While Freeport is often known for its shopping, don’t let this fool you. There is plenty to do for you non-shoppers as well. Freeport is centrally located, offering many options within an easy 45-minute drive. A few suggestions:
- Popham Beach – a favorite spot any time of year as this is one of the prettiest beaches I have seen anywhere. With about 1 1/2 miles of beautiful sandy beach, this is a great walking spot. Explore the fort or, when the tide is out, walk out to one of the small islands to explore the horseshoe crabs and periwinkles in the water. Just be sure to be back before the tide rolls in!
- Botanical Gardens – located on the Boothbay Harbor peninsula, these gardens have been rated #2 in the country and are worth the 45-minute drive. The gardens are open year-round and are constantly changing with the seasons. There are paths leading down to the water for you to stroll and enjoy. There is also a fabulous children’s garden, great for us big kids as well!
- Wolfe’s Neck State Park and Bradbury Mountain State Park – within 5-10 minutes of Freeport, enjoy a fun hike and spectacular views. Wolfe’s Neck offers beautiful views of Casco Bay and the Osprey nests (and it will soon be that time again) while Bradbury Mountain provides more challenging hiking routes and views over the countryside.Both are worth a visit. Pack a snack or picnic lunch and go enjoy.
- Bailey Island – if you want to see a quintessential lobster community, this is it. A short but beautiful drive from Freeport lie Orr and then Bailey Island. Bailey Island opens straight to the Atlantic and is so picturesque. Connecting Orr to Bailey Island is the only Crib Stone Bridge left standing in the world. Walk about the bit of shore, enjoy a lobster roll and take a sail aboard Schooner Alert. The water is one of the best ways to really see the shore and landscape. This is one of our favorite areas to send guests.
- Lighthouses – your trip to Maine is not complete without lighthouses! Portland, just 20 minutes to the south of Freeport, affords some of the best lighthouses. Portland Head is a favorite. Situated in Fort Williams Park, worth the trip alone, is one of the most photographed in the country and one of the few with a museum open to the public. Two Lights and Portland Bug Light are close by, so check them out while you are here.
- Maine Maritime Museum – located in Bath, 20 minutes to the north of Freeport. Ship building is part of Maine’s history, dating back to the 1600’s when the King of England sent slaves and army personnel to Maine to collect masts and build ships. This, and more, including the lobstering of Maine, can be seen and enjoyed at the Maine Maritime Museum. Situated on the beautiful Kennebec River, and next door to Bath Iron Works, explore this side of Maine’s heritage through trolley tours, boat building, and more.
- LL Bean Outdoor Discovery School – with options to suit everyone, this is a fun way to explore the Maine outdoors. Summer courses include kayaking (including a sunset kayak experience on Casco Bay), standup paddle boarding, fly fish casting, archery, and clay shooting while winter sports offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Offered several times each day and including all instruction and equipment for just $20/person. Try something new and enjoy the fun.
You get the picture here…Freeport is so much more than shopping. We have many more great places we enjoy sending people, depending upon what you enjoy and what you are looking for. Robin is great with suggesting motorcycle rides with spectacular views, being a rider himself. We also have mapped routes for bicycle riders, both challenging as well as flatter routes. Let us know what we can do to help you make the most of your Maine vacation. We love to help!
