Weekend Trip to Lincolnville, ME

If you're looking for an easy weekend getaway, with a variety of adventures packed in close proximity, you're in luck. Last spring, we took a weekend trip to Lincolnville, ME and loved its quaint feel and and coastal views. Sitting along Penobscot Bay, Lincolnville is a small town, but is surrounded by an abundance of outdoor activities, boating tours, restaurants, shopping, and more to keep you busy all weekend long.

LOCATION: Lincolnville, ME (1 Hour-45 Minutes North of Portland, 25 Minutes North of Rockland)

TIME OF YEAR VISITED: End of March

DURATION OF STAY: Weekend

WHERE TO EAT: Whale's Tooth Pub, The Stone Brick Oven Kitchen, Bagel Cafe

THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING:

1. Camden Hills State Park

One of the areas most well known attractions. Although the name makes you think it's in Camden (which is nearby), about 75% of the park is actually in Lincolnville. The state park is open year round for hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, leaf peeping, skiing, snowshoeing and more. Although we didn't have time to hike this trip, there are TWENTY different trails to explore, ranging in difficulty and length. If you're not one for hiking, or don't have the time, don't worry. You can drive to the top using the Mount Battie Road for exquisite panoramic views of the Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. 

2. Lincolnville Beach

Right in the center of town, Lincolnville Beach is a go-to during the summer months, offering swimming, kayaking, shell searching, and more. We were lucky to rent the most beautiful small Air Bnb Cottage that was just a stones throw from the beach. We spent one afternoon walking the beach looking for shells, and woke up early one morning to have coffee and catch the sunrise over the bay. The beach itself is located right on Rt. 1, in the town's small business district. Across the street there are a variety of antique shops, galleries, and a local museum to pop into. Enjoy several restaurants all within easy walking distance of the beach, (we ate at Whale's ToothPub) or enjoy seafood at one of the seasonal lobster shacks.

3. Isleboro Island and Grindle Point Lighthouse

With my love of Maine lighthouses and the Lincolnville Ferry Terminal just a stone's throw from our Air Bnb door, we had to head out to Isleboro Island. Just a short 20-minute ride, you arrive on the other side at Grindle Point Sailor's Museum and Lighthouse. The island itself is only 14 miles long and is a great choice for those interested in quiet nature walks along the coast or exploring the island by bike. If you happen to have your own boat, Warren Island State Park is located just off the shore, and spans over 70 acres. It was Maine's first state to be designed specifically for boaters and has no public transportation that can reach the island. If you go, tell us how it is!

4. Camden & Surrounding Coastal Towns

One of Maine's most famous, Camden is only 10 minutes south of Lincolnville. This coastal town's population more than triples due to visitors and seasonal residents in the summer months (all the more reason to go off-season).  Camden is popular for it's ocean views of their working harbor, bustling restaurant and shopping scene, and surrounding water adventure opportunities. Although we didn't take advantage this time around, Camden Harbor is home to numerous schooners, ferries, and other boating opportunities that offer daily sailing tours around the Bay and islands. For more activities, continue south to visit Rockport and Rockland or head north to visit the town of Belfast.