While it’s a tiny town Searsport has a rich nautical history with a world class marine Museum https://penobscotmarinemuseum.org/ and an amazing model ship shop – Bluejacket Shipcrafters (http://bluejacketinc.com )). Architecturally there a many large “Captains House” and other grand houses from the 1800’s. We also have nice local gift shop (Trove), awesome ice cream and hand crafted chocolate (Splendiferous Sweets) and a brew pub (Maineport Brew Pub).
In Searsport we have a great casual restaurant, “Hey Sailor” that has some kind of entertainment most nights from karaoke to bands. The Homeport Inn, in an old captains house, has an English Pub and a more formal restaurant, a beer garden and live music every night mostly acoustic music from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond. Anglers Restaurant is also a great local favorite and one of the only restaurants that is open every day.
At the end of Steamboat Avenue Bricks and Sticks serve Pizza and sandwiches from a food truck overlooking the harbor in the season. Massimo’s make fresh bread and cornetto’s (Italian croissant) and much more but check if they are open, they have erratic hours.
Directly across from our place, Searsport Shores Camp ground welcomes visitors and has live music every Monday and Wednesday (bring your own instrument).
A one minute drive from us is Moose Point State Park, which has some easy trails along the water’s edge, picnic table and barbecues.
Drive towards Belfast and, a must visit, is Youngs Lobster Pound, very basic but excellent lobster for a reasonable price and you get to sit outside overlooking Belfast harbor. When we go we bring our own appetizers, wine and beer, some locals even bring their own table cloths. Check timings as they close quite early.
Belfast, voted best little town in Maine, has restaurants, shops and a nice harbor. Vinolo has wine tastings every Thursday. The Belfast Chamber of Commerce has a web site with lots of information. . There is an outdoor farmers market on Fridays at Waterfall Arts Center in the season and an all years round indoor farmers market in town on Saturdays.
Camden is about half an hour south on route 1 (stop in Dots on the way down for coffee and a snack). It is a very quaint, and I would say twee, town. Just before you get to Camden there is Camden Hill State Park, one of my favorites, drive up to the top and the views are spectacular.
Of course, there is Acadia National park, which is around an hour but Castine, Deer Isle, Blue Hill, and Mt Desert Island are not shabby 😊
Enjoy
For Dog owners
Belfast has a dog park at 122 Lincolnville Av.
There are some restaurants that have dog friendly areas.
In Searsport:
The beer garden at The Homeport Inn and Tavern
In Stockton Springs
Barbs, it’s kind of a diner, has an outdoor area
In Belfast:
Youngs Lobster Pound, outdoor seating overlooking the Belfast harbor
Marshalls Wharf Brewery, indoor/ourdoor seating in Belfast harbor
Darby’s has an outdoor seating area (I think dogs are ok)