Five Things to Do in Ellsworth, Maine
Ellsworth is the closest town of any size to the Lincoln Retreat. It’s eighteen minutes away via Mariaville Road. There, you’ll find Wal-Mart and Home Depot, incredible cheesecake and passable sushi. Everything you could need and some things you didn’t know you needed. Here are five must-do activities on your next visit.
One. Birdsacre
This unassuming little bird sanctuary is tucked down a gravel side road and easy to miss if you’re not watching for it. You should watch for it, though, because it’s one of Ellsworth’s greatest underutilized gems. After parking your car, you’ll see signs encouraging you to be quiet, for the birds (mostly rescued owls) are skittish and sensitive. You can bow to them in their cages, which is how owls greet each in the wild, admire their regal beauty, then head out on the well-kept trail system, where we’d still encourage you to be quiet. There’s a majesty in that forest that begs for a good ol’ walking meditation, a contemplative stroll through Ellsworth’s soft bed of fallen pine needles.
Two. The Ellsworth Public Library
The public library is right downtown, a block away from the action and traffic of Main Street. It’s housed in a gorgeous (and gorgeously preserved) historic building full of windows and sunlight and staffed by the nicest people you could hope to meet. When I went to do research on the Lincoln School’s history, the reference librarian pulled every book she knew of on Mariaville’s past and set a standing order that I should be contacted if any new material was uncovered. It was the least I could do to buy a Friends of the Library mug and write this blog.
Three. Sylvia’s Cafe
Mainers are caught up in an inexplicable love affair with Dunkin’ Donuts. I don’t get it. The donuts have gluten and the coffee is just so-so. For a much tastier and well-rounded breakfast the next time you’re craving home cooking, hit up Sylvia’s Cafe in the High Street strip mall. They have limited hours and aren’t open every day, but when they are, coffee comes free with their piled-high breakfast specials: Think eggs and bacon with hash browns and toast, or Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream for you gluten-and-dairy lovers. They’re still reasonably priced, too—just don’t forget to tip your waitperson.
Four. Momo’s Cheesecakes
One of my favorite things about this state is how many small businesses operate on the honor system. They set up roadside stands selling blueberry pie, strawberry rhubarb jam, and farm-fresh eggs and leave a jar out for you to toss your dollars into. The best of these establishments in Ellsworth is Momo’s Cheesecakes. Open 24/7, they stock more than sixty flavors of cheesecake at any given time, and you’re free to peruse to your heart’s content without anyone watching or judging you. Unless there are hidden cameras. Are there hidden cameras?
Momo’s Cheesecakes, Ellsworth, Maine
Five. Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques
Literally housed in a giant old barn (key words giant, old, and, well, barn), Big Chicken Barn is home to dozens of vendors hocking unusual antique finds at fair prices. Brandon bought some antique tools originally made in Portland, Maine while I eyed the mint-condition 1700s Federalist mirror. Something for everyone here—both trash and legit treasures.
The honorable mentions go to:
Shinbashi for okay sushi and dependably delicious and spicy basil fried rice
Shaw’s Groceries for having bottle redemption machines at the front of their store that make recycling easy even for us “people from away”
The Comfort Inn Ellsworth-Bar Harbor for having a generous pet policy that includes a doggie blanket and doggie treats upon arrival
The Tradewinds Laundromat for having washers that actually wash, dryers that actually dry, strong wifi, and a cozy fireplace
