local recommendations

our favorite spots in and around harpswell

Food truck decorated for the 4th of July with a banner that says "Happy 4th of July." Two women inside the truck, one wearing patriotic attire and red glasses, are serving customers. The front sign says "Come in we're open," and the truck features nautical decorations, including a crab sign and fishing floats.

restaurants & cafes

  • Family run food truck at lookout point with outdoor seating, a one minute walk from the inn!

    https://www.facebook.com/p/Morses-100063692317707/

    119 Lookout Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079

  • Modern, elevated seafood shack with great vibes and even better food. Located on Bailey’s Island right at the end of the cribstone bridge. We LOVE the ahi tuna nachos.

  • Farm-to-table restaurant in a historic school house a three minute drive from the inn.

    https://harpswellschoolhouse.com/

    506 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell ME 04079

  • A Harpswell classic! Seafood spot with panoramic views of Casco Bay - try the blueberry muffins!

    https://www.thedolphin.me/restaurant.html

    515 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME 04079

  • Cute, independent coffee shop with espresso drinks and homemade baked goods right down the street from the inn!

    https://www.instagram.com/ittybittycoffeeshop/

    945 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell ME 04079

  • Comfy gourmet breakfast and lunch with local ingredients at a Harpswell marina with outdoor seating.

    https://www.iriseatsmaine.com/

    419 Harpswell Islands Road, Harpswell ME

  • Harpswell stalwart - old school, wood-filled Maine seafood house.

    https://www.cookslobster.com/

    68 Garrison Cove Road, Bailey Island, Maine 04003

  • Loved by locals, Wild Oats has it all - deli, bakery, and cafe. Ample seating indoor and out.

    https://wildoatsbakery.com/

    166 Admiral Fitch Avenue Brunswick, ME 04011

  • Locally sourced, elevated restaurant in Brunswick.

    https://www.555-north.com/

    10 Water Street, Brunswick, ME 04011

  • Fantastic gelato on Main Street in Brunswick with a wide range of flavors and open late!

    https://www.gelatofiasco.com/

    74 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME

  • Delicious little bakehouse and patisserie in downtown Brunswick.

    https://ritualbakehouse.com/

    111 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011

  • Casual brewpub on the river that brews their own beer (we like the blueberry bbq wings!).

    https://www.seadogbrewing.com/location/topsham/

    1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086

  • Woodfired and honey-boiled bagels, scones, bialys, and coffee; go early before they run out!

    https://www.dutchmans.me/

    14 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME 04011 (in Fort Andross)

  • Local pizza chain with the classics as well as options for the more adventurous. They will deliver to the inn via doordash!

    https://locations.ottoportland.com/otto-d0b8151e1355

    15 Cushing Street, Brunswick, ME 04011

Rocky coastline with waves crashing into the rocks, blue ocean, and clear sky in the background.

local excursions, sites, & hikes

  • Giant’s Stairs, Cliff Trail, Pott’s Point Preserve, and Curtis Farm Preserve are some of our favorites of the more than 20 trails and preserves open to th public in Harpswell. Check out the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s webpage for descriptions of and directions to the trails.

    https://hhltmaine.org/get-outdoors/

  • Take a scenic drive down Great, Orr’s & Bailey island (these islands make up Harpswell’s northeastern peninsula) to Land’s End for an unobstructed view of Casco Bay. The Land’s End Gift Shop is there if you need any souvenirs.

    2391 Harpswell Islands Rd, Bailey Island, ME 04003

  • Bird’s Eye Maine can bring you out into Casco Bay on your own private boat, with your own local guide and captain, exploring the many coves, lighthouses, beaches, and military forts that sprinkle the coastline. Every tour is personalized to your interests, whether it be sea glass hunting, wildlife viewing, or island hopping. It can even be arranged for you to be picked up right in Harpswell!

  • The Schooner Alert is a 70’ wooden schooner that sails Casco Bay on daily 2 hour, 3 hour, half day and full day trips with up to 28 guests. Departs from Bailey Island.

    https://seaescapecottages.com/portfolio-item/schooner-alert-windjammer-cruises/

  • Stroll historic Main Street in Brunswick and explore various book and home goods stores, antique emporiums, cafes, restaurants, galleries, treat shops, museums, the mall (town green), and Bowdoin College.

    https://mainstreetmaine.org/brunswick-me/

  • Freeport is home of Maine’s premier outdoor outfitter, L.L.Bean, as well as national shopping outlets and locally owned boutiques.

    https://www.visitfreeport.com/map/category/shop/

  • The greater Harspwell area is dotted with small, local art galleries. Some of our favorites include Meraki Gallery, Ash Cove Pottery, Bay View Gallery, and Lemont Block Collective.

A vibrant garden with a cobblestone pathway, surrounded by various green trees and colorful flowering plants, including purple and white blossoms, and a pond with a fountain in the background.

sights farther afield

  • Routinely listed as one of Maine’s top attractions, the gardens span 300 breathtaking acres - the largest botanical garden in New England!

    https://www.mainegardens.org/

    105 Botanical Gdns Dr, Boothbay, ME 04537

  • The Maine Maritime Museum, sitting on the bank of the Kennebec River, offers exhibits about Maine's maritime heritage, culture and the role Maine has played in regional and global maritime activities. There is also a boat tour available daily of Bath Iron Works, where you can see the naval destroyers being built up close.

    https://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/visit/

    243 Washington St, Bath, ME 04530

  • The self-described “prettiest little village in Maine” has a charming and historic Maine street with shops, restaurants, antique stores, and historic homes. Some of our favorites include Rock Paper Scissors, Treats, Birch, and of course, Red’s Eats.

    https://wiscasset.org/visit

  • If you’re looking for a beach day, we recommend Popham Beach State Park, it is an idyllic and classic Maine beach less than an hour from the Inn.

  • Explore the varying islands of Casco Bay by taking a water taxi or the ferry from Portland. Each island has its own history and things to do, ranging from strolling empty beaches to getting ice cream to eating at a fine restaurant.

    https://www.cascobaylines.com/islands/