When we started our RV adventure, we had no plans of making it to the easternmost town in the US, but once we arrived in Maine, we really didn’t want to leave, so we did just that, headed to the easternmost town in the US – Lubec, Maine.
Some argue that it is Eastport, Maine. They would be correct in that it is the easternmost city, but Lubec is still a bit further east and is stated that it is the easternmost incorporated place in the US. Still, others may argue it is actually other locations based on latitude and longitude points.
Not to get lost in technicalities, the point is to go where your heartstrings pull you. Your 
pursestrings might holler a bit, but in the end, hearts trump purses every time. And this lovely town, evidenced that immediately. If you read our previous article about RV’ing through Maine, you know we ended that part of the story after saying good-bye to our friends and fellow travelers just outside of Milbridge, Maine. This journey begins just after that.
Lubec, Maine – The easternmost town in the US
Being just over an hour’s drive from Milbridge, heading north on US Highway 1, and needing to re-charge, as in showers, full hookups, and laundry, we reserved a spot at the easternmost campground in the US, Sunset Point RV Park, and upon our arrival headed to the easternmost brewery in the US (What would you expect from us?), Lubec Brewing Company.
Only a couple of miles from the campground, we rode our bikes into Lubec discovering a quiet, picture-perfect Maine harbor town. Lubec offers only a few seaside restaurants, galleries, and shops, and more locals than tourists. While it doesn’t offer shopping malls and chain restaurants, it gives its visitors eclectic art, beautiful murals on the sides of old buildings, and the feeling of belonging to the sea and the many boats that dot the bay.
Walking into the brewery, we were welcomed with a few inquisitive stares, but we didn’t really notice as we were too enchanted with the Michael Franti, (musician and peace activist) style quotes all around the room about peace, love, and inclusiveness, and the cozy dark wood enveloping the thick armchairs, the welcoming bar, the fireplace, and even a piano. Stunning ambiance, broken by a kind voice stating that they were closed for a private party.
He must have noticed the disappointment in our faces, because he inquired where we were from, and telling him we were from Colorado and leaving in a couple of days, he immediately offered us a full pour of their dark ale at no charge. Realizing that we had actually crashed a Celebration of Life, we felt a bit uncomfortable; however, the guests there would have none of that. Even though we were classified as PFA’s (people from away, we learned later), we were taken into the love story for the ages, one between an old seaman, hard working and eternal sea salt etched upon his face, and a young at heart, free-spirited artist. It was her celebration of life, and we could feel the love the community had for this couple. Falling in love before they could be together, at age 50, life changed for them, and their love could become known. I can only imagine their complete story, and in my world, their love will span the oceans.
Meeting another PFA couple, our conversations took us into the night and ended over a scrumptious seafood dinner including clam chowder and fresh blueberry pie, all while overlooking the bay at the Inn on the Wharf. Bellies and hearts full, we rode off into the darkness of the night, back to RAIF, where he waited quietly “docked” next to Johnson Bay.
Canada, Baby!
Since we were at the easternmost town in the US, Canada was right next door. Campobello Island, well known for being Franklin D. Roosevelt’s summer retreat, boasted many biking and hiking trails. Not only did we get to claim another country, we crossed the border on our bikes. While we didn’t get in any true single track, the canopy of trees, constant birdsong, glimpses of the sea, combined with the knowledge that we were biking in Canada, made it an experience to never be forgotten.
But the highlight of the New Brunswick Island was when we parked our bikes and wandered the rocky coastline, climbing up some slick looking rocks to get a view of the crashing waves below. Off in the distance, we saw a huge spray of water, then a dark expanse of a moving object, then it all disappeared, only to be repeated again a few feet and a few seconds later. Whales! There were at least two of them, and it was magical watching them play off in the distance of the sea.
With the sun setting, it was time to head home to RAIF. This evening ended like so many, connecting with fellow FT RV’ers, who coincidentally happened to be in the spot just across from us, the Roving Rasmussens. Memories of new friends made and the awe of Mother Nature serenaded us off to sleep.
Time to Move On
The next morning, not to be outdone, we had to stop at the claimed easternmost point in the mainland US, West Quoddy Head, where we were greeted by the red and white West Quoddy Head lighthouse complete with foggy vistas of the Atlantic. I can’t think of a better way to send us off than that view of a textbook lighthouse. Perfection.
All good things must come to an end, and I’ve said it time and again, we live in an RV to travel, so travel we did. Off to meet more FT RV’ers, Jon and Dorothy, at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth, Maine. This time heading South on good old US Highway 1. And, typical to the many breweries we visit, this one did not disappoint. It left an impression, so much so that it earned its own blog post as a Stout Life Approved place to visit. With a cozy neighborhood ambiance geared towards artists and musicians, they use locally sourced ingredients, like seaweed, for example, to come up with unique, mouth-watering flavors. (Click here to read more about Fogtown Brewing.) We bid farewell to our friends, off to visit Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, and we were off to find our home for the night.
After an uneventful night spent in Ellsworth’s Walmart parking lot (free spots are the best – more money for beer), we headed towards the infamous Portland, Maine, number one in most breweries to population ratio. But we had to make a pitstop first. And this one made it to our Stout Life Approved list as well, with its own post – Boothbay Craft Brewery. Also, a Harvest Host (a membership site that offers free stays at farms, breweries, and vineyards, all over the US), this harbor town brewery welcomed us with open arms, great staff, and one of the best stouts we’ve ever had. Click here to read more about this wonderful brewery, its beer, and quaint harbor town.
We Chose a Distillery Over a Brewery?
After spending two lovely nights at Boothbay, it was time to visit Portland. We’ve heard so much about the largest city (at 66,000 people) in Maine, that we had to pay a visit there. Ironically, enough, our favorite place there turned out to be a distillery. But that story is another post. I do, after all, have to keep you wanting more.
So, to answer the question, “How does one get to the easternmost town in Maine?” Follow your heartstrings.
Stout Life Approved
Lubec, Maine
- Sunset Point RV Park
- Lubec Brewing Company
- Inn on the Wharf
- Campobello Island (New Brunswick, Canada)
- West Quoddy Head State Park and Lighthouse
