Every summer, we celebrate our anniversary with a little excursion. This year we celebrated our 52nd anniversary with a return trip to Castine, Maine on Penobscot Bay, located on the midcoast, 138 miles north of Portland and 51 miles south of Bar Harbor.
Castine is a beautiful historic village with breathtaking views and an incredible sense of history.
Although it first was settled in 1613 by the French, the English, Dutch and Americans fought over it until it finally became fully part of Massachusetts in 1814. Valued for its deep-water harbor with access to the Atlantic Ocean, today it is the home of the Maine Maritime Academy. It was also the site of the worst naval disaster in American history during the American Revolution with Paul Revere among those involved.
The town has many museums and sites that reflect its history and homes that date back to the 1700s. There are also many newer homes with stunning water views. We always stay at the Pentagöet Inn. Innkeepers Matt and George are great hosts. They purchased the inn five years ago and worked with the historical society as part of the restoration. They serve a daily hot buffet breakfast, and dinner reservations are a MUST! It’s hard to pass on their lobster linguini!
Upon first arriving in this historic village, we recommend the Castine Touring Company where local guides give a golf cart tour of the town. It helped us plan our private time. Remember to bring your walking shoes since there is much to do. Additionally, harbor boat sightseeing tours are available on the Lil’ Toot. Depending on the dates you visit, there are several festivals. And, if you are so inclined to enjoy some golf, there is a nine-hole links golf course in town.
Unlike other Maine midcoast sites like Camden or Bar Harbor, Castine never gets overcrowded.
