Our Perfect Itinerary for exploring the Midcoast Magic of Maine… When it comes to unforgettable summer adventures, there’s nothing quite like a classic New England escape from the heat in the south. From picturesque lighthouses to small-town shops and the freshest lobster rolls around, Maine’s midcoast offers everything we love about New England summers. Today, we’re sharing our favorite itinerary for exploring this stunning stretch of coast—from Portland to Boothbay Harbor—with plenty of stops (and snacks) along the way. Start Your Day in Portland, MaineBegin your morning at the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse—one of the most photographed spots in the state. From there, head downtown to explore the boutiques and galleries. We always make time for a stop at Standard Baking Co.—if available, their sourdough bread and lemon bars are a must. Of course, no Portland stop is complete without lunch at Eventide Oyster Co., where the brown butter lobster roll is legendary. If you have an extra day in Portland, we recommend taking the ferry (only 17 minutes) over to Peaks Island for the day. Next Stop: Freeport & BathHeading north, make a quick shopping stop in Freeport, where you’ll find L.L.Bean’s flagship store, a Patagonia outlet, and more. Refuel at Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company—a casual dockside spot where the lobster rolls are fresh and the views can’t be beat (just remember: it’s cash only!). Once in Bath, start your morning with a pastry and cappuccino at Solo Pane. Trust us, grab an extra loaf of bread for making sandwiches or serving with chowder! Spend the day strolling Front Street—popping into favorites like The Corner Bookshop, Maine Street Design Co., and J’adore Consignment. Reny’s is always worth a browse, too. If you have time, we also recommend the Maine Maritime Museum before heading to Popham Beach for a relaxing sunset stroll. Boothbay Harbor & BeyondOn your way into Boothbay Harbor, stop in the quaint town of Wiscasset at Treats, a specialty market, or, if the line is short, grab a lobster roll at the wildly popular Red’s Eats. In Boothbay, spend a day exploring the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, hunting for trolls created by artist Thomas Dambo. It’s a magical experience for visitors of all ages. If you have the ability to host your own lobster dinner, whether in Maine or back at home, we have everything you will need to make it spectacular Lobsterfest. Downtown Boothbay Harbor offers plenty of ways to spend a few days. Get out on the water. There are lighthouse cruises, whale watching, river cruises, fishing charters and sunset sails that allow you to see the Maine coastline from the water. Take in the town and browse through the many shops, including Shermans, AE Home, Sweet Bay, Mainely Nautical, and Tide Pools. For a casual dinner, nothing beats dockside dining and live music at the Lobster Co-Op. Save room for Downeast Ice Cream Factory—their homemade blueberry ice cream with chocolate sprinkles is unforgettable. If you’re craving more coastal charm, make a side trip to Damariscotta, home to charming galleries, shops and riverside dining at Schooner Landing or Shuck Station Raw Bar. Pack a picnic or pick up sandwiches at Fernald’s Country Store and head to Pemaquid Lighthouse for picture-perfect views. From lighthouse strolls to trolls and lobster rolls, exploring the midcoast magic of Maine is a classic New England adventure that never gets old.
Savor the Season…
Fresh Summer Produce Straight from the Garden or Market! There’s something truly magical about summer’s bounty that beckons us to savor the season. From ripe tomatoes still warm from the sun to cucumbers crisp and cool from the fridge, this is the season when fresh, clean eating feels as natural as a warm breeze. Whether you’re harvesting from your backyard garden or browsing the colorful stalls of your local farmers market, the abundance of summer produce makes it easy to eat well and feel great. At Shookhill Secret, we believe in savoring the simple pleasures, and nothing brings more joy to the table than meals made with seasonal ingredients. Right now, our gardens are brimming with flavor. We’re celebrating the freshest blueberries, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs—each one offering delicious ways to elevate everyday meals. Blueberries, Blackberries and Raspberries are one of summer’s sweetest treats. Perfect for snacking straight from the bowl, they also make their way into our muffins, cobblers, crumbles, jams, and cocktails. We love to freeze batches of fresh-picked berries, so we can enjoy a taste of summer well into the colder months. Cucumbers are endlessly versatile. We toss them into crisp salads, whip them into creamy tzatziki, and slice them into jars for homemade pickles. There’s something so satisfying about opening a jar of homemade pickles. Zucchini and squash are always in abundance, and we make the most of them! Grilled as a side, used in place of pasta, baked into zucchini bread, or even blended into a decadent Zucchini Chocolate Cake, these garden heroes add flavor and nutrients to almost any dish. If you haven’t tried baking with zucchini yet, trust us—you’ll be pleasantly surprised. We hope you’ll try the delicious Chocolate Zucchini Cake recipe we are sharing below. And then there are the tomatoes, bold and bursting with flavor. A freshly sliced tomato on toasted sourdough with a drizzle of olive oil and flaky sea salt is simplicity at its best. We roast pans of cherry tomatoes with garlic and herbs, then preserve them for pasta dishes and soups throughout the year. Roasted tomatoes have a deep, rich, sweet flavor that instantly upgrades any recipe. We love them roasted and mixed into pasta or cooled and tossed with salad greens – add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and it’s an absolute flavor bomb. July is also when our flower garden comes alive. Gathering homegrown zinnias into casual bouquets for the kitchen table or entryway adds a charming seasonal touch. It’s a reminder that beauty isn’t just in the food we eat, but in the way we live. Whether you’re pulling vegetables from your own soil or loading up a basket at your local farmers market, this is the time to embrace clean, colorful eating. Explore new recipes, savor the textures and flavors of the season, and let summer produce inspire your table. We encourage you to savor the season. Because at Shookhill Secret, we know that a well-planned, well-loved meal made from seasonal ingredients is one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate everyday life.