Town of Bristol, Maine

Source: The Chamberlain House B&B and Event Center Facebook
A harbor in Bristol, Maine

Bristol is a small picturesque coastal town in Lincoln County, located about 60 miles outside of Portland and about a 2 hour drive from Acadia National Park.

This fishing and resort community was known as Pemaquid from 1632-1765. Then in 1765 it officially became Bristol, named for the town in England. Today it includes the charming villages of New Harbor, Pemaquid, Round Pond, Bristol Mills and Chamberlain.

The scenic coastal village of New Harbor is popular with visitors to the area with its many cottages, shops, restaurants and art galleries. This is also a popular departure point for those taking a boat over to Monhegan Island.

The small community of Bristol (about 3,000 residents) swells to three times its size during the summer months. It’s then that many tourists and seasonal residents arrive to enjoy Pemaquid Beach, shopping and all of the seasonal local flavors.

Exploring Bristol Maine

Historic Sites

Old Bristol Historical Society, located at 2089 Bristol Road in Pemaquid, keeps track of all of the rich history of this small coastal town through artifacts, documents and photographs.

As early as 1625 a year-round trading post was set up here by the English. The Pemaquid Archeological Site (aka The Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site) preserves some of this history today.

This landmark shows not only the early English outpost but also evidence that Native Americans thrived here dating back at least 7,000 years. Also on site is Fort William Henry, a replica of the 1692 fort that lay on the Damariscotta River. In 1907 this replica was built in honor of the 300th Anniversary of Colonial Pemaquid.

This fascinating site also includes a museum, gift shop, burial grounds, and remnants of the village that once was here. And also The Fort House, a restored Federal Style home circa 1790 that features a research library, archeology lab, and artifacts.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller to explore then check out The Harrington Meeting House located at 278 Harrington Rd. This old house dates back to 1775 and is now used as a museum and contains old photos, clothing, and books. There is also a small cemetery dating back to that time adjacent to the house.

Other Sites of Interest

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is open to the public from mid-May through late October. This 1827 lighthouse has a light tower, keepers quarters, and a red brick bell tower and overlooks a steep grooved ledge above the sea.

There’s a learning center here as well as an art gallery and The Fishermen’s Museum. You can also climb the lighthouse tower.

If you’re visiting in August be sure to check out the annual Olde Bristol Days celebration.

This charming old-fashioned small-town festival is held on the second weekend in August. Festivities include a parade, live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, and fireworks. And be sure not to miss out on watching the Merrick Brackett Lobster Boat Races.

Source: Project Puffin Facebook
A puffin in flight

Outdoor Exploration

If you’re looking to do a bit of nature sightseeing and hiking while you’re visiting then check out these local spots:

• aVerna Preserve covers 120 acres and more than 2.7 miles of trails that overlook the beautiful coast of Maine. This trail is part of The Nature Conservancy.
• Eastern Egg Rock is a 7-acre treeless island also named the Allan D. Cruickshank Wildlife Sanctuary for the famed Maine ornithologist and photographer. You can take a tour between May and August to see the many puffins that flock here.

Local Flavor

There are many wonderful places to stay, shop and eat in Bristol and in each of its small villages.

Rent a cabin on the water or stay in one of the many Inns or Bed and Breakfasts here; shop to your heart’s content, visit one of the many museums or art galleries or spend a day at the beach.

If you have a wedding or other large event coming up consider celebrating here in one of these two local wedding and event venues:

The Chamberlain House Bed and Breakfast and Event Center is in a renovated 1700s farmhouse located at 1313 ME-32 in Round Pond.

Located at 1297 Bristol Road, the 1812 Farm is a restored barn. This location is an ideal place to get married or to hold your next event. It features elegance and a rustic appeal as well as a beautiful lawn and catered options to complete your event.

Bristol Eateries

Be sure to stop into one of the following locations for a taste of local seafood and downhome Maine cooking:

• Pemaquid Seafood 32 Co-op Road, Pemaquid
• The Harbor Room 2477 Bristol Rd, New Harbor. Also, live music and outside seating on their deck during the summer.
• The HUB, Market and Oysteria, at Pemaquid Oyster 1005 Bristol Rd

You’ll find that Bristol is every bit the picturesque coastal small town that it claims to be. You won’t be disappointed and you’ll probably find yourself wanting to move here or at least visit each year.

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