An unspoiled island fishing community
The isolated town of Westport, Maine, is a striking island community cut off from the mainland by the Sheepscot and Back River systems. From its earliest settlement, the island has been predominantly an economic center for fishing and lobster potting. To this day, most of the island's inhabitants make a living in the same way that generations of their forebears have done before them. The rocky, windswept extremities of the island are lapped by the flowing waters of both rivers, but protected by its position further inland from Southport, Georgetown and MacMahan Islands.
Go ape for the seafood
Just a short drive away from your Westport vacation rental you'll find plenty to keep the family occupied. Monkey C Monkey Do is an outdoor aerial adventure zip line park with more than 60 obstacles, an enormous swing and multiple zip lines that kids go crazy for. If heights aren't for you, they also have 4 laser tag arenas. On Westport Island itself, the North End Lobster Co-Op could claim to be the freshest place to buy seafood in Maine. Watch the boats come in and buy straight off the dock at fantastic prices all year round.
A step back in time
Island life is slow-paced and tranquil, the main activity being fishing, both for commerce and entertainment. The numerous sheltered coves, which once made perfect sites for small-scale boatbuilding, are now great places to escape to for some peace and quiet. If you don't want to cast out some lines, you could walk out of your Westport vacation rental to explore the island's coastal pathways on foot. Alternatively, you could hop in a car to get across to the mainland in minutes, to eat in one of the local restaurants or browse the quaint antique shops.
Shellfish a'plenty
The Island of Westport is teeming with wildlife, including eagles, osprey and other seabird species. However, it is most famous for its high quality and quantity of shellfish. At the dock you can watch the fishermen unloading lobster, crab, scallop and shrimp in huge numbers, while a walk along the island's tidal coves and saltmarshes reveals mussels, clams and other mollusks for the taking. There are also numerous oyster farms in the surrounding area. Leaving the island and your Westport vacation rental, you can visit a number of preserves to see deer, otters and beavers, in stunning natural locations.
Transportation options to and around Westport
The nearest airport is in Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM), located 35.9 mi (57.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Wiscasset, ME (ISS), which is 3.2 mi (5.2 km) away.