Top 10 Things to do in Boothbay Harbor

1. Windjammer Days
For 46 years, gorgeous, fully rigged, tall masted ships have sailed into Boothbay Harbor for this historic two-day celebration on the Maine coast. This is an event that you do not want to miss.

On your "to do" list be sure to take Balmy Days fireworks cruise or their 1 hour cruise. For the more adventurous, visit Tidal Transit for their Guided Kayak Tour which will take you up close and personal with these majestic ships. For some good old fashioned family fun, don't miss the nostalgic small town parade and the blueberry pancake breakfast waterfront in the harbor.

Bob Brooke travel writer for 2 Camels had this to say about Windjammer Days, "Surviving the vagaries of fog, the economy and changing ownership of vessels, the Windjammer Days festival is a firmly anchored, highly successful and popular local tradition in Boothbay. Originally a one-day event featuring a few windjammers, it has grown to a two-day extravaganza, which includes parades, concerts, sporting events and an auction as well as the fleet of majestic windjammers complemented with impressive military vessels. But really what everyone comes for is to see the magnificent Windjammers. With over a dozen two and three-masted schooners under full sail, it's a breathtaking site."

To read the full article on 2 Camels click here. To read the other 9 things to do in Boothbay Harbor, please click below.

2. Lobster Trap Hauling
There are two very different Lobster trap hauling experiences in Boothbay Harbor. The most unique and hands-on would be with lobsterman and restaurateur Dan Kaler aboard his boat the Hunky Dory where he will show you the basics of lobstering and he might even show you how to put a lobster to sleep. Availability of this unforgettable adventure is in demand with only 6 passengers per trip so be sure to call him prior to your arrival. For more information on Kaler's click here

Cap'n Fish originated this trip over 15 years ago to give the regions visitors an idea of how those delicious lobsters are caught, how traps are hauled and some history on Maine's famous lobster industry.

3.Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Located waterfront on 248 acres just minutes from Boothbay Harbor in Boothbay. You'll see glorious formal gardens here, an overall design that's both appealing and impressive; but you'll also find antique stone walls; nearly a mile of sparkling waterfront; massive ledges covered in mosses, lichens, ferns; and native forest - in fact, the essence of Maine. For more information on the beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens click here

4. Monhegan Island
This day trip will take you 12 miles out to the untouched beauty of Monhegan Island which has resisted modern development and retained the essence of early American settlements. Today its economy is still ruled by those who make their living from the sea, fishing and lobstering. The year-round population has seldom exceeded 65 in recent times. The island attracts visitors from all over the world who want to paint, photograph, look for migrating birds and rare wildflowers, sea life and to just escape for a few hours or few days for their busy lives. To inquire about booking your trip with Balmy Days Cruises click here. For more information on Monhegan Island click here.

5. Fireside Tales at Newagen Seaside Inn
The crackle of the fire, the star lit sky, the sound of the ocean surf and top that off with roasted marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars for a decadent s'more while listening to local folk singers and storytellers.This fabulous weekly event is available for Inn Guests only. For more information about enjoying Fireside tales contact Newagen Seaside Inn at 800-654-5242.

6. Puffin Cruise
Atlantic Puffins, icons of the Maine coast, and second only to the Lobster and Moose for their notoriety, nest each year on Eastern Egg Rock from late April to mid August. Hunted to near extinction in the 1800's these little survivors have made a come back due to help from the Audubon Society and Project Puffin. For information on the Puffin Trip visit Capn Fish's website.

7. Maine State Aquarium
A favorite activity for my kids who have been about 15 times, the Maine State Aquarium is well known for the number of hands-on exhibits like the touch tanks with sea urchins, sea stars,horseshoe crabs, sand dollars and lobsters in a variety of colors. Another amazing activity is the shark petting tank (don't worry parents these little guys have no teeth) and the 23 pound lobster.

8. Ocean Kayaking
Discover the coast of Maine while skimming the water on an ocean kayak. Rent one for an hour to explore Boothbay Harbor or experience a lighthouse, wildlife or sunset tour with Tidal Transit.

9. Boothbay Railway Village and Antique Auto Museum
Board a steam train and explore the historic restored village on 28 acres with one of the largest antique auto displays in Maine with carriages and automobiles from 1860 to 1962. Boothbay Railway Village has something for the children, history and heritage seeker, train and auto enthusiast or the kid at heart.

10. Whale Watch

This trip aboard the Harbor Princess takes you through Boothbay Harbor to see the various islands and lighthouses as you journey to the whale's feeding grounds. The on board naturalist will provide interesting and educational information on whales as you participate in the search for whales. Once a whale is spotted the Captain maneuvers the boat close so all can see. On this tour you could see Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minkes, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks, ocean sunfish and open ocean birds.

For more information on Boothbay Harbor please contact Newagen Seaside Inn at  1-800-654-5242.  Newagen Seaside Inn is located just minutes from Boothbay Harbor on beautiful Southport Island. The Inn has favorite destination for Maine Weddings and Maine Vacations.

Comments

[Matthew McNutt]

#11. Moosehead Coffee shop in downtown Boothbay!

[Weddings on the Strand]

Our entire staff are all very impressed with what we read and see about Windjammer days—very well presented and quite a departure from what's found down here in SC.