Damariscotta & Newcastle

They’ve known about oysters for a long time in the Damariscotta region. A long, long time.

At the Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site, you can visit the once-vast heaps, or middens, of oyster shells dating back more than two thousand years. Maine’s native people, who left the middens, loved the Damariscotta River and nearby waters for its shellfish. Today, chefs and shellfish aficionados still love the region and can pick out which oyster comes from which water by its taste and texture.

Things to Do in the Damariscotta region

Since the region is central to Maine’s modern oyster fishery, too, it’s no surprise the folks here pay public tribute to the oyster. In autumn, there’s the annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival, which includes food, displays, music and an oyster-shucking competition to see who can shuck the most oysters. Enjoy an oyster farm tour – by boat or kayak – on the Damariscotta River. Try a guided oyster ecology tour from Midcoast Kayak; or enjoy an Oyster Farm and Seal Watching Tour or Oyster and Wine Cruise from Damariscotta River Cruises.

If you want to stay on dry land, consider a hike in one of the preserves or on one of the trails of the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust.

Damariscotta, and its “twin village” of Newcastle, are separated by a bridge and the Damariscotta River. Their close connection to each other and the sea is obvious. Both villages are full of grand mansions, public buildings and historic businesses, many of which were constructed during the towns’ boom years in shipping and shipbuilding. Wander the towns and stop by the Lincoln Theater, built in 1875; two locations of the Renys Department Store, a 17-store Maine dynasty; Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop, with over 20,000 volumes, which helps support the local library; and St. Patrick’s Church, built in 1807 and the oldest Roman Catholic church in New England.

Visit the Frances Perkins Homestead in Newcastle and explore the iconic legacy of Frances Perkins (1880-1965), who was the driving force behind the New Deal. From June to mid-October, visitors can experience a free, self-guided exhibit on the life of Frances Perkins housed in the Homestead’s historic 1837 barn, along with year round access to the trails on the 57-acre property.

For some more local shopping, consider stopping by Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, Alewives Fabrics, Weatherbird and The Kingfisher & The Queen.

The region also gets together to support another local marine delicacy – the alewife. These small fish – members of the herring family – arrive each year from the sea to spawn. The annual spring 5K Run with the Alewives is both fun and a fund-raiser for the area’s 200+ year-old fish ladder, which helps the alewives reach their local spawning grounds.

For something completely different, drop by in autumn for the annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta, a highlight of which involves races between boats carved out of giant pumpkins. In the harbor. In October. Yes, really.

Where to Stay in Damariscotta

If you’re searching for a place to stay in the Damariscotta area, consider the Oak Gables B&B, the Newcastle Inn Bed & Breakfast, The Tipsy Butler Bed & Breakfast, and these suggestions. Scroll down the list of regional businesses below for more ideas.

Restaurants in Damariscotta

Looking for a restaurant in Damariscotta and the region? Consider King Eider’s Pub and Restaurant, the Shuck Station, Samovar Tea Shop & Tasting Room, the Newcastle Publick House, the Damariscotta River Grill, and these other suggestions. You might also stop by Oxbow Brewing Company’s farmhouse brewery in Newcastle.