Where did the summer go?

This question, a common one around this time of year, is being echoed by locals and visitors in Boothbay Harbor these days.

Another sentiment being echoed by many business owners around town is: “It was a great summer.”

On Friday, Sept. 12, Boothbay Harbor was still bustling with tourists getting their fill of fresh seafood, drinks on restaurant decks and shopping for Maine made crafts.

Karen Vander of Gold/Smith Gallery and Goobies said this summer has been the best one they've had since 2007.

“We sold more art this year, in both stores, than in the last two years combined,” Vander said.

“It's been an awesome summer; definitely more people than last summer,” said Jackie Dubois, who has been employed at Orne's Candy Store this summer. “People came from all over.”

According to Abacus manager Michael Maxim, it was a good summer for business.

“The weather helped,” he said. “Good weather brings people here and bad weather is good for shopping.”

Red Cup Coffeehouse owner Wendy Johnson concurred.

“It was a very good summer, and post Labor Day business has been good.”

Johnson said the BikeMaine event was a boon, too. “People came to the harbor and liked it, so they'll probably come back.”

A new business owner in town who didn't get things going until mid-July had positive things to say about business — and Boothbay Harbor.

Gabriel Adams of Gabriel's Jewelry Studio said his numbers were good.

“I like it here. Not just having my business here, but the area in general.”

Adams, who specializes in handmade jewelry, said his line of one-of-a-kind pieces he calls “Twisted” has been a big seller. “Almost all of those pieces have sold.”

Kaler's Crab & Lobster manager Justin Skramley said that aside from June, when rain kept people away, they have had a good summer.

“We've had a good season. The fall has been good too. Having nice weather has helped.”

Adele Bielli of Slick's Boutique wasn't unhappy with her summer business.

“We had a really strong summer. It was better than it's been in recent years.”

Tony Heyl of A Silver Lining said they had three cases full of handmade jewelry, all of which sold.

“Our signature Maine Bracelet made up for half of all our sales. Some days 75 percent of total sales were from the jewelry we made.”

When asked about the summer over, he said it was “great.”

“It was almost like the old days,” Heyl said.

New business, Tidepools, owned by Maria Boord and Jeff Curtis, got off to a good start this summer.

“The community response, and business, has been really good,” Boord said. She was very happy with the success of their new business, and her gallery, Maria Boord Gallery.

Boord said one of the best things to happen at Tidepools was their teaming up with the high school industrial arts program in a fundraiser selling guitars made by students to raise money for the program.

“It was really successful. We raised enough for four new systems (to build four more guitars).”

Alan Baldwin of Fisherman's Wharf said though they weren't as busy as last summer, he can't complain.

“Last year was excellent. This year was great.”

Brown Brothers owner Michelle Wilson said she's not complaining either.

“Business has been good. We're still busy now. We're happy.”

Rocktide's John Sullivan was happy too.

“It's been a great summer, both in the restaurant and the inn,” he said. “I think some of the marketing we've done for the inn has been very successful. We have tried to make (the business) better and fun.” He attributed much of the summer's success to the strength of the staff and the chef.

"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" That sentiment seemed to resonate on the wharf outside Downeast Ice Cream Factory this summer. Owners Mary Alice White and Alden Green were all smiles on Sept. 12.

“We had an awesome summer,” White said. She said that last Wednesday, after Labor Day, there was a still a line to the door at 5 p.m.

“Last summer was better than the summer before, and this summer was better than last.”

According to McSeagull's manager Alyssa Allen, the addition on their deck proved to be an asset.

“It's been a very good summer. The deck has been pivotal to the business.”

And a business owner from Augusta weighed in on a positive note. Scott Brewer of Brewer's Dairy has been delivering dairy products to Boothbay Harbor for 23 years.

“We come to Boothbay Harbor seven days a week, from April 1 to the end of October,” he said. “I deliver to a lot of people here every day. The people are tremendous.” This summer has proved well worth the drive. “We've been coming here since 1991 and this will rank as one of the best summers we've ever had.”

Anyone who would like to weigh in with comments about how the summer of 2014 went, call Reporter Suzi Thayer at 207-844-1640 or email her at suzithayer@boothbayregister.com.