Maine Best Local Secrets 2012

BEST NIFTY FIFTIESFast Eddies,Winthrop Carhops deliver burgers, shakes, fries, and homemade ice cream, but don’t miss the dining room, where James Dean, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Boop preside over a cool collection of 1950s memorabilia. The Wednesday night cruise-in draws vintage vehicles and a crowd. 1308 Route 202. 207-377-5550; fasteddiesdrivein.comBEST INSIDER TOURBath Iron Works Trolley Tours,Bath Take a Maine Maritime Museum one-hour trolley tour of the yard and get a peek behind the gates of Bath Iron Works to see how U.S. destroyers are built. Call well in advance for reservations. 243 Washington St. 207-443-1316; mainemaritimemuseum.orgBEST HIDDEN ARTS CENTERSkye Performing Arts Center, South Carthage One certainly doesn’t expect to find a venue like Skye in such a rural, woodsy location, but this small center brings in topnotch talent, with an emphasis on Celtic music. 2 Highland Drive. 207-562-4445; necelticarts.comBEST EUROPEAN-STYLE DELI & CAFEMorse’s,North Waldoboro Hidden in a barn amid rolling farmland is one of the state’s best sources for hard-to-find European specialty foods, cheeses, charcuterie, and German fare. Don’t miss the pickles, fresh sauerkraut, or German café. 3856 Washington Road (Route 220). 866-832-5569, 207-832-5569; morsessauerkraut.comBEST GARDEN TEAWoodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park, Ellsworth On Wednesdays during July and August, the George Nixon Black Estate serves elegant high teas in the garden (or carriage house, if raining), complete with china, silver, linens, tea, sandwiches, pastries, and live music. Reservations required; $20. Surry Road (Route 172). 207- 667-8671; woodlawnmuseum.com