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.

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.

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.