Midcoast Day Trip

  • Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip

    Crashing waves on enormous rocks and great opportunities for photography bring visitors from all over to see the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. It’s the famous facade on the Maine state quarter after all!

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip
    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip

    Facing due South, the lighthouse park is run in partnership by the US Coastguard and Bristol Parks and Recreation department. Tide pools, pesticide-free gardens, and picnic tables offer ample entertainment outdoors for lovers of the sea. Visitors can climb the lighthouse tower to the top from 9am-5pm during the Summer season. On view is the elegant and effective Fresnel lens along with the vast expanse of the Gulf of Maine.

    Other indoor opportunities include The Fishermen’s Museum, which opened in 1972 to document and share local maritime history. There lies a collection of interesting artifacts involving Bristol’s fishing industry beginning in the 1800s. A giant lobster weighing nearly 40lbs is preserved and on view for admiration! Look forward to a row of handmade nets, old tools, captain’s logs, and articles describing shipwrecks in the area.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip

    Among many of the great features of this 19th century structure - it opened in 1827 - is the ability to rent the lighthouse Keeper’s House year-round. People can also host weddings on the grounds. In fact, yours truly was married at Pemaquid Point in 2012. Here are some images of that grand event:

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip
    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip

    For art lovers in the area, the Pemaquid Art Gallery provides another worthwhile destination on the same property. It was founded in 1929 and is recognized as the oldest ongoing society of artists in the state of Maine. The collection is juried and organized by the artists themselves and boasts a wide array of mostly Midcoast-themed 2D artwork.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip

    The Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park brings approximately 100,000 visitors to our peninsula annually. Entry fees are low costing $1 for children between the ages of 5 to 11 and $3 for adults. Children 4 and under may enter for free. The park officially opens in May and remains open through October.

    It is possible to walk the grounds in the off-season. Though, it is important to make a note for safety - especially when parks and recreation staff are not on the premises. There are no safety barriers to protect visitors from the surf so it is very important for people to be mindful of the environment and to watch every step when out on the rocks. Rogue waves are real!

    Pemaquid Point never ceases to amaze. It’s striking and beautiful and certainly worth a day trip and a picnic. Bring a book, a journal, some sunscreen, or a camera. Time spent with ocean sounds and bouncing light is met with arctic birds resting in undulating waves. The good view of rollers coming in clears the mind in the best way. Enjoy!

  • Restaurants

    Maine is becoming known for so much more than lobster rolls and fried clams. In 2018, Bon Appetit magazine named Portland the "Restaurant City of the Year" a creative vibe that has spread over the hills and up the coast. Whatever you crave, from fried to farm fresh, the Midcoast and Pemaquid region has so much to offer.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Farm to Table Wood fire River House Damariscotta

    We live by the sea, which winds up the river to the Great Salt Bay. While lobster is typically the first thing on people's mind when crossing the Piscataqua River Bridge, the waters and land of Maine hold so much more - from seafood to sandwiches and oysters to forest-raised pork. Our peninsula and abutting community have something for everyone. Here are some of our favorites... 

    - Breakfast and Baked Goods -

    On your way to the point, you'll pass through downtown Damariscotta. Check out Barn Door Bakery for fresh daily-backed treats. You'll find the most buttery croissants, scones laden with berries, quiches, hand pies, cookies, and cake. Be sure to grab a loaf of bread or package of English muffins for future mornings.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Barn Door Bakery Restaurant

    Once down in New Harbor, The Cupboard Cafe has sticky buns the size of your head that are too good to put down. Seriously, try your best to split one into halves or quarters. You'll be grateful to share with your loved ones or enjoy the sweet treat all over again if you save some later.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Cupboard Cafe Restaurant -
    - Lunch and Snacks -

    S. Fernald's Country Store (just Fernald's to locals) is known for their specialty sandwiches, over 40 of them!

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Fernalds Restaurant Damariscotta Restaurant

    The second generation family business couldn't be better.

    We love the "Bogie Hoagie" and both the Classic and Veggie Rubens. "Eggs Bigelow" named after the ocean science laboratory nearby makes for a great breakfast if they're out of the "Red Flannel Hash." Be sure to check out the well-stocked wall of penny candy sold by the pound.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Muscongus Bay Lobster Coop Restaurant

    If you'd rather lunch by the water, Muscongus Bay Lobster in Round Pond is just the spot. Pick your lobster and a picnic table, and listen for your name to be called when your order is ready. Note: It's BYOB, and good dogs are welcome. 

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Muscongus Bay Lobster Coop Restaurant

    - Dinner -

    Across the peninsula, next to historic Colonial Pemaquid sits The Contented Sole. We'll be there for happy hour in the evening when the live music starts.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Contented Sole Restaurant
    Creative cocktails, fresh seafood, and wood fired pizza make for a popular spot at the mouth of John's Bay. Tie up at the end of the pier if you visit by boat!

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Contented Sole Restaurant

    Sitting on the bridge in Damariscotta is River House. Farm to table and wood fired, the thoughtful menu changes almost daily according to what's available.

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Farm to Table Wood fire River House Damariscotta Restaurant

    Cocktails are mixed with house made syrups and mostly Maine spirits. If you can book the table on the deck, make sure to time it for sunset.  

    The Good Supply Pemaquid Maine Midcoast Artisan Store Visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Day Trip Farm to Table Wood fire River House Damariscotta Cocktail Restaurant