Stay in Stonington, Castine, Blue Hill, Camden or Belfast?

Question

Hi! I've been to Southern Maine coastal towns before (Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, York, etc.) and Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor areas, but have never visited the Deer Isle, Castine, Stonington, Blue Hill area. I have about 1 week for this trip and wonder which of these towns would make good bases. I love towns with gorgeous sceneries, walkable to bookstores, shops, restaurants, and are generally safe for a girls' trips with my friends. I'm also a photographer, so anywhere that's beautiful would be the perfect places for me! Should I base in 2 towns or 1? And which? Thank you in advance!

Answer

What a wonderful trip you have planned! The DownEast Maine region, including Deer Isle, Castine, Stonington, Blue Hill, Camden, and Belfast, offers stunning scenery, charming towns, and a rich arts culture—perfect for a relaxing, picturesque vacation with your friends. Based on your preferences for beautiful landscapes, walkability, and photography opportunities, here are some suggestions for your stay:

1. Stonington (Deer Isle) Stonington is a beautiful, quiet town on Deer Isle, known for its historic fishing village charm and stunning coastal views. It has a lovely harbor with working fishing boats, a great spot for photos! The town itself is small and walkable, with a few galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. Stonington is the gateway to Deer Isle and offers a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path feel, perfect for photographers who want to capture the true essence of Maine’s coast. It’s ideal for those who want a slower pace, but there aren’t as many amenities or activities as some of the other towns. If you’re seeking tranquility and natural beauty, this could be a wonderful base.

2. Blue Hill Blue Hill is a picturesque town with a lively arts scene, making it an excellent choice for a photographer. It offers a great combination of beautiful scenery, walkable streets, and local culture. The town has several galleries, bookstores, and shops, as well as some great restaurants. From Blue Hill, you’re also close to Blue Hill Mountain, which offers lovely hiking and photo opportunities with panoramic views. The town is more vibrant than Stonington but still has a laid-back vibe. It's a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, including nearby beaches and coves. Blue Hill also has a larger selection of amenities compared to Stonington, so if you want a mix of charm and convenience, this could be a perfect fit.

3. Castine Castine is another beautiful town known for its history and coastal beauty. It’s a bit more upscale and quiet, with stunning architecture and picturesque streets. Castine is very walkable, and you’ll find several local shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s home to the Maine Maritime Academy, which gives the town a bit of academic and maritime flair. As a photographer, you’ll appreciate the town's colonial-style buildings and its waterfront views. Castine feels more remote compared to Blue Hill, but it has a refined charm that makes it a unique place to stay. If you enjoy history and picturesque harbor views, Castine is definitely worth considering.

4. Camden If you’re looking for a slightly larger town with more amenities, Camden is an excellent choice. Known for its stunning harbor, Camden has a bustling downtown with plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. The town has a lot of charm, with a beautiful blend of mountains and ocean. There are plenty of photo ops, from the harbor to Camden Hills State Park, where you can hike or drive to the summit of Mount Battie for a panoramic view of the town and coastline. Camden is popular with tourists, so it can get busy in the summer, but it’s still a charming place to stay. It would also be a great base if you want to explore nearby areas like Rockport, Lincolnville, and even the Camden Hills region.

5. Belfast Belfast is a vibrant, artsy town with a rich maritime heritage and is perfect for a creative and cultural experience. It has a great mix of galleries, shops, restaurants, and bookstores, and it’s very walkable. The waterfront area, with its historic waterfront and marina, is especially photogenic. Belfast has a more bustling vibe compared to the more laid-back towns like Stonington or Castine, but it’s still charming and offers plenty of character. It’s also a bit more affordable and accessible if you’re looking for more options in terms of dining and accommodation. Belfast could be an excellent base for exploring both the coast and inland areas of Waldo County.

Should You Stay in One or Two Towns? Since you have a week for your trip, you can either base yourself in one town or split your stay between two. Here are a few options:

If you prefer a relaxed, low-key stay with fewer distractions, base yourself in Stonington or Castine for the first half of the trip, and then head to Blue Hill or Belfast for the second half to explore a more vibrant arts scene and do some shopping.
If you want to explore more of the coastal area and enjoy both tranquility and activity, consider splitting your time between Blue Hill and Camden. This way, you get a mix of peace and beauty in Blue Hill and the bustling harbor atmosphere of Camden.
If you really want to immerse yourself in a quieter, peaceful experience, staying in just one town like Stonington or Castine for the whole week will give you plenty of time to unwind and explore the surrounding natural beauty without feeling rushed.

Conclusion: For a photographer and someone who loves quaint, walkable towns, I would recommend starting with Blue Hill for its balance of charm, natural beauty, and local culture. If you enjoy being closer to the water and a more traditional Maine fishing village, Stonington would be a fantastic base. Camden and Belfast are great for those who want a bit more activity and amenities while still offering picturesque coastal scenes.

Enjoy your trip and have a wonderful time exploring Maine’s stunning coastline!