WRITTEN BY SARAH WALKER CARON

Maine’s craggy coastline has inspired generations of writers, giving readers so much to dig into. But don’t just read about the picturesque on the page, see it for yourself — and pick up some new books along the way — with this reader’s guide to the coast that explores a selection of destinations for your book-loving self. Who knows? You might even be inspired to write yourself. 

Blue Hill

Picturesque Blue Hill is a wonderful day-trip destination in the summer. Stroll down Main Street, stopping at shops like Leaf & Anna (5 Main St., Blue Hill) and The Meadow of Blue Hill (140 Main St., Blue Hill). But really, you’re in this coastal town for the books, right? Since 1986, Blue Hill Books (26 Pleasant St., Blue Hill) has been a local, independent source of books of all kinds from fiction to cooking, travel to children’s. It also hosts many author events in conjunction with Blue Hill Public Library. 

After you’ve satiated your literary appetite, it’s time for some coffee. Bucklyn Coffee (103 Main St., Blue Hill) brews their own beans roasted in nearby Brooklin. 

Hungry? 

There are so many excellent choices in Blue Hill. The Humblebee Cafe (162 Ellsworth Road) is a great stop for smashburgers, sandwiches, wraps and diner fries. Blaze Blue Hill (66 Main St., Blue Hill) is a great place to sit on the patio as well. Bring a notebook, and write while you’re there. Need something refreshing? Head to The Blue Chill (4 Parker Point Road, Blue Hill) for one of their creatively flavored ice pops.

Bucksport

Since 1997, BookStacks (71 Main St., Bucksport) has been the place for book shopping and sipping “pretty good coffee” (their words) in Bucksport. Founded by Andrew Lacher, longtime customer Kate Corwin bought the store in 2024 and is keeping up its strong literary tradition. 

Hungry?

Cross the street and pop into Bucksport Waterfront Restaurant (96 Main St., Bucksport) to enjoy a wrap, sandwich or other American fare on their patio overlooking the river. It’s a great spot on a nice day. Or head up the road to Sweet Cheeks Diner (214 US-1, Bucksport) for a bite to eat in this newer spot serving up diner classics. This could be just the place for inspiring your next story. If you are seeking a sweet treat, walk up to the counter at The Dairy Port (79 Main St., Bucksport) for ice cream-based confections featuring Gifford’s ice cream.

Castine

Picture-perfect Castine has all the coastal charm and water views you could want in a weekend day trip. It’s one of Maine’s oldest towns and has been continuously settled since the early 1600s. Today, it’s home to Compass Rose Books (3 Main St., Castine), an independent bookstore and cafe not far from the town dock that’s been creating community for more than 20 years. While you’re there, you can also grab a cup of 44 North Coffee, TeaMaineia tea, or hot chocolate. Or get a sandwich, soup, cookie, or cake from Ebees Sweets, which operates the store cafe.

While you’re in Castine, stroll along Main Street and pop into the galleries and shops that dot the downtown. And just imagine the tales this town can tell. 

Searsport

The midcoast town of Searsport is vibrant with shops and eateries, perfect for a literary adventure. Anodyne Book Shop (175 W Main St., Searsport) has a lovely book-filled space featuring both new and used books. Its attached cafe and convenient parking lot make it an excellent destination for browsing and a bite to eat. Wander around there for a while, and then head up to the center of town to wander the shops like H&H Mercantile (31 E Main St., Searsport), Trove (36 E Main St., Searsport) and The Aquarian Gift Shop (28 E Main St., Searsport). 

Hungry? 

Hey Sailor! (25 E Main St., Searsport) serves an interesting menu of pizza, salads, tacos, and other goodies. Or check out the new Scullery Made deli, which is serving up a delicious array of sandwiches, salads and soups. Need a sweet treat? Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe (21 E Main St., Searsport) has you covered with candy, confections, and more.

More Bookstores to Love

Maine’s coastline is filled with new and used bookstores worth a trip. From Rockland’s Hello Hello Books (316 Main St., Rockland) to Rockport’s The Tiny Bookshop (163 Union St., Rockport) to Left Bank Books in Belfast (109 Church St., Belfast) to A Boatload of Books in Eastport (74 Water St., Eastport), there are too many bookshops to list and so many opportunities to find literature to love in Maine. Keep your eyes open on your coastal adventures. You never know what you might find.