Here Are The 7 Coolest Small Towns In Maine You May Never Have Heard Of
By Michelle|Published January 07, 2022
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
When considering the best small towns to visit in Maine, there’s a lot to keep in mind! Of course, proximity is important if you’re not looking to travel very far. But, to us, the most important factor is how unique and interesting they might be. And that doesn’t have to mean large, bustling, and popular. In many ways, some of the coolest small towns in Maine are actually quiet and unassuming, a lot like the rest of the state. Here are some of our favorites.
This small town is actually an island and it might take some effort to explore given that you must take a boat, but that just adds to its cool. This is the best place to visit if you love local art as this place is a haven for those who love to create. Visit in the summer to enjoy open gallery days and fun walks.
While certainly known among locals and those from away as a huge destination for tourists, The Kennebunks are also home to a number of local shops and restaurants. With a flair all their own, these spots are what make small towns so great.
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3. Norway, Oxford County
Norway Brewing Company, 237 Main St, Norway, ME 04268, USA
This little town wasn't on our radar a few years ago, but over time it's become one of our go-to stops when heading west. With a hoppin' Main Street complete with a brewery, vegan restaurant, BBQ spot, and coffee shop, you definitely won't leave hungry. And there's a whole lot of culture here too. Visit in the summer when you can stroll the shops or head there in the winter for access to the great outdoors.
Not every cool small town in Maine needs to come with a bustling downtown. We love Searsport for its access to nature and its year-round beauty. These views are pretty cool to us!
Often considered only as a place to shop, we think people should remember that there is so much than just outlets to enjoy here. Local coffee shops and stores line the tiny downtown street and we love the rural feel it has while still being just a few miles from Portsmouth.
7. Port Clyde, Knox County
Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
You might recognize this cute town as the spot where Forrest Gump ended his cross-country run. The Marshall Point Lighthouse here certainly is a beauty, but Port Clyde is also home to a number of artists and writers.
What are some of your favorite small towns to visit in Maine? Let us know your picks in the comments and give us some thoughts on what to do there!
