WRITTEN BY JOANNNA O’LEARY
“Downeast Maine embodies a nationally important story of the waters, land, sky, and cultures of the Atlantic Northeast, and of the complex relationships between the people of five nations and the harsh and bountiful natural environment that shapes their identity and way of life …“
— Downeast Maine National Heritage Area
Wish your journey through such a rich region could last forever? Consider taking home some edible souvenirs to commemorate your trip to Down East Maine, home to dozens of local producers of artisan food products, from nostalgic confections to gourmet specialties. We’ve assembled a guided treasure hunt — who says they’re just for kids? — for scoring these unique foodie finds. Just bring your purse and your palate.
After a busy day of exploring, sometimes an adult beverage is in order. For that, see Jon Stein — yes, that is his real name — at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth. Stein prides himself on creating ales, porters, IPAs, and ciders that pay homage to the region’s agricultural and maritime history with creative ingredients.
“Fogtown’s mission has been to highlight the flavors of Downeast Acadia: the heritage bounty that people have cultivated, farmed, fished, and foraged to support livelihoods or to use for subsistence,” Stein said. “We love incorporating Gulf of Maine seaweed, oysters, grains, blueberries, and more. We’ve even brewed beverages with invasive but charismatic species like Japanese knotweed and rosa rugosa.”
If that doesn’t sufficiently intrigue you, Fogtown also boasts an on-site kitchen serving wood-fired pizza, plus a full schedule of special events, including live music and trivia.
Those touring Down East who prefer to quench their thirst with fermented grapes rather than cereal grains have plenty of winery options, as the region is rich in vintners and vineyards. We’re partial to Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro, which also happens to be the state’s oldest winery, established in 1832 by Robert Bartlett. Its signature blueberry, apple, and pear varietals are game changers in the field because of their crisp, dry quality, proving fruit wines need not be saccharine or cloying.
And, of course, you’ll need some cheese to go with that wine. At Lakin’s Gorges Cheese — see what they did there — at East Forty Farm and Dairy in Waldoboro, wife-and-husband proprietors Allison Lakin and Neal Foley have been raising Jersey cows since 1992 to aid in the production of fresh and aged cheeses, including their tangy Cascadilla Blue.
Cheeses can be picked up daily from the on-site farm shop year-round, except on Christmas and during blizzards, or purchased at a variety of Maine retailers, including Edwards Market in Ellsworth, Blue Hill Wine Shop in Blue Hill, Camden Charcuterie in Camden, and Morning Glory Natural Foods in Brunswick.
Finally, if jam is your jam, swing over to Marilyn’s Jam Session on the Blue Hill Peninsula, where Marilyn Cleveland has been making preserves for more than 20 years. While Cleveland certainly excels at traditional fruit preserves, her creativity shines in savory jams. A favorite is the medium-tempo Apricot Haberna, with just enough spice to keep things interesting.