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Walk to everything Castine has to offer! This is a real walking town, with little traffic and quiet evenings when the streets are dotted with folks strolling along the waterfront or out to the still operating lighthouse -- one of the oldest on the coast of Maine.
The historic village has a lively downtown -- well, lively for us -- with lots of things to do for adults and families. The choice is yours: sit on the deck and read a summer novel or walk down to the Town Dock to watch the Windjammers sail into town. Take a picnic supper to the Town Common for a decidedly local summer concert by the Castine Band or the Steel Drum band. Attend a lively church supper or relax with elegant dining at The Castine Inn or The Manor. The Pentagoet serves high tea at 4:00 o'clock every afternoon. Casual dining is available at Dennett's Wharf, pizza heaven is at The Reef and lunch al fresco is at The Breeze, where the clam rolls prevail. The social hub is Bah's Bakehouse or Castine Variety, where ice cream is king -- and the best lobster rolls in Maine.
Want more excitement? Bring a bike and tour the town. There are five forts in Castine, and dozens of signs describing what took place at battle sites -- some gruesome! Kayak the Bagaduce River or paddle Castine Harbor, exploring the many islands that dot its waters. Swim or paddle the shallow waters at the Back Shore -- either in the cold Atlantic Ocean, or in the solar-heated salt water pool. Play golf or tennis at the club, or take lessons. Drive (1 hr) to Acadia National Park or to Blue Hill (30 mins) to explore their seacoast and shopping. Making you tired? Just sit back and enjoy the deck. Take a nap. Hone your relaxing skills. . . this is a vacation, after all.
Walk down to the original lighthouse and explore the tidal pools in the rocks below; there are field trips and nature tours to help you identify what you are discovering. Rent a boat and go out to explore one of Penobscot Bay's large islands, even camping overnight on one of the "Island Trail" sites. Kayak tours are available nearly every day from Dennett's Wharf, and a local boatbuilder is nearby. Visit Harborside and the Nearing farm, where 'back to the land' was practically invented in the 1960's.
Wilson Museum, Witherle Library and Emerson Hall host activities and gatherings. There are many children's activities throughout town all summer. You can also let the kids wander anywhere -- just tell them, "Don't go off the Neck," and they'll be home for supper. |
