It’s springtime in Maine! Spring is the perfect time to visit with the warmer weather, storefronts opening for the season and before the summer crowds settle in. Take advantage of this underrated season and enjoy these fun activities during your Maine vacation this spring!
With so many things to do in Maine, visiting the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse should be at the top of your list. Originally commissioned by John Quincy Adams in the early 1800’s, this lighthouse has served as a beacon on the Maine coastline for many years. As one of Maine’s most popular and photographed lighthouses, this is a historic landmark that shouldn’t be missed.
A $3 ticket grants you access to view inside the lighthouse, visit the Fisherman’s museum, the Pemaquid Art Gallery, and the learning center.
2. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Ring in springtime with over 50,000 spring blooming buds at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens! Explore 300 beautiful acres filled with hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants that are sure to bring a little color to your life. In the spring you can expect to see displays of daffodils, magnolias, rhododendron, and azaleas.
Opening day for the season is April 15th, 2018. Be sure to also take part in their ‘Maine Days” during Memorial Day weekend for free admission into the gardens. Maine Days are for Maine residents only.
Head out for a day of fun in the sun and explore Camden Hills State Park. While there are many trails to choose from, one of the most rewarding trails in the park is the Mount Battie Trail. At only 1.5-mile round trip, this hike offers 360-degree panoramic views of Camden and the islands sprinkled along Penobscot Bay.
4. Whale Watching
Starting in mid-April, whale watching season starts as hungry whales arrive off the Maine coastline to feast on food before they head south later in the year. Book a tour with many of the area guides to take you out and spot these fascinating creatures.
5. Puffin Watch
For a short period of time, mid-May through early June you can book a tour with Hardy Boat Cruises to see these unique birds. Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting site for the Atlantic puffins in the United States.
6. Antique Shopping
Out with the old…well back in with the old! Why else do we spring clean? So, we can make room for new finds! Hit the streets of Newcastle and Damariscotta and shop their many antique shops such as Damarine Antiques or Nobleboro Antiques Exchange. Even head out to Brunswick for the day and discover Cabot Mill Antiques, the largest multi-dealer antique mall in Maine.
Truly escape from it all and take a boat ride out to the secluded island of Monhegan. Not only are there numerous trails to explore but also take some time to visit the local village, the Monhegan Museum of Art and History, the island’s lighthouse, and even the artist’s colony, are all worth some exploration.
8. Farmers’ Markets
Late spring is the time of year when farmers are ready to sell their homegrown produce and goods at local farmer’s markets. With so many markets to choose from, visit the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Market for the complete list to find one closest to you!
Visit our activities page for more to do in the area and to help plan your next vacation with Newcastle Inn.
