Are you looking for an idyllic winter paradise? Look no further than Boothbay, Maine for your winter getaway. The summer crowds have dispersed and the quaint town becomes postcard perfect. Amidst the quiet tranquility, there are many activities for visitors and locals alike.
Be dazzled by Gardens Aglow.
For the last ten years, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens have been transformed each winter by Gardens Aglow. 750,000 LED bulbs illuminate a one-mile stretch of pathways in the central garden. The Botanical Gardens are known for their trolls which are larger than life statues constructed from recycled wood. While most of the trolls “hibernate” during the winter, Roskva and Lilja will be part of the Gardens Aglow festivities. Bring your camera and spend a couple hours strolling through the winter paradise. Gardens Aglow will light up the gardens from November 16 until December 31. Tickets are available for Thursdays through Sundays with a few extra select dates. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, no tickets are available to be purchased on site. Read more: The Best Winter Light Show In Maine is Gardens Aglow in Boothbay.
Enjoy the winter scenery from Adler’s Cottage at Five Gables Inn.
Adler’s Cottage is your own private sanctuary in Boothbay. There are multiple picture windows overlooking the water. Grab a cup of tea or hot chocolate and watch the sunrise over the water. The outdoor hot tub will keep you toasty anytime of year. If you are lucky, a light snow will fall while you are basking in the warm waters. The cottage features a fireplace in the dining room. The warmth and coziness of the fireplace is the perfect romantic addition to any meal. The sun surprises us with warm-ish days even in winter. Should you be blessed with a warm day soak up the sun on the front porch. Lastly, the cottage boasts a kitchen stocked with cookware and three bedrooms. Plan your Maine winter escape with two other couples for a weekend full of games, cooking, and laughter.
Watch a show at The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor.
The Opera House is open for entertainment all year long and typically hosts 100 events and performances in Boothbay each year. The building has been a beacon in downtown Boothbay since 1894 and it has held a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 2009. Upcoming shows in December include Christmas-themed concerts, a display of gingerbread houses, and a folk singer. The Lincoln Theater in nearby Damariscotta also has performances year round. Of special note is a Metropolitan Opera broadcast of Verdi’s Aida with a pre-opera talk by a retired professor who has taught about, produced, and directed opera. The MET Live presentation will take place on January 25, 2025.
Go for a winter hike.
The Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) is open year round for outdoor fun. Winter hiking in Boothbay typically brings quiet and solitude since you might not see any other hikers during your trek. BRLT features 30 miles of hiking trails that are available for use free of charge. Every Tuesday there is a naturalist led 1-2 mile leisurely hike. Join the group for specialized information about the area; registration is not required but it is advised to check the BLRT website 24 hours in advance in case of inclement weather. Oak Point Farm is home to the 1800s farmhouse that serves as the visitor center for BRLT. The farmhouse is a year-round education center that is open Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Plan your own soup tasting tour.
What is better on a cold winter day than a steaming cup of soup? Lots of the best restaurants in Boothbay are open during winter. Try the soup at each of these and discuss your favorites with your traveling companion(s).
Boathouse Bistro serves New England Clam Chowder and Spanish Seafood Soup.
Brady’s boasts Maine Haddock Chowder, Chili, and Chef’s Soup of the Day. Brady’s is also open from 12-5 on Sundays for NFL games.
The East Boothbay General Store is open Monday through Friday during the winter. They have a changing menu of chowders and bisques.
Ports Pizzeria might not be your first thought for soup but their menu does have a soup of the day.
Robinson’s Wharf is a couple minutes from downtown Boothbay and they include a Clam Chowder and a Lobster Bisque on their menu.
The Thistle Inn Restaurant features New England Clam Chowder and French Onion Soup.
Try deep sea fishing.
Charger Sportfishing has retrofitted one of their vessels to extend fishing charters in Boothbay through December. During the cooler months they focus on finding haddock, pollock, cod, and tuna. Call them at 207-380-4556 to check on winter pricing.
Sample local beer.
Boothbay is home to two local breweries. Go for one beer or try them all.
Boothbay Craft Brewery is a taphouse, tavern, and RV resort (in season). The current seasonal brew is called SweetWoods. It is maple infused English mild. The restaurant features farm-to-table dishes and fresh BBQ. Go on a Thursday for a curated brewery tour and tasting.
Footbridge Brewery strives to use local Maine ingredients in their beer. Visit in winter to try their seasonal Winter Bush which is a spice white wheat. Food is available from a BBQ food truck.
Go swimming.
Bet you were not expecting to see swimming as a winter in Maine activity. In all honesty, this is not so much a swimming activity as it is a get wet and get out activity. Every year, on New Year’s Day, the Boothbay Region YMCA hosts a Penguin Plunge. Brave souls jump into the Atlantic Ocean at Murray Hill. The event supports the Aquatics Department so you can feel good about doing your part to help.
Visit a local museum or art gallery in Maine.
The Boothbay Region Art Foundation has a yearly event called “Art in the Square.” Professional and amateur artists submit paintings using any medium but they must be 12 inches by 12 inches square. The art is then sold for $125 each. The event runs November 16 through January 2025 and it is the best place to purchase art in Boothbay.
The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland features 15,000 works of art in 20,000 square feet of gallery space. It boasts one of the largest public collections of Louise Nevelson’s sculptures as well as works by America’s greatest artists. During the winter months, the museum is open six days a week.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head is the best place in Maine to study the evolution of transportation through pre-1940s aircraft and vehicles. Do not miss the Road to Vacationland exhibit which focuses on how Maine’s tourism has been impacted by popular and practical travel.
The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is a 20-acre waterfront museum with indoor galleries, a historic wooden shipyard, and a working boat shop. Visit near the end of winter to explore Upon That Isle in Maine: The Story and Works of Chris Van Dusen. The exhibit will showcase Van Dusen’s original artwork from his beloved Maine picture books.
