Maine

This Town In Maine Is Full Of Islands, Charming Shops, And Delectable, Fresh Seafood – Explore

Published

2 months ago

December 22, 2025

This Town In Maine Is Full Of Islands, Charming Shops, And Delectable, Fresh Seafood – Explore

Bob Pool/Shutterstock

The waterfront in Stonington is lined with cute stores and delicious seafood spots. It also overlooks bobbing lobster boats and a beautiful, granite-lined archipelago with more than 50 islands. This postcard-worthy coastal town is exactly what you picture when you dream about a classic Downeast Maine vacation.

Stonington is a small town — about 1,000 people live here year-round — off the coast of Maine. It’s due east of Camden, one of the best budget-friendly adventures in small American towns, on the mainland. It’s also perched on the southern tip of Deer Isle. The island sits on the eastern side of Penobscot Bay, which is considered a top cruising spot in the world. It faces Merchant Row, one of the largest island clusters in the United States. With its harbor being the biggest lobster port in the state, life clearly revolves around the sea in Stonington.

Like most of the islands in Penobscot Bay, Stonington is never an accidental destination. Bangor International Airport (BGR) is the closest airport. The small airport receives nonstop flights from mostly East Coast cities. After landing and renting a car, you will drive an hour and a half south, crossing two bridges along the way. The Deer Isle Bridge is a brightly colored suspension bridge that connects Sedgwick, on the mainland, with Little Deer Isle. Just a mile later, the Deer Isle Causeway, built atop a sandbar, joins Little Deer Isle with larger Deer Isle. Stonington sits at the bottom of the island.

Wander around the shops overlooking Stonington’s harbor

small boats tied up along wooden piers in Stonington harbor on Deer Isle in Maine

Earl D. Walker/Shutterstock

Stonington’s Main Street runs parallel to the water along Deer Isle’s south coast. Boat ramps, ferry docks, and the fishing pier line one side. Buildings from the 19th century, including Stonington Town Hall and the Stonington Public Library, are on the other side. While narrow, winding streets, which can barely fit two passing cars, extend from there. The air is always thick with salt.

Many of the buildings facing the harbor are now filled with small shops, where you will find a lot of Maine-inspired items. Dockside Books & Gifts is a bookstore that features Maine and marine books. Island Approaches, a clothing store, has cozy Maine sweatshirts. Marlinespike Chandlery is a supply store that displays antiques and rope work. While the Dry Dock, “a creative department store,” has a little bit of everything, most of which is made in Maine, or at least New England.

You will also find J. McVeigh Jewelry, which showcases one-of-a-kind pieces. They have been made by more than 30 artists from around the world. 44 North Coffee is a woman-owned roasting company. It sells small-batch, organic coffee. Then you can buy camping gear and kayaking accessories at Sea Kayak Stonington. The adventure company also offers guided trips, lessons, and rentals.

Find fresh-off-the-boat seafood along the waterfront

a fisherman holding a lobster in Stonington harbor on Deer Isle in Maine

George Shelley/Getty Images

Since Stonington is an important fishing community, it’s not surprising that you can find delectable seafood everywhere. Fin and Fern, with its upstairs bar, is the perfect sunset spot. Then head downstairs for heavenly fresh pasta dishes, like lobster ravioli and seafood alfredo. 27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille has a large deck with an outdoor bar. It’s a great place to order the classics: New England clam chowder and a chilled Maine lobster roll. Then Stonecutters Kitchen and Stonington Food and Ice Cream Company are more casual restaurants. The former has a large patio and serves fried seafood and build-your-burgers in plastic baskets, while the latter, a take-out window with outdoor seating, has more lobster rolls and Gifford’s Ice Cream.

If you have a kitchen to cook for yourself, you can buy fresh seafood, as well. The Stonington Lobster Co-op is a collective that was founded in 1948. It sells live lobsters right off the dock. Also, Greenhead Lobster is the largest independently owned and operated lobster dealer in Maine. In addition to live lobsters, they sell lobster claws, knuckles, and tails, the best parts of the crustaceans.

While waiting for your catch of the day, you will probably stare at the water and imagine what else these idyllic islands hold. On Vinalhaven, Lawson’s Quarry is a hidden swimming hole with granite ledges and glassy waters. Plus, serene Warren Island State Park is only accessible by boat. Downeast Maine is even better than you dreamed.

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

7 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

19 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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