The Boothbay Harbor Region - A Coastal Gem with a Strong Community at its Heart

For over a century, the Boothbay Harbor region has drawn travelers seeking the beauty and tranquility of Maine’s famed “rock-bound coast.” With its “snug as a booth” harbor, long peninsula, and countless islands, this region is a haven for boaters, adventurers, and anyone longing to relax in a place where natural splendor meets classic New England charm. Stroll through villages lined with white clapboard homes, browse one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, and enjoy the bustle of working marinas and boatyards nestled along the rocky shoreline.

Boothbay Harbor boasts the largest fleet of excursion boats on the Maine coast—perfect for viewing lighthouses, puffins, seals, whales, and vibrant fall foliage. Deep-sea fishing cruises and scenic harbor tours leave daily, and local marinas are a favorite stop for yachtsmen. And of course, no visit is complete without sampling the region’s world-famous seafood—especially our iconic Maine lobster.

Behind all this beauty and bustle stands the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, an organization that for more than 60 years has supported area communities with a mission to promote a thriving local economy through advocacy, access, and leadership.  Our Chamber serves as a vital connector and cheerleader for the businesses that make our region so vibrant.

From waterfront restaurants and inns to financial services, non-profits, marine industries, and makers of all kinds, the Chamber represents a diverse and dynamic network of members. We work year-round to bolster local businesses, promote tourism, and preserve the economic well-being and unique character of our region.

Whether you’re visiting, relocating, or growing your business here, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is your trusted resource and proud partner in all things Midcoast Maine.

Unveil the Secrets of Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Embark on a captivating journey with Mysterious Harbor Tours where we explore Boothbay Harbor on Pedego electric bikes and on foot to discover the hidden history of our charming town. Our ghost and history tours promise a unique blend of local experiences, designed to unveil the eerie and enchanting sides of Boothbay Harbor.

Discover Our Mysterious History

Calling all history buffs and legend trippers, our Hidden Harbor E-Bike Tour takes you well off the beaten path and deep into the mysterious history of the Boothbay region. Travel through the heart of town and engage in the local lore and unsolved mysteries lurking around every corner on the Mysterious Lore & More Walking Tour.

Uncover the Unexplained

Are you a ghost hunter, UFO enthusiast, a believer in the extraordinary? Journey into the unknown on the Paranormal Pedal E-Bike Tour,the Boos & Brew Walking Ghost Tour, and the Spooks & Spirits Walking Ghost Tour.And after the thrills and chills of a haunted tour, top off your spine-tingling experience with a craft beer tour at our local brewery or a whiskey flight at our favorite speakeasy.

Indulge Your Senses

For those seeking sensory exhilaration riding through one of the most beautiful places on earth, we offer the Joy Ride E-Bike Tour. Boothbay’s extraordinary natural beauty has inspired generations of artists. Along the way, immerse yourself in the world of renowned local artists Kim and Philippe Villard whose work graces the permanent collection of NYC's MoMA.

History

Originally known as the Rockport Town Hall, the building was designed in the Colonial Revival style by architect F.E. Gilkey and opened in 1891.  Over the years, the building has served as a town meeting space, library, theater, concert hall, and Y.M.C.A., complete with a basketball court and bowling alley.

In the 1970s, the building had deteriorated such that the Town considered selling it or tearing it down. The women of the Rockport Garden Club led the effort to save and restore the building. An outpouring of local support and a grant from the Maine Commission of the Arts and Humanities enabled the building to be revitalized as the Rockport Opera House.

In the early 1970s, the Bay Chamber Concert Series began to hold performances in the Opera House, attracting attention to the historic building from music lovers and seasonal visitors from near and far. In 1976, the Opera House was listed among the 127 homes and buildings of the Rockport Historic District placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the 1990s, multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts led by Opera House Chairman David Jackson and Bay Chamber Concerts founder Tom Wolf, along with a state grant and taxpayer-supported bond issue, allowed for a major renovation of the building, including the installation of new heating and cooling systems, and theatrical audio-visual equipment. The basketball court and bowling alley were replaced with meeting spaces and theatrical audio-visual equipment.

Today, the building still boasts its beautiful hand-painted canvas theater curtain. The curtain, in original Colonial Revival style, is over one-hundred years old, and has become a must-see piece of nostalgia and local history for those visiting Rockport.

The building has hosted the annual Town meeting for nearly a century, and regularly hosts town committee and other public meetings.  It is also the home venue of the Bay Chamber Concerts, as well as other musical events, theater performances, wedding receptions, conferences, and other private functions.

ESTABLISHED 1882

Serving Southport for Well Over a Century

ON THE ISLAND LOOP

Welcome to the “new” Southport General Store! We have been busily working to bring you a freshened-up version of our beloved store. We made some interior modifications, expanded the menu, and added other fresh details you will discover. We hope you love our new signs! The logo was designed by hand to reflect the heritage of the store and the island, using inspiration from historic store photos and Southport cartography. The signs themselves were hand-painted using traditional sign-making methods.