Why Visit Boothbay Harbor Maine?

When planning a summer vacation to Maine, one should consider visiting Boothbay Harbor. Considered by many to be the "Boating Capital of New England", this natural harbor is home to many fishing boats and pleasure craft. This area is a popular tourist and yachting location. The population in Boothbay Harbor Maine is a little over twenty-two hundred people.

Boothbay Harbor hosts many activities for the vacationer. There is the Boothbay Harbor Opera House, the Maine State Aquarium, the Boothbay Railroad Village and many more things to do. If boating is your pleasure, Boothbay Harbor can sure accommodate.

The Boothbay Harbor Opera House hosts over one hundred performances every year. The opera house can seat four hundred guests. It has many musical performances of all types such as jazz, folk, classical, rock and Celtic music throughout the year.

Annually it hosts fun filled seasonal events such as "the Dough Ball". This event which closes out the annual summer season shows a preview of the gingerbread houses that are made for the Gingerbread Spectacular during Christmas and displays seasonal decorations in the opera house. The fundraiser has free hors d'oeuves for guests as well as a silent auction for many specialty items.

The Maine State Aquarium is an exciting place to visit. Visitors will enjoy viewing sharks and skates in the 850 gallon tank. Guests can even pet a live shark. The aquarium features a 20 foot long touch tank in which guests can touch many different invertebrates such as the sea star, sea cucumber or scallops.

The aquarium has lobsters of all sizes with some weighing in at twenty three pounds. Prices are extremely reasonable for the aquarium. The fees for adults are $5 and children ages 5 and above are $3. Children under 4 years old are free. In the summer, they offer a 3 day Adventure Camp for kids ages 8 to 12 years old.

The Boothbay Railroad Village is a must see for the family when visiting the area. This village is situated on over ten acres of land and has twenty eight historic structures. The village hosts year round activities and events. Throughout the summer season, there are antique tractor displays, the annual antique auto days and the ever popular "Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine" in which visitors ride on a train led by Thomas. There are also various children days and a Fall Foliage Craft Fair. An interesting activity is taking the Steam Engineer's School Day in which a student receives classroom instruction and "In the Cab" education about steam engines. In December there are Christmas train rides. There is even an opportunity for the children to meet with Santa on certain days in December.

Boothbay Harbor is a place that is filled with family fun. As a great vacation destination and place to visit, there are all sorts of things to do. A family can go boating, whale watching, fishing or visit the unique shops in Boothbay Harbor village. A visit to the Maine State Aquarium is always an exciting time. You can even pet a shark. Also do not miss the Railroad Village. Take a ride on the trains or walk around the ten acre village park. This is a quaint Maine family vacation spot that many will enjoy.