Town of Waldoboro, Maine

When traveling north on Route 1 to Camden or Bar Harbor, you may only register Waldoboro as a set of traffic lights at the bottom of a long hill—an intersection featuring nothing more exciting than a Hannaford grocery store, a Dunkin’s, and a few other small businesses. Or, for those of you familiar with the town, you may think of it only as the home of the iconic Moody’s Diner.

But rest assured—while Moody’s should certainly be on your list of things to do in Waldoboro (a few must-tries are their Turkey Salad Sandwich, Deep-Fried Mini Potato Pancakes, and Peanut Butter Pie), make sure to take a detour off the beaten path to explore the rest of this former shipbuilding powerhouse along the meandering Medomak River.

Exploring Waldoboro Maine

Boasting the most prolific clam flats in the state, the Medomak is also a very lucrative source of elvers (baby eels—which bring in up to $2,400 per pound) and alewives (the river’s name is Abenaki for “place of many alewives”); this particular niche of the fishing industry makes up a fair portion of Waldoboro’s working population.

The town is no longer a port of entry or shipbuilding harbor, however, and a growing number of residents are creatives and entrepreneurs. Be aware that, unlike Rockland, Boothbay, or Camden, Waldoboro lacks a true town center of commerce, and while you can park and reach a few of these destinations on foot in one go, you’ll have to rely on a vehicle to get you to most of the others.

If you decide to take our advice, head south on Main Street (Route 220) just before Moody’s Diner (check out their kitschy gift shop first though, to stock up on Moody’s merch). When you catch sight of the Waldo Theater on your right, don’t blink—you’ve reached one of the only spots that you can park and actually stroll to a couple of our recommended destinations. Find a spot in one of the small sidestreet lots and head back to Main Street. A few facts of note regarding the Waldo Theater: This precious venue has been to the brink of extinction several times in its storied past, and the current board of directors is in the process of launching a capital campaign to fully restore the 100%-volunteer-supported theater to its former glory.

Less than a block away from the theater is the Broad Bay Café and Gallery—stop in for an artsy gift, a book or puzzle, or a muffin with a hot cup of chai. Once your shopping needs are met, you may feel like spending a bit of time outside if the weather is pleasant—and you’ll have several options. If you’re feeling competitive, stroll further along Main Street and cross the Medomak River; your second left will be Medomak Terrace, where you’ll find Cider Hill Farm and their 18-basket disc golf course. At $3 per round per person—and a gorgeous location, to boot—you can’t lose (well, depending on your skills, of course).

For a more peaceful outdoor experience, take a right on Jefferson Street, just after the theater, and check out the Waldoboro Village River Park. There are several well-mowed paths through a large, beautiful meadow to the river—just be sure to take precautions against ticks…this is Maine, after all. And while walking around the village itself, take note of the amazing and varied architecture surrounding you—the shipbuilders’ homes, the U.S. Customshouse and Post Office, the theater, honestly, an entire photo essay could be dedicated to the array of building styles nestled among the more recent, commonplace structures, like pearls among stones.

Dining Options in Waldoboro

If you find you’ve worked up an appetite again after all that perambulating, no need to hop back into your car yet. Head south down 220 across from the Broad Bay Café, and you’ll immediately come to the Narrows Tavern on your right. This cozy pub has a definite local feel—but you’ll be greeted with a warm smile no matter what zip code you call home. Their poutine, artichoke dip, and hand-cut fries are just a few crave-worthy items you shouldn’t pass up, according to insider info.

And if you’re in the mood for something other than pub food, then hop back in your car, head back up Main Street toward Route 1, and turn off at Old Route 1 on your right to get to Odd Alewives Farm Brewery. And take note: This is a must-do for your Waldoboro itinerary. This sprawling farm-brewery fairly scintillates with a gorgeously chic-yet-simple esthetic: First come, first serve indoor seating, outdoor seating in open, barn-like enclosures under strings of incandescent lights, reservation-only firepits (S’more kits available for purchase? Yes, please!) and of course, beer—made with almost 100% ingredients from Maine. The brewery also offers delicious wood-fired pizzas and fun merchandise, featuring their uber-clever logo.

For a more take-and-go dining experience for a picnic or casual get-together, we would be remiss not to mention Morse’s Sauerkraut. And yes—they have amazing sauerkraut, made from cabbage grown at nearby White Oak Farm. But in addition, Morse’s offers a veritable panoply of pickles, relishes, condiments, meats, cheeses, chocolate, beer, and wine (we’ve heard they even have been known to carry a Riesling in a cat-shaped bottle). Most of their specialty items are sourced direct from northern Europe, and are available all year long—as is their homemade schnitzel, thankfully (their restaurant is seasonal).

You should also make a point to order some cheese (local intel: their brie-like Rockweed is heavenly) from Lakin’s Gorges to add to your picnic basket; you can pick it up at their East Forty Farm on Friendship Road.

Another local secret: Moody’s Diner also has cottage rentals available, just across the road from Odd Alewives. Moody’s Motel is accessible from both Route 1 and Old Route 1—and is one of very few lodging options in town. One of your other options for overnighting in Waldoboro is Tops’l Farm—and it’s a truly special find. Like camping without having to set up a tent, rest easy in one of their cabins, complete with beds, linens…and love.

Far more than a blip of neon signs and chain-store businesses, the quiet wonders of Waldoboro lie waiting to cast their spell on travelers willing to stray off Route 1’s double-yellow-lined monotony.

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