Just A Short Walk From The Marina Is Maine's Charming Town With Quaint Shops, Theaters, And Eateries

With a prime location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, classic colonial architecture with stunning white spires, and small-town charm, it's no surprise that Maine's glistening, fishing boat-studded coastline is considered the epitome of New England beauty. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock there each year to wander postcard-worthy streets, see characterful lighthouses, and tuck into delicious lobster. Not far from Maine's Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Bucksport is neatly tucked away on the banks of the Penobscot River, inviting tourists to detour inland.

Bucksport humbly nicknamed itself "The Center of the Known Universe," so it should be easy to find. If that's a little vague for you, take Maine Route 15 from Bangor for about 14.5 miles, or if you're visiting from the nearest airport — Bangor International Airport — it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Bucksport is even accessible by boat for nautical travelers.

If you were tempted to bypass Bucksport in favor of more popular destinations like seafood-filled Bar Harbor, or Maine's largest city, Portland, this is your sign not to. Make the stop, marvel at the picturesque marina, and wander the 0.80-mile Waterfront Walkway to the downtown area, where you'll find appealing shops, entertainment options, and tasty food waiting for you.

This former paper mill town has a rich history, towering smokestacks that define its silhouette, and a community largely built on the success of its paper industry. At one time, it was famous for creating the finest lightweight coated paper in the world. Today, it offers tourists fishing village charm, but you can still visit the Bucksport Paper Mill Museum to relive the town's glory days.

Most Bucksport hotels are clustered near the water, including the well-rated and family-owned Bucksport Inn, where you'll find cozy coastal rooms for a reasonable price. One Tripadvisor reviewer said, "What a wonderful place! Large clean rooms with everything you need ... Truly a home away from home especially with the grills, picnic tables, lawn games and firepit in the field outback..." If you prefer your own space, many locals offer seaside Airbnbs for rent — a slightly pricier but homier option.

With no major landmarks to see, a vacation in Bucksport is about saying hello to locals, trying the best-rated eateries, wandering to discover everything from nostalgic ice cream stands to hobby shops, and enjoying the slow pace of life. Locally loved bookstore BookStacks is a haven for readers, Kathryn's Antiques is full of vintage treasures, Saplings Toy and Gift is a hit with little ones, and quilting enthusiasts will delight in the fabric store, Bolt. It's easy to admire this town's external beauty, but its quirky community is what makes it special. You might be tickled to learn that they present a golden snow shovel to the local business that helps the most with post-snowstorm clean-up.

Bucksport certainly has community spirit, putting on events like the Bucksport Bay Festival and the Bridge Street Halloween Block Party, during which you might find the town's much-loved Waterfront Walkway becoming a place of gathering, music, and local creativity. The best time to visit Maine depends on your plans, but if tasting fresh local lobster is on your Bucksport bucket list, aim to be there around the end of June when lobster season begins and the average temperature is a pleasant 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

Crosby's Drive-In is a popular spot to try that lobster. Although it is open seasonally and limited to outdoor seating, you can pull up a chair on the patio and tuck into its signature New England Lobster Bake. If indoors is preferable, there's family-owned Carrier's Mainely Lobster, or Warren's Waterfront Restaurant, which ranks at the top of Tripadvisor's listings. It serves American comfort food for breakfast and lunch every day except Tuesday. From the outside, it may feel like you're stepping into Warren's own living room, but rest assured, it's a real restaurant with incredible river views. One Tripadvisor reviewer said, "Friendly cheerful staff ... Beautiful view overlooking the Penobscot River."

One of Bucksport's most prized venues is the marina-adjacent Alamo Theatre. In addition to modern cinematic releases, this beautifully restored 1916-era theater hosts an impressive collection of preserved amateur motion picture equipment, exhibits for curious cinephiles, and heritage videos for sale that serve as a time capsule of New England's past lives. Whether for a matinee or an evening out, arrange a visit to this historic theatre that celebrates the heritage of Bucksport's welcoming community. As former town manager Susan Lessard told Spectrum Local News, "The word community here is a verb ... It's an active state of being here, and that's not true everywhere."