Lubec’s lighthouse views. Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

Visiting Maine for a vacation or short trip? Here is my advice on coastal towns and pretty lobster fishing villages to visit, the best places to get lobster in Maine (from coastal lobster shacks to fine dining experiences), events unique to Maine that are worth seeing (from lobster boat races and lobster festivals, to fourth of July celebrations and food festivals) and other fabulous things to do in this wild, rugged and welcoming state.

Where To Get The Best Lobster In Maine

The bounty of New England, in the form of a clambake. Photo courtesy of Holly McCann.

Where can you get the best lobster in Maine? While this list of recommendations just scratches the surface it does cover the entire state and includes everything from the best rustic Maine lobster shacks and most popular lobster roll eateries to finer dining options which serve lobster in innovative ways plus places where you can buy live Maine lobster if you want to cook it yourself.  Click here for my list of the best places to eat lobster in Maine.

Authentic Lobster Fishing Villages in Maine

Lubec Maine. Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

What are the prettiest lobster fishing villages in Maine? The most picturesque and authentic lobstering towns in the state?  While there are a lot of articles about the coastal towns of southern Maine, less has been written about the smaller lobstering villages of Downeast Maine which are a bit less touched by tourism  I grew up Downeast and know this part of the state best so have built my recommendations on this rugged last stretch of America.  As with my article on where to get the best lobster in Maine, this post just scratches the surface of all the beautiful lobstering towns in Maine but it does provide insights on what makes these towns unique and includes recommendations on places to stay and eat and festivals and events worth experiencing. Click here for my list of the most picturesque and authentic lobster fishing villages in Maine.

The Best Maine Coastal Festivals

The Frenchboro Lobster Festival. Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

Maine hosts a plethora of unique festivals and events which are worth visiting depending on the time of your trip. In the ‘Culture’ section of this blog I cover details of Maine lobster boat racing and Downeast 4th of July festivities.  This article is dedicated to other seafood and sea-themed summer events along the coast of Maine.  Many of these events celebrate fishermen and the fruits of the Maine lobster season. All offer great food, picturesque settings and a glimpse at life along the coast of Maine. Click here for my list of the best coastal festivals in Maine.

The Best Shacks and Lobster Rolls In Maine

Fresh Maine Lobster Rolls. Photo courtesy of Kelley Martin.

What are the most authentic Maine lobster shacks? Where are the best places to get a legit lobster roll? My list  is based on extensive research along with my insider’s knowledge of what makes for a good lobster experience.  Each of these Maine eateries has either a mind-blowing lobster roll, stunning ambiance or a variety of classic lobster items (often a combination of the above).  All these eateries offer fresh, high-quality Maine lobster.  Click here for my list of the best Maine lobster shacks and lobster rolls.