Damariscotta, Maine

Damariscotta, Maine

Damariscotta is a small, but vibrant, little village located in the mid-coast region of Maine. As we pulled into town, traffic came to a slow crawl and cars were parked all along the narrow road.   We quickly discovered that pedestrians had the right of way, no matter when or from where, they decided to cross the road.   Even so, the atmosphere was infectious and we found ourselves purposely going through the main drag whenever possible.  (More Pics)

Sunday morning we had the opportunity to visit a wonderful, nearby church that was celebrating their 225 years of service.  Wow - can you even imagine!  We felt blessed to have been able to worship with this small community of faithful believers.   The building itself, founded in 1793, had been well maintained & restored.   Of course being in the Northeast we have worshipped in churches that do not have (nor need) air-conditioning, only fans.  I just love the gentle breezes, along with the beautiful church bells, that seem to add to each worship service. 

Darmariscotta is centrally located between vacation destinations such as Boothbay Harbor to the South (Pics) and Rockland, Rockport & Camden to the North (Pics).

Rockland is home to Maine's annual Lobster Festival, held in August in honor of the town's primary export: lobster.   It is also the commercial center of the midcoast Maine region, with a downtown area lined with unique shops, boutiques, fine dining and art galleries.   Also nearby is Owl's Head Lighthouse, which we had the opportunity to visit.

Rockport is a popular tourist destination and art colony.  It is also known for its Belted Galloway cattle.  The cattle are raised at the 136-acre Aldermere Farm, which remains one of the area's most popular attractions, and are often referred to as the "Oreo cookie" cows.

Camden, often called the prettiest spot in Maine, is one of only two places on the Atlantic seaboard where the mountains meet the sea.   It is a famous summer colony, similar to Bar Harbor, Nantucket and North Haven.  Apparently it is well known for its summer community of wealthy Northeasterns, mostly from Boston, New York and Philadelphia.  Of course we immediately noticed the abundance of charming bed & breaksfasts and cozy cottages with their beautiful gardens, as we explored the town.   Around Camden harbor there are lobster men, fishermen and the windjammers which sail weekly.  It is also home to Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park, which is rich in history.  During the peak of Camden's carriage trade days at the turn of the century, Summit House, (a turreted house at the top of the summit), was visited by many notable people including the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt.  Today, a stone tower (built in 1921) stands on the exact location of the previous Summit House.  We were able to drive up to the summit and take pictures.

In addition to visiting these quaint, seaside towns - we unexpectedly discovered a nearby Railway Village.

This was a life-size railway village depicting the 1800-1900's, with authentic narrow gauge trains & buildings from Maine that had been restored and relocated.  (Add'l Pics)

We also had the opportunity to visit a historical fort & village in nearby Bristol, ME.  (More Pics)

Fort John Henry, Bristol, ME

Up next... Old Orchard Beach, Maine.