Maine's major attraction has long been its rugged and worn coastline. Whether it's blue-collar fishermen making their living or wealthy yachting enthusiasts enjoying their summer homes, the sea draws plenty of people to these shores. With its short growing season and enormous seafood industry, it's surprising that there are this many vegetarian eateries in the state.
The pleasant port town of Portland is Maine's commercial and cultural center. Hidden behind the new high rises is The Old Port, a commercial area with small antique shops and used bookstores. A few blocks down Congress Street from the Old Port is the Arts District, home to the Portland Ballet Company, the Maine College of Art, and the Portland Museum of Art.
In Old Port, Walter's Café (15 Exchange St., 207-871-9258) is a casual and popular lunch spot serving gourmet soups and salads. For a leisurely evening meal, try Pepperclub (78 Middle St., 207-772-0531), which serves seafood and vegetarian dishes in a beach town atmosphere. Check the special board for vegan options. For Californian-style Mexican fare, Mesa Verde (618 Congress, 207-774-6089) prepares low-fat soft tacos and burritos. They also have a fresh juice bar.
Off of Cumberland Avenue, Silly's (40 Washington Ave., 207-772-0360) specializes in unusual Middle Eastern wraps called Abdullahs. The funky atmosphere and inexpensive meals draw a young crowd. For healthy Chinese food in Portland, try the Wok Inn (1209 Forest Ave., 207-797-9052). The restaurant cooks with 100% vegetable oil and no MSG.
Organic produce and natural grains can be purchased at The Whole Grocer (127 Marginal Way, 207-774-7711). The grocery is easily accessible from I-295 by taking the Forest Avenue exit.
A new addition to Portland's art district is the Portland Market. Modeled after the immensely popular Pike Place Market in Seattle, the Portland Public Market has permanent small-scale vendors selling a wide variety of foods, crafts and art work. The market is open every day, year-round, but is most crowded on Wednesdays and weekends in the summer and fall.
Off the coastline, Lewiston is the home of Bates College, a well-regarded private institution. The college town crowd dines at Nothing But The Blues Café (81 College, 207-784-6493). The eclectic menu emphasizes vegetarian lunches and dinner.
Northern Maine's major business hub is in the chilly town of Bangor. This is also the home of horror novelist Stephen King, as well as the main campus of the University of Maine. To escape from meat and potatoes, locals head to Bahaar Pakistani Restaurant (23 Hammond St., 207-945-5979). You'll find several vegetarian options among the appetizers, biryanis and curries.
Kittery
Bargain shoppers from Boston clog Route US 1 during the summer at Kittery's countless outlet stores and shopping mall. Be sure to head off the beaten path for lunch at the meat-free Vegan Kitchen (165 State St., 207-439-5282).
Biddeford
Secondhand shops greet visitors to Biddeford's revitalized downtown area just across the border from New Hampshire. A small café at New Morning Natural Foods (230 Main St., 207-282-1434) features a daily vegetarian entrée, all-organic salads and homemade soups.
Freeport
Sports outfitter L.L. Bean started its mail-order business here in Freeport and today runs a factory outlet in the town. The Corsican Restaurant (9 Mechanic St., 207-865-9421) serves Italian food with several light entrée options.
Bath
The town of Bath marks the beginning of Maine's mid-coast region, a maze of peninsulas, waterways, lighthouses and harbors. Pick up natural groceries for the drive ahead at Morning Glory Natural Foods (36 Center, 207-729-0546).
Wiscasset
The townspeople of Wiscasset work hard to maintain their town's reputation as the "prettiest village in Maine." Quaint street signs, cobblestone streets and well-maintained homes lend an air of royalty that is rare in the US. On Main Street you can't miss the large building that houses Sarah's Café (Route 1, Main St., 207-882-7504). Sarah's serves three meals a day featuring country favorites and vegetarian specials. The outside deck is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy views of Wiscasset's waterfront.
Belfast
This small town along Route US 1 has long been a secret hideaway for artists and writers. The word got out in recent years, and the emergence of the banking industry has caused rapid growth. Two vegetarian restaurants in town are Darby's Restaurant & Bar (155 High St., 207-338-2339), and 90 Main Street (90 Main St., 207-338-1106). Both offer macrobiotic specials alongside soups, salads and other entrées.
For a list of the goings-on in town, check out the bulletin board at the Belfast Cooperative (123 High St., 207-338-2532). This is also a good place to stock up on local organic produce, baked goods, bulk foods, and camping supplies. The small café offers excellent Saturday and Sunday brunches. An unusual find at the Belfast Farmers' Market is the Chinese food stand. It's rare to find Asian food this far north. You'll also find Maine traditionals such as blueberries, potatoes and maple syrup. (For more market listings in this area, see Farmers' Markets at the end of this guide.)
Blue Hill
The charming Blue Hill peninsula houses an odd mix of lobstermen and artisans. Blue Hill Co-op (Route 172, 207-374-2165) sells organic and hydroponic produce and grains.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park
Tour the vineyards big and small, explore the wineries, taste what they have to offer. The best are described here and almost all are shown in photos. Hundreds of places to stay and eat, things to do and see are detailed, with photos of most. For couples of all ages and lifestyles, this guide has something to suit every taste and budget. Quaint inns & delightful restaurants are included for their high romantic appeal - not their high price tag. Take a lazy cruise with your loved one. Discover the nightclubs and party spots. Or spend the weekend in a charming B&B. From fine dining to theme parks, historic sites to wineries -- it's all here.
Steep mountain grades, natural harbors, and mysterious fingers of coastline mark the terrain of the only national park in the northeast. The gateway to the park is Bar Harbor, a busy tourist town whose small local population is outnumbered by tourists 20 to 1. Burning Tree (Route 3, Otter Creek, 207-288-9331) is an excellent option for upscale dining on the island. Although most of the menu is seafood, a few creative vegetarian entrées using hydroponically grown local produce are always featured.