Here in Eastport, the easternmost city in the U.S., the sun and the moon rise over Campobello Island and the photo ops are everywhere. For those who want an active outdoor experience, there are ocean kayaking, deep-sea fishing, golf and hiking, as well as swimming, fishing and canoeing in nearby lakes. For a more leisurely stay, try dining out on locally-caught seafood, seasonal whale watching aboard the schooner Sylvina Beal, shopping for antiques and Maine-made art and crafts in the galleries and shops on Water Street, attending a concert of classical or country music at the Arts Center, selecting fresh organic produce and meats at the weekly farmers’ market, or simply relaxing to enjoy the breathtaking views and the massive ocean tides. We’re a welcoming community, proud of our artists, fishermen and farmers, supportive of a wide range of cultural activities, and eager to make our visitors feel at home.
Eastport is a working waterfront, with fishermen bringing in their catch of lobsters, scallops, clams, mussels, crabs, mackerel and halibut. Two tugboats assist freighters that bring in wind turbine blades and leave with wood products. You can catch your own fish off the Breakwater, no license required. Nothing beats the taste of freshly-caught seafood!
The walkable downtown, a National Historic District, was completely rebuilt after a disastrous fire in October 1886. Here you can visit the Tides Institute and Museum of Art, the Peavey Library, the country’s oldest ship’s chandlery and a variety of restaurants. A little farther from downtown you’ll find the nation’s oldest working stone-ground mustard mill, a world-renowned boat-building school, hiking trails, and an airport equipped for executive jets. Some visitors arrive by car, others by boat or plane, and stay in a variety of accommodations from motels and B & Bs, to campgrounds.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe of nearby Pleasant Point shares its strong history and culture, most notably during Indian Days every August. Traditional Native baskets made from sweetgrass and ash are available downtown.
Other festivals include Maine’s best Fourth of July celebration, also known as Old Home Week, a time for families and friends to reunite and celebrate old-fashioned values. Don’t forget the Pirate Festival and Salmon Sunday in mid-September, and our very special New Year’s Eve festivities.
The Eastport Arts Center is the thriving hub of our creative community. Its programs include a theater company, a youth string orchestra, a symphony orchestra, an art gallery, arts education classes, a film society and a concert series that brings many music and drama groups here to perform.
Bring your passport: the border with Canada runs down the middle of Passamaquoddy Bay between Maine and New Brunswick, making Campobello, Grand Manan and Deer Islands our international neighbors. Visiting is easy, by car or ferry, and nearby sights include the Roosevelt family’s summer home on Campobello and many lighthouses.
If you’re interested in a three-nation vacation with lots of possibilities for every member of the family, consider making Eastport your destination.