Ellsworth

Ellsworth is thought of as the gateway to the splendor and beauty of Acadia National Park. All roads to Acadia and surrounding areas travel through Ellsworth.

Whether exploring by land or by water, Ellsworth offers the convenience of small- city life with all of the qualities of Maine’s spectacular coastal amenities including hiking and boating. A thriving Main Street offers an abundance of restaurants, shops, an art-deco theatre, professional offices, galleries, a museum, coffee houses, pubs and historic buildings. Shopping centers, hotels, inns and restaurants are scattered minutes from the historic district.

A waterfront park offers a boat launch, free summer concerts, and picnic areas for the family.

Dining in Ellsworth can range from the simple outdoors take-out spot offering locally caught seafood on a picnic table to an elegant meal served with a water view. Chefs pride themselves on local, fresh, seafood and farm products, served up in cuisine that varies from casual to sophisticated and everything in between. Don’t miss trying a local cheese, wine, brewed ale or the world famous Maine lobster as part of your taste of Maine.

Hidden Gems: The artisans at Atlantic Art Glass patiently share their craft with visitors. Watching the team of glassblowers is like observing a choreographed dance as they shape the molten glass. You’ll leave with an art glass souvenir of glass beads, paperweights, jewelry and much more. The shapes, colors and detail make unique pieces to wear, use or display. Local Favorites: Visiting on a weekend? Take a ride on the Downeast Scenic Railroad. A 24-mile round-trip excursion ride will provide exceptional views of wetland marshes, massive boulders, river and stream crossings, a pond and a lake. The potential for seeing many forms of wildlife abounds from Bald Eagles to deer, snapping turtles or beavers.

Most Unusual: The Great Maine Lumberjack Show is an amusing extravaganza of axe throwing, log rolling, underhand chopping, crosscut sawing and pole climbing that proves the skill and dexterity needed to be a Maine lumberjack.