Every spring and summer national news outlets start sharing their picks for the best things to see in America. Inevitably, things like Acadia National Park and the Maine coast find their way into these stories. And for good reason! We’re lucky to have some of the most spectacular things to see and places to explore. But, what some people don’t realize is that the small towns and rural hamlets offer attractions that are just as great! To round out your list of things to see in Maine, be sure to check out these hidden gems.
- Hussey’s General Store, Windsor
MelFamilyAdventures / TripAdvisor Founded in 1923, Hussey’s moved to its present location in 1954. Still owned by the Hussey family today, it claims to be the largest general store in Maine. And, we have to agree! Stop in for incidentals or even a wedding dress. Address: 510 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363 / 207-445-2511.
- Burger Boy, Caribou
Burger Boy / Facebook Burger Boy in Caribou has been slinging meaty burgers since 1968. The 50s themed restaurant is known for their fried seafood, chicken, perfectly hand-cut fries (which use only local potatoes), creamy milkshakes and ice cream. And the interior feels like classic burger joint with vintage flair. Address: 234 Sweden Street, Caribou, ME 04736 / 207-498-2329.
- The Colonial Theater, Belfast
Michael Stokes / Flickr Beautiful Belfast might just be the quirkiest town in Maine. Known by some as “Moonbat Kingdom,” it’s got a decidedly hippie vibe with lots of great art galleries. But, what really makes this place artsy are the businesses that have made their space their own using art from those in town. In any given coffee shop or restaurant you’re likely to find treasures created by locals.
- Turner Farm Camground, North Haven
www.tentrr.com Turner Farm is is dedicated to supporting the local community through good stewardship of the land and growing quality food for everyone to enjoy. And pat of that enjoyment is the tent sight they’ve put up near the water. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but we especially love the opportunity to sleep on the land in their canvas tent. Address: 73 Turner Farm Road, North Haven, ME 04853 / 207-867-4962.
- The Gingerbread House Restaurant, Oquossoc
The Gingerbread House Restaurant / Facebook Editor’s Note: The Gingerbread House has been sold and is currently closed.The Gingerbread House is a Rangeley Lakes area mainstay. Head here for breakfast and you’ll be eating among a lively set of locals and visitors enjoying plates heaped high with pancakes, french toast and their famous homemade hash. Address: 55 Carry Road, Oquossoc, ME 04964 / 207-864-3602.
- Wayne, Kennebec County
clender / Flickr This entire town is off-the-beaten path and worth a visit. Located in the Winthrop Lakes region between Augusta and Lewiston, the summer fun here is abundant. Take a look at this beautiful video for a closer look.
- Fort Knox, Prospect
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr Perhaps overshadowed that the Fort Knox most people have heard of, this little spot has its own allure. A bit spooky, some say it’s haunted. It was originally built to defend the Penobscot River and Bangor during the Aroostook War. Whether you believe it or not, visiting this fort is a fun afternoon.
- Norway Brewing Company, Norway
Norway Brewing Company / Facebook This family-owned microbrewery right off route 26 is a great place to stop off for a quick snack if you’re heading to camp. We love the outdoor seating area and the beers are definitely something to write home about. We’ve seen them popping up in bars throughout the state, which just proves that some of the best of Maine comes from her small towns! Address: 237 Main Street, Norway, ME 04268 / 207-739-2126.
- Art Galleries, Blue Hill
ugardener / Flickr The town of Blue Hill has is wonderful if you love nature, but each year it becomes more and more of a destination for art lovers. With lots of local galleries and 2,500 year round residents, this place is thriving if you know what you’re looking for!
- Long Lake Creamery, Harrison
Long Lake Creamery / Facebook Long Lake Creamy is located on the bank of Long Lake and it’s the perfect place for a summertime scoop! You’ll find it on the northwest side of the outlet of Mill Stream, which flows from Crystal Lake to Long Lake on Main Street. We love the ice cream, but the views over the pond in the back are just as great! Address: 38 Main Street, Harrison, ME 04040 / 207-583-4266.
Now get out there and explore Maine’s small towns! Start by reading through this list of 14 charming towns that seem tailor made for Maine lovers.
MelFamilyAdventures / TripAdvisor
Founded in 1923, Hussey’s moved to its present location in 1954. Still owned by the Hussey family today, it claims to be the largest general store in Maine. And, we have to agree! Stop in for incidentals or even a wedding dress. Address: 510 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363 / 207-445-2511.
Burger Boy / Facebook
Burger Boy in Caribou has been slinging meaty burgers since 1968. The 50s themed restaurant is known for their fried seafood, chicken, perfectly hand-cut fries (which use only local potatoes), creamy milkshakes and ice cream. And the interior feels like classic burger joint with vintage flair. Address: 234 Sweden Street, Caribou, ME 04736 / 207-498-2329.
Michael Stokes / Flickr
Beautiful Belfast might just be the quirkiest town in Maine. Known by some as “Moonbat Kingdom,” it’s got a decidedly hippie vibe with lots of great art galleries. But, what really makes this place artsy are the businesses that have made their space their own using art from those in town. In any given coffee shop or restaurant you’re likely to find treasures created by locals.
Turner Farm is is dedicated to supporting the local community through good stewardship of the land and growing quality food for everyone to enjoy. And pat of that enjoyment is the tent sight they’ve put up near the water. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but we especially love the opportunity to sleep on the land in their canvas tent. Address: 73 Turner Farm Road, North Haven, ME 04853 / 207-867-4962.
The Gingerbread House Restaurant / Facebook
Editor’s Note: The Gingerbread House has been sold and is currently closed.The Gingerbread House is a Rangeley Lakes area mainstay. Head here for breakfast and you’ll be eating among a lively set of locals and visitors enjoying plates heaped high with pancakes, french toast and their famous homemade hash. Address: 55 Carry Road, Oquossoc, ME 04964 / 207-864-3602.
clender / Flickr
This entire town is off-the-beaten path and worth a visit. Located in the Winthrop Lakes region between Augusta and Lewiston, the summer fun here is abundant. Take a look at this beautiful video for a closer look.
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr
Perhaps overshadowed that the Fort Knox most people have heard of, this little spot has its own allure. A bit spooky, some say it’s haunted. It was originally built to defend the Penobscot River and Bangor during the Aroostook War. Whether you believe it or not, visiting this fort is a fun afternoon.
Norway Brewing Company / Facebook
This family-owned microbrewery right off route 26 is a great place to stop off for a quick snack if you’re heading to camp. We love the outdoor seating area and the beers are definitely something to write home about. We’ve seen them popping up in bars throughout the state, which just proves that some of the best of Maine comes from her small towns! Address: 237 Main Street, Norway, ME 04268 / 207-739-2126.
ugardener / Flickr
The town of Blue Hill has is wonderful if you love nature, but each year it becomes more and more of a destination for art lovers. With lots of local galleries and 2,500 year round residents, this place is thriving if you know what you’re looking for!
Long Lake Creamery / Facebook
Long Lake Creamy is located on the bank of Long Lake and it’s the perfect place for a summertime scoop! You’ll find it on the northwest side of the outlet of Mill Stream, which flows from Crystal Lake to Long Lake on Main Street. We love the ice cream, but the views over the pond in the back are just as great! Address: 38 Main Street, Harrison, ME 04040 / 207-583-4266.
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