WELCOME TO SEARSPORT

If you were an American deep-water sea captain back in the 19th century, chances are you came from Searsport, Maine. Nearly 300 captains sailed from this small town at the head of Penobscot Bay, going off to India and China and building grand houses in Searsport neighborhoods to enjoy on their return. Today, Searsport is still a charming MidCoast town, just with far fewer sea captains. You can enjoy the glories of Searsport’s maritime past simply by walking its streets. Downtown, which is a federal Historic District, is full of brick-and-stone commercial buildings. While they contain new stores, shops and restaurants, many retain the looks they did a century and a half ago. Another historic district contains the grand sea captain’s homes, some of which have been converted into inns and B&Bs.To learn about the maritime industry that created Searsport, visit the Penobscot Marine Museum, housed inside a group of historic buildings downtown. The museum celebrates the history of Penobscot Bay and of the sea in general. There are even some of the treasures brought home by the Searsport captains. The museum has terrific exhibits especially for kids. When it’s time to head to sea yourself, rent a kayak to experience sea life up close in Penobscot Bay.

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