Durham & Topsham
Durham is a quiet rural town of gentle hills,
open fields and green forests with a long proud
history. Freeport is only 10 minutes away as
well as the rocky coast. Durham remains a
place where time slows down and life is a little
less hurried.
When riding through pull over and breathe
in the fresh country air and take in the quiet
beauty of Maine. Whether it's the fascinating
history that captures your attention or if you just want a quick peek of this quiet, rural
town, enjoy your ride. Don't forget to stop off at the local motorcycle shops to say
hello and tell them you saw them in RideMaine©!
Topsham is defined by the woods and waters that surround it and borders
Merrymeeting Bay, one of the Northeast's natural wonders. The town hosts a variety
of quaint shops, large retail stores as well as superb restaurants. Ride a mile or so
and you'll find yourself surrounded by lush green fields, open farmland and beautiful
views of Merrymeeting Bay.
Topsham hosts the annual Topsham Fair, which began in 1856 when the town
erected its first building and fairgrounds. With an ever-expanding retail center and
active community, Topsham is a great place to spend some time.
Wiscasset
As you wind down the coast on US Route
1, you'll enter the prettiest village in Maine,
Wiscasset. Settled in 1663, it is located on
the banks of the Sheepscot River. Wiscasset
has been listed in the National Register as
a historic district and is a popular tourist
destination noted for its early architecture.
The harbor is home to local fishermen,
recreational boaters, restaurants, cafe's and lots of antiques!
This little village is all that and more. From enticing wine and cheese shops, to
classic antique boutiques, from fresh Maine lobster to quaint cafe's, Wiscasset may
be small but boasts an expansive maritime history and top rated establishments.
Whether you want that long awaited taste of lobster, to explore its rich maritime
history, or simply a riding interlude, Wiscasset is worth the stop along this picturesque
coastline of US Route 1.
Boothbay Harbor
On Route 27 south you'll find the Maine village of
Boothbay Harbor, where the restaurants serve up the
freshest seafood, chowders, and local eats. During the
summer the entire Boothbay Harbor region becomes
a popular yachting, sailing and tourist destination. The
region abounds with local artists, galleries, antique
shops, specialty boutiques, handmade jewelry, pottery
and toys. You name it, Boothbay has it all in this quaint
coastal village.
A wide variety of accommodations are available for
your stay including motorcycle-friendly inns, motels and
more. Boothbay Harbor is an awesome place to take
a boat cruise, go whale watching, deep sea fishing, or take a kayak through the
harbor.
Maine... at its best!
Rockland
Rockland is the perfect seacoast city for
shopping and exploring. Lodging is plentiful,
award-winning restaurants, trendy shops
and art galleries abound. A day trip in any
direction will provide ample rewards. There
are museums for rainy days, Penobscot Bay
for sailing, and mountains to explore. Visitors
can take a ferry to the islands of Vinalhaven,
North Haven, or ride to Owl's Head Light for
some great scenery. Whether you're riding through, or settling in for a great nights
sleep, you'll find accommodations at every turn. So fill your tank, grab your camera
and enjoy the ride...
Owls Head
Owls Head is a resort-like fishing village
and home to the Knox County Regional
Airport. It had once been a part of South
Thomaston but became a town in 1921. The
areas included were Ash Point, Ingraham's
Hill, Crescent Beach, Holiday Beach,
Ballyhac, and of course the section where
the Owls Head lighthouse is.
If you're a history buff, check out the
Mussel Ridge Historical Society or
Owls Head Transportation Museum on
beautiful Penobscot Bay, just two miles from U.S. Route 1. The museum has one
of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world, with
more than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, carriages and engines
on permanent display. Nearby is Birch Point State Park, this beach provides scenic
shore access to Penobscot Bay, has a crescent-shaped sand beach and allows
swimming in a gentle surf. Take note that this remote beach has no lifeguards.
Spend your day exploring the coastline, checking out the quaint shops and
treating yourself to Maine lobster, or just plain relax.
Rockport & Camden
Rockport is filled with sailboats of every
size, style and make; it's a picture-perfect
harbor. Ride tree-shaded roads or explore
small friendly shops. Be sure to visit the fleet
of graceful schooners that take passengers
sailing for a few hours or a few days.
Bordering Rockport is Harbor Park where
you can launch your boat, see the statue of
Andre the Seal and visit the marinas where
they still make wooden boats. Century-old storefronts house a menagerie of fine
art and fabrics, furniture, books, gifts, toys and clothing to suit every taste and need
for the traveler.
Camden, where the mountains meet the sea, is noted for its beautiful
windjammers that berth in the harbor. Sailing vessels from around the world dock
in this protected harbor. Cruise on a windjammer or explore the bay and islands
on a sea kayak. Walk the footbridges that cross the river flowing under the town.
There is so much to do in this harbor town. Beautiful Lake Megunticook is a perfect
place for a swim or a picnic. Explore country roads, rolling hills, pristine lakes and
blueberry fields; all are sure to please in this beautiful town.
Belfast
Belfast has been bustling since being settled
in the 1700s and remains a busy coastal village
today. Belfast was once a hub for shipping and
shipbuilding during the nineteenth century.
During that time of prosperity, shipbuilders
and merchants built Greek Revival mansions
along the coast and decorated them with
treasures carried home from China. Today
the buildings in downtown Belfast have been
called the best existing examples of this type of architecture in Maine. Discover
some of the finest motels and inns with spectacular harbor views and comfortable
rooms. Ride down to the harbor, watch the sail boats take command of the wind,
listen to live entertainment, or take a walk on the docks to watch the local fisherman
bring in their daily catch.
Take a ride to the country through farmlands and visit mom-and-pop stands.
Belfast has a treasure trove of galleries with local artists, antique shops and
boutiques. What a great place to spend a day... or two... or more!
Searsport
Searsport got its name from David Sears who
made a fortune in the China trade business.
Today you see many of the artifacts brought
back from his travels in the Penobscot Marine
Museum.
Enjoy eight miles of Mid Coast Maine with
parks, lodging and campgrounds. Walk the
brick sidewalks in the historic downtown area
where you can't help but notice the abundance
of antiques and flea markets that line the streets. There are also many shops and a
nice variety of restaurants to choose from.
Come enjoy the friendly Searsport hospitality. You will feel a special welcome as
you enter and find a lot for this little seaside town in Maine.
