WRITTEN BY EMILY BAER
Bucksport may seem to some like an “on-the-way” kind of place, a throughway toward destinations north, east, south, and west. But, like so many small towns in Maine, there’s much more to Bucksport than you can see from the seat of your car.
GOOD EATS
The smell of fresh baked goods wafts through cool summer air as Edward’s Kitchen and Sweet Cheeks Bakery open for business. You can’t go wrong with a sourdough cinnamon roll in town, or an apple fritter just across the bridge. Later in the day, Carrier’s Mainely Lobster and Crosby’s Drive-In compete for the best lunch in town, and Macleod’s Restaurant is a perennial dinner favorite.
SWEET TREATS
It wouldn’t be summer in Bucksport without a stop at The Dairy Port, Bucksport’s famous walk-up ice cream shop. No matter the weather, fans queue up daily along Main Street to consider their options. There’s hard serve, soft serve, sundaes, sandwiches, floats, and just about everything in between. Enjoy your ice cream on a nearby bench or head across the street to admire Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.
FESTIVALS
This summer, music lovers young and old will once again enjoy Bucksport’s Wednesdays on Main concert series. A celebration of musical traditions from around the world, this year’s lineup will be as eclectic as it is entertaining. The 2024 season will kick off with the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers on June 5.
The Bucksport Bay Festival brings friends and families together for a day of free fun along Bucksport’s quaint, walkable waterfront. After the pandemic put a temporary hold on this beloved tradition, the festival made a roaring comeback in 2023. This year’s event on July 20, promises to be even better. In addition to a parade, an interactive kids’ area with bounce houses and slides, boat tours, and live music throughout the day, the festival hosts vendors peddling everything from homemade soaps and salsa to handicrafts. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with representatives from local businesses, community groups, and nonprofit organizations along the riverwalk. Of course, no summer festival is complete without fried food and local treats, and you’ll have plenty of choices by the Town Docks.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Whether you’re looking for a beach read, a best-seller, or tall tales and local lore, Bookstacks has a fun and varied selection of books for all ages; there’s coffee and a small but mighty wine collection too. Catching your new favorite movie at the historic Alamo Theater is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or a quiet summer night. For those wishing to learn a little bit more about the town’s storied past, the Bucksport Historical Society welcomes visitors several days a week July through August, and Buck Memorial Library, a hub of ideas and imagination, has a full roster of free community events, resources, and information all year round.
PLAY
Of course, blue skies and warm weather beg for adventure. While there are plenty of hiking destinations in nearby conservation areas, the Miles Lane Trails offer easy, accessible gravel paths that almost anyone can enjoy. Closer to town you’ll hear giggles and shouts as kids run, swing, and climb on Ian’s Playground. Just next door is the newly minted Bucksport Skate Park, where beginners learn alongside old pros. On the waterfront, several local charter companies offer island tours, trips up the mighty Penobscot River, and sunset cruises.
No matter where you’re going or how long you plan to stay, this pretty little town is well worth a stop along the way.
