Christmas Cove – coastal Maine at its most marvelous
Said to have been discovered by legendary English explorer Captain John Smith on Christmas day in 1614, Christmas Cove is a picture postcard inlet, nestled on the glistening Damariscotta River in South Bristol, Maine. Visit during the warmer months and you'll find its quaint little harbor dotted with gently bobbing sail boats, while the waterfront throngs with blissed-out vacationers feasting on local seafood, sipping colorful cocktails or simply watching the world go by. Christmas Cove vacation rentals range from cozy cottages to sprawling, white clapboard family houses, so you're sure to find your ideal home-away-from-home.
Culture and history near Christmas Cove
If you need a break from the sun, or to take shelter from the rain, you'll find an eclectic range of attractions within easy reach of your Christmas Cove vacation rental. The vibrant state capital of Augusta, around an hour away by car, is home to the Maine State Museum, with its enthralling exhibits covering over 12,000 years of local history. Culture vultures should also check out Old Ford Western, New England's oldest surviving wooden fort, which played a significant role during the American Revolution. Or for some educational family fun, head to the Maine State Aquarium in Boothbay Harbor. The big draw for many is its touch tanks, where you can handle lobsters and crabs, and even pet a baby leopard shark.
Set sail for Christmas Cove
The region is an enticing spot for a sailing vacation, with a seemingly endless stretch of ruggedly beautiful coastline to explore, and yacht clubs with guest moorings and full-service clubhouses tending to your every need in style. Boat rental is a breeze to arrange locally, and you can even hire yourself a captain if you'd rather someone else do all the hard work. Kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are other perennially popular local summer pastimes. And as the local waters teem with king mackerel, striped bass, bluefish and other highly prized catches, Christmas Cove is also a major sports fishing destination.
Sunny summer days in Christmas Cove
The peak season of June to August sees a significant spike in demand for Christmas Cove vacation rentals, so be sure to book early if you're planning a summer getaway. The weather at this time of year is typically pleasantly warm rather than stiflingly hot, with plenty of sunshine and blue skies – ideal conditions for enjoying life in the great outdoors. Late spring and early fall are also great times to visit, with agreeably mild temperatures and a more tranquil atmosphere thanks to fewer out-of-towners. Winters can be very cold, with plenty of snow.
Christmas Cove's natural wonders
Stay in Christmas Cove and you'll discover a wealth of natural spectacle virtually on your doorstep. A Maine vacation highlight for many is a boat trip out to observe the region's magnificent marine life. On any given voyage, you might encounter comical seals, sleek dolphins, or awe-inspiring humpback and finback whales. Christmas Cove is also a year-round haven for bird watchers, with all manner of enchanting songbirds and shorebirds to keep your eyes peeled for. Hikers are similarly well catered-for, with an array of pristine trails to guide you across ruggedly beautiful rocky shorelines, through lush forests and towards sensational white-sand beaches.