You’re visiting Portland (or perhaps you live here (hi neighbor!)) and you’re hoping to get away for a day trip full of quintessential Maine goodness: good food, good views, and relaxation. Well, we here at Allagash are a company of nearly 150 people who live and work in the Portland area; we have suggestions.
Below, you’ll find some of our top day trips out from Portland that will certainly be worth the drive.
Damariscotta
SEE IT ON THE MAP
This town, and the surrounding area, is considered (by us, and many) to be the “Napa Valley of Oysters.” Seriously. The cold, briny waters of the Damariscotta river are home to some of Maine’s, and the USA’s, very best oyster farms. Most oyster farms, like our friends at Glidden Point Oysters, have locations along the river where you can sample oysters fresh out of the water. Another highlight is walking the trail at Dodge Cove for a view of working oyster farms floating on the river. And for those non-bivalve fans, there are views and bites in and around town that will make you glad you came.
Five Islands
SEE IT ON THE MAP
A little over an hour north of Portland is Georgetown, Maine, home to the Five Islands community. A quick, and, at the end, windy, drive will take you right to the water’s edge, in one of the most scenic views of a coastal community the writer of this post has ever witnessed. You can grab fresh lobster, take a kayak tour, or just admire the view. It’s accessible, easy to get to, and absolutely unforgettable.
Rockland
SEE IT ON THE MAP
Cousin to Camden, don’t sleep on Rockland. Art galleries, ambience, food, and friendly folks make this midcoast town a must-visit. The amount of culture packed into this little community is honestly staggering. Plus, you’ll get to stroll along the working waterfront, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, catch a ferry out to one of Maine’s far-flung islands like Vinalhaven. Also, make a point of stopping by Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. At low tide, you can walk the entire jetty out to the lighthouse itself.
Camden
SEE IT ON THE MAP
Just a quick drive up the coast from Rockland, Camden is one of Maine’s most popular coastal towns. Host every September to an internationally renowned documentary film festival in CIFF (Camden International Film Festival), this harborside community has everything you’re looking for out of Maine. Food, views, community, and boats and boats and boats. Up the road, you can also visit Mt. Battie, which, with a drive or hike to the summit, rewards you with one of the most absolutely stunning views of the Maine coastline our state has to offer.
Tenants Harbor
SEE IT ON THE MAP
St. George, Maine, is home to one of the most Maine, Maine harbors available. Dotted with working lobster boats (piloted by working lobsterfolk), this is a lesser-known, but more-beautiful spot to stop. Home to a number of boutique hotels, a visit to Tenants Harbor will feature a whole lot of peaceful relaxation to go with your Maine adventure.
Maine is a treasure trove of hidden (and not so hidden) communities to explore. The only thing to watch out for is that visiting will 100% make you want to live here.
And when you’re on your way back down the coast, don’t forget to stop and relax with a beer at our tasting room. You know, as a reward for your adventurousness.
