City of Ellsworth, Maine

Ellsworth lies at the falls on the Union River in coastal Hancock County and is located about halfway between Bar Harbor to the west and Bangor to the east. Ellsworth started as a shipbuilding community and quickly developed into a mill town with sawmills, brickmakers, a carriage manufacturer, and box-making factories. The Great Flood of 1923 ended its prominence as a shipping and industrial center, and the Great Fire of 1933 destroyed the downtown business district.

Since then, Ellsworth has reemerged as the largest shopping district in the county. Anyone driving to Acadia National Park passes through the town, making it a popular stopping and shopping destination before going onto the island. And Ellsworth provides professional, recreational, cultural, and retail services for nearly 60,000 people in the Hancock and Washington County area.

With so many Mainers and those “from away” relying on it for services, the town of Ellsworth has risen to the occasion; there’s no shortage of options for shopping, dining, cultural events, and recreational activities.

Ellsworth, centrally located and vitally important for the resources it offers, is considered “The Heart of Downeast Maine” or the “Gateway to Downeast Maine.”

Exploring Ellsworth Maine

As shopping centers and malls became more commonplace, many downtown districts experienced an economic downturn; citizens living in these communities have realized the importance of providing strong support for small businesses, tourism, and recreational activities, to ensure robust economic health.

In 2016, passionate citizens created The Heart of Ellsworth a nonprofit, focused on the ongoing revitalization of downtown Ellsworth. The website is an excellent resource for community events, resources and programs, and downtown businesses.

A great place to start your tour of Elsworth is at The Grand, a theatre built in Art Deco style in 1938; the Grand is a nonprofit performing arts center and an outstanding example of this style of architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you can still catch a show in this outstanding theatre.

For those of you who have never seen a telephone, Ellsworth is also home to The Telephone Museum that takes you back in time before cell phones to when you couldn’t take your phone with you. The Woodlawn Museum Gardens & Park is close to downtown, and is a 180-acre historic home and gardens that take you back through three generations of the Black family.

Once you’ve had your fill of the past, take a step into the present and explore shopping in the quaint downtown district. Many locally-owned shops add to the vibrancy of Ellsworth. An interesting and educational stop along the way is Atlantic Art Glass, a “public access hot spot” featuring a glass-blowing studio and gallery. You can watch live presentations, take classes, and purchase glasswork. Artsworth Studios, also housed in the same location, fosters a community appreciation of the arts through instruction, events, and presentations.

Ready for a cup of joe before your next stop? Grab a cup (or sample) of freshly brewed coffee at Rooster Brother and browse around “The Store for Cooks and Those Who Love Them.” There’s the Union River Book & Toy Company and The Rock & Art Shop to boot. This is just a smattering of the many locally-owned shops that make downtown Ellsworth a fun and exciting place to shop.

Out and About Ellsworth

For those interested in getting out and about and exploring the area around Ellsworth, a very exciting way to get the lay of the land is to book a trip on the Downeast Scenic Railroad. Cover a lot of ground while relaxing when you take a ride on this train. If you are ready to stretch your legs, Birdsacre has 3 miles of hiking and walking trails in a preserve dedicated to preserving Maine wildlife; it’s also a stopover point for migratory birds.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, Ellsworth is the starting point for The Down East Sunrise Trail, extending 87 miles to Calais. The Sunrise Trail connects eastern Maine to the East Coast Greenway. Jordan Homestead Preserve has a peaceful and secluded trail that goes through a wooded area and leads the banks of the Union River minutes from downtown Ellsworth.

If the weather is inclement and you’re looking for things to do indoors, you can always go bowling. Besides bowling, D’Amanda’s has an arcade and food. Speaking of food, let’s explore the dining scene in Ellsworth.

Where to Eat and Drink

Ellsworth has an eclectic blend of bars, restaurants, specialty shops, and eateries. There is truly something for everyone. Let’s get rolling with dessert first, and visit Morton’s Moo of Maine, serving up artisan-made ice cream, gelato, and sorbet; Moo’s was voted the best ice cream in Downeast Maine.

Taste Jamaica brings authentic Jamaican food to Maine. Not only are the meals tasty and the service quick and friendly, but fans rave about the specialty drink menu. If you are in a hurry and want to grab a quick, fresh burrito or wrap, check out 86 This!. Self-described as “classy punk-rock burrito shop,” and starting out as a hole in the wall 86 This! continues to expand, a testament to its popularity.

Fogtown Brewery & Beer Garden opened in 2017 and has been serving up small-batch craft beers and food ever since. With live music and local artwork, Fogtown is a great place to get a feel for the neighborhood vibe. You can’t miss the facade of the Provender Kitchen + Bar, and the interior is equally intriguing. The Provender features modern bistro dishes and bevies in this gorgeous setting. And then there’s Finn’s Irish Pub, a lively and local watering hole where you can enjoy a pint and traditional Irish food made with a twist.

Ellsworth enjoys continued growth, and the community is focusing on the future, thinking about a “quality of place,” ensuring that the “Gateway to Downeast Maine” is attractive to businesses, residents, tourists, and the surrounding community.

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