1. Bingo Deepsea Fishing
City: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 633-3775
Address: 100 Commercial St.
Description: From the pier behind the Tugboat Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, the 52-foot Bingo chugs 60 miles out to sea before anchoring in 300-foot water and dropping 10-ounce diamond jigs in search of good old staples like cod, pollock, haddock, and cusk. The fishing is usually very good, and being this far out, you often see whales and porpoises as an added bonus. If you get lucky, the crew will dice up your dinner for you on the 90-minute trip back into port. The boat goes out daily, and reservations are a good idea. The daylong trip is $125.
2. Tidal Transit
City: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 633-7140
Address: 18 Granary Way
Description: Tidal Transit’s been at it since the late 1980s, and it has a handful of fine offerings. Based in Boothbay Harbor, the outfitter’s guides paddle out to Burnt Island Lighthouse, where they stop for a stroll ($35); they venture into prime marine mammal and bird territory in search of seals, herons, ospreys, and eagles on the Wildlife Tour ($40); and they paddle against a backdrop of lovely reds and yellows at the dimming of the day on the Sunset Tour ($35). Most of these paddles are in the two-hour range, and all gear is included. Reservations are required, so call ahead.
City: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
4. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
City: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 633-4333
Address: Off Barter’s Island Rd.
Description: A lovely work in progress, these gardens have been under construction since the 1990s, and they continue to grow and grow, more than doubling there acreage. Some 300 native species have been planted, and there is a library and visitor center where you can find out about the long-term plans for the gardens. A mile of tidal shorefront doesn’t hurt.