Growing up I was fortunate. As I mentioned in Part 1 of this series, I was fortunate in that I was able to spend vacations in Maine, and was also able to live there for a brief time in Bucksport. Because of this I was able to travel to places that aren’t normally on the radar for folks visiting the state.
All too often I hear that folks typically travel as far as Portland and stop, or head directly to Bar Harbor. Don’t get me wrong, both are great, but if you want to see the real Maine and get an understanding of the state, it’s people, and culture, you need to spend a little time in the smaller “villages” as I call them.
One of the smaller villages that I’ve come to love is Bucksport. It’s a sleepy town I called home for three years. Situated on the Penobscot River just before Penobscot Bay, this former paper mill town is in the process of reinventing itself after the recent closing of the mill.
Originally settled in 1792, the town is chock-full of history and New England charm. Here are some of my favorite places in and around the Bucksport area that I enjoy visiting:
Cemeteries
It may seem morbid to some, but I enjoy going to old cemeteries. Bucksport has two older ones:
Oak Hill Cemetery – dating back to around 1817
Buck Cemetery – dating back to the 1700s, and probably the most visited. I’m sure it has something to do to it having the grave for Jonathan Buck, the founder of Bucksport. The grave is famous due to the outline of a foot that appeared on his tombstone. Legend has it he had a witch burned at the stake, and because of her curse on the town her leg appeared on his tombstone.
Eat
Friars’ Brewhouse – As their name suggests, this brewhouse is owned and operated by Franciscan Friars. This favorite of mine relocated from Bangor a couple years ago. Since then, they’ve been serving up small plates, house-made soups, unbelievable weekly specials, and their award winning craft beer.
During my recent visit with my dad, I enjoyed their Whoopie Pie Porter, and Papermaker’s Lunch. Truth be told, I came for the Tourtiere Quebecois a L’Ancienne (Pork Pie) – it’s legendary, and one I’ve been chasing since they opened – but they were sold out. Hopefully they’ll read this post, and take pity on me and invite me in for my own one day.
Verona Wine and Design – Tucked away off of Main Street, Verona Wine and Design specializes in tapas and wine. It’s a great place to visit when the weather is cooler and you can enjoy your dishes outside by the fire pits.
Dairy Port – What kid (and big kids alike) doesn’t like ice cream? This place has been a must visit each time I’m in town. They have just about every kind of hard serve you can think of in addition to soft serve. Their “Flurrys” are my favorite. Make sure to bring cash, they don’t take plastic.
Other Sights and Landmarks
Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll share some of my favorite places outside of Bucksport.
I moved here too Bucksport in 1971 and been here ever since.Love this beautiful town.Also Orland is a beautiful place to leave
Tell me you meant “live” Betty? Whoops?
I love Bucksport so much I bought land on Williams Pond and plan to spend a year there studying it. I remember when the mill closed and they surveyed us…some wanted Walmart but many of us wanted a real town with local shops…the untouristy Acadia! If you can find any info on what farms if any were settled around Williams pond let me know! I plan to give nature tours when I get up there!…thanks!