As we start to chip away at Maine’s historic sites and public lands we can’t help but look back on where we’ve visited. It’s rare that we drive anywhere in Maine now without recalling some memory of a past visit, and to be honest it’s pretty cool and something that we never expected when this all started. It has a similar feel of heading back to your hometown with a new boyfriend/girlfriend and pointing out all the significant spots from your past. Each place triggers a story, a memory. 

The Mid Coast has been good to us over the last 4 years and many spots quickly bring a smile to our faces as we cruise by. It’s not much of a drive from Portland but always feels like a getaway. We seem to come here often in the winter and spring; which is probably the opposite of most visitors. That time of year is when we become stir crazy and need a change of scenery without having to do too much. Last March, we took a trip to the historic site, Fort Edgecomb but that was just the start of a weekend away to celebrate “us” and this thing of ours. We were celebrating the exact weekend in which we visited our very first state park as a family back on March 5, 2017. We wanted to replicate that trip a bit but also visit some new places, and part of that was conquering this fort. 

At first we hoped to visit the Dodge Point Public Lands but 50% of the trails were closed for maintenance. Of course the trails were reopened the weekend after we got back, but no regrets because as always, it’s an excuse to come back to the area.

Where is the Fort Edgecomb Historic Site? It is usually when you are flooring it right after sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, making your way through the almost sleepy town of Wiscasset. Red’s and their lobster rolls are sure to stop people in their tracks but really a lot of RT1 in the summer is a magnet for anyone on wheels. As you rubber neck the food lines and attempt to speed out of town, that is when you should be taking your next right down to this fort. If you are one of the many visitors causing the delays, maybe take your long awaited lunch to a much quieter spot. That is what we did on this brisk afternoon, but we pulled up with a few famous Amato’s Italian sandwiches purchased in downtown Bath. 

Pre-Covid we always looked for new lunch spots to hit up along the way but in the last year and half, we have turned more into picnic people. It has been easier to pack our own food or grab and go. That goes for all seasons too so we layer up if needed, and when you are in places like this which is just blanketed in history, you don’t feel much of the cold. Food always tastes better with a view!

Instead of going into detail about this amazing location, here is a 5 minute video that can better explain the history of this fort. The Block House is the centerpiece of this historic site (see map).

The state parks make it hard to leave and there is almost never enough time, but the historic sites seem to just know their role. Like the trailer for a movie. They give you all the highlights in an abbreviated timeframe so they make wonderful pit stops for all ages. The kids can run around exploring, while we we get to read all the displays without interruption and in disbelief of what took place on the grounds, then we pack up and go. We are excited to be making a conscious effort to visit more of Maine’s historic sites. Much like Fort Edgecomb, we drive by these sites all the time without stopping. Not anymore. We are excited to add these to our long list of state park visits! 

After the fort we stopped at a familiar state park. It was a funny feeling going back to Owls Head State Park with our now family of four and on a date with such significance to us. It was much warmer and busier than the last time. We spent more time on this visit than the last, soaking in not only the park, but thinking back to how it all started, to now, and everything in between. Our beloved dogs weren’t with us this time, they are so missed, but now Adeline was and she brings so much joy to all our adventures. We realized what began as a silly family mission, wasn’t actually that silly after all. It has been hard, easy, amazing, tough and life changing…for us four. Maybe the same could be said for the thousands who have been following along as well. 

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After visiting the fort and park, we returned to our off season, old faithful, overnight spot, Point Lookout. Since our favorite tiny house in the area is no longer on Airbnb, Point Lookout is officially our #1 homebase for winter/early-spring Mid Coast adventures. The Lincolnville General Store never disappoints as well for a gigantic beer selection and bangin’ brick oven pizza. And we never drive by the Maine State Prison Showroom on the way home without stopping. Guaranteed gifts for anyone in your car or in your life. Excellent craftsmanship and perfect customer service!  

If you follow us, you might recognize some of the same recommendations from previous trips but something new for you and for us was a quick stop in Rockport. As Eloise would say, we went to visit the “dead seal.” Andre needs no introduction to most. We bought his book on our very first family camping trip at Camden Hills State Park and he is a celebrity in our house so visiting his statue was pretty cool for the kids…and the adults. It might be time to fire up that 90’s flick and see if it’s still as good as we remember it.

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