Boothbay The best of Maine, all in one spot

Editor’s Note: Get There from Here: A new series. You’ve heard it a million times already. Gas is expensive, which makes everything else expensive. But you don’t have to forgo a vacation. There are plenty of great destinations in driving distance within Maine and its immediate neighbors in New England and Canada. You’ll feel it immediately at the pump, but at least it’s not a plane. And staying close to the region, you can keep your money here.

WHY THERE? Boothbay is one of those places that isn’t on the way to anywhere, except the Atlantic Ocean. And that is part of its considerable charm. If you’re looking for the quintessential coastal Maine town, complete with working waterfront, colorful local history and Yankee hospitality, look no further than Boothbay, a town of just under 3,000 people on the Cape Newagen peninsula in Lincoln County.

GET THERE: Coming from the north, you can take the scenic route, Route 1, all the way to Wiscasset, then turn onto Route 27 and follow it until you reach Boothbay. Or you can take Interstate 95 to Augusta, take Exit 103 and connect with Route 27 that way instead. Concord Trailways makes a stop in Wiscasset, but beyond that you’ll need someone to pick you up, be it a friend or a taxi.

STAY THERE: Your options are varied for places to stay. On the higher end, the Five Gables Inn bed-and-breakfast (www.fivegablesinn.com; 633-4551) is one of the last remaining old summer hotels in the Midcoast region. There are a plethora of hotels on the Boothbay Harbor waterfront, including Brown’s Wharf Inn (633-5440) and Cap’n Fish’s Waterfront Inn (633-6605), if you want to stay right in the middle of town. If you want something a little more secluded, try the family-friendly Smuggler’s Cove Inn in East Boothbay (www.smugglerscovemotel.com; 633-2800).

EAT THERE: Lobster is the hot ticket here. There are more places that serve the Maine delicacy here than seemingly anywhere else in the state. Moneywise, your best bets for a seafood feast include The Lobster Dock (633-7120) or the Lobsterman’s Wharf Restaurant in East Boothbay (633-3443). The Thistle Inn (633-3541) offers fine dining in an elegant, old-fashioned hotel. And let’s not forget one of the best parts of hanging out in Boothbay Harbor: the candy. Orne’s Candy Store (www.ornescandystore) makes lots of sweet treats, but the saltwater taffy and penuche fudge are must-tries.

SEA THERE: No trip to Boothbay is complete without a cruise around the harbor. Several companies offer trips of varying lengths and purposes. Balmy Days Cruises (633-2284) and Cap’n Fish’s Scenic Boat Trips (633-2626) leave regularly from the waterfront, taking you around the harbor to see the abundant lighthouses, beautiful homes and rocky coastline. You also can cruise out to Monhegan Island or take one of the many whale-watching trips available. If you’d rather stay on land, the Maine State Aquarium in West Boothbay (633-9874) is interesting for both children and adults, with a touch tank and several exhibits featuring the creatures that populate the Maine waters.

SHOP THERE: The streets of Boothbay Harbor are lined with lots of fun, funky little shops. Some favorites include the funky duds at Calypso Clothing (633-3861), the kitschy, touristy Maine stuff at the Smiling Cow (633-5088) and the New Age and fantasy-themed gifts and supplies at Enchantments (633-4992). Outside of town, Winter’s Gone Alpaca Farm in Wiscasset (www.wintersgone.com) offers fabulously soft clothing and accessories, as well as the opportunity to spend some quality time with an alpaca.

FUN THERE: The Boothbay Playhouse (www.boothbayplayhouse.com) offers musical theater all summer. This year’s offerings include “The Sound of Music” Aug. 6-16 and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Aug. 19-24. The beautiful Boothbay Opera House (www.boothbayoperahouse.com) has a full schedule of theater, dance and music. The Boothbay Boat Builders Festival, this year set for Aug. 3, brings in dozens of schooners, windjammers and personal craft and also offers workshops and other activities for both adults and children.

KIDS THERE: At the Boothbay Railway Village (www.railwayvillage.com), you can take a ride on an authentic steam train, check out the collection of antique autos, and hang out in the early 20th century-style village. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (www.mainegardens.org) has lots of activities, but for children, one of the most fun has to be the Maine Fairy House Festival, set for Aug. 8-10. Your little fairy princess can get herself a pair of wings, play games and construct a special house for all the magical creatures that roam around Maine in the summer.

INFORMATION THERE: The Boothbay Chamber of Commerce offers a wealth of info. Visit www.boothbayharbor.com or call 633-2353.