buy cheesecake on the honor system. Momo’s Cheesecakes offers its treats from a garage that has been renovated to keep up with the demand.
On the other end of Main Street, 86 This! calls itself “a classy, punk-rock burrito shop.” A wide variety of creative wraps are perfect for your picnic basket. Meanwhile, yogis will delight in Steamy Buddha‘s offerings. And just past the Ellsworth line, there’s a Maine experience like no other: Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show. Watch the show or try your hand at log rolling.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Acadia, a luxury glamping experience, is a short distance away in Surry.
Greenville
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, but it’s not as frequented as its southern counterpart — Sebago Lake. Greenville is a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Bangor International Airport and Moosehead is certainly the focal point of the town. One way to take in the lake’s beauty is by booking a seaplane ride — ideal for both the summer and fall.
Steamboat Katahdin has been around for 100 years and outlived what used to be a competitive market of vessels. Visitors can also join a Registered
