Bucksport

Bucksport was founded in 1764 and is a progressive coastal town at the end of Penobscot Bay. From here, you can look across the bay and see the stone-hewn beauty of Fort Knox, Maine's most visited historic site that stands guard over the community of Bucksport.

While here a must see tourist spot is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, it is open May through October and offers incredible panoramic views of the Penobscot region from Isle Au Haut all the way to Mount Katahdin. Located against the mountainous backdrop of Camden Hills, and to the west is Penobscot Bay. There are many islands in this bay, and between them lie great stretches of open water as well as small winding thoroughfares. Along the shores are bustling fishing communities, quaint villages, isolated ports, and uninhabited beauty.

The shores of this Bay form a variety of interesting harbors, from welcoming Tenants Harbor to the isolated towns along the western shore.

Hancock

Hancock, located in Hancock County, is on the mainland at the head of Frenchman's Bay, an inland extension of Sullivan Harbor. It has beautiful views overlooking Mount Desert Island.

Settled in 1794, Hancock was named after John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. Once portions of Sullivan, Trenton and Plantation No. 8, it became incorporated as a Maine town in 1828. Here they have wonderful places to stay and great restaurants for Maine fare. Be sure to take Point Road from Route 1 all the way down to Hancock Point. There you'll find outstanding coastal views of Mount Desert Island across Frenchman's Bay.

Castine

The lovely, historic town of Castine is situated at the end of a peninsula on the east side of Penobscot Bay, about 15 miles south of Bucksport and U.S. Highway 1. Technically, Castine is a two-mile-wide island.

As you ride down Main Street you will soon see why Castine is truly a unique Maine village. Discover great seaside dining and comfortable accommodations throughout.

Castine is also home to The Maine Maritime Academy, established in 1941, and is home to the training ship State of Maine.

Great eats abound here on this quaint island-like village, where the seafood couldn't be any fresher! Stop by Dennett's Wharf and see for yourself! Enjoy the sandy tidal beaches, ideal for tidepools and a great way to relax after a days ride.

Ellsworth

Ellsworth is situated at the head of Union River in Down East Maine. From Ellsworth you can get "anywhere" from here. Shopping, museums, historic buildings, great restaurants, picnic and boating areas are a few things that may entice you to this nice quaint town. Walk, nap or picnic along the River Walk, or just enjoy the view of the Penobscot River. Ellsworth is next door to Acadia National Park. Its historic downtown area attracts people from all walks of life.

Stay a night or two in Ellsworth before riding to Acadia. There are several economical, motorcycle-friendly lodging and dining opportunities (see below) so be sure to check them out before venturing on.

Trenton

Trenton is located off Route 1 on Route 3 and is the last point of mainland before entering Mount Desert Island. In the summer months you can hop on a free shuttle to and from the Island. Trenton is also considered the true "Gateway to Acadia." The Trenton Bridge crosses over to the island and offers riders the most spectacular scenery that looks out over the bay.

Trenton has been affectionately called 'Lobsterville, U.S.A.,' which is well known to locals and tourists alike for its lobster. When dining here, the Maine delicacy can be enjoyed in the true Down East tradition. Be sure to stop here, then add some great stuff to your ride and head across the bridge to Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor

As you head to Bar Harbor on Route 3, you will go through Trenton, the last town before heading over the bridge to Hulls Cove, located on Frenchman's Bay and Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor is one of the nations most popular vacation destinations It is best known for Acadia National Park the breathtaking scenery, trails and carriage roads. Acadia is a real treasure for motorcyclists and has been described as a favorite among many riders. There are endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiast such as, kayaking, sailing, whale watching, golf and more.

Walk through town where the sea air engulfs you and discover boutiques and shops. Soak up the sun in this relaxed atmosphere, eat at a local restaurant and explore specialty shops. You'll need more than a day in Bar Harbor, as it may just be the highlight of your trip. Be sure to check out our advertisers in this section of Bar Harbor for great places to stay, play and eat!

Eastport

Being the Eastern-most city in Maine and the United States, Governor Angus King issued a proclamation making Eastport Maine's Millennium City. Every Fourth of July Eastport holds the nation's first flag raising in the United States. The ceremony takes place on the municipal pier at sunrise at around 4:45 a.m.

Eastport is nestled in a safe harbor behind Canada's Campobello Island. The waters of Passamaquoddy Bay and Cobscook Bay converge here generating some of the highest tides in the U.S. During the summer months Eastport has an international ferry that crosses to Deer Island, New Brunswick. Eastport boasts miles of beautiful cobblestone beaches, tidal coves, rivers, streams and inland lakes, which make it truly one of the last unspoiled stretches of the Maine coast.

Eastport offers many areas of interest such as museums, a salmon festival, the Shackford Head State Park and the Tides Institute to name a few. And what a great place to eat on the water, shop unique stores, play in the park or sleep at motorcycle-friendly accommodations.

Calais & Princeton

Calais, (pronounced like "palace"), has small villages and towns scattered on many lakes and the shore of Passamaquoddy Bay. Calais is one of the busiest ports of entry into Canada and shares its border with St. Stephen, New Brunswick, which is across the St. Croix River. Two bridges connect these communities: the Ferry Point Bridge off Route 1 through downtown, and the Mill Town Bridge a few miles to the north on Route 1. Calais is an ideal location for a two-nation vacation. It is a great place to explore and discover secluded tidal inlets, tranquil pine forests and the uncrowded pleasures of coastal life. This is why visitors return every year to rediscover this unspoiled corner of Maine.

Leave Calais and get on Route 1 north and go 18 miles until you reach the town of Princeton. Princeton has over 75 miles of shoreline to fish and explore, and offers the convenience of shopping and sightseeing of many local attractions. The area offers world-class fishing, canoeing, hiking and biking. Unwind, play a round of golf, go antiquing, whale-watch, or just relax. Visit Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge, a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and wildlife. View bald eagles or walk some of the 50 miles of trails. Moosehorn's primary purpose is to protect wildlife.