Burnt Island Light House

Beyond Wiscasset, you are now in one of the most famous of all Maine regions—Boothbay Harbor. With a year-round population of only a couple of thousand, this is an area that can absorb the summer residents, the visitors staying the night, and those who will simply be passing through on the way north or south. This is one of the larger towns in the region and from here there are many options for boat cruises and excursions. Be sure to venture beyond the town and explore the roads that hug the water’s edge. A favorite drive is to follow Scenic drive (Route 96) east and then south to Ocean Point. Lovely residences enjoy this exclusive real estate and from here one can easily look out to Burnt Island Light House. If traveling with children and for an insight into Maritime Heritage, you might consider an excursion (departures from pier 8 in Boothbay Harbor) out to Maine’s ninth light house. Refurbished, actors play the role of light house keepers, are dressed in costume and stage an ambiance of days of old. (Tours July and August, 10 minute boat ride, two hour tour, www.balmydayscruises.com).