Boothbay Harbor Travel Guide

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The promotional literature describes things this way: In 1976, Richard and Chris Hilton began building a dream of making pottery in a one-room schoolhouse on the road to Boothbay Harbor. Thirty years later, Edgecomb Potters has a national brand recognition for a high caliber of work with an inventive spirit." What did I know? I just stumbled in because there was a great big deck that seemed to be covered with pottery and interesting sculptures -- it turns out that it is listed in the Rand McNally road atlas as one of the country's "Best of the Road" attractions. At my first visit, I walked out with Christmas gifts for everybody in the family, and photos of things I hoped they would buy for ME. Luckily, if your Maine road trip isn't taking you to the mid-coast, you can still find Edgecomb products in Freeport and Portland. These really are quite exquisitely beautiful. I have a whale's tail mug on my desk, a gift from a Mainer friend, that is so real that I can almost feel the salt spray as I drink my coffee.

What to buy: Pick up a piece of pottery. But there is also jewelry, fine crafts, and sculptures both large and small. I loved the wreaths made of pewter, featuring dolphins and starfish, and would love to have bought a wall sculpture of an oak tree.

What to pay: Like most hand-crafted items, these porcelains can be quite expensive ($35 for a mug, for example). If that's too rich for your blood, ask to see seconds or items from glazes which are being discontinued.

Now don't get me wrong here, we love to visit Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor, but..........before we went our first time, we were "warned" by a native Maine resident (my wife's uncle) that for some reason, Boothbay appeals not just to wealthy people, but to snotty wealthy people! We took this advice with a grain of salt and enjoyed our visit, but you know what? He was right! Most visitors there are just fine, but there were some who were not so fine. For example, I remember one 30-something couple really hassling the clerk about showing an i.d. along with their credit card. The teenaged clerk handled them beautifully and professionally, explaining exactly why she had to make this request. After finally making their purchase, they left in a huff, like it was a really big deal. So once in a while you might encounter something like that, but its good for a laugh and gives you another memory of Boothbay Harbor. Besides, it helps remind us po' folk that money can't buy class.

A wonderful off beat experience (directions from chamber of commerce or most hotels). This is an out of the way studio located at the end of scenic Lobster Cove Road. Swim or picnic at Barretts Park after a visit to this talented artists hide away. An impressive collection of original work, nautical, lighting, sconces, mirrors and more is offered and on display. Preview at www.macdonaldglass.com

Favorite thing: Park your car at the shopping center lot and walk (it isn't very far or very challenging) or take the trolley down to the center of town. Then just start sightseeing. Every shop has wonderful treasures and the people are so interesting. Many shopowners are 'from away' and have an interesting tale about their life's path that brought them to where they are today. Go to the glass blower, he makes great Christmas presents. Eat breakfast at the Ebb Tide - great bargain. Go to the Lobsterman's Co-Op for dinner - great lobster, good prices. Take a sunset cruise on the Pink Lady and when you get off of the boat, get ice cream and window shop at Cornucopia where you will surely find something, maybe even for yourself. Check the events calendar for activities at the library.

Fondest memory: My favorite week in Boothbay Harbor is Windjammer Week, usually the last week in June. There is something different to do each day and the evenings usually include fire works. Find a good place to see the ships coming into the harbor and take snacks. It takes a while but it is just amazing.