Considered one of the oldest towns in New England, Castine is a charming midcoast Maine spot offering cozy inns, scenic views, and plenty of history.
By Aimee Tucker|Aug 08 2022|
Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
One summer, I found myself in Castine for a brief 24 hours and was determined to see and share as much of the lovely harbor town, named by Yankee as one of the 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in Maine, as possible. Ready to see what I got up to? Let’s explore Castine, Maine!
Welcome to coastal Castine, Maine! Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Located about 130 miles north of Portland, Castine is big enough to spend the day (or more), but small enough to still feel special. Its Main Street slopes down towards the sea and includes most of the town’s dining, shopping, and lodging. I opted to spend the night at The Castine Inn overlooking Penobscot Bay. Built in 1898, the inn is surrounded by a wraparound porch and has a lovely public garden. It’s the kind of place where you still get a key for your room, and you can open the windows to let in the fresh ocean air. Basically, it’s my kind of hotel.
The Castine Inn. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Although the Inn has many charming features, the dining room (used at breakfast) is especially bright and cheerful thanks to a mural that spans the entire room, depicting scenes from Castine.
The charming dining room at the Castine Inn. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Another favorite place for many to stay, just across the street, is the Pentagoet Inn.
The Pentagoet Inn. Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
Both sit on the higher end of Main Street, while the lower end is dominated by shops and eateries.
Main Street in Castine, Maine. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
However, if you’re in need of some reading material or a game of Castine-Opoly, The Compass Rose Bookstore and Cafe has you covered.
The Compass Rose Bookstore & Café. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyWhen in Maine… Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
At the bottom of Main Street you’ll find The Breeze & Castine Variety, another good spot for a quick bite or takeout lunch.
The Breeze & Castine Variety. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
I’d heard good things about their lobster rolls, so (“When in Maine…”) I decided to get one and take it down to the water for lunch.
The warm and inviting inside at The Breeze & Castine Variety. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
The roll was large – cold sweet lobster meat dressed with a little mayo on a bed of shredded lettuce – and served in the customary toasted New England-style hot dog roll, along with a small bag of potato chips. If you ask me, there’s nothing better in the summer than sitting by the ocean with a lobster roll.
The notable lobster roll from Castine Variety. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Eager seagull waiting for crumbs optional…
Seagull appears indifferent…reaction to falling crumbs proves otherwise. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
By the water, you’ll also find a few other dining options – Danny Murphy’s Pub and Dennett’s Wharf.
The indoor/outdoor seating at Dennett’s Wharf is a popular evening dining option. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Not to mention, some lovely harbor views.
The picture-perfect headquarters of Castine Kayak. Photo Credit : Aimee TuckerView of Castine Harbor from the Maine Maritime Academy Waterfront Campus. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
After lunch, I decided to wander around and admire some New England architecture the beautiful historic homes and churches in Castine, of which there are many.
I loved this yellow door. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
And these green shutters… Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyAnd the brightness of this American flag against the white house. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyAnd this charming picket fence! Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyThe Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine, the oldest meeting house in eastern Maine. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
As I strolled, I repeatedly came across large and colorful painted signs sharing snippets of town history, marked with flags.
One of Castine’s many signs offering tidbits of the town’s historic past. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Although today’s it’s mostly a small tourist town, until 1820 the British, French, and Dutch fought over Castine’s strategic location at the mouth of the Penobscot River. This gives Castine, Maine a lively history, and the signs (“not all of which are strictly accurate” says the Castine Historical Society) both mark and help tell the tale.
The Castine Historical Society itself is a wonderful place to stop, situated in a corner of the town common inside a former schoolhouse.
In the background, the Castine Historical Society. Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
Inside are two permanent exhibits – one on the 1779 Penobscot Expedition (historically a real low point for Paul Revere), and the other a community quilt commemorating Castine’s bicentennial in 1996. The 24-foot long quilt, which is as technically impressive as it is beautiful, was designed and constructed by dozens of members of the Castine community, and tells the tale of Castine’s history through pictures.
The 1996 Castine Community Bicentennial Quilt. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
For more history, you can also check out the Wilson Museum, which offers a closer look at local history through displays of pre-historic artifacts, ship models, and a reconstructed 1805 kitchen.
The Wilson Museum. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Or you can just pop into the Castine Post Office, the oldest continuously-operating post office in the United States. We named it as a spot in NewEnglandville | The Town of Our Dreams, saying “This elegant 1814 building still has its original gaslight fixtures, but there’s an ongoing debate over whether post-office use began in 1831 or 1833. Just be grateful that the earlier name, “Majabigwaduce,” was simplified to Castine. ”
The 1814 Castine, Maine, Post Office. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyInside the historic Castine Post Office. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Then again, you can enjoy another dose of history (this time with ocean views) at Fort Madison. Only the grass bunkers remain from the early 1800s fort, but its location at the mouth of the harbor makes it the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Maine coast.
The entrance to Fort Madison in Castine, Maine. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyHistoric Fort Madison, complete with cannons. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
There’s also a wooden staircase over those grassy mounds that takes you down to the rocky shore below.
The rocky view from Fort Madison. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
And speaking of the coast, Castine, Maine, is also home to the Maine Maritime Academy, established in 1941. It’s a public college and nautical training institution – one of six maritime training colleges in the United States. Its 500-foot naval research ship, the TS State of Maine, is worth a visit at the town dock if you have time. That is, if it’s there! During my visit, it was not.
The Maine Maritime Academy calls Castine, Maine home.
Want yet another Castine claim to fame? The town is also home to an unusually large number of elm trees (“Under the Elms and by the Sea” it says on the free town map and walking tour), and once you start to look for them, you realize they’re everywhere. Large and stately, they tower overhead and cover the streets with a canopy of green. It’s a heartwarming sight. Once common throughout America, Dutch elm disease destroyed most of this country’s elms in the 1930s. In Castine, the community works hard to keep their elms healthy and strong, and their effort is appreciated.
Castine, Maine is known for its many elm trees. Photo Credit : Aimee TuckerIs this the biggest elm tree in Maine? Perhaps. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
And what coastal Maine town could be complete without a lighthouse? Castine’s is Dyce Head, built in 1828. Today it’s privately owned, but there is a footpath visitors can follow around the property for views. I’d heard the path takes you down to the water, but after finding myself in the woods with a steep (and slightly scary) view of the ocean below, I decided I must have taken a wrong turn (the path starts off clear but quickly fades) and headed back.
The decommissioned Dyce Head Light is accessible via footpath. Photo Credit : Aimee SeaveyFootpath view of Dyce Head Light. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Finally, before leaving Castine, there was just one thing left to do – dip my toes in the water. I headed to Wadsworth Cove Beach to get the job done, and its pebbly shore offered the added bonus of a little massage.
Wadsworth Cove Beach is just a short drive from downtown. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
What a perfect visit – history, lobster, lighthouses, and all the coastal New England charm you can fit into a single day. I’m already looking forward to a return visit next year. Castine’s charm is not to be missed.
Have you ever visited Castine, Maine? Which midcoast Maine town is your favorite?
This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.
My grandmother grew up in Castine (right across from MMA), and we spent a lot of time there when I was a child. Haven’t been there in years now, looks like I need to make a trip back.
My New Hampshire cousin sent me your wonderful article on Castine. My grandparents had one of the lovely white homes on Perkins Street. We used to visit from California. You’ve made me homesick for Maine & Castine in particular; time to return!
Hi Marian! How lucky to have visited your grandparents in Castine as a child! Such a beautiful spot! So glad you enjoyed the article — hope you get back for a visit soon!
Wonderful summary of Castine, Aimee! I read this last year but enjoyed it just as much once again. I have been fortunate to spend time in Castine for over 50 years, and it remains a magical place. You’ve captured the essence of this lovely town!
Thank you so much, Beth! You have made my day! I so enjoyed my all-too-brief visit to this beautiful town last summer — hope I can get back again this year! 🙂
Thank you for this article and reminding how much I loved Castine. My son graduated form MMA in 1992 and played football and where we spent many wonderful weekends driving from CT. I think Castine is one of the most beautiful towns in New England.
I am a graduate of MMA, Class of 1958. Always try to make it for homecoming every 5 years. This presentation is very professional and indeed promotes the beauty of Castine. Each time I visit Castine it is very hard to leave as very good memories of its people and town are remembered. A lot of my good memories were originated on this beautiful part of New England. Thanks again for this presentation.
What? No photo of Trask’s rock? It was named after a young fifer who hid behind it during the battle for Fort Majorbagaduce. My ancestor, Captain John Hinkley of the Parker’s Island Militia was shot off the rock by a British Soldier during the failed assault on the British position. It may be the world’s largest pebble. It is awash at high tide and above water at low tide.
My brother and sister-in-law started off in Castine, Maine. My brother was a coach and after many jobs with the school he eventuallt was President of Maine Maritime. This brought our family there at least once a year and to this day it is my favorite place. He lives part time still in Castine. Once ther it seems you never really want to leave.
A big shout out to the Manor Inn, too. Architecturally the most important of the three inns in town, with many recent improvements, too. (And how great is it that a town this size should have three lovely inns!)
Just booked 2 days at The Manor Inn after viewing their website. Looking for things to do looked at your site and glad I did. Nicely done and looks like we’re in for a really good time. Thanks for all the information.
My mother, Great Grandmother, Grate Great Grandmother & family were from Castine. I have fond memories from my childhood visits. It was fun staying in GG Grandmothers house and sometimes my Aunt and Uncle’s house next door.
WOW!!! Does Rene Henderson ring a bell? She was my grandmother’s sister.. ( my grandmother passed young) and Rene was my “grandmother” an old footprint in Castine.
I just bought my plane ticket to go back home. I grew up in Penobscot, just down the road. I surprised my friends and family on a Facebook Live Video and told them I was coming. I have not been home in 5 years and these pictures are calling me home. This is a wonderful little town with so much charm. The people are just as delightful. I can’t wait to put my toes in the water and my butt in the sand! I’ve been away from the ocean for far too long now.
I was born in Castine! Someday I hope to visit. I was still an infant when we moved away, so having these recent photos to see is wonderful. Thank you!!
I visited Castine in Aug. 2003 when on a 3 1/2 day cruise aboard the Victory Chimes. Castine was one of our stops, and what a pleasure it was to walk around town for a few hours, taking pictures, enjoying the history, the homes and the shops before we were to go down to the dock and meet up with our ship. I never forgot this special town.
Have a friend who lives in Belfast Maine, which is another great place to visit. We drove over to Castine Maine to visit a friend oh his. What a quaint & beautiful place; lots of history & charm, plus the very friendly towns folks.
We and our closest friends took a holiday Near Bucksport, ME in ’15 and, during our stay, learned that something special was due to happen in Castine. Arriving on the appropriate day, we encountered the reconstructed frigate Hermione following the route of the original that had brought Lafayette to America in 1780 to support the Revolution. Castine is a lovely little town and the event was singular. For anyone interested, I have some great telephoto shots of the ship arriving with the spars and yards festooned with sailors busily photographing the crowds on the dock.
My father was born in 1920 in Castine and grew up there. His father, William D. Hall, moved there with my grandmother around the turn of the last century to assume duties as principal of the Eastern State Normal School, which was a teacher’s college. As teacher training training shifted to the universities, the buildings housing the normal school were sold to the Maine Martime Academy. Castine may have attracted you, as a tourist, but it’s too far from the beaten path to survive as a tourist town. What Castine is, and has been for generations, is a small college town. There are summer residents, to be sure, but the town serves the Maritime Academy year-round.
Spent every summer of my childhood at my Grandmother’s in Castine. My parents are buried in the family plot at the cemetery. Try to get there every few years. A lot of memories from the town.
Our son Justin graduated from MMA in 2008, so we were down there multiple times over the years he was down there. Never knew where Castine was til we took him off to school. We stayed at the Castine Inn as well and loved the big bright breakfast area, MMA provided Justin a world class education and I mean that literally and figuratively. He travelled all over the world on the State of Maine training vessel and continued to travel in his jobs after graduation. Its not your typical crazy tourist area like Bar Harbor is, but that was fine with us. We could park and walk to just about wherever we wanted to be. Justin is still friends with classmates, they have been in each others weddings and watched each others children join their families over the years. We liked the little lunch place down on the water for a quick cheeseburger or hotdog and we ate at Dannetts as well, money all over the ceiling when we were there…its a long and windy road getting in there, so you better be paying attention when you approach a hill and a turn for oncoming traffic. We are from Houlton, Aroostook County, and a few young men from this area ended up going down there, on the job training, travel and a decent living once you get out of there too. I would recommend it highly to kids trying to figure out where they are going to go to school. Ladies and Gents alike.
Castine is indeed a unique town in Maine, New England and the United States. It is probably the only town in the United States with a permanent population of 600 and a student population of 600. My son is a 1995 graduate of Maine Maritime and continues to work as a licensed Chief Engineer. His time there led my wife and me to Castine any number of times. As a result we became adopted Mainers, spending several weeks of the next twenty summers in Maine, mostly in Southwest Harbor. He in turn worked part time in Castine Variety while at MMA. We had the unique opportunity to meet the old State of Maine in Portland in 1992 and travel on a day trip to Castine aboard the ship.
We are among the many with a dollar bill on the ceiling of Dennet’s Wharf. I’m glad that the elm trees were mentioned. There’s not another town anywhere with a Main Street lined with elms today.
I think it was in 2002 that we visited Castine and took a tour of the harbor and surrounding islands on a steam powered launch built and captained by a Maine Maritime graduate. I wonder if it’s still operating.
Hi Gene. This post is a NE.com exclusive — it never ran in print. We periodically fact check and update content on NE.com for re-promotion. We hope that you enjoyed it!
Castine is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a place that draws me back home year after year. Growing up only eleven miles away in Orland, Castine was a regular trek with relatives that visited from away. Day trips always included a tour of the Maine Maritime Academy ship, “The State of Maine” when it was in port. We’d make a brief stop at Fort George, which is where my brother once found a skull of what turned out to be a cat, according to our biology teacher at Bucksport High School. It still had some teeth attached. We of course were hoping for a more exotic animal like a fox. Nevertheless it was a thrill to stumble upon a real skull in a fort.
Castine also boasted a saltwater swimming pool formed with natural boundaries, just across the road from the sea. The famous British Canal that provided access to the mainland for soldiers, fed water into the pool if I recall correctly. At that age, we were unaffected by this place so steeped in history, although we did at times feel a bit important to live nearby such an historic place. The pool water was chilly, but warmer than the ocean, and I guess that’s what mattered most at our young age.
We also loved driving by the bog in Castine that held water at an height higher than the pavement with what appeared to be a fragile barrier of entangled tendrils and weeds. It seemed to be a physical impossibility that bog water did not leak out onto the road, but the natural dam remains in tact to this day.
One of Castine’s greatest claims to fame is saving it’s elm trees from Dutch Elm disease at a time when most communities were losing the battle. Citizens worked fervently and vigilantly to save the trees. I was proud of the town’s efforts, since we lost all of our lovely elms that lined the Narramissic River and sheltered our oldest homes in Orland Village. Our childhood home was surrounded by giant elms, one of which fell on our rooftop while we were away in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving. Castine’s two or more century-old elms still stand in the village with their umbrellas of leaves creating an idyllic summer village environment against the crisply painted, stately white homes. To this day, driving down the sun-dappled streets of Castine brings me great comfort and sense of nostalgia from my childhood.
The grand houses in Castine are truly a sight to behold. They are proudly and properly maintained. You can’t go to Castine during the summer without seeing one or more being meticulously scrapped and painted. Even as a child I knew that these were homes of grandeur, which I believe formed my early aesthetic appreciation and love for old houses. It was fun to show them to our relatives. I still can hear the comments on our slow drives or walks through town, “Oh, look at that one!” “No, look at THIS one!” Not being very worldly at the time, I couldn’t help but wonder – if these are summer homes, what do their main homes look like?
The “rich people,” as we called them, provided summer jobs for high schoolers who nannied in these homes. Disappointing as it was, friends who were lucky enough to hold such positions never dared invite us over to see the places out of respect for the summer people’s privacy, or the fear that something would get broken. Understandably so.
In later years, my brother and I along with our spouses and young families discovered Fort Madison and couldn’t believe we never knew it was there. It’s a place with grass-covered bunkers, perfect for picnics and exploring the shoreline thanks to the long wooden staircase leading down to the water. Our children were of course unaware of it’s historical significance while delighting in rolling down the knolls in the damp, dark green lush grass at dusk – at least until the bugs came out.
Still we say on many a summer evening during our stays in Orland, “Let’s go to Castine.” I still have on my bucket list to take a kayak ride in the Castine harbor at midnight to see the phosphorous firework show underwater!
Hi All:
Thanks for all the wonderful comments on Castine!
I visited my grandparents in Castine every summer when I was young and I loved it!! I learned to ride a bike, swing and climb trees, swim at Craig’s Pond, and play games with the neighborhood children…. and at Christmas my grandparents would arrange to have the big Christmas tree strung with outdoor lights (super!)…..It seemed like everyone in town was a friend and I remember that my mother once said “I will always have friends in Castine!”
Today, my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, my aunt, cousins and in-laws are buried in the family plot in Castine. And, it is my hope that I will join them there when the time comes but most of all, I hope that Castine remains beautiful and that all our children have the joy of summers in Castine!!! M-
Aimee
You managed to cover a tremendous amount in 24 hours. I was lucky enough to spend time on the State of Maine when my father was stationed on it as a sparks operator in the 90s. Sadly, Dennetts Wharf, I believe, is under new ownership. Would love to see more on Deer Isle as a whole. Wonderful idyllic place.
TY
My husband and I recently visited Castine. So pretty!! Our daughter started her schooling at Mass Maritime and is now finishing her education at Maine Maritime. Where she is an older student she is looking for housing. She is quiet and very sweet. If anyone is renting a home or room please email me. Thank you. We look forward to visiting Castine once again.
my aunt and uncle worked at MMA and retired from there, and from what i found out i have 7 generations of family that lived in or around castine in the 17 to 1800’s. i lived there in the early 1970’s.
Nice article about a little town I love. I came from Panama in central America and graduated in 1970. I met great friends at MMA and still keep in contact with many of them.
We visited Castine last summer on a foggy cool day- absolutely magical. My favorite of all the many towns we visited along the entire coast of Maine. Plan on returning next summer. Bringing my sister!
The new name of Dennets is called Otters waterfront eatery and you would be well served if you stopped in and had a bite to eat it has great food, I may be a little biased as I am one of the talented cooks they have on staff.
Spent a few days in Castine 2 summers ago and loved every minute! Beautiful place with lovely, welcoming residents who take so much pride in their town! I loved everything about it – history, architecture, the elms! We took a wonderful boat tour and also a little tour of town on an electric car with a town local. She had wonderful information and stories! The visitor center at the foot of Maine Street is a gem, too! We can’t wait to be back in Castine!
Join the Castine Town Band free concerts on the Common this summer. It is a Maine “Tanglewood”. We play on July 4th on the town green at 4. Classic New England.
Ah yes – good ole Castine, Maine!!! Sailed abord the Victory Chimes many times in the 50’s & 60’s. Once we stopped in Castine because Mrs. Guild had to check on their house there. A friend and I accompanied her to the house, helping carry some packages. We got a good stretch of our “sea legs”, but enjoyed every sight. Mrs G pointed out all the significant buildings as we went along. Many wonderful memories from our numerous sails on the ‘Chimes’ & getting to know Capt. & Mrs Guild, along with some of their family. Maggie Mangan
Graduated in 1956 (now 87)and spent 6.5 years in the US Navy and 20 years at sea with American Maritime Officers. All oceans! Castine is the most beautiful town in the world and I live to return every year even if its for only for a few days.
My grandfathers cousin, Beth Jellison was a teacher at Castine Normal
School. Her father Joseph Jellison was keeper at Southern Island where she grew up.
Castine looks so nice. Beauty, charm and history. I’d love to visit there after reading this and seeing all your wonderful pictures!
Thanks, Maureen! It’s a great town!
My grandmother grew up in Castine (right across from MMA), and we spent a lot of time there when I was a child. Haven’t been there in years now, looks like I need to make a trip back.
My New Hampshire cousin sent me your wonderful article on Castine. My grandparents had one of the lovely white homes on Perkins Street. We used to visit from California. You’ve made me homesick for Maine & Castine in particular; time to return!
Hi Marian! How lucky to have visited your grandparents in Castine as a child! Such a beautiful spot! So glad you enjoyed the article — hope you get back for a visit soon!
Hi Lisa! What a beautiful spot to grow up and spend time! Hope you make it back again soon! 🙂
Wonderful summary of Castine, Aimee! I read this last year but enjoyed it just as much once again. I have been fortunate to spend time in Castine for over 50 years, and it remains a magical place. You’ve captured the essence of this lovely town!
Thank you so much, Beth! You have made my day! I so enjoyed my all-too-brief visit to this beautiful town last summer — hope I can get back again this year! 🙂
Thank you for this article and reminding how much I loved Castine. My son graduated form MMA in 1992 and played football and where we spent many wonderful weekends driving from CT. I think Castine is one of the most beautiful towns in New England.
I am a graduate of MMA, Class of 1958. Always try to make it for homecoming every 5 years. This presentation is very professional and indeed promotes the beauty of Castine. Each time I visit Castine it is very hard to leave as very good memories of its people and town are remembered. A lot of my good memories were originated on this beautiful part of New England. Thanks again for this presentation.
What? No photo of Trask’s rock? It was named after a young fifer who hid behind it during the battle for Fort Majorbagaduce. My ancestor, Captain John Hinkley of the Parker’s Island Militia was shot off the rock by a British Soldier during the failed assault on the British position. It may be the world’s largest pebble. It is awash at high tide and above water at low tide.
My brother and sister-in-law started off in Castine, Maine. My brother was a coach and after many jobs with the school he eventuallt was President of Maine Maritime. This brought our family there at least once a year and to this day it is my favorite place. He lives part time still in Castine. Once ther it seems you never really want to leave.
A big shout out to the Manor Inn, too. Architecturally the most important of the three inns in town, with many recent improvements, too. (And how great is it that a town this size should have three lovely inns!)
Just booked 2 days at The Manor Inn after viewing their website. Looking for things to do looked at your site and glad I did. Nicely done and looks like we’re in for a really good time. Thanks for all the information.
So excited to be visiting Castine in mid-October. Any hints on best attire for the area?
My mother, Great Grandmother, Grate Great Grandmother & family were from Castine. I have fond memories from my childhood visits. It was fun staying in GG Grandmothers house and sometimes my Aunt and Uncle’s house next door.
WOW!!! Does Rene Henderson ring a bell? She was my grandmother’s sister.. ( my grandmother passed young) and Rene was my “grandmother” an old footprint in Castine.
I just bought my plane ticket to go back home. I grew up in Penobscot, just down the road. I surprised my friends and family on a Facebook Live Video and told them I was coming. I have not been home in 5 years and these pictures are calling me home. This is a wonderful little town with so much charm. The people are just as delightful. I can’t wait to put my toes in the water and my butt in the sand! I’ve been away from the ocean for far too long now.
I was born in Castine! Someday I hope to visit. I was still an infant when we moved away, so having these recent photos to see is wonderful. Thank you!!
I visited Castine in Aug. 2003 when on a 3 1/2 day cruise aboard the Victory Chimes. Castine was one of our stops, and what a pleasure it was to walk around town for a few hours, taking pictures, enjoying the history, the homes and the shops before we were to go down to the dock and meet up with our ship. I never forgot this special town.
Have a friend who lives in Belfast Maine, which is another great place to visit. We drove over to Castine Maine to visit a friend oh his. What a quaint & beautiful place; lots of history & charm, plus the very friendly towns folks.
We and our closest friends took a holiday Near Bucksport, ME in ’15 and, during our stay, learned that something special was due to happen in Castine. Arriving on the appropriate day, we encountered the reconstructed frigate Hermione following the route of the original that had brought Lafayette to America in 1780 to support the Revolution. Castine is a lovely little town and the event was singular. For anyone interested, I have some great telephoto shots of the ship arriving with the spars and yards festooned with sailors busily photographing the crowds on the dock.
It is a great article. I enjoyed reading it. But I was kind of surprised that so little was said about MMA.
My father was born in 1920 in Castine and grew up there. His father, William D. Hall, moved there with my grandmother around the turn of the last century to assume duties as principal of the Eastern State Normal School, which was a teacher’s college. As teacher training training shifted to the universities, the buildings housing the normal school were sold to the Maine Martime Academy. Castine may have attracted you, as a tourist, but it’s too far from the beaten path to survive as a tourist town. What Castine is, and has been for generations, is a small college town. There are summer residents, to be sure, but the town serves the Maritime Academy year-round.
Spent every summer of my childhood at my Grandmother’s in Castine. My parents are buried in the family plot at the cemetery. Try to get there every few years. A lot of memories from the town.
Our son Justin graduated from MMA in 2008, so we were down there multiple times over the years he was down there. Never knew where Castine was til we took him off to school. We stayed at the Castine Inn as well and loved the big bright breakfast area, MMA provided Justin a world class education and I mean that literally and figuratively. He travelled all over the world on the State of Maine training vessel and continued to travel in his jobs after graduation. Its not your typical crazy tourist area like Bar Harbor is, but that was fine with us. We could park and walk to just about wherever we wanted to be. Justin is still friends with classmates, they have been in each others weddings and watched each others children join their families over the years. We liked the little lunch place down on the water for a quick cheeseburger or hotdog and we ate at Dannetts as well, money all over the ceiling when we were there…its a long and windy road getting in there, so you better be paying attention when you approach a hill and a turn for oncoming traffic. We are from Houlton, Aroostook County, and a few young men from this area ended up going down there, on the job training, travel and a decent living once you get out of there too. I would recommend it highly to kids trying to figure out where they are going to go to school. Ladies and Gents alike.
Castine is indeed a unique town in Maine, New England and the United States. It is probably the only town in the United States with a permanent population of 600 and a student population of 600. My son is a 1995 graduate of Maine Maritime and continues to work as a licensed Chief Engineer. His time there led my wife and me to Castine any number of times. As a result we became adopted Mainers, spending several weeks of the next twenty summers in Maine, mostly in Southwest Harbor. He in turn worked part time in Castine Variety while at MMA. We had the unique opportunity to meet the old State of Maine in Portland in 1992 and travel on a day trip to Castine aboard the ship.
We are among the many with a dollar bill on the ceiling of Dennet’s Wharf. I’m glad that the elm trees were mentioned. There’s not another town anywhere with a Main Street lined with elms today.
I think it was in 2002 that we visited Castine and took a tour of the harbor and surrounding islands on a steam powered launch built and captained by a Maine Maritime graduate. I wonder if it’s still operating.
You note that the article was updated in January, 2019. How can I get a hard copy?
Hi Gene. This post is a NE.com exclusive — it never ran in print. We periodically fact check and update content on NE.com for re-promotion. We hope that you enjoyed it!
Castine is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a place that draws me back home year after year. Growing up only eleven miles away in Orland, Castine was a regular trek with relatives that visited from away. Day trips always included a tour of the Maine Maritime Academy ship, “The State of Maine” when it was in port. We’d make a brief stop at Fort George, which is where my brother once found a skull of what turned out to be a cat, according to our biology teacher at Bucksport High School. It still had some teeth attached. We of course were hoping for a more exotic animal like a fox. Nevertheless it was a thrill to stumble upon a real skull in a fort.
Castine also boasted a saltwater swimming pool formed with natural boundaries, just across the road from the sea. The famous British Canal that provided access to the mainland for soldiers, fed water into the pool if I recall correctly. At that age, we were unaffected by this place so steeped in history, although we did at times feel a bit important to live nearby such an historic place. The pool water was chilly, but warmer than the ocean, and I guess that’s what mattered most at our young age.
We also loved driving by the bog in Castine that held water at an height higher than the pavement with what appeared to be a fragile barrier of entangled tendrils and weeds. It seemed to be a physical impossibility that bog water did not leak out onto the road, but the natural dam remains in tact to this day.
One of Castine’s greatest claims to fame is saving it’s elm trees from Dutch Elm disease at a time when most communities were losing the battle. Citizens worked fervently and vigilantly to save the trees. I was proud of the town’s efforts, since we lost all of our lovely elms that lined the Narramissic River and sheltered our oldest homes in Orland Village. Our childhood home was surrounded by giant elms, one of which fell on our rooftop while we were away in Massachusetts for Thanksgiving. Castine’s two or more century-old elms still stand in the village with their umbrellas of leaves creating an idyllic summer village environment against the crisply painted, stately white homes. To this day, driving down the sun-dappled streets of Castine brings me great comfort and sense of nostalgia from my childhood.
The grand houses in Castine are truly a sight to behold. They are proudly and properly maintained. You can’t go to Castine during the summer without seeing one or more being meticulously scrapped and painted. Even as a child I knew that these were homes of grandeur, which I believe formed my early aesthetic appreciation and love for old houses. It was fun to show them to our relatives. I still can hear the comments on our slow drives or walks through town, “Oh, look at that one!” “No, look at THIS one!” Not being very worldly at the time, I couldn’t help but wonder – if these are summer homes, what do their main homes look like?
The “rich people,” as we called them, provided summer jobs for high schoolers who nannied in these homes. Disappointing as it was, friends who were lucky enough to hold such positions never dared invite us over to see the places out of respect for the summer people’s privacy, or the fear that something would get broken. Understandably so.
In later years, my brother and I along with our spouses and young families discovered Fort Madison and couldn’t believe we never knew it was there. It’s a place with grass-covered bunkers, perfect for picnics and exploring the shoreline thanks to the long wooden staircase leading down to the water. Our children were of course unaware of it’s historical significance while delighting in rolling down the knolls in the damp, dark green lush grass at dusk – at least until the bugs came out.
Still we say on many a summer evening during our stays in Orland, “Let’s go to Castine.” I still have on my bucket list to take a kayak ride in the Castine harbor at midnight to see the phosphorous firework show underwater!
Hi All:
Thanks for all the wonderful comments on Castine!
I visited my grandparents in Castine every summer when I was young and I loved it!! I learned to ride a bike, swing and climb trees, swim at Craig’s Pond, and play games with the neighborhood children…. and at Christmas my grandparents would arrange to have the big Christmas tree strung with outdoor lights (super!)…..It seemed like everyone in town was a friend and I remember that my mother once said “I will always have friends in Castine!”
Today, my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, my aunt, cousins and in-laws are buried in the family plot in Castine. And, it is my hope that I will join them there when the time comes but most of all, I hope that Castine remains beautiful and that all our children have the joy of summers in Castine!!! M-
Aimee
You managed to cover a tremendous amount in 24 hours. I was lucky enough to spend time on the State of Maine when my father was stationed on it as a sparks operator in the 90s. Sadly, Dennetts Wharf, I believe, is under new ownership. Would love to see more on Deer Isle as a whole. Wonderful idyllic place.
TY
Hi Annie. Thanks for your comment! I updated the post with the name of the new establishment (15 Sea Street) where Dennett’s was during my visit.
My bags are packed!
My husband and I recently visited Castine. So pretty!! Our daughter started her schooling at Mass Maritime and is now finishing her education at Maine Maritime. Where she is an older student she is looking for housing. She is quiet and very sweet. If anyone is renting a home or room please email me. Thank you. We look forward to visiting Castine once again.
my aunt and uncle worked at MMA and retired from there, and from what i found out i have 7 generations of family that lived in or around castine in the 17 to 1800’s. i lived there in the early 1970’s.
Nice article about a little town I love. I came from Panama in central America and graduated in 1970. I met great friends at MMA and still keep in contact with many of them.
We visited Castine last summer on a foggy cool day- absolutely magical. My favorite of all the many towns we visited along the entire coast of Maine. Plan on returning next summer. Bringing my sister!
The new name of Dennets is called Otters waterfront eatery and you would be well served if you stopped in and had a bite to eat it has great food, I may be a little biased as I am one of the talented cooks they have on staff.
Spent a few days in Castine 2 summers ago and loved every minute! Beautiful place with lovely, welcoming residents who take so much pride in their town! I loved everything about it – history, architecture, the elms! We took a wonderful boat tour and also a little tour of town on an electric car with a town local. She had wonderful information and stories! The visitor center at the foot of Maine Street is a gem, too! We can’t wait to be back in Castine!
Join the Castine Town Band free concerts on the Common this summer. It is a Maine “Tanglewood”. We play on July 4th on the town green at 4. Classic New England.
what is maines secret for keeping elm trees alive. i thought dutch elm had pretty much decimated their population. john columbia, ct
Castine maintains the elms with regular anti-fungal innoculations and the services of a registered Town Forester.
Ah yes – good ole Castine, Maine!!! Sailed abord the Victory Chimes many times in the 50’s & 60’s. Once we stopped in Castine because Mrs. Guild had to check on their house there. A friend and I accompanied her to the house, helping carry some packages. We got a good stretch of our “sea legs”, but enjoyed every sight. Mrs G pointed out all the significant buildings as we went along. Many wonderful memories from our numerous sails on the ‘Chimes’ & getting to know Capt. & Mrs Guild, along with some of their family. Maggie Mangan
Graduated in 1956 (now 87)and spent 6.5 years in the US Navy and 20 years at sea with American Maritime Officers. All oceans! Castine is the most beautiful town in the world and I live to return every year even if its for only for a few days.
My grandfathers cousin, Beth Jellison was a teacher at Castine Normal
School. Her father Joseph Jellison was keeper at Southern Island where she grew up.