Things To Do In Midcoast Maine

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1.   The Freeport Outlets are known for the many great stores and boutiques that they offer. Check out international brands and some of the top names in fashion and more. Stores included at the Freeport Outlets include: J. Crew, L.L. Bean, Calvin Klein, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, North Face, Brown Goldsmiths and more. The Freeport Outlets are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. There are over 500 covered parking spaces for free in garages provided at the Freeport Outlets. Garage entrances are on Mill Street and Depot Street.

L.L. Bean is a staple brand that is based in Freeport. The brand has an outlet store in the Freeport Outlets which is not far from the flagship store in Freeport. The outlet store is open seven days a week The flagship store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a major tourist destination in the city of Freeport. The campus has been turned into a destination for free outdoor events, including a great concert series, wellness classes, family movie nights, -- something every day of the week.

FMI Address: Route One
Freeport, ME
visitfreeport.com

  2.   What began in 1979 as a winter clinic in Freeport, Maine, has expanded into a year-round series of expertly designed experiences that encourage people of all kinds to “Get More Outdoors.” Hosting dozens of exciting courses, tours and multiday adventures in select locations – as well as a schedule full of free guided outings – Bean’s highly trained instructors inspire participants to learn new skills, connect with their natural surroundings, and embrace the powerful physical and emotional benefits of spending time outside. Offering courses in paddleboarding, archery, snowshoeing, bird watching, shooting, and many more. 

FMI Address: Casco St
Freeport, ME
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/freeport-maine

3.   For dramatic coastal scenery in Bailey Island, nothing beats the Giant’s Stairs. Named for its interesting geologic history, the Giant’s Stairs trail follows the rocky coastline with gorgeous views of eastern Casco Bay, often with crashing waves glinting in the sunlight. On any given day you might see rafts of ducks, foraging harbor seals, or a lobster boat hauling traps. Follow a wide dirt trail that across the rocky ledges until you reach a small rocky beach, Pinnacle Rock, and "Thunder Hole." Please be sure to follow the red blazes along the rocks to stay on Town property The abutting McIntosh Lot Preserve is managed by Harpswell Heritage Land Trust and compliments the Giant's Stairs trail by completing a loop back to the parking area. Watch for poison ivy.

Parking is at the Episcopal Church when not in use. There is a loading/unloading zone at the head of the trail, not to be used for parking

4.   Maine Maritime Museum sits on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in “The City of Ships,” Bath, Maine. The museum is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage and culture. Stroll through the country’s only surviving shipyard to see where large wooden sailing vessels were once built. Tour the Mary E, a beautiful wooden schooner. Take a cruise to see some of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses from the water and get an up-close look at Navy vessels under construction at Bath Iron Works where the motto is “Bath Built is Best Built.”  If you have kids or grandkids interested in maritime history and you’re in or will be traveling to Maine, the Maine Maritime Museum has a deal for you. As part of its ongoing effort to improve accessibility, the Maine Maritime Museum is offering free admission to all visitors under the age of 18.

FMI Address: 243 Washington St
Bath, ME
mainemaritimemuseum.org

 5.    Why You Need To See the Botanical Gardens - After one trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, it will be easy to see why they are so highly rated. The gardens are open May through October and offer an amazing place to spend the day. Gardeners have planted 38,000 flowering bulbs that begin to show in early May. This amazing springtime display is one you don’t want to miss!

But it’s not just awesome in spring. Check online to see what is in bloom. one of the most popular attractions is seeing the blooming flowers. But, before you go, it is a good idea to do some planning. First, you should check to see what is in bloom using the

helpful What’s In Bloom? page of the website. The website also offers a neat tool called Florafind. This tool will show you what’s in bloom for a specific time period. The website also features a lovely garden map which will help you find your way all over the property.

Besides strolling through the gardens, there are more things to see and to learn. Another interesting thing to see is the permanent sculptures collection at the gardens. Through generous donations, these great pieces of art can be seen throughout the gardens. If there is one you want to see, the best way to locate is through Florafind.

There are wonderful educational programs for adults and children at the gardens. Their seminars can be anything from design to the seasons, as well as help in your own gardens.

If you would like to see another side of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, another option for you is to go to the gardens by boat. You’ll find boat tours, river cruises, and kayaking tours that are a great way to see the gardens in a new way.

The two acre Children’s Garden is ever-changing, Every day is different, filled with attractions and activities to invoke the imagination for families and children of all ages. Try talking to each other through the stone wall dragons, or discover what adventure awaits across the rope bridge in the treehouse. Back down on earth, search for turtles and tadpoles in the pond. Trace your steps along the lawn maze, then see what’s

growing in the Learning Garden and greenhouse. While you’re there, drop by for a visit with chickens and check for eggs before capping your adventure with an impromptu outdoor concert with nature-inspired instruments.

6.   Participants will be taken through back streets to hear tales of local hauntings and the history behind them. Buildings that once seemed ordinary will take on eerie new dimensions as your guide reveals their history and the paranormal activity of the ghostly entities that are said to still reside there.

The walks on these tours are short enough in distance for anyone to enjoy and are limited to the in-town areas, lasting approximately 90 minutes. The content of the tours is suitable for ages 12 and above. Adjustments in the routes may be made to accommodate elderly or disabled guests. Please call ahead to make special arrangements.

Private tours may also be arranged.

Specializing in Tours in Bar Harbor, Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden,

Damariscotta, Freeport, Hallowell, Kennebunkport, Portland, Rockland and Wiscasset, Maine.

“The tour was fun, informative, and just a little spooky. Exactly what we hoped for.”

FMI Red Cloak Tours 1-833-GHOST13

info@americanghostwalks.com https://redcloaktours.com/

  7. Board the Bennie Alice for the ride out of Boothbay Harbor and keep your eye out for seals and other wildlife while you enjoy the narrated cruise on your way to Cabbage Island. There is lots to explore on the island – wooded trails and hidden coves – or play volleyball, horseshoes or badminton while you wait for your feast to be prepared.

Then, dinner is served! Cabbage Island guests are treated to a traditional Downeast clambake including fish chowder, two lobsters, clams, golden corn on the cob, potato, onion, a hard steamed egg and Maine's finest blueberry cake.

Clambakes are cooked in traditional fashion - steamed over open fires between thick layers of seaweed and covered with tarpaulins to seal in all the great flavor and natural sweetness. Read about the history here. https://www.mashed.com/468713/the-truth-about-cabbage-island/

FMI Cabbage Island Clambakes 22 Commercial St

Boothbay Harbor ME 207-633-7200

cabbageisland.com

  8.    Maine is the only state in the US where wild puffins nest, so if you would like to see these adorable fuzzy birds for yourself, now is your chance! Of course, you might also see some other Maine marine wildlife during your scenic sea cruise, such as seals, whales, and blue heron, to name a few, in addition to a few historic Maine lighthouses you’ll pass on the way out to the island where they nest.

FMI Cap’n Fish’s Cruises
42 Commercial St
Boothbay Harbor, ME
207-613-7339
https://www.boothbayboattrips.com/cruises/puffin-scenic-cruise/