A coastal trove of history, beauty, summer promise

Two hundred years ago, one could step from deck to deck of the anchored schooners in this protected deep-water harbor, ice-free in all seasons. Nestled on the shores of the Sheepscot River, Wiscasset was the busiest shipping port east of Boston from the American Revolution until the War of 1812. Today, the village is an architectural treasure. A walk takes you past sea captains’ mansions; 19th-century barns; a sunken garden, now a town park; and the 1824 brick courthouse, still in operation.

Veer off Main Street to view the grand homes, privately owned and occupied, along High and Lee streets, stunning examples of Federal and early Victorian architecture. “What makes Wiscasset so visually interesting is its great variety of architectural styles,’’ says Jay Robbins, executive director of the Lincoln County Historical Association.

Wiscasset’s nearly 30 antiques shops reflect just how much locals love their history. Most are clustered within a few blocks of Main Street. About half are open by mid-April, the rest in May.

And don’t think it’s all Americana gone viral. Picture a mix of European, Asian, Colonial Indian, and New England furniture, linens, porcelain, rugs, books, art, and accessories from the 1690s on. Ask around for the map of shops and explore.

With their brick walls and plank floors, retail stores selling contemporary goods meld beautifully with the town’s historic sensibility. Willis Somoya makes custom lampshades as well as sells antique lamps and glass at The Shady Lady. Intarawut carries Asian silk, Thai antiques, handbags, and jewelry (Kaek Intarawut also has a store in Cambridge). Erika Soule keeps her collection of antique scissors displayed at her Main Street stationery store, Rock Paper Scissors. The nonprofit Maine Art Gallery, with several member artists and changing exhibits, is housed in an 1807 schoolhouse.