You're probably familiar with this charming seaside town in warmer weather, when sea kayaks, lobster boats, and whale-watching vessels dance in the harbor. But it's a treat to explore Boothbay Harbor off-season, after the crowds vanish, the locals reappear, and the pace offshore and on land loses its frenetic feel. In the low season, finding a parking spot is a breeze and it's free (lots charge $2 to $8 per day in the high season), plus many inns and restaurants drop their prices, and reservations aren't typically required. Although some of the museums, shops, and restaurants close until spring, there's still plenty to do, including relax.
Low season highs
Explore the seaside resort when it's less hectic (and the parking's free)
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Two picturesque drives take in some of the area's best views. Follow Route 27 south over a narrow swing bridge and do a 15-mile loop around Southport Island, stopping at Hendrick's Head Beach and the Southport Memorial Library , which lends books to out-of-towners for free, still uses an old card catalog, and has an excellent collection of books by and about Rachel Carson, the environmental writer who once lived on Southport. Step out onto the Public Pier for top views of Cuckold's Light and, to the right, an osprey's nest.From Route 27 just north of Boothbay Harbor, take Route 96 east through East Boothbay to Ocean Point about six miles away. Park your car at the point, bundle up, and walk along a quintessential rocky Maine coast, with views of open ocean and islands on one side and stately summer homes on the other.
The Boothbay Region Land Trust (1 Oak St., 207-633-4818, bbrlt.org ) oversees more than a dozen preserves where you can go hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and bird watching. The trails at Porter Preserve on Barters Island (connected to the mainland by a drawbridge) cut through old-growth spruce, oak, and pine forest and offer beautiful views of the Sheepscot River . Oven's Mouth Preserve has 5.3 miles of trails that pass by salt marshes, tucked-away coves, and a tidal basin. Pick up maps and a list of guided walks at Oak Street or at kiosks at each of the preserves.
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A visit to the Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum (72 Oak St., 207-633-0820, www.boothbayhistorical.org ) is like stepping into someone's well-organized attic. Six rooms full of old treasures capture the region's history, from ships' bells, lighthouse artifacts, and old photos to tools once used in the local ice-cutting, fishing, and lobster industries. It hosts a monthly storytelling event, Seafaring Adventures, and is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. , or by appointment.Advertisement
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