Dear Editor:

Last week I fell in love with Boothbay Harbor all over again. Nestled deep in the inlets of the Atlantic Ocean 108 miles up Maine’s rocky coast, our town sits as a harbor to sailors, tourists and vacationers seeking refuge. Although many coastal towns lie along the pastoral, pine-lined roads of Maine, the welcoming spirit of Boothbay Harbor sets it apart from its neighbors. 

The puttering of lobster boats wakes us as the sun peeks out from the horizon. Ships sail slowly into the harbor to avoid running over the bobbing buoys that turn the dark water into a floating tapestry of color. From the water, the town looks quintessentially coastal. Stacks of lobster traps pile on top of the piers and tiered rows of old homes line the winding roads. Downtown begins to bustle with activity as the morning fog fades. The scent of salty ocean breezes blends with a restaurant’s fresh baked blueberry muffins. 

The beauty of our coastal community encourages a vibrant and growing artisan culture. Intimate galleries are a central part of the landscape. Local artists take pride in talking to visitors about their work. This personal connection between the artists of Boothbay and those supporting their craft accounts for the blossoming artistic haven our town has become. 

I will never tire of the clam chowder at a local restaurant. Dimly lit and decorated in dark wood, the pub illuminates with the infectious warmth of the bartenders matched with the lively laughter of strangers exchanging stories. Tourists dance and sing to tunes and laughter grows louder as the day disappears. The soft glow from street lanterns doesn’t generate enough light to block the stars. The bounty of constellations visible astounds first-time visitors and locals alike.  

The sounds of swaying ships and swelling waves lull the town to sleep. Whether they are first-time visitors or born-and-raised in Boothbay, on nights like this, everyone feels like they belong.

Annie Yardley 

Boothbay Harbor