Discover Penobscot Bay & Down East

DISCOVER PENOBSCOT BAY & DOWN EAST

Lighthouses

DOWNEAST AND IN FRENCHMAN BAY

BY RICHARD SHAW PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIAN SWARTZ

Who doesn’t love to photograph a weather-beaten Maine lighthouse? Sixtyfive of these silent sentinels dot the state’s coastline, from Kittery to Calais. No two are alike, and they never seem to change. The state should initiate an essay contest asking visitors what attracts them most.

“Lighthouses are a romantic throwback to a bygone era,” said Brian Swartz, a writer and photographer. “I have photographed 75% to 80% of these historic landmarks, some from the air. My favorite is West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, the nation’s easternmost point. Its rocky shoreline is waiting to be explored.”

Numerous books have chronicled these beacons through the years. Two of the best are Courtney Thompson’s Maine Lighthouses: A Pictorial Guide and the paperback The Islandport Guide to Lighthouses in Maine, co-written by Thompson and Ted Panayotoff.

The Maine Public Broadcasting Network aired a program in 2024 titled Safe Harbors: Lighthouses of Maine, which featured aerial footage of all of Maine’s lights. It can be viewed at PBS.org.

A grab bag of Maine lighthouse trivia might be a best-seller. In the interest of brevity, the following list is limited to the 18 beacons of Frenchman Bay and Washington County’s Downeast coast. Others are located near the Schoodic Peninsula. Consider booking a lighthouse or whale-watch tour out of Bar Harbor or other ports, as many of these treasures are viewable only from the sea.

BIGGEST SHEEP MAGNET: Nash Island Light. This island’s grassy, hilly terrain has long attracted grazing livestock. Visitors might mistake it for Scotland, complete with its own 36-foot lighthouse tower. Part privately owned and part protected by a land trust, the island is not visible from the mainland.

MOST COLORFUL DESIGN: West Quoddy Head Light. No other Maine lighthouse sports a red-and-white striped motif, inspired by lighthouses in the adjacent Canadian Maritimes. Nearby Campobello Island has two lights worth visiting: East Quoddy Head Light and Mulholland Point Light.

LEADING TOURIST MECCAS: Bass Harbor Head Light and West Quoddy Head Light. Thanks to their accessibility and beautiful vistas, these two lighthouses lead the others mentioned here in annual visitation. The former appeared on a commemorative Maine quarter and was visited by President Obama and his family in 2010.

Petit Manan Light rises near Milbridge, Maine, as part of the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge.

REALLY TALL LIGHT TOWER: Petit Manan Light. Maine’s second-highest lighthouse measures 123 feet from base to light and consists of circular, interlocking granite blocks. A survivor of major storm damage, ownership was transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006. The 1816 light station was automated in 1972, and some adjacent wooden buildings were demolished.

SHORTEST LIGHT TOWER: Whitlocks Mill Light. This tiny landmark’s cylindrical brick tower stands 25 feet tall. Established in 1892 to aid navigation on the St. Croix River, it is best viewed from a U.S. Route 1 picnic area 2.5 miles south of Calais. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the same year the St. Croix Historical Society took possession of the lighthouse tower.

LONELIEST LIGHT STATION: Mount Desert Rock. Located 20 miles southeast of Mount Desert Island, this rugged 1839 stone landmark is now owned by the College of the Atlantic, which uses it as a biological research station. It is closed to the public, though visitors can view it from tour boat excursions.

HISTORY MOST OFTEN TOLD: Baker Island Light. Visitors on boat tours can hear a national park ranger recount the history of this 162-acre island, one of the five Cranberry Isles. Stories include how, in 1806, William and Hannah Gilley and their three children moved from Mount Desert Island to this outpost. The 105-foot tower dates to 1828.

MLOCAL RESIDENTS BUILD COMMUNITY THROUGH

ornings on the water in Castine Harbor are serene and picturesque.

The still, glassy waters are interrupted only by the bobbing head of a harbor seal peeking from below or a gull diving for breakfast. Since the summer of 2025, residents and visitors have been able to experience these breathtaking moments under the guidance of a coxswain leading a small crew of rowers into the harbor with the newly formed nonprofit, Castine Rowing.

In 2024, after taking a day trip to experience Belfast Rowing Club’s open row, a few Castine residents asked, “Why doesn’t Castine have a rowing group?” Within months of discussing the idea among locals, a volunteer board was formed and fundraising began. By November, the group had secured a borrowed heated barn and kit to begin building The Baron, a Cornish pilot gig that seats six rowers and a coxswain.

Soon, word traveled through the local rowing community, and Castine Rowing board members heard of a St. Ayles skiff at a high school in Rhode Island that was built as part of a technical boat-building program but never saw the water. With some creative planning, they were able to transport the skiff back to Castine. The skiff is named Beverly after Beverly Bishop, the Castine resident who helped get Castine Rowing off the ground. Bishop died in May 2025 before the organization saw its first summer season on the water.

With two seaworthy boats, Castine Rowing began recruiting rowers and training coxswains. By the end of the summer, regular rows launched every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, with occasional Friday afternoons followed by happy hour at the local pub, Danny Murphy’s.

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Although new to the rowing scene, the Castine crew trained to compete in the Belfast Regatta in August. With only two weeks of training, The Baron crew came in a close second to the Belfast women’s team.

The mission of Castine Rowing is to introduce rowing and make it accessible to anyone who wants to get out on the water. Rowers sign up for a seat and, after signing a waiver and receiving brief training, become part of the crew. The only limitation on opening more rows is the availability of coxswains. Recruiting more coxswains is a main goal for the 2026 season, as well as hosting other rowing clubs for a “Fun Row” to Holbrook Island, directly across the bay from Castine. Adding boats to the fleet is not a priority, as the organization is limited by available places to store boats during the winter and where to dock them in the summer when not in use.

“Castine Rowing has been such a great community builder,” said Kate Pilotte, president of Castine Rowing’s board of directors. “We have summer residents who have been coming to Castine for years and full-time residents who have lived here for 20 years who never met. We had Maine Maritime Academy students and staff join as well.”

“There is something cathartic and connecting in working with other people in a boat,” Pilotte continued. “It’s one of those unique experiences that you can’t do alone. You only get the experience by working with the group.”

THE UNENDING LEGACY OF ANDRE THE SEAL

BY WANDA CURTIS

One of Maine’s best-known celebrities, who entertained crowds from around the world, was a harbor seal named Andre. He was first discovered near Robinson’s Rock, a small island in Penobscot Bay, in the spring of 1961. Former Rockport Harbormaster Harry Goodridge spotted the young seal pup in the water while cruising in a friend’s boat, searching for a harbor seal to become his scuba diving partner. Harry was not only a harbormaster, but also a professional scuba diver and tree surgeon.

The author of Andre the Seal: Rockport and Boston’s Most Popular Resident said Andre weighed 19 pounds when Harry took him home and put him in a bathtub in his basement. As Andre grew bigger, Harry built him a pen in Rockport Harbor and taught him how to do tricks. Soon, crowds began to gather in Rockport Harbor to watch Andre perform on a floating dock.

In the book A Seal Called Andre, Harry recounted that there was no sign of the seal pup’s mother when he spotted him. It appeared the pup was only a few days old and had been abandoned. Harry was surprised when, instead of submerging in the water, the young seal pup swam toward the boat and looked him directly in the eyes. That was the beginning of a relationship that would last 25 years.

Harry scooped the creature up in a net and into the boat. He adopted the seal pup that day, before regulations prohibited it, and took the pup into his home. It didn’t take long for the seal pup to become an integral part of Harry’s family. Harry said the seal pup joined in family activities with the children — swimming, sledding, and watching TV. His children chose the name Andre for the new pet, who rode in the back of the family station wagon.

The same author said that by 1964, Andre could do more than 50 tricks. He could shake hands, ring a bell, and jump through a motorcycle tire. Andre became a rising star in the community and was invited to take part in community celebrations. More than 7,500 visitors showed up to watch him perform in Rockport Harbor that summer.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Rockport Harbor freezes over during the winter months, so Harry made arrangements to transport Andre to the New England Aquarium in Boston or the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Once, when Andre stopped eating, Harry had to pick him up and bring him home because he was apparently homesick.

When Andre was released into the ocean in Massachusetts after spending the winter at the New England Aquarium, people were anxious to see what would happen to him. Harry always thought Andre would return to the wild.

Everyone was shocked when Andre swam back home to Rockport Harbor, a journey of about 150 miles. Andre had no intention of leaving Harry. The two had formed an inseparable bond.

Every spring thereafter, Andre made his way back home to Rockport Harbor, where he continued to entertain the public. People would report sightings of him along the way. Andre’s migration was followed closely by the news media.

ANDRE HONORED BY THE TOWN

Andre brought a lot of enjoyment, as well as prosperity, to the town of Rockport. People traveled from far and wide to watch him perform, patronizing local businesses while in town. His fame secured a place on the map for the small town, which otherwise may have gone largely unnoticed. Andre was appointed Rockport’s honorary harbormaster.

In 1978, well-known Lincolnville sculptor Jane Wasey carved a limestone statue of Andre and mounted it on a granite base, commemorating his life and legacy. The statue still sits near the water’s edge at Rockport Marine Park.

According to the nonprofit group Legacy Rockport, tourists still travel from around the world to visit Andre’s statue. Its website, LegacyRockport.org, says, “Couples from all the continents take selfies beside him and families even trudge through the snow in the deepest part of winter to visit the statue.”

The website says the statue recently needed repair, and locals pitched in to ensure it was preserved. There were large cracks in Andre’s head and torso. People were concerned that without repairs, the statue would continue to deteriorate.

The website says Woolwich sculptor and engineer Andreas von Huene inserted pins into the statue, securing the base of the head and supporting the limestone. The total cost of the repairs was $13,000. Funding was supplied by the Rockport Garden Club, Legacy Rockport, and donations from community members.

ANDRE’S FINAL JOURNEY

In 1986, Andre embarked on his final journey home from Massachusetts to Rockport. His journey that year was cut short. It was mating season, and Andre got into a fight with a wild seal. He was severely injured and succumbed to his injuries. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Harry’s backyard.

Rockport Town Manager John Duke said recently that Andre will always be considered an important part of Rockport. Andre’s picture is included on the town seal.

“I wish there was another harbor seal like Andre today,” Duke said.

According to Rockport’s current harbormaster, Abbie Leonard, people never get tired of hearing the story about Harry and Andre. She said people who come into her office often want to talk about them, and many ask questions.

“It’s a tireless story,” Leonard said. “An unending story.”

FFINS RETURN

TO SEAL ISLAND

ew wildlife sightings on the Maine coast rival the excitement of seeing an Atlantic Puffin. With bright orange feet, colorful bills, and comically serious expressions, puffins have become one of the region’s most beloved seabirds. Yet many visitors don’t realize these birds nearly disappeared entirely from Maine. By the late 1800s, hunting, egg collecting, and predators had wiped puffins off most Maine islands. Their comeback began in the 1970s through an ambitious restoration effort later known as Project Puffin. Researchers carefully relocated young puffins from Newfoundland to historic nesting islands in Maine, using decoys and recorded puffin calls to encourage the birds to return and breed.

The experience of approaching Seal Island remains unforgettable whether the day brings fog, bright sun, or rolling swells. Puffins skim low across the water carrying fish to hidden burrows while razorbills, guillemots, Arctic terns, and harbor seals animate the rocky ledges and surrounding waters. Because the nesting islands are carefully protected, visitors observe the birds respectfully from the water, preserving the fragile colonies while still allowing an extraordinary glimpse into Maine’s offshore ecosystem.

Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge became one of the project’s most important restoration sites. Richard Podolsky, a naturalist who participated in this pioneering work and helped study the seabirds that returned to Maine’s offshore islands, leads Wednesday Puffin tours through Isle au Haut Boat Services. Visitors on those departures gain a rare firsthand perspective on one of North America’s great wildlife restoration stories.

Today, puffins remain vulnerable to warming ocean temperatures and changes in forage fish populations, making ongoing conservation efforts critically important. Their continued presence on Seal Island stands as proof that patient conservation work can restore species once thought lost.

Seal Island Puffin Tours depart at 1:00 p.m. from 27 Seabreeze Avenue in Stonington on Wednesdays and Sundays from June 14 through August 12. Purchase tickets at www.isleauhaut.com.

EXPERIENCE THE CONSERVATION SU E STORY WITH ISLE AU HAUT BOAT SERVICES

Pu ns, razorbills, guillemots, Ar tic terns, and harbor seals in a spec tacular coastal setting.

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The Tallest

Public Bridge

Observatory in the Western Hemisphere, is right here in Maine!

al along Ma M in ine’e’s be beauautitifu f l coasstline. e The PENOBSCOT NARROWS BRIDGE & OBSERVATORY in Prospect, ME is the tallest bridge observatory that is open to the public. The FORT KNOX HISTORIC SITE features one of the best-preserved examples of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the mid-1800s. Stop and visit them both as you make your way along Maine’s beautiful coastline. • Gatherings • Reunions•

A Reader’s Guide

TO 5 COASTAL DESTINATIONS

BY SARAH WALKER CARON

Maine’s craggy coastline has inspired generations of writers, giving readers so much to dig into. But don’t just read about the picturesque on the page, see it for yourself — and pick up some new books along the way — with this reader’s guide to the coast that explores a selection of destinations for your book-loving self. Who knows? You might even be inspired to write yourself.

BLUE HILL

Picturesque Blue Hill is a wonderful day-trip destination in the summer. Stroll down Main Street, stopping at shops like Leaf & Anna (5 Main St., Blue Hill) and The Meadow of Blue Hill (140 Main St., Blue Hill). But really, you’re in this coastal town for the books, right? Since 1986, Blue Hill Books (26 Pleasant St., Blue Hill) has been a local, independent source of books of all kinds from fiction to cooking, travel to children’s. It also hosts many author events in conjunction with Blue Hill Public Library

After you’ve satiated your literary appetite, it’s time for some coffee. Bucklyn Coffee (103 Main St., Blue Hill) brews their own beans roasted in nearby Brooklin.

HUNGRY?

Homemade Ice Cream Waffle Cones Local Coffee & EspressoIce Cream Cakes

There are so many excellent choices in Blue Hill. The Humblebee Cafe (162 Ellsworth Road) is a great stop for smashburgers, sandwiches, wraps and diner fries. Blaze Blue Hill (66 Main St., Blue Hill) is a great place to sit on the patio as well. Bring a notebook, and write while you’re there. Need something refreshing?

The Blue Chill (4 Parker Point Road, Blue Hill) for one of their creatively flavored ice pops.

(71 Main St., Bucksport) has been the place for book shopping and sipping “pretty good coffee” (their words) in Bucksport. Founded by Andrew Lacher, longtime customer Kate Corwin bought the store in 2024 and is keeping up its strong

Bucksport Waterfront Restaurant (96 Main St., Bucksport) to enjoy a wrap, sandwich or other American fare on their patio overlooking the river. It’s a great spot on a nice day. Or head up the road to Sweet Cheeks Diner (214 US-1, Bucksport) for a bite to eat in this newer spot serving up diner classics. This could be just the place for inspiring your next story. If you are seeking a sweet treat, walk up to the counter at The Dairy Port (79 Main St., Bucksport) for ice creambased confections featuring Gifford’s ice cream.

CASTINE

Picture-perfect Castine has all the coastal charm and water views you could want in a weekend day trip. It’s one of Maine’s oldest towns and has been continuously settled since the early 1600s. Today, it’s home to Compass Rose Books (3 Main St., Castine), an independent bookstore and cafe not far from the town dock that’s been creating community for more than 20 years. While you’re there, you can also grab a cup of 44 North Coffee, TeaMaineia tea, or hot chocolate. Or get a sandwich, soup, cookie, or cake from Ebees Sweets, which operates the store cafe. While you’re in Castine, stroll along Main Street and pop into the galleries and shops that dot the downtown. And just imagine the tales this town can tell.

SEARSPORT

The midcoast town of Searsport is vibrant with shops and eateries, perfect for a literary adventure. Anodyne Book Shop (175 W Main St., Searsport) has a lovely book-filled space featuring both new and used books. Its attached cafe and convenient parking lot make it an excellent destination for browsing and a bite to eat. Wander around there for a while, and then head up to the center of town to wander the shops like H&H Mercantile (31 E Main St., Searsport), Trove (36 E Main St., Searsport) and The Aquarian Gift Shop (28 E Main St., Searsport).

HUNGRY?

Hey Sailor! (25 E Main St., Searsport) serves an interesting menu of pizza, salads, tacos, and other goodies. Or check out the new Scullery Made deli, which is serving up a delicious array of sandwiches, salads and soups. Need a sweet treat? Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe (21 E Main St., Searsport) has you covered with candy, confections, and more.

MORE BOOKSTORES TO LOVE

Cross the street and pop into

Maine’s coastline is filled with new and used bookstores worth a trip. From Rockland’s Hello Hello Books (316 Main St., Rockland) to Rockport’s The Tiny Bookshop (163 Union St., Rockport) to Left Bank Books in Belfast (109 Church St., Belfast) to A Boatload of Books in Eastport (74 Water St., Eastport), there are too many bookshops to list and so many opportunities to find literature to love in Maine. Keep your eyes open on your coastal adventures. You never know what you might find.

GRAB A BITE IN BELFAST

BY KATIE SMITH

NESTLED ALONG THE SHORES OF PENOBSCOT

BAY, the historic and charming town of Belfast offers small-town charm and coastal beauty. Its lively, artsy downtown and working waterfront make it the perfect spot to spend a day — or an entire vacation — browsing unique shops and galleries, hopping on a boat tour, or exploring Fort Knox. With so much to do and see, one thing is certain: you’re going to work up an appetite. Whether you’re craving pub food or fresh seafood, there’s something here for every appetite.

BAY WRAP INC.: 20 BEAVER STREET

If casual is the vibe you’re going for, you’ll appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. Bay Wrap is a specialty wraps and coffee shop in the center of Belfast and offers takeout, outdoor seating, and specialty wraps like Her Big Caesar, which is stuffed with Caesar salad, or the Samurai Salmon, which includes jasmine rice and smoked salmon. Bay Wrap is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is a perfect place to stop in for a quick bite or get takeout and sit by the water.

BOWEN’S PIZZERIA AND DELI: 181 WATERVILLE ROAD

Bowen’s uses all-natural pizza dough made in Maine. Their cheese is made in-house, as are their desserts, onion rings, and macaroni and cheese. It’s a great place to bring the entire family to enjoy one of the specialty pizzas, baskets, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

DARBY’S RESTAURANT: 155 HIGH STREET

If you’re craving local comfort food, check out Darby’s. The menu offers everything from vegetarian chili to potstickers to chicken enchiladas. There’s a kids’ menu and a variety of rotating homemade desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.

DELVINO’S GRILL AND PASTA HOUSE: 52 MAIN STREET

Located in a historic building, Delvino’s Grill and Pasta House is a modern family restaurant with a striking brick interior in the center of Belfast. If you’re looking for homemade pasta dishes, fresh seafood, or authentic Italian pizza made with fresh ingredients, this is a good spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

FON’S KITCHEN: 132 HIGH STREET

If you’re looking for bold Thai flavors, Fon’s Kitchen will not disappoint. You’ll get a punch of flavor and comfort in every bite with dishes like somtum, a papaya salad with tomato, carrot, peanut, garlic, and chili, and a sour lime dressing. If you’re craving classics like crab rangoons or chicken satay, they’ve perfected those as well.

FRONT STREET PUB: 37B FRONT STREET

For local favorites like locally sourced lobster and haddock, Maine-raised beef, and hand-cut fries, Front Street Pub is your place. It is open every day except Thursday. Your furry friends are welcome on the spacious deck, and your entire party can enjoy the game room. Relax with a local or imported beer or house-infused liquors like Maine raspberry vodka.

HARBORWALK RESTAURANT: 37 FRONT STREET

Kitchen-table classics like burgers, seafood baskets, and specialty pizzas are just a sampling of what you’ll find at Harborwalk Restaurant, a cozy spot with rustic flair. Everything is made to order with local ingredients, and there is an extensive kids’ menu for families.

Whether you’re driving through and want something quick, or you’re planning to linger a while (something I highly recommend), the Belfast food scene is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. You don’t just eat well when you visit these spots — you also feel taken care of.

BY JOANNA O’LEARY

Downeast Maine embodies a nationally important story of the waters, land, sky, and cultures of the Atlantic Northeast, and of the complex relationships between the people of five nations and the harsh and bountiful natural environment that shapes their identity and way of life …

— DOWNEAST MAINE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Wish your journey through such a rich region could last forever?

Consider taking home some edible souvenirs to commemorate your trip to Down East Maine, home to dozens of local producers of artisan food products, from nostalgic confections to gourmet specialties. We’ve assembled a guided treasure hunt — who says they’re just for kids? — for scoring these unique foodie finds. Just bring your purse and your palate.

After a busy day of exploring, sometimes an adult beverage is in order. For that, see Jon Stein — yes, that is his real name — at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth. Stein prides himself on creating ales, porters, IPAs, and ciders that pay homage to the region’s agricultural and maritime history with creative ingredients.

“Fogtown’s mission has been to highlight the flavors of Downeast Acadia: the heritage bounty that people have cultivated, farmed, fished, and foraged to support livelihoods or to use for subsistence,” Stein said. “We love incorporating Gulf of Maine seaweed, oysters, grains, blueberries, and more. We’ve even brewed beverages with invasive but charismatic species like Japanese knotweed and rosa rugosa.”

If that doesn’t sufficiently intrigue you, Fogtown also boasts an on-site kitchen serving wood-fired pizza, plus a full schedule of special events, including live music and trivia.

Those touring Down East who prefer to quench their thirst with fermented

grapes rather than cereal grains have plenty of winery options, as the region is rich in vintners and vineyards. We’re partial to Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro, which also happens to be the state’s oldest winery, established in 1832 by Robert Bartlett. Its signature blueberry, apple, and pear varietals are game changers in the field because of their crisp, dry quality, proving fruit wines need not be saccharine or cloying.

And, of course, you’ll need some cheese to go with that wine. At Lakin’s Gorges Cheese — see what they did there — at East Forty Farm and Dairy in Waldoboro, wife-and-husband proprietors Allison Lakin and Neal Foley have been raising Jersey cows since 1992 to aid in the production of fresh and aged cheeses, including their tangy Cascadilla Blue.

Cheeses can be picked up daily from the on-site farm shop year-round, except on Christmas and during blizzards, or purchased at a variety of Maine retailers, including Edwards Market in Ellsworth, Blue Hill Wine Shop in Blue Hill, Camden Charcuterie in Camden, and Morning Glory Natural Foods in Brunswick.

Finally, if jam is your jam, swing over to Marilyn’s Jam Session on the Blue Hill Peninsula, where Marilyn Cleveland has been making preserves for more than 20 years. While Cleveland certainly excels at traditional fruit preserves, her creativity shines in savory jams. A favorite is the mediumtempo Apricot Haberna, with just enough spice to keep things interesting.

THE SEVEN TRAVEL REGIONS OF DOWNEAST ACADIA

COURTESY OF THE SUNRISE COUNTY ECONOMIC COUNCIL

DownEast Acadia stretches along Maine’s rugged northeastern coast from Penobscot Bay to the St. Croix River, encompassing 2,300 miles of shoreline and more than 5,600 square miles of wide-open space. Seven unique travel regions each offer their own charm, pace, and sense of place.

The BLUE HILL PENINSULA is home to Stonington, one of the nation’s most important working waterfronts, and the historic maritime port of Castine. Sheltered coves, renowned dining, and scenic villages have long drawn writers, artists, and artisans to the peninsula. After exploring Deer Isle, stop in Blue Hill for a memorable meal, carefully curated shopping, and the beloved Blue Hill Fair, Sept. 3-7

ELLSWORTH, the activity hub of DownEast Acadia, is where visitors stay, shop, dine, attend performances, or gear up for deeper adventures. Just beyond downtown lies a quieter landscape of forests, freshwater lakes, and mountaintops ideal for outdoor recreation in every season.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND pairs the lively charm of Bar Harbor with the aweinspiring beauty of Acadia National Park. Don’t miss the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas, July 11-12, celebrating Wabanaki culture and Native thought leadership. For a slower pace, explore the quieter villages of Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Tremont, where the scenery is just as striking.

The SCHOODIC TO JONESPORT region stretches from Cherryfield, the Wild

Blueberry Capital of the World, to the bold coastal landscapes of Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula and the working waterfront communities of Jonesport, Corea, and Milbridge, a premier destination for birding and puffin watching.

The MACHIAS BAY region blends history and outdoor adventure. Paddle the Machias River Corridor, explore the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolutionary War, or discover Roque Bluffs State Park’s rare pebble-sand beach. Each August, the free Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Aug. 14-16, celebrates Washington County’s iconic harvest.

The GRAND LAKES region is defined by unspoiled wilderness and year-round angling. Whether guided or solo, adventures here deliver an authentic Maine experience rooted in nature and solitude. Each July, the Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival, July 25-26, brings the community together in celebration of regional art and tradition.

WAY DOWNEAST, home to Eastport and Lubec, greets the nation’s first sunrise. Once global centers of the fishing industry, these communities have evolved into vibrant arts and outdoor recreation destinations along the pristine shores of Cobscook Bay. Celebrate the season at the Eastport Pirate Festival, Sept. 11-13, before crossing the bridge to Roosevelt Campobello International Park to explore the summer estate of President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

You made it to the Easternmost Edge. You made it to DownEast Acadia!