Here Are The 7 Coolest Small Towns In Maine You've Been Meaning To Visit
By Michelle|Published June 23, 2021
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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.
There’s no denying that Maine is one of the best places to visit. Whether you have a destination in mind or just hop in the car and wing it, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself someplace fantastic. We love the tourist destinations, like Acadia National Park and even local town beaches. But, in a place like Maine, even the small towns offer things to do and see. The ones on this list are just a few of our favorites. They offer everything from nature to great food and each one is worth a visit.
This little town may once have been the kind of place you simply drive through on the way to your camp, but today it's a destination all on its own. With lots of variety and a social conscience, Norway is a great place for families. Main Street offers lots of restaurants including a vegan restaurant and a BBQ spot. Plus one of the best breweries in the state, Norway Brewing Company, is based right here. Be sure to get the fried chicken sandwich! Learn more about what to do on a visit here.
If you consider coastal towns with a rich maritime history to be ultra-cool, then you'll love this one! It's also one of the largest producers of lobster in all of Maine!
One of Maine's most southern towns sits right on the border of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. While it has tons of history, we love just how many local restaurants and shops have popped up over the last few years.
While Portland might not be considered small by Maine standards it deserves a spot on this list. The tourist-frequented hot spot is filled to the brim with things to do. That includes great food, fantastic bars and more cultural activities than some large cities. Portland will always hold a place in our hearts.
The small town of Belfast is also referred to affectionately as "moonbat kingdom." While it may have originally been intended as an insult, those here to embrace the wackier side of life have come to appreciate the moniker. Visit for great art, wonderful bakeries and some of the kindest Mainers you'll meet. Learn more about it here.
This little island off the coast of midcoast Maine offers a small artists' community. With no vehicular traffic allowed, you'll be able to explore each of the many galleries peacefully and at your own pace. To get there hop aboard the ferry offered by Hardy Boats from New Harbor, Boothbay Harbor or Port Clyde. Check out a fun hike to do there by clicking here.
One of the most popular places for mountain and lake recreation, Rangeley offers a whole host of fun things to do. From the obvious outdoor fun to the mom and pop restaurants and shops, a trip to Rangeley is always a good idea. In fact, L.L. Bean has their own camps here, which means it must be cool.
Have you been to any of these places? If so, share your favorite things to do in the comments! And if there are any places that we missed share those with us so we can check ’em out.
