The popular Gardens of Lincoln County tour, presented by Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA), returns on Saturday, June 27 with “A Westport Island Adventure,” a self-guided exploration of beautiful gardens, special sites, and local history throughout the island.

This annual tour offers participants a rare opportunity to visit a variety of private gardens and special locations across Westport Island while discovering the stories, landscapes, and heritage that have shaped this unique community located just off the coast near Wiscasset.

At one home visitors will find a hillside garden overlooking the water that includes walking paths and a labyrinth; another includes a vegetable patch with tomatoes grafted onto South American root stock that grow to heights of 15 feet and more. Sasanoa Brewing will offer tours of their grounds and greenhouses where they grow hops and flowers. Each location has tales to tell, such as the measures they take to keep deer out of their gardens.

Tour stops are kept confidential until the day before the tour, when they are sent to ticketholders. Guests are encouraged to plan and explore at their own pace throughout the day. This flexible format allows visitors to linger at favorite locations, enjoy the island's scenic beauty, and helps distribute attendance among the various sites.

In addition to the featured gardens, this year’s event will include a number of special attractions that will highlight Westport Island’s unique character and history. Along the route, participants will encounter scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and opportunities to learn about the island’s distinct story and the people who have shaped it over generations.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase plants and decor for their own gardens. A bake sale featuring recipes inspired by colonial-era cookbooks will offer historic treats such as lemon almond tarts, lemon puffs, biscuits, macaroons, and apple dumplings from "The Frugal Housewife" 18th century cookbook. Guests can also enjoy watching plein air painters at work and try their luck at a raffle featuring a variety of prizes.

“The Gardens of Lincoln County Tour is about more than beautiful gardens,” said LCHA director Shannon Gilmore. “It’s an opportunity to explore the places and features that make Westport Island special.”

Tickets are available now and are expected to sell out, as they have in previous years. Advance tickets are $40 for non-members and $35 for members of the Lincoln County Historical Association. Tickets on the day of the tour will be $45 until sold out.

The Lincoln County Historical Association extends special thanks to the Westport Island community for its extraordinary support and enthusiasm in helping to organize this year's event.

To order tickets and learn more, visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org/garden-tour.