Elena Trundy, Summer Programs Steward

Emily Pistell & Emily Stinneford

Summertime has officially arrived, as we celebrated the longest day of the year just a few days ago! There’s no doubt Maine has entered its most active time of year as wildlife returns, gardens come alive, local businesses boom and vibes are high with the coastal breeze keeping us cool. We know the rainy beginning to the season has some feeling like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, but don’t let the wet Saturdays get ya’ down…here's a list of wonderful places to explore this season, in hopes of reassuring residents and visitors that a Maine summer is magical rain or shine!

Start off with a delicious visit to Bowdoinham where Fairwinds Farm maintains 16 acres of some of the freshest strawberries in the area. Open to the public during the strawberry season (mid-June through mid-July), Fairwinds allows patrons to customize their own cartons with a “pick your own strawberries” policy. You can purchase an abundance of their grown goodies at the farm, their Topsham location, and often at local farmers markets in Brunswick and Portland throughout the summer into early fall! Once we hit blueberry season (around early August), another great spot to find buckets-full of berries is KELT Preserve, Higgins Mountain (Join us for a berry picking event) in Georgetown. Another must-do blueberry themed activity is Wild Blueberry Weekend at Fields Fields Blueberries in Dresden, taking place August 2nd through 3rd this year.

It can get heated in the fruit fields and blueberry barrens, and what’s better than fresh produce alongside a body of water? So after pickin’ head down across the river to Arrowsic where you’ll find the beautiful freshwater Sewall Pond. With two entrances, one off route 127 and the other “park and hike-in” option off Old Stage Road, there's ample opportunity to either swim, fish, or kayak this 57 acre nature preserve. There’s limited but adequate parking at both access points and the .6 trail on the western side is gentle and arrives at multiple rocky shorelines. Added plus - there’s a thrilling rope swing! The water is refreshing - good for a quick dip or lengthy open water swim.

If you prefer the salt, one of our favorite “hidden gems” has to be Seawall Beach, found at the end of Morse Mountain in Phippsburg. The trail is 3.8 miles down and back but is very smooth as there’s limited altitude and paved terrain. It takes you through the Sprague River Salt Marsh, mossy pine forests filled with large granite boulders, and right to its sandy shores. Its various sections feel very attuned to Maine’s complex ecosystems and allows the hike to flow seamlessly for all ages. The experience is free but the parking lot fills up fast especially on weekends so it’s best to get there early. Pack lots of snacks, a towel and a suit and try to hit the beach at low tide so you can truly make a day out of this secluded paradise. If you’re into learning more about New England sea creatures, join us for our KELT Tidepooling Adventure at Reid State Park, July 3rd (Register Here).

If you are in search of more summer hikes without the crowds, head down to Westport Island, where KELT has a number of stunning preserves. An ideal summer day would include a long hike in Bonyun Preserve, and a stroll over to Sasanoa Brewing - a rustic coastal brewery at the end of the island where MOFGA certified organic beers are served on-site at the farm where the ingredients are grown.

The Kennebec Estuary is the perfect region to find your favorite seafood shack order, or even better - learn about aquaculture from your local farmer! On Georgetown in Robinhood Cove, Eros Oyster will take you on a tour of their oyster farm and have a u-pick option off their dock. OystHERS Sea Farm bivalves can be found at their local raw bar OystHERS in downtown Bath. On the New Meadows River near West Bath, find Iron Island Oysters on their farm by the water or look out for their name in local restaurants. If clams are more your speed, join KELT for our annual Clam Day (Register Here) at Reid State Park to dig up your own dinner in a beautiful sandy flat perfect for beginners. For lobster, you have to have at least one sunny evening at the picnic tables at Five Islands in Georgetown.

You’ll end the day with a “sweet treat” of course - who doesn’t love ice cream on a summer day? Located on State Street in West Bath, Witch Spring Hill is a renowned local ice cream shop for the community. Serving Giffords at a reasonable price, they're open end of May to early September. New to the ice cream scene in downtown Bath is Zellie’s soft serve truck by the waterfront! A “build your own” situation, their innovative flavors range from olive oil and sea salt to an espresso float to brown sugar roasted Maine rhubarb!

Our coastal communities truly come alive in these next few months! It feels like we’ve barely scratched the surface of must-do activities this season… but that’s what makes a Maine summer extraordinary: there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, new to Maine, or born and raised here - you’ll always discover new wonders in the estuary. So get outside, try something new and indulge in the precious experiences Midcoast Maine has to offer during this enchanting time of year!

Local's Guide to Summer in the Estuary

Get our email blasts!