James & Jordan
Things to Do
Maine Beer Company
Great pizza and some darn good brews. Better leave room for a second dinner (IYKYK)! The building itself is modern architectural marvel, with some industrially-inspired art pieces worth looking at. You can't go wrong stopping at Maine Beer either on your way up to Wiscasset or before heading home!
Oxbow Brewing Company
Th is is the original Oxbow location, if you haven't had a chance to try their beer from the source yet! It's a really neat venue — the taps were in an outdoor, reclaimed wood bar when we visited, just past a flank of picnic tables surrounding a pond. We grabbed a burger order from Monsweag Farm Restaurant on the way up to enjoy there. YUM.
Split Rock Distilling
Solar-powered local distillery. We've got this spot on our list for our next visit. Worth checking out!
Sasanoa Brewing
We walked down here on a drizzly day, after striking out on an attempted winter visit earlier in the year. It was certainly worth the second attempt! If you like earthy, grainy farmhouse ales that taste like ingredients you can see and feel, then this is the place for you. The scenery surrounding their brewery is stunning, with rolling hills and mountains in the distance.
Oyster River Winegrowers
Horse-powered local winery, for when you need a sip that'll really make you forget about the hustle and bustle of modern life. What more can we say!
Newcastle Publick House
Jordan had the Shepherd's Pie here and swears it is the best she's EVER had. If you're looking for that all-too-familiar tavern feel, this is the spot for you! Also, a great spot to grab something from Bissell Brothers or Maine Beer Co. beer, if you're in the area. (And if you really love beer, Oxbow is nearby!)
King Eider's Pub
Right in the center of the coastal Damariscotta! The building itself is over 100 years old and it has all the charm of your local Irish pub. When we strolled by earlier this year, it was pretty lively early in the afternoon. James will have to have at least one whiskey neat here before the weekend's over.
The Lobster Haul
Well, you're going to be in Maine, aren't you? Might as well get one of the highest rated lobster rolls in the area!
Water Street Kitchen and Bar
Great food and an incredible view, down near the town center of Wiscasset. Even if you're not in a food mood, there are a few quaint shops nearby where you can take some of the tasty, local goods of Maine home with you.
Montsweag Farm Restaurant
Great spot for outdoor dining. On our way up to the venue, we ordered lunch for pick-up from this place before settling down at Oxbow. Pair either one of their incredibly delicious burgers or fried chicken sandwiches with a farmhouse ale, and you'll be repeating our history!
The Kingfisher & The Queen
We stopped into this store on a whim, while looking for some coffee before an Oxbow visit. This is one of the best curated shops we've ever been to! We left with some passion fruit syrup, a bar of quality soap, and recommendations for some other places to stop by when we returned to Portland.
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop Damariscotta
One of the oldest book stores in the state of Maine! There's also 'Barn Door Baking Company Cafe' attached so you can enjoy a nice coffee!
Segerstrom Preserve @ Squam Creek
Our venue says it best: "This 159-acre preserve protects significant wetland habitats, 3,300 feet of shoreline along Squam Creek, deer wintering habitat and historic cellar holes and cemeteries. The property was one of the first settled on Westport Island. Preserve users can walk along the 1.8 mile Jeremy’s Ramble Trail, exploring several short side trails."
Bonyun Preserve
Really beautiful trails along fresh water marshes! Perfect for bird-spotting and meditations. A great place to make use of those hiking shoes you brought along.
Morse Mountain
The salt marsh flooded on the day we headed here. Jordan wouldn't let James ford the flooded river, which he still claims he TOTALLY could've done while piggy-backing Jordan. The first half of the bath was absolutely beautiful though. Worth the short ride if you're looking to explore the area.
Clough Point
Beautiful, short trail that loops around and has nice views of the Sheepscot river. Even if you're not in a hiking mood, taking a drive around the point could be a refreshing pause in the day for you.