Lubec, Maine. One of the 5 prettiest lobster fishing villages in Maine

Perched on a peninsula overlooking the ocean, Lubec is a pretty little lobster fishing village that has recently gone through a bit of a revival. For more than one hundred years, sardine canning was one of the two mainstays of the Downeast economy, and Lubec and Eastport were the twin centers of this fishery industry. At one time, there were 23 sardine factories in Lubec, and a bustling town center sprung up to support the industry. Sadly, as the demand for canned sardines declined, so did the town. By 1976 there were only two sardine factories operating in Lubec and visiting the town while I was growing up was rather sad. The Main Street reminded me of a western ghost town, with empty businesses and boarded up windows. It has been wonderful to see new life breathed into the town over the last five or so years.

Downtown Lubec

The houses, harbor views and shopfronts of Lubec have always been beautiful but now when you visit downtown Lubec in the summer months you can enjoy gift shops, ice cream stands, art galleries, museums and a variety of restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, one of the best dining views in Maine can be found at the corner table of Cohill's Inn. The restaurant (which also offers overnight accommodation) sits on the tip of Main Street, with large windows offering panoramic views of the bay. The restaurant serves a limited but delicious menu, including great steaks and a good selection of beers, wines and mixed drinks.

Water Street Tavern Restaurant in Lubec

From Cohills, you can continue on a mini pub crawl through downtown Lubec. There are two other alcohol-serving establishments within walking (or stumbling) distance, which is a rarity in Downeast Maine. One of these establishments is Water Street Tavern, another restaurant and inn with views of the ocean and an alcohol licence. The menu at Water Street Tavern features a healthy variety of seafood dishes, from black and blue haddock to crab cakes, scallops and lobster mac and cheese. Water Street even serve several good quality champagnes. Beyond Cohills and Water Street there is Annabell's, a local watering hole which hosts live music on various occasions. One final food option on Main Street (BYOB) is Frankie's, which serves excellent Italian food. All of the above listed establishments have outdoor decks for alfresco drinking and dining on sunny summer days.

Northern Tides Gift Shop and Annabell's Pub in Downtown Lubec.

In the summer, Lubec's Main Street is overflowing with flower-filled window boxes and fresh produce is sold each Saturday at a farmers market in one of the parking lots.  Beyond visiting the Main Street shops (one of my favorite is Northern Tides), you can go down to the shore and watch seals playing in the tidal current or spend a quiet moment of reflection at the Lost Fisherman's Memorial, erected to honor those lost at sea in the pursuit of their livelihood.

Flower boxes on Main Street, Lubec.  Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

Downtown Lubec

 Lubec is a great jumping off point for a trip to Quaddy Head State Park, with its iconic red and white stripped light house, where you can take in the first sunrise in America. On the millennium, I gathered here with friends, family and host of others to witness the first sunrise of 2000. If you bring your passport with you when you visit Lubec, you can also cross the boarder to the Canadian Island of Campobello, which has beautiful sandy beaches and a great campground.

Lubec waterfront. Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

Lubec waterfront.  Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker.

West Quoddy Head Light

In the summer months, a ferry can transport you from Lubec to Easport and back. The ride takes about 30 minutes in each direction, and it's a fantastic way to get out on the water and visit another beautiful Maine lobster fishing village. I also highly recommend a stop at Monica's Chocolates, which is on Route 189, the road leading into Lubec.

View of Lubec from the Lubec-Eastport Ferry

If you want to stay the night or weekend, Lubec has some good options for accommodation. If I were to stay in Lubec, I'd probably choose to stay at the Blue Heaven Cottage, The Inn on the Wharf (which is also a restaurant) or The Home Port Inn (a B and B). All the above have ocean views.

Lubec Waterfront

Lubec is also home to some wonderful cultural events. In the summer months, the town hosts one of the most significant summer music programs in Maine, teaching music to adults and holding a series of free concerts each Wednesday at the Congregational Church. In September, there is a fantastic Pirate Festival and an international matathon in June.

Lubec Harbor. Photo courtesy of Jayson Maker

Finally, as a quick update to this post, in 2013 Lubec, Maine was named by Travel and Leisure Magazine as one of the America's best little beach towns. In the article, Lubec was described as having "an elegant Victorian/Greek Revival–style downtown, 97 miles of shoreline, two lighthouses, and easy access to the former Roosevelt summer home on Campobello Island, which is now an international park."

To return to my list of the five prettiest lobster fishing villages in Maine, click here.