Downeast Maine is incredibly beautiful, rich with history, and full of opportunity.
You can find an overview of some of what the area has to offer below.
For ideal of–the–moment snapshots of life in Castine, please visit the Castine Visitor Center’s wonderful instagram account.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to help curate your experience for the festival.
Accommodations
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Castine Inn
– INN –
33 Main Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.4365
websiteA classic inn, since 1898, which feels like a step back in time with its elegant porch and beautiful antique pieces. Also has a beautiful perennial garden.
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Barncastle Hotel & RESTAURANT
– INN –
125 South Street / Blue Hill, Maine
207.374.2300
websiteAn 1884 Victorian–style home on the National Registry of Historic Places, with five guest rooms and suites. Also features a cozy restaurant and pub.
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Blue Hill Inn
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Brooklin Inn
– INN –
22 Reach Road / Brooklin, Maine
207.359.2777
websiteWith four rooms, this getaway provides privacy with historic charm and can host both you and well-behaved and fully trained dogs. Also serves dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays.
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Castine Cottages
– SIX COTTAGES –
Hosts Alan & Diana Snapp
33 Snapp's Way / Castine, Maine
207.326.8003
websiteA collection of two-bedroom cottages for weekly rental, each with a fully equipped efficiency kitchen and a screened room, along with water access. Also offers June and September wedding packages.
Dining
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The Waypoint
– MMA A LA CARTE CAFE –
in the Alfond Student Center, lower level
Pleasant Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.2468
websiteOpen to the public, a great spot to meet up with friends or to grab a meal on the go. Also serves Starbucks coffees, teas, and blended beverages.
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Danny Murphy's
– PUB –
5 Sea Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.1004
referenceRight by the dock, with classic pub fare such as burgers, pizza, and beer. Also hosts special events for local groups.
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The Variety
– RESTAURANT –
3 Main Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.9920
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Arborvine
– RESTAURANT –
dinner reservations strongly encouraged
33 Tenney Hill / Blue Hill, Maine
207.374.2119
websiteFine dining with intimate tables and cozy fireplaces, perfect for a romantic dinner or a group of friends. Also features a graceful team and delicious wine.
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Barncastle
– RESTAURANT –
125 South Street / Blue Hill, Maine
207.374.2300
websiteRich food without overwhelming the palette, with a salad of fresh ingredients next to schnitzel, chilled corn soup, and mussels on the menu. Also offers delicious desserts.
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The Blue Chill
– POPSICLES –
4 Parker Point Road / Blue Hill, Maine
207.374.7053
instagramA family-focused hangout serving handmade popsicles. Also features brilliant twists on combinations of popsicle flavors.
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Humblebee cafe
– CAFE –
162 Ellsworth Road / Blue Hill, Maine
instagramFresh and delicious cafe food, with indoor and outdoor seating. Also features several great vegetarian options.
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Brooklin Inn
– RESTAURANT –
22 Reach Road / Brooklin, Maine
207.359.2777
websiteServing a delicious menu featuring local seasonal ingredients. Also hosts beautiful special events.
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Tinder Hearth
Cultural
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Castine Historical Society
– MUSEUM + GUIDED WALKING TOUR –
17 School Street / Castine, Maine
websiteA window into Castine’s past, with permanent and summer exhibitions, lectures, and house & garden tours. Also makes collections available to the public for research throughout the year.
In addition, CHS offers the complimentary Castine Uncovered Walking Tours, a fun, informative, outdoor learning experience that delves into both the beauty and the historical significance of Castine. Also provides context for the town's architecture and famous Elm trees.
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Castine Touring Company
– GUIDED CART TOUR –
from the dock or arranged pick–up site
websiteExperience the town with a local guide, riding in comfort on one of two electric carts for 60–90 minutes, exploring the entire perimeter of Castine’s peninsula – from the dock to the lighthouse, from the northernmost corner of the harbor to Maine Maritime Academy at the top of the hill. Visit historic forts, quintessential coastal Maine summer homes, The Wilson Museum, historic inns and churches, and much more. Also dog–friendly for animals comfortable in your lap or at your feet.
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Wilson Museum
– MUSEUM –
120 Perkins Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.9247
websiteThe museum leads with a mission of cultivating and encouraging human connection across place, time, and cultures. Also features immersive hands–on history events on Wednesdays and Sundays through July and August, a must for families.
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Witherle Memorial Library
– LIBRARY –
41 School Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.4375
websiteLocated on the Common, the library cultivates conversation, learning, enjoyment, and the preservation of local history, all for the enrichment of the community of Castine. Also features an amazing children’s library and wonderful programs.
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Worship
– CHURCHES OF CASTINE –
Our Lady of Holy Hope (Roman Catholic)
137 Perkins Street / Castine, Maine
207.469.3322
websiteTrinitarian Congregational Parish
68 Main Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.9486
websiteTrinity Episcopal Church
150 Perkins Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.4180
websiteUnitarian Universalist Church
86 Court Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.9083
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Castine Cruises
– HARBOR CRUISES –
Town dock, at the base of Main Street / Castine, Maine
207.701.1421
websiteCruise the Bagaduce, explore Smith Cove, and relax on Castine Harbor on a 45– or 90–minute cruise, with new friends or a private charter. Also offers drop off and pick up service to Holbrook Island, where you can enjoy a picnic or walk the trails of Holbrook Island Sanctuary.
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Castine Kayak Adventures
– GUIDED KAYAK TOURS + BIKE RENTALS –
17 Sea Street / Castine, Maine
207.866.3506
websiteOffering daily availability for three sea kayak tours: mornings, which are calmer so comfortable for beginners; afternoons, which can be bit more exciting; and evenings, designed for bioluminescent and star gazing. Also offers a special tour to experience the fireworks from the water on the 4th of July.
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Blue Hill Public Library
outdoors
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AROUND CASTINE
With wide streets, beautiful gardens, and famous elm trees, Castine provides a lovely backdrop for a short or long stroll. Add in the hill from the water to Battle Avenue, and you can experience a good hike with your scenery.WITHERLE WOODS in CASTINE
Part of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the 193–acres of Witherle Woods features more than four miles of trails, gradually winding through the changing forests of this coastal preserve. You can see a map here, noting trails, uphill elevations, and historical sites. If already in town, you can easily access it on foot; the map also notes parking locations. The preserve is open to the public during daylight hours throughout the year. Great for dog walks; just be careful during tick season!BLUE HILL HERITAGE TRUST
The Blue Hill Heritage Trust is a conservation organization working to protect about 12,000 acres of land. It has more than 31 miles of trails, across several towns. You can see all trails by town here. You can find more information about exploring the area with dogs here.:: Blue Hill
Blue Hill Mountain – Seven trails, various difficulty levels
Heart of Blue Hill – Designed for accessibility and to provide a pleasant path off the busy roads
Kingdom Woods – 800 acres, three miles of trails
Peters Brook & Penny’s Preserve – Five miles of trails, including beautiful waterfall
:: Brooklin
Hundred Acre Wood – 1/2 mile accessibility trail, 1.7 mile wooded path
:: Brooksville
Ferry Landing – 23 acres, one mile path to the canoe/kayak launch (possible strong currents – be careful!)
John B. Mountain – 38 undeveloped acres, with steep and rocky sections
Snow Natural – 40–acre parcel with 2,550+ feet of shorefront on the Bagaduce River
Meadow Brook – Mill Stream – 1/3 mile trail, multiple accessibility features
:: Castine
Greenbie – 43 acres with 1/2 mile walking trail
Hatch Cove – A significant portion of the fields on either side of Rt. 166 just north of the British Canal with a lovely walking path through woods and field
:: Penobscot
Community Forest at Wallamatogus Mountain – 336 acres, two miles of roads through blueberry fields
Weinland Nature – 40+ acres, last cut in the 1970s
:: Sedgwick
Cooper Farm at Caterpillar Hill – 134 acres, upper blueberry fields and lower mossy forest
Snow’s Cove – Two trails, totaling just under two miles
Bluff Head – One mile trail, panoramic view at the bluff
:: Surry
Carter Nature – 1.5 miles of trails, three sections
Furth Wildlife – 1/2 mile trail that splits into two, for an additional one mile each
Patten Stream – 41 acres of conservation property, two loops of total 1.5 mile distance
Meadowbrook Forest – 2,030 acres with a five mile loop
Surry Forest – 2,100 acres with nine miles of logging roadsGREAT POND MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION TRUST (GPMCT)
GPMCT preserves the Wildlands: 5,000 acres of mountains, woods, and water managed for wildlife habitat, sustainable forestry, and community trails. The 5100-acre Wildlands preserve encompasses small mountain peaks, numerous streams and frontage on the Dead River and Hothole Pond. A network of gravel roads are open to walking, running, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Foot and bike trails, easy to strenuous, will bring you to special views and other places off the beaten path. Access is free. You can find a map and information about trailheads here.HOLBROOK ISLAND SANCTUARY
An amazing network of old roads, paths, and animal trails that lead to the exploration of the shoreline, marshes, ponds and forests. It will never be altered by modern park facilities and management techniques. It spans 1,230 acres on the mainland and 115 acres on Holbrook Island. You can visit the wonderful Friends website here; the park trail map notes distances, times, and levels of difficulty; the bird list is here; and you can find great answers to questions here, including information about water accessibility. -
Located about an hour’s drive from Castine, Acadia National Park is considered the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast with 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads. Acadia is extremely popular, particularly during the months of June through September, and planning is strongly encouraged to ensure your enjoyment and access to key attractions.
Some helpful Acadia resources:
:: Top 5 Things to Know before Visiting, including how to access Cadillac Mountain (advance registration REQUIRED)
:: History and General Information
:: Visit Maine
:: The Best Kept Secrets in Acadia National Park from the Appalachian Mountain Club -
Just a few of the great activities for kids around town:
OUTSIDE
:: Adams School: A great playground awaits!
:: Fort George: Running across the green is perfect for expending energy
:: Witherle Woods: More than four miles of hiking trails and groomed trails in the winter for cross–country skiing
:: The Back Shore: Generations of Castine children have learned to swim here and continue to enjoy the water nowBEYOND CASTINE
:: Treworgy Orchard: A family farm with spring, summer, and fall activities, including a corn maze, apple picking, a range of other fruits and vegetables by the season, and goat snuggling in the spring! You can find a schedule (and more information about bringing your dog) here. Entry is free. There is also no cost for hayrides, folk concerts, parking, picnic table use, the petting zoo, and having a great time! There is a charge for the corn maze and any produce or gifts you would like to take home. -
Castine is a great town for dogs, with friendly residents and plenty of places to explore:
in CASTINE
:: Town: Dogs and humans walk all around town, including through the cemetery off of Court Street; Fort George is also a great spot for activity
:: Water: Dogs enjoy swimming in the water by the Yacht Club and the Back Shore
:: Witherle Woods: More than four miles of trails; be careful during tick season!
:: Touring: If your dog is comfortable sitting on your lap or at your feet, you are welcome to bring them on a riding tour through Castine with Castine Touring CompanyGROOMING + DAYCARE + BOARDING
:: Go Doggie: 40 acres in the woods with secure fencing create a safe off–leash environment for playcare and boarding; website
:: Paws Wings & Things: Boarding and daycare with heated indoor play as well as outdoor play space; website
:: Something to Wag About: Professional groomers (recommend booking early in the year for summer appointments) and a canine recreation center make the drive to this Ellsworth location worth it; websiteFOOD + TREATS
:: Maine Shop: Loyal Biscuit has six locations in Maine and carries a great selection of food, treats, toys, collars & leads, and other pet needs; the closest locations to Castine, Belfast and Brewer, are about 50 minutes away, but a great stop on the list when running errands or exploring in those directions; can also ship items weighing up to 20 pounds
:: Online: Boxes from chewy are delivered around town to happy petVETERINARY SERVICES
:: Clinic – Daytime: Many of the veterinary practices near Castine are not currently accepting new patients; PetMedic in Freeport is OPEN DAILY, 10a–8p, often with same–day (or close to it) appointments booked online, making it worth the drive if you have a need for care (207.805.5398 / 200 Lower Main Street / Freeport, Maine)
:: Emergencies – Nights + Weekends: Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer provides emergency care for pets without appointments, available after hours, on weekends, and holidays. The clinic is open MONDAY – THURSDAY, 5:30p–8a, and FRIDAY @ 5.30p through MONDAY @ 8a. The clinic is TRIAGE based, so they see animals in order of severity. Calling ahead helps them to prepare, especially during busy times when they may reach capacity. They share that your proactive communication is very helpful. (207.989.6267 / 15 Dirigo Drive / Brewer, Maine)FAMILY ACTIVITIES
:: Treworgy Orchard: A family farm with spring, summer, and fall activities, including a corn maze that dogs can enjoy with their people. You can find a schedule and more information about bringing your dog here.HIKING the AREA
:: Holbrook Island Sanctuary: Holbrook is open daily year–round, from 9a to sunset. You can plan your visit to this beautiful area that spans 1,230 acres on the mainland and 115 acres on Holbrook Island. This very helpful trail map includes distances, times, and levels of difficulty.HIKING nearby with BLUE HILL HERITAGE TRUST
:: Overview: The Trust is a conservation organization working to protect about 12,000 acres of land. It has more than 31 miles of trails, many of which are great for dogs! Dogs must be on lead on all trails except for the off–leash trails noted below. You can see all trails by town here, and a few notes about dogs on the trails here
:: For the Views: Penobscot Community Forest at Wallamatogus Mountain; Visitors can hike over two miles of roads through blueberry fields while being treated to spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, nearby coastal islands, and the whole Bagaduce River watershed; be careful on hot days as the area is exposed
:: With Water, including a Small Waterfall: Peters Brook & Penny’s Preserve; Peters Brook and its associated branches drain the uplands east of the Blue Hill village into Peters Cove, which is part of Blue Hill Bay; the entire trail system has approximately 5 miles of hiking trails that take you along and out to various points along Peters Brook, including a beautiful waterfall and through historic granite quarries
:: Off Leash: Under voice command, allowed at Surry Forrest, Meadowbrook Forrest, Penobscot Community Forest at Wallamatogus Mountain, and part of Penny’s Nature Preserve
:: Only Service Animals: Furth/Talalay Nature Sanctuaries and Carter Nature Preserve’s Wood’s Trail
:: Hunting: Please note that hunting is permitted as allowed by season in Maine, although never on Sundays; the Trust asks that you please mark your dog (and yourself) with blaze orange during deer hunting season (generally throughout the fall, check IFW for details) and do not permit dogs off leash during this time
Shopping
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Antiques by the Sea
– DECOR –
in the Castine Visitor Center
Castine Town Dock, Sea Street / Castine, Maine
instagramFeaturing a wide range of decorative objects and furniture. Also showcases a stunning collection of table top accessories.
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Mary Margaret's Mercantile and Analog Attic
– GIFT SHOP –
– RECORD STORE –
15 Main Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.5102
instagramFeaturing gifts, clothing, and a wonderful yarn collection. Also houses Analog Attic upstairs, a must–visit for any collector, with an eclectic mix of records, stereos, and photo equipment from the pre–digital era.
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Castine Market
– MARKET –
MONDAY – SUNDAY, 6a–7p
12 Water Street / Castine, Maine
207.326.4818Light groceries, a range of beer & wine, and general household supplies. Also offers takeout sandwiches.
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Windmill Hill Provisions
– GENERAL STORE –
5 Castine Road / Castine, Maine
207.326.0781
instagramFeatures a delightful mix of food and groceries, from pot pies to produce to coffee, as well as a curated selection of beers, wines, and other drinks, with free tastings twice a month throughout the summer. Also offers a range of gifts, a mix of books, and a selection of household items for both maintenance and entertainment.
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Hannaford
– SUPERMARKET + PHARMACY –
15 South Street / Blue Hill, Maine
note that pharmacy hours are different than store hours; see website for details
website
instagramThe closest full grocery store to Castine, offering fresh produce, specialty Maine items, a broad organic selection, kind staff, and a range of household items. Also includes a pharmacy.
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Juniper
– BOUTIQUE –
27 Water Street, 1b / Blue Hill, Maine
website
instagramA small shop located in the historic Pendleton House, featuring a collection of vintage, resale, and retail clothing and accessories. Also showcases a broad range of styles, from classic to modern, from preppy to boho, with treasures to be found for everyone.
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MAE
– BOUTIQUE –
48 South Street / Blue Hill, Maine
in the cottage at Mainescape
207.374.2506
website
instagramA stunningly curated collection of women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, holistic skin care (including from the lovely and local Flora ex Machina), and specialty home items. Also features a staff ideally able to help you find a perfect gift or treat for yourself.
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Surry Gardens
– NURSERY + GARDEN SHOP –
1248 Surry Rd., P.O. Box 145 / Surry, Maine
207.667.4493
website
facebookA premier full service greenhouse and nursery company, carrying a huge selection of trees, perennials, fruit trees and shrubs, roses, vines, water plants, bedding plants, vegetable starts, and herbs. Also installs install all phases of a landscape from initial site grading and preparation, to plantings, walkways, walls, terraces, fences, and water features.
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Trove
– ARTISAN BOUTIQUE –
36 East Main Street / Searsport, Maine
207.548.4073
website
instagramA locally owned artisan boutique and gift shop, featuring a carefully curated collection of one of a kind contemporary and functional handcrafted goods and original art. Also has online shopping with both shipping and pickup options.