Lubec, Maine: The Easternmost Point in the U.S.
Lubec, Maine: Where the Sun Rises First
One gray, misty Sunday, we loaded up the car with snacks and the dog and drove two hours to Lubec, Maine. With just one coffeeshop and two restaurants serving its 1,200 residents, there’s not a ton in Lubec to recommend it—except for one crazy fact. Lubec is the easternmost point in the continental United States, and as banners in the town proudly proclaim, it’s “where the sun rises first.”
From Ellsworth, we took Coastal 1 all the way north. This route, also known as the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, winds through darling little sea towns like Hemlock and Sullivan, which boast great architecture, beautiful views, and hidden-gem antique shops. Though we didn’t stay there, the Taunton River BnB looked great from the road, and The Pickled Wrinkle caught our eye as a potential lunch spot that is (hopefully?) better than its name suggests.*
*Turns out pickled wrinkles are pickled sea snails, and the restaurant serves them when they’re available!
For an out-of-the-ordinary tourist excursion, stop by Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls. You can’t miss the solid blue geodesic dome structure on the right side of the road in the middle of the Maine wilds. More traditional-minded folks might like spotting the lopped-off pine tree forests from which Whitney Wreaths, well-known purveyors of balsam wreaths and garlands since 1988, source their winter fresh greenery.
Once in Lubec, don’t miss Narrow Escape, the only coffeeshop in town. Grab a latte—they have every kind of cow and non-cow milk—and a pastry, maybe a bag of moose-poop-shaped treats for the dog, and wander down Main Street to the dock. There, a memorial for fishermen lost at sea dominates the waterway. It’s both lovely and moving.
Lost Fishermen’s Memorial, Lubec, Maine
Ten minutes past Lubec is the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, located inside the Quoddy Head State Park. Park your vehicle, pay your entrance fee at the donation box, then head inside the gift shop to purchase postcards and sweatshirts to further support this unique state park. The day we went was so foggy and cool it felt like stepping into a cloud bank at the end of the world. Highly recommended, especially the well-maintained “Coast Guard Trail,” which is .8 miles long and (probably) offers far-reaching views of the sea on non-cloudy days.
If you got lunch somewhere along the way already, it’s time for dessert at Monica’s Chocolates on the way back to Ellsworth. Monica herself still runs the shop, overseeing a staff that makes chocolate five days a week in the basement of the building. Their chocolates have won all kinds of awards, and their “sea cucumbers” (logs of spiraled peanut butter and caramel dipped in milk, dark, or white chocolate) are best-sellers for a reason. You’ll want several boxes, trust me.
If, however, you opted to merely snack along the way like we did, you’ll probably be ready to eat something more substantial. In that case, take the chocolates to go and drive forty minutes or so to Riverside Take-Out in Machias. Why we loved them: the food was good, “fur babies” get free ice cream (yes, really!), and they’re a loud and proud safe space for all humans regardless of gender, sexual orientation, etc. One sign outside even states they keep naloxone on hand for anyone who needs it. Our recommendation: Try the popcorn haddock and onion rings.
As always, take lots of pictures and soak up the scenery throughout this gorgeous day trip across Downeast Maine.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
