Town of Damariscotta, Maine

Source: Town of Damariscotta, Maine Facebook
Damariscotta, Maine

Damariscotta is a small, picturesque town on the Damariscotta River in Lincoln County. This small town shares its community and much of its history with Newcastle, its twin village, next door.

These two towns actually lie across from one another, along the banks of the Damariscotta River, and are connected by a bridge over the river.

The town of Damariscotta has just over 2,000 residents and maintains its cozy village appeal to visitors from all over. Named the oyster capital of New England, it is a very popular tourist area from Spring through Autumn each year.

You’ll find everything you’re looking for in this small charming town with its historic setting and quaint village feel, whether you’re moving here or just passing through.

Damariscotta has great public and private schools, a public library, and a thriving arts community. And the town is located just 12 miles from the ocean and there are many trails and lakes nearby.

Exploring Damariscotta Maine

A Little History

This area was once home to the Wawenock Abenaki. “Wawenock” means “People of the Bay.”

Whaleback Shell Midden is a local historic site that helps to preserve a part of this area that belonged to the Wawenock. It contains 2,500-year-old oyster shell middens left behind along the shores of the Damariscotta River.

Damariscotta was settled in the mid-1600s, but due to unrest in the area, it wasn’t until 1848 that it officially became a town. After that, it grew quickly as a trade center with many brickyards and shipbuilders.

Many of these brickyards supplied the bricks that were used to build Boston’s Back Bay Community, and many clipper ships were launched from the town’s shipyards.

Things To Do in Damariscotta

The Damariscotta River Association includes many preserves and trails in the area. If you’re looking for a place to hike, bird watch, or find a nice quiet spot for a picnic, look no further than here.

If you’re interested in learning more about local wildlife and oyster farming, check out Damariscotta River Cruises.

About 80% of the oysters farmed in Maine come from this region. Here you can take a 2-hour educational boat ride and learn more about the history of oyster farming.

And when your ride is finished you can head over to the Damariscotta River Grill on 155 Main St and try some fresh oysters for yourself.

This authentic Maine seafood grill has a casual come as you are atmosphere and is family-friendly.

Another fun place to check out is Red Cloak Tours. Red Cloak Tours is Maine’s largest tour company and offers a tour of historical Damariscotta, including their cemeteries, maritime and community history, and ghost tours.

Source: Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta Facebook
One of the many pumpkins at the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta

Festivals and Celebrations

Each Spring the alewives arrive from the sea to spawn in Damariscotta Lake. Alewife is a small salty fish that is similar to herring and is popular in this region. The Alewives Festival celebrates their arrival and their safe crossing to their place of spawning.

In the summer the Damariscotta Oyster Celebration takes place with tastings, tours of the local oyster farms and a chef-of-the-year competition.

There’s also an oyster shucking competition which involves prying open the oyster shells with a small knife and removing the delicate meat inside as quickly as possible.

There are also two local festivals here during the Fall months. The Pemaquid Oyster Fest hosts music, food, displays and, of course, an oyster shucking competition.

The Pumpkinfest and Regatta features races between boats made from carved out giant pumpkins in October.

Source: Alewife Festival
1957 Alewife Queen Contestants

Visiting Damariscotta

If you’re passing through or planning to stay for a visit there are many places to stay in Damariscotta and nearby Newcastle.

The Down Easter Inn is a beautiful 19th century Greek Revival building that is listed in the Historic Register. Located at 220 Bristol Inn this seasonal inn is conveniently located just minutes from shopping, restaurants, boating, and swimming.

Oak Gables Bed and Breakfast at 36 Pleasant St is open year-round. This secluded 9-acre estate lies on the banks of the Damariscotta River near historic downtown Damariscotta. They have a pool, boat house with river access, a large apple orchard, and are within walking distance to the downtown area and shops.

A few other places worth checking out in Damariscotta are:

• The Lincoln County Community Theater located on 2 Theater St. This historic building dates back to 1876 when it was known as Lincoln Hall. During the 1920s it was turned into a movie theater with 500 seats.
• The Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe is a large bookstore with locations along the Maine Coast and at 158 Main St in Damariscotta.

You’ll thoroughly enjoy your visit to Damariscotta with so many things to see and do. Plan to spend some time in the historic downtown, there are many shops and restaurants here.

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