| In And Around Searsport/Stockton Springs area.
• Fort Knox – The original one! Explore the ramparts of this restored fort built in 1844 to protect the northern border between Maine and New Brunswick. Troops were garrisoned there during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. "Nary a shot was fired".
• Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory - The most unique bridge being built on this Continent is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge with its 420’ observatory tower where you'll be able to view (on a clear day) from Mt. Katahdin to Stonington to Mt. Desert Island and possibly the Presidential Mountains. One other observatory exists like this one - it is in Thailand! This is a MUST see and do! Grand Opening Celebration - June 23, 2007, however the bridge is currently open and the Observatory will be open in May. Entrance is thru Fort Knox. Rates and other information can be found at: penobscotnarrowsbridgeandobservatory.info
•Penobscot Marine Museum. Preserving the maritime history of Penobscot Bay in a restored campus of 12 historic buildings featuring ship models, fishing artifacts, paintings, photographs and a maritime library renowned for its historical and genealogical collection. The exquisite Museum Shop is open year round.
• Lighthouses – There are 24 lighthouses in the mid-coast area including Fort Point Light and Bell Tower in Stockton Springs. Many of these are within an hour’s drive of Searsport.
• Sears Island - Ecotourism at its best. Walk, bike, hike the largest uninhabited island on the eastern seaboard. 940 acres of wildlife- 180 species of birds, rare sedge, 5 miles of coastline to explore for sea-glass, mussels, clams and driftwood. Free access.
•Antiques - Searsport is known as the ³Antiques Capitol of Maine². Search for quilts and treasures in the many antique shops, barns and flea markets and unlimited resources of old books and tools!
• Sailing – The Maine Windjammer Association offers sailing adventures aboard some of the most beautiful tall ships in the world.
Sail out of Belfast on the Friendship Sloop Amity; take a day trip to Castine on the Good Return and watch Captain Melissa pull in lobster traps.
• Kayaking – New and experiences kayakers will enjoy the calm waters of the bay or the excitement of the seas.
• Wineries – Tour the Winterport and Cellardoor Wineries and sample their superb, unique wines.
• Golf Courses – Searsport Pines Golf Club, Streamside Golf Club in Winterport, Bucksport Golf Club, Country View Golf Club in Brooks and Northport Golf Club are public courses open from mid-April to mid-October.
• Moose Point State Park – Hike the beautiful trails through woods or along the shore and then enjoy a picnic lunch at this beautiful day use park.
• Swan Lake State Park offers warm water swimming and picnicking.
• Leaf Peeping, Blueberry Barrens and Cranberry Bogs. Drive the back roads in autumn and discover all the different shades of red- with the first snow - it is a tapestry of colors!
• Galleries – Fine art, pottery and artistic photography are displayed and offered in wonderful galleries throughout the Mid-coast area.
• Nature Trips – Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and birding are available in mid-coast Maine’s unspoiled woods and waterways.
• Enjoy picking apples, blueberries, strawberries and cranberries in the orchards, barrens, fields and bogs throughout the season.
• Theater –
The Belfast Maskers present live theater year round.
The Alamo and Colonial theaters present everything from the newest releases to silent movies.
Marsh River Theatre offers live music from bluegrass to “grand ole opry”.
The Bay Chamber Concerts in Rockport offer year-round concerts by award-winning international artists.
The following attractions are approximately an hour or less from Searsport/Stockton Springs area:
Acadia National Park – Drive, hike, bike or ride horseback to enjoy the scenic beauty or this national treasure. A distant part of Acadia, Schoodic Peninsula is an exquisite rocky beach where you can sit on the giant boulders surrounded by the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Barlett Winery is on the Schoodic Peninsula –and it’s a lovely place to visit.
• Blue Hill Peninsula – A delightful area of eclectic artisans, quaint working seaside villages and breathtaking Cape Rosier with the beautiful, unspoiled Holbrook Sanctuary and its numerous hiking trails.
• Owls Head Transportation Museum – Landmark collection of automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, carriages and engines is open year-round and offers many special weekend events.
• The Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center – Nationally recognized collection of American art in elegantly appointed galleries. The Wyeth Center exclusively features the works of America’s first family of art.
• Whale, Seal and Puffin Cruises transport you to the islands and natural waters these shy creatures call home.
• Eat lobster! The local lobster pounds allow you to select from their huge tanks of fresh-caught lobsters and will cook your meal for you to enjoy on site or to take on a picnic. |