About the Area
Searsport, a small coastal town, is centrally located on the midcoast of Maine. It is both a fishing town and an active deepwater seaport. It is not unusual to see a large ship anchored in the bay behind the inn. At the same time you will see lobstermen in their work boats checking their traps and pleasure boats --- colorful sloops and daysailers --- gliding gracefully across the waters.
The oldest marine museum in the state, the Penobscot Marine Museum, is located in Searsport. The museum's twelve buildings, nine of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, contain artifacts and exhibits that document midcoast Maine's maritime history. (http://www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org)
A town rich in seafaring heritage, Searsport supplied ten percent of the world's sea captains in the mid-19th century and the multi-masted schooners they commanded were also built here. The town's architecture is enhanced by the sea captains' homes that dot the landscape along the shores of Penobscot Bay, and the Safe Harbor Church the seamen attended has some of the finest geometric stained glass windows in the United States.
The original Fort Knox located just north of town is the most visited state historic site in Maine. Built on a 125 acre site overlooking the Penobscot River, the granite fort with mounts for 64 cannons was garrisoned with troops during the Civil War and the Spanish American War, but was never threatened. Open every year from May 1 to November 1, Civil War musters and enactments are staged periodically during the summer. (http://fortknox.maineguide.com/)
Antique buffs will be kept busy in Searsport, with antique shops, curio and pottery shops and outdoor flea markets at neary every turn along the coastal highway. There is an interesting range of dining choices in the area --- from fine dining in a converted sea captain's home, to one of the best Thai restaurants, to a friendly family restaurant with some of the best seafood available on the coast. And there is wonderful ice cream, understandable since Mainers eat more ice cream per capita than residents of any other state.
For nature lovers there is Sears Island, one of the largest uninhabited islands on the east coast, with 940 unspoiled acres connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island is a mecca for birders --- nearly 170 species of birds have been sighted there, along with many mammals, amphibians, fish and plants. Locals hunt and fish on the island; hiking, dog walking and sea glass and sea shell hunting are other favorite pastimes.
1794 Watchtide™...by the Sea!
190 West Main Street
Searsport, Maine 04974
207-548-6575 ~ 800-698-6575
www.watchtide.com ~ stay@watchtide.com