Maine architecture at its best
Steeped in maritime tradition, it will come as no surprise that Bath is known as the City of Ships. The town is also famous for its spectacular 19th-century architecture, reminiscent of the Georgian style. Unlike many Maine clapboard towns, the center is predominantly made up of redbrick buildings. With a long and respected tradition of boatbuilding, Bath is a magnet for anyone seriously interested in ships and sailing. With numerous maritime museums and attractions for any budding or seasoned sailor, a Bath vacation rental offers the perfect Maine departure point for heading out to sea.
The birthplace of American boatbuilding
Your stay in a Bath vacation rental wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum. It's packed full of exhibits and displays, from the early days of exploration and boatbuilding to lighthouses and the lifecycle of the lobster. You can take a tour downriver while a guide from the museum explains how the Bath Iron Works has been building America's naval vessels for over a hundred years. In the heart of town, craftsmen and volunteers have built a replica of The Virginia, the first ship to sail away from America in the early 17th century.
A town packed to the gunwales with naval history
Bath offers salty sea dogs the opportunity to charter their own boat, book fishing trips or take a relaxing tour around the islands to photograph the coastal scenery. Hikers and bikers will be particularly taken with the challenging trails that wind their way around the coast, passing pine forests and scenic viewpoints. In town, you can shop for nautical souvenirs and fresh produce at Bath's farmers' market. The town is also packed with quality restaurants selling exceptionally fresh seafood dishes. The world-famous Maine lobster roll is particularly popular after a long morning of shopping.
A great vacation, whatever the weather
For a fair-sized town, Bath has plenty of indoor activities, museums and shopping, which makes it a great destination, even with New England's famously fickle weather. If boating and fishing are high on the agenda, then late spring and summer are the best times to see this beautiful part of Maine. If not, try to nab a Bath vacation rental during fall, when the crowds have disappeared and the prices drop considerably. During this time, you can also witness Maine at its most beautiful, when the leaves turn from green to hues of yellow and red.
From mudflats to wildflower meadows
If you feel like leaving town and heading for the countryside, the wildlife refuge of Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary is a close enough getaway to enjoy a day out in nature. With over 70 acres of meadows, pine forest and tidal mudflats, the area is home to a wide array of animals and birds. Donated to the Audubon Society by Millicent Hamilton in 1986, it's home to nesting species like woodcocks and bobolinks. Birdwatchers can also spot redwings, sparrows and warblers in the marshes and herds of deer graze the meadows beside trails that wind around the water's edge.
Transportation options to and around Bath
The nearest airport is in Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM), located 30.5 mi (49 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 6.5 mi (10.5 km) away.