Arts & Ales: Craft Beer and Creativity in Maine
Maine has long beckoned artists, dreamers and seekers of the beautifully offbeat—and few places capture that spirit like the small towns and coastal enclaves that dot the state’s rugged landscape. While you’re exploring these creative communities, pair visual inspiration and handcrafted tradition with small-batch beers at local breweries. These artful escapes are proof that Maine’s cultural and craft beer scenes thrive far beyond its cities.
Monhegan Island
Known as “the artists’ island,” Monhegan Island has been an artist colony for more than 150 years, drawing the likes of Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, Rockwell Kent, the Wyeths and many others for its unique blend of light, the granite cliffs and stunning beauty. Hop on a passenger-only ferry (no cars on the island) to Monhegan. Balmy Days departs from Boothbay Harbor, The Hardy Boat departs from New Harbor and The Monhegan Boat Line departs from Port Clyde. Once you arrive, start your day with coffee at Monhegan Coffee Roasters.
Art
Monhegan Museum of Art and History on Lighthouse Hill has an extensive collection and major summer exhibitions. The Lupine Gallery has been showing the work of contemporary Monhegan artists for 35+ years.
Ales
There’s nothing quite like sitting outdoors among the lobster traps and enjoying a cold brew after a day on the island. Choose from five rotating beers on tap at the family-owned Monhegan Brewing and order something to eat from the on-site food truck.
Where to Stay
Check out Monhegan Welcome for a complete list of island lodging. It’s all unique!
Local Trip Tips
Be a good island guest by respecting private property and following Look Out for Me principles.
Ellsworth, Hancock and Sullivan
The picturesque riverfront city of Ellsworth is the gateway to Acadia and a vital part of the region. Explore its charming arts scene and then unwind with a pint of craft beer.
Art
Located in Ellsworth’s historic courthouse, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art is an exquisite exhibition space, while Artsworth is a local arts center that holds workshops, events, and houses Atlantic Art Glass, a glass blowing studio and teaching center.
The Woodlawn Museum and Park is a 180-acre garden and features the historic Black House. Tour the House, stroll the gardens, visit the gift shop and attend afternoon tea. Make your own garden dreams come true at Lunaform in Sullivan, carrying on the tradition of sculptural garden works with garden urns, planters and bird baths.
There are several sites of the Maine International Sculpture Trail in Ellsworth, Hancock, Sullivan, Surry, Steuben, Sorrento, and Lamoine. Take your own driving tour of these spectacular stone works.
Paper crafters will love daydreaming and shopping at Share Studios for beautiful handmade papers and paper making supplies. Home chefs can bring their culinary creations to life with kitchen wares at the Rooster Brother cook store along the Union River.
Ales
Fogtown Brewing Company is a downtown gathering spot for great local brews made from Maine grown hops, malts, oats, spelt and foraged ingredients such as berries, sweet fern, spruce tips, bog myrtle – whatever they can find in season. There’s live music, wood fired pizza and a beer garden.
Where to Stay
The Ironbound Inn in Hancock Village is a cozy and upscale small inn that borders on conservation land with hiking trails. The Inn also features a casual restaurant with outdoor dining. Finish your day snuggled up by the outdoor fire pit under the stars.
Local Trip Tips
Local hiking trail information can be found by visiting the Heart of Ellsworth, a Main Street affiliate program.
Designers and makers of garden urns, planters, and bird baths, Lunaform in Sullivan is preeminent in the century old American tradition of sculptural garden works.
Monson, Dover-Foxcroft and Milo
Located at the edge of Maine’s North Woods near the Appalachian Trail, Monson is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Art
Monson Arts is a year-round artist residency and arts center and also hosts summer workshops. There’s a main street gallery exhibiting a wide range of work. Jemma Gascoine Pottery studio is located in downtown Monson, offering individual and group pottery workshops.
Take a seat in Center Theatre, a historic movie theater serving the local community as a year-round arts center presenting live theater, movies and a summer music series.
Ales
Bissell Brothers Brewing Three Rivers is located in a former snowmobile shop in Milo, near the confluence of the Sebec and Piscataquis Rivers. The tap room has a large outdoor area and features a refurbished 1922 caboose. Turning Page Farm Brewery in Monson is a small batch brewery and farm store, open weekends.
Where to Stay
The Mill Inn is a small boutique inn located within a renovated historic mill in downtown Dover-Foxcroft, overlooking the Piscataquis River.
Local Trip Tips
The Monson General Store has a great selection of local cheeses, meats and produce.
Enjoy live music (sometimes) and cocktails at the Lakeshore House overlooking Lake Hebron.
Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary is near the southern end of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness Forest. Enjoy the 5-mile trail network, small nature center and spectacular views. Please note: no pets allowed.
Fill up on some of the best barbecue in Maine at Spring Creek BBQ.
The annual Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is fun for the whole family.
Eastport
About as far “downeast” as you can get in Maine, the coastal city of Eastport on Moose Island is just across the bay from New Brunswick, Canada. The Eastport to Lubec Ferry runs daily between mid-June and mid-September. Enjoy spectacular views of the Bold Coast along the way. This small town offers plenty of creativity and gorgeous views, especially at Shackford Head State Park. Use the Eastport & Passmaquoddy Bike & Pedestrian Map to get around town.
Art
The Tides Institute & Museum of Art features art and artists of the Passamaquoddy Bay area. TIMA also hosts the StudioWorks Artist-in-Residence Program. In all, there are eight historic buildings that are part of the downtown Eastport TIMA campus,which you can see on the self-guided walking tour.
The Eastport Arts Center presents theater, art, music and film, as well as year-round workshops.
The Commons is a women-owned artisan gallery in downtown historic Eastport on the working waterfront featuring the work of regional artists and craftspeople.
Ales
Horn Run Brewing opened in 2021 in a historic building on Main Street in downtown Eastport. Order a pint of craft beer alongside pub grub such as beer cheese nachos or sandwiches on pretzel buns while enjoying spectacular views of Passamaquoddy Bay from the outdoor deck.
Where to Stay
Seaside Suites at The Commons, in the center of town, with views of Campobello Island.
Local Trip Tips
Since 1900, the Raye family has making Raye’s Mustard in what is now North America’s last remaining traditional stone-ground mustard mill. Visit the tasting room and take a tour of the mill.
Journey to the bottom of the sea (without getting wet) with Diver Ed at the Dive-In Theater aboard the Starship Enterprise.
Thomaston, Cushing, Waldoboro & Rockland
This charming cluster of towns along the MidCoast of Maine features an eclectic collection of museums, sculpture gardens and galleries. Round it all out with a visit to one of the state’s few farm breweries.
Art
In Cushing, the 90-acre Langlais Sculpture Preserve at George’s River Land Trust was the home to Maine artist Bernard “Blackie” Langlais and his wife, Helen. At this free attraction, enjoy large, playful pieces throughout the preserve. Part of the trail is ADA accessible.
Nearby, see The Olson House, the subject of numerous works of art by Andrew Wyeth, including his iconic 1948 painting Christina’s World, now in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This historic saltwater farm is an extraordinary site and was a gift to the Farnsworth Art Museum in 1991.
In Rockland, peruse American Art or enjoy a concert at the Farnsworth Art Museum, view thought-provoking pieces from modern artists at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, or shop for something special at Archipelago, which features Maine-made products by local artisans.
For film screenings, performing arts, poetry readings and live music, attend a special event at The Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro.
Ales
Serving up Maine farmhouse ales and rustic wood-fired pizza in an 1820s barn, Odd Alewives Farm Brewery in Waldoboro is surrounded by gardens and forest. All the beers here are made with Maine ingredients.
Where to Stay
Maine’s premier arty hotel, 250 Main Hotel. Pets are welcome.
Local Trip Tips
Check out the Maine State Prison Showroom located on Main Street in Thomaston featuring handcrafted toys, furniture and crafts made by prison inmates.
Augusta and Waterville
Both located along the scenic Kennebec River, Augusta is the capital of Maine and offers a thriving arts scene, while the small college town of Waterville touts plenty of creative outlets of its own.
Art
At Viles Arboretum in Augusta, view large-scale outdoor sculptures along more than 6 miles of trails. Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville showcases an outstanding collection of American Art.
In Waterville, Waterville Creates is a comprehensive collection of artistic experiences, including the Maine Film Center, Waterville Opera House and Ticonic Gallery + Studios.
Ales
Craft beers meet wood-fired pizzas at Augusta’s Cushnoc Brewing Co on the Kennebec River.
Where to Stay
The Pleasant Street Inn is in downtown Waterville, and The Lockwood Hotel also offers an in-house restaurant, Front & Main, for delicious meals and elegant guest rooms.
Bangor
The eclectic city of Bangor attracts all kinds of creative folks, from writers to visual artists.
Art
Zillman Art Museum has a collection of more than 4,000 original works of art, the collection is particularly strong in American mid-20th century works on paper. Contemporary highlights of the collection include works by David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Edward Hopper, and Pablo Picasso. Additionally, the museum’s permanent collection celebrates the long heritage of Maine art and artists; including works by Berenice Abbott, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, John Marin, Carl Sprinchorn, and Andrew Wyeth. This small intimate downtown gallery is a gem. Free to all.
For literary arts, Bangor is the home to novelist Stephen King, and SK Tours provides year-round local tours of his home, places that have inspired his writing and film locations.
Watch performing arts at Penobscot Theatre Company, housed in the beautifully restored Bangor Opera House, or catch live musical performances presented by Waterfront Concerts at Maine Savings Amphitheater on the Penobscot River. Also, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest orchestras in the U.S.
Ales
Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery is a local favorite and a true family affair, serving up brews since 1975. Aside from a diverse lineup of beers, Bangor Beer Company is also beloved for its pinball, trivia nights and outdoor patio.
Where to Stay
Book a room at the Tarratine Inn on French Street.
Local Trip Tips
Bangor is the home to novelist Stephen King. SK Tours provides year-round local tours of King’s home, places that have inspired his writing, and film locations.
Fort Kent, Madawaska and St. John Valley
Bordering Canada in a bend of the St. John River in northern Maine, Fort Kent and the surrounding areas is rich in Acadian culture.
Art
The art here is the gorgeous scenery and rich history. Travel the St. John Valley/Fish River National Scenic Byway and get a taste of local Acadian culture and traditions. Visit the beautifully restored Musée culturel du Mont-Carmel in Lille, a cultural museum dedicated to the preservation of Acadian and Québecois culture and history in the St. John Valley. See the military architecture of the Fort Kent Blockhouse, a fort built of square-hewn cedar logs at the confluence of the Fish River and the St. John River.
Ales
First Mile Brewing is housed in a converted grain warehouse in the small town of Fort Kent and can be found on the first mile of US Route 1. “Every journey begins with the first mile…”
Where to Stay
The Inn of Acadia in Madawaska is beloved for its delicious Acadian ployes.
Local Tips
The St. John Valley Heritage Trail skirts the river for 17 miles from Fort Kent to St. Francis, great for biking or hiking.
May is fiddlehead season in Northern Maine, this edible fern can be found along the riverbeds. Bring your canoe and join the locals in this annual harvest.
Norway
Historic buildings line the streets of Norway, a former factory town that lives a new life as a creative enclave.
Art
Norway
Stroll or bike miles of nature trails at Roberts Farm Preserve and Shepards Farm Preserve to see Bernard Langlais’ wooden sculpture installations. Marvel at botanical displays and a century-old farmhouse at McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.
See exhibits, events and First Friday receptions at Western Maine Art Group.
Just north in Paris, Celebration Barn Theater is a training center for immersive physical theater (think: clowns, mimes and related art forms). On Saturday nights throughout the summer, the barn doors open to the public for shows and surprises. In nearby Harrison, Deertrees Theatre, Maine’s most enchanting historic playhouse, presents a full schedule of performances each summer.
Ales
Stop into Norway Brewing Company, a family-owned microbrewery and full-service restaurant on Main Street in downtown Norway. The taproom is open year-round, and an outdoor beer garden opens up during the warmer months.
Where to Stay
Greenwood Manor Inn in Harrison sits on 100+ acres along the Bear River. Hang out and enjoy the perennial gardens and lawn games.
Skowhegan & South Solon
Explore the lively town of Skowhegan, located along the banks of the Kennebec River.
Art
In 2013, Main Street Skowhegan received 24 sculptures as part of a statewide project to distribute and install the work of the late Bernard “Blackie” Langlais. Both a student and teacher at the world-renowned Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture was a prolific artist known for his folk-art style wood sculptures. While at Skowhegan, in 1969, Langlais installed the now iconic 62-foot Indian Sculpture and it was dedicated to “the Maine Indians, the first people to use these lands in peaceful ways.” See this and other pieces on The Langlais Art Trail. To see handicrafts from local artisans, peruse the wares at River Roads Artisans Gallery, an artist-managed gallery showcasing fiber arts, ceramics, jewelry and more. Then, head up to the South Solon Meeting House, a true art treasure tucked away off the beaten path in rural Maine. Here you will see the floor to ceiling frescoes created during the 1950’s by nationally known artists from the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.
Ales
Bigelow Brewing Company believes that food and drink should be about a place. Their beer is brewed with pride from ingredients grown right here in Maine, and they also serve wood-fired pizzas made with locally milled flour from Maine Grains.
Where to Stay
Check Visit Skowhegan for a variety of local lodging including camping options.
Local Trip Tips
The annual Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival showcases the local craft beer culture.
Take a tour of Maine Grains, a grist mill located in a repurposed jailhouse! And there’s an on-site shop for a great selection of grains.
The Margaret Chase Smith Library located on the banks of the Kennebec River, this gem of a museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of Maine’s most beloved public servants.
The Skowhegan State Fair, organized in 1818, is a real Maine classic takes place annually in August.
Stop in at The Bankery for fresh baked goods, flowers and a great selection of Maine made products.