Discover Lubec, Maine, Easternmost Town in America, For Fresh Lobster, Wild Blueberries and Downeast Hospitality

Most vacationers consider a visit to Downeast Maine to be a weekend spent jostling through the crowds in Bar Harbor.  But if that’s as far as you venture, you would be missing the true rugged beauty of a coastal Maine town that embraces the rhythm of the sea and centuries of seafaring traditions. 

For an authentic Downeast experience far from summer tourists and Starbucks, drive past Washington County’s wild blueberry barrens, and along Maine’s Bold Coast to discover Lubec, Maine on the edge of Passamaquoddy Bay.  Perched at the furthest point east in the continental United States, the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse greets the very first rays of sun each day before the rest of America.  And the genuine down home spirit of the residents and shopkeepers of the tiny town of Lubec will surely light your day as well.

Dock To Table Seafood at The Wharf

When Victor and Judy Trafford first visited Lubec in 2006, this happily retired couple discovered a new dream; to preserve and rehabilitate the last remaining sardine canning plant in Downeast Maine.  In the early 1900’s, Lubec was home to 28 sardine processing plants that provided local jobs and food for troops in both world wars.  Today these plants are all closed, but the Trafford’s have infused new life into a former waterfront sardine plant by creating The Wharf, a working seafood processing facility, waterfront restaurant and cozy inn .  Thanks to Victor and Judy’s vision, The Wharf gives guests a unique opportunity to connect with life on beautiful Johnson Bay.

Guests enjoy a front-row seat to witness local fishermen bringing in their catch to the dock right outside their windows (way better than a TV show).  Lobster hauls can average 1,500-2,000 lbs, which are unloaded and transferred to large seawater tanks in The Wharf’s processing plant.  Soon the live lobsters will be flown off across the country and around the world.  The plant also processes, clams, mussels, periwinkles, crab, scallops, herring and even jellyfish for the Asian markets.

And there’s so much more yet to be experienced.  Judy hosts yoga sessions at the inn, you can fish or kayak right from the dock, or join Captain Milton for a whale watching excursion where you’re likely to see migrating whales, seals, eagles and lots of picturesque lighthouses.  Hiking and biking trails abound, and the area is well known as a birder’s haven.

Visit Campobello Island, FDR’s “Beloved Island” and Homestead

When you’re ready to go exploring, options abound.  Just across the Lubec Narrows, which experience the largest tidal flows in the world, you’ll find the Roosevelt Campobello International Park where you can explore the summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. IMPORTANT NOTE:  Campobello Island is within sight just down the road, but it’s actually in Canada!  A passport is required to cross the FDR International Bridge to Campobello Island, which is in New Brunswick, Canada.  This is  fascinating place to spend an entire day and you will be glad your brought along your passport!  Admission to Roosevelt Campobello International Park including grounds and stately home is free of charge.

Open from spring until fall, the Roosevelt “Cottage”, a 34-room home, is the centerpiece of the island.  The home has been preserved much as it was when Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt summered here until Franklin’s paralytic illness.  FDR considered Campobello his beloved island as he spent much of his youth freely roaming the island, fishing, boating and hiking.

In addition to touring the home and gaining new insights about FDR, visitors can attend Tea With Eleanor and learn about her profound influences on women’s rights and her legacy as a humanitarian and political force. Tea With Eleanor is free of charge and features tea and cookies served by expert interpreters.  Teas are held at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm daily and tickets are required, so be sure to obtain yours when  you first arrive at the Visitors Center.  I picked up a copy of Eleanor’s cookie recipes and favored passages from her My Day daily newspaper column and love them!

Travel North to Eastport, Maine

Another favored activity is to take the local ferry or drive to Eastport, Maine, a thriving seaport and the most easterly city in America. Here you’ll find some great shopping, art galleries and seafood restaurants with a down Maine atmosphere.  Some ferries continue on to nearby Canadian ports, like St. Andrews by-the-sea.  Be sure to research ferries in advance as service changes from year to year.

Monica’s Heavenly Chocolates

No visit to Lubec would be complete without a stop at Monica’s Chocolates on Rt. 189 near the road to the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

A native of Peru, Monica brought her unique chocolate flavor blends to Maine and her effervescent personality charms all who enter her front door.  To visit Monica is to become an instant friend as her enthusiasm to find you the perfect nosh is irresistible.  Her confections are not only beautiful, but also cater to dietary needs like sugar-free, and come in all the shapes of the sea.

And THEN you spy the jewelry, the brightly colored Peruvian scarves, shoes, handbags and sweaters.  I think I’m in shoppers heaven!   Wait… I need a bigger shopping basket, mine is overflowing with one-of-a-kind chocolate confections and soft alpaca sweaters.  A visit to Monica’s Chocolates may be reason enough to make the drive to Lubec, Maine in my estimation!

Here Are Some Helpful Resources To Assist When Planning Your Visit:
Tip:  Many activities, restaurants and inns close in the Fall or just before Christmas, and open again in Spring.

Visit Maine
Visit Lubec
The Bold Coast
Inn On The Wharf
Campobello Island
Monica’s Chocolates
Roosevelt Campobello International Park