ELLSWORTH – Heart of Ellsworth and the City of Ellsworth are proud to announce the launch of DiscoverEllsworth.org, a comprehensive tourism platform designed to position Ellsworth as a vibrant, year-round destination and a regional hub for Downeast and Acadia.
Developed through the Tourism Marketing & Development Recovery Program, this initiative represents a strategic investment in Ellsworth’s future, strengthening its role as a destination in its own right and a central part of the Downeast experience. Funded by the Maine Office of Tourism and supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the project reinforces Ellsworth’s position as a cultural and economic center.
By highlighting Ellsworth’s arts, history, dining, trails and small businesses, the initiative encourages visitors to spend more time in the city and explore surrounding communities throughout Downeast Maine. This approach helps distribute tourism more sustainably, increase overnight stays and local spending, support small businesses, and promote year-round visitation.
At the center of this effort is DiscoverEllsworth.org, a digital hub for both visitors and residents. The site features interactive maps, curated itineraries, local business and event listings, and insider tips, making it easy to plan a full experience, not just a quick stop.
Community members are encouraged to use the platform when hosting friends and family or planning their own outings, helping showcase everything Ellsworth and the surrounding area have to offer.
A key outcome of the project is a relatable and authentic brand identity that reflects real experiences, is family-friendly, affordable, and rooted in everyday moments like walking downtown, grabbing coffee, or exploring local trails. This approach aligns with growing travel trends showing increased demand for authentic, community-based experiences.
This work was made possible through strong collaboration among partners including the City of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism, Downeast Maine National Heritage Area, Maine Downtown Center and organizations such as Frenchman Bay Conservancy — all of whom participated in a year-long series of focus group calls with HUB Collective, the project consultants.
The project has already delivered significant results, including a comprehensive tourism marketing plan, the launch of DiscoverEllsworth.org, a library of 400-plus professional photos and videos, and new tools to track visitor trends and engagement — driving increased visibility, downtown activity and expanded collaboration across the tourism sector.
This launch kicks off a long-term strategy to grow and sustain Ellsworth’s tourism economy. Heart of Ellsworth and the City of Ellsworth invite residents, visitors, and businesses to explore, share and help shape the next chapter of tourism in Downeast Maine.
Together, these efforts represent a unified vision: a stronger Ellsworth, a more connected community, and a more meaningful visitor experience.
For more information, visit https://www.discoverellsworth.org/.
