Boothbay Harbor: Open for business
Spelled backward, even the backside of OPEN signs let people know they’re open for business! Open signs are up all over town. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Janson’s Clothing, in the heart of Boothbay Harbor, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
There are plenty of places to eat and shop in Boothbay Harbor, even in the winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
China by the Sea, open year-round, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Closed signs in doors are a common sight around town in the winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Photo by SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Two Salty Dogs, open year-round, is a favorite for all pet lovers. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
This street, the By-Way, is bustling during the summer months. Boathouse Bistro, on the left, bustles year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Despite all the closed signs in shop and restaurant doors, winter in Boothbay Harbor still has plenty to offer. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Alison Evans Ceramics, open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Eventide Specialties, specializing in extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
A sign in Janson’s Clothing window. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
House of Logan, a mainstay in Boothbay Harbor, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Mel’s Place Pizza Wood Fired Pizza is open for business all winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Judy Beaudry and her grandson, Jack Clark, from Portland, took advantage of a mild January day and came to enjoy a walk around Boothbay Harbor. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Spelled backward, even the backside of OPEN signs let people know they’re open for business! Open signs are up all over town. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Janson’s Clothing, in the heart of Boothbay Harbor, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
There are plenty of places to eat and shop in Boothbay Harbor, even in the winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
China by the Sea, open year-round, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Closed signs in doors are a common sight around town in the winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Photo by SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Two Salty Dogs, open year-round, is a favorite for all pet lovers. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
This street, the By-Way, is bustling during the summer months. Boathouse Bistro, on the left, bustles year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Despite all the closed signs in shop and restaurant doors, winter in Boothbay Harbor still has plenty to offer. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Alison Evans Ceramics, open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Eventide Specialties, specializing in extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
A sign in Janson’s Clothing window. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
House of Logan, a mainstay in Boothbay Harbor, is open year-round. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Mel’s Place Pizza Wood Fired Pizza is open for business all winter. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
Judy Beaudry and her grandson, Jack Clark, from Portland, took advantage of a mild January day and came to enjoy a walk around Boothbay Harbor. SUZI THAYER/Boothbay Register
It's been an unusually mild winter around the Northeast. Most Maine towns have been relatively snow-free but for a couple minor snowfalls. Compared to last winter, when it seemed like a never-ending snowstorm, this one has been a breeze.
So far.
Boothbay Harbor is no exception. People walking around the harbor on a recent late January day were in good spirits. Most had a ready smile and a positive greeting when they passed: “What a day, huh?”
“Beautiful day!”
“We've sure lucked out this winter!”
January isn't a usual time to come to Boothbay Harbor to take a leisurely stroll around town, take a boat trip or find a quiet place to sunbathe and swim.
Unlike the typical summer crowd who wander around, seemingly aimlessly, enjoying the sights and the warm ocean breezes, in January, everyone seems to have an agenda.
There are probably more shops and restaurants with “Closed for the Season” signs on their doors than not. But people from away who never consider coming to Boothbay Harbor in the off season may want to think again.
Though the town is relatively quiet and you won't find every place open for business, there are still a scattering of fun shops and good eating establishments to make the trip worthwhile. There are plenty of parking spaces, and enough places to go within easy walking distance, or a short drive from the center of town. Here's a list of places in town that are open all (or most of) the winter:
A Silver Lining – Fine jewelry
Baker's Way – Authentic Vietnamese food, baked goods
Boothbay Harbor Framers & Art Gallery
Cannery – Boutique, gifts
China by the Sea - Chinese Restaurant
Enchantments – Metaphysical gifts
Eventide Specialties – Gourmet foods
Harbor Mart – Convenience store
Harbor Tech Solutions – Radio Shack, U.S. Cellular, Photo lab
Hometown Convenience – Pizza, sandwiches, sundries
House of Logan – Fine clothing
Oak Street Provisions – Fresh gourmet items, beer & wine
Palabra- Antiques, gifts and oddities
Sadie Green's - Gifts, clothing, novelties
Sherman's Books and Stationery
Tigger Leather Silversmith - Handmade silver and leather creations
Waves Restaurant – formerly Ebb Tide
As most places listed have limited days and hours during the winter, it's a good idea to check their websites or call before you come.
It may not be as warm on a winter day as it is during the summer, but the water in the harbor is still and beautiful, and a walk across the footbridge is invigorating. So come on down for a full day of walking, shopping, eating and drinking. You’ll find plenty to do.
See more photos of places, open and closed, in Boothbay Harbor in January, in the photo album.
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