A Day to Relax in Boothbay

Summer is the perfect time to take a weekend to explore a different region in Maine. I started with the Boothbay Region because that is what I know best. Below you will find my suggestions for places to visit and activities to try. Pick and choose to your liking and craft the perfect day! I’ve even recommended some places to stop for a snack, a cup of coffee, or a meal. Welcome to the way life should be…

Yoga Firm Studio

Romee May, Owner of Yoga Firm Studio

Boothbay Harbor — If you’d like to continue your yoga practice while in the Boothbay Region or just need some rejuvenation and movement, the Yoga Firm Studio on Townsend Avenue offers a variety of different classes for all ability levels and their schedule is posted weekly on their website. Romee, the owner, has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years and just received her certification as an Ayurveda lifestyle consultant. Yoga Firm Studio prides itself on being a supportive environment for yoga. Their teaching style is non-competitive; if you feel like you need a rest they encourage you to take it, and if you’re having trouble getting into a pose they will gently assist you. They offer both private and group classes; just call a couple of days in advance to schedule a private. If you have never done yoga before, they have several classes geared towards beginners (see below)…and as Romee says, “All you need is an open heart and an open mind.”

Beginning Yoga (Wednesday Night)- Led by Wendy who is excellent with newbies.
Hot Yoga on Sundays- Good for the fit, Morgan will really make you sweat in this class!
Yoga Flow- An energetic class done to upbeat music, great for the experienced yoga enthusiast who is looking to try something new. Led by Romee.
Evening Hot Yoga Community Classes- Hot yoga classes by donation- suggested donation between $5 and $15, great if you are budget conscious.
Yoga For All Abilities Levels- As it sounds- led by Romee throughout the week

Are you a student traveling to the Boothbay Region and want to drop into a class? You’re in luck because Romee offers a discounted rate of $10 for students for any single class.

Spruce Point Inn & Spa

Boothbay Harbor — So you’ve been to yoga in the morning, had your picnic and are looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Consider making yourself an appointment at the Spruce Point Inn Spa in Boothbay Harbor. They offer everything from facials, to massage to manicures and pedicures. I am excited by this spa in particular because of their commitment to using Eminence Organic Products for their facials and nail treatments. Eminence Products are made in Hungary and are USDA Organic, Demeter, Organic Trade Association, and FSC printing method certified. Their products are formulated with ingredients that are cultivated through biodynamic farming methods and the company commits to planting a tree for every product sold. Also, Eminence is not sold online and is only available in certain spas throughout the country (their website has a complete list)…but lucky for you, if you like the products you can buy them there. They also carry Youngblood makeup, which is a line of mineral makeup products that is free of parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, talc, artificial dyes, artificial fragrances, and other irritants and harsh chemicals.

The zen garden at the Spruce Point Inn & Spa in Boothbay Harbor

The products are not the only great facet of this spa, however. The staff is friendly, inviting, and eager to answer any questions. The facilities are gorgeous to boot: they have a zen garden out back (see picture) that is used for massage and they also have a hot tub for soaking. If you take advantage of their seaside massage, you get to unwind down by the shore of the property, surrounded by a nice sea breeze. Keep an eye out for service specials coming soon! The spa is open through mid-October.

Le Garage

Le Garage Restaurant in Wiscasset, ME

Wiscasset — After the day you’ve had, you’ll need to finish with a delicious dinner and there’s no better place to try on your way out of town than Le Garage. Le Garage is somewhat of a hidden gem in downtown Wiscasset, and I emphasize the word “gem.” It is nestled off of Main Street, close to the public Wharf, and its name comes from the fact that it was converted from an auto garage in 1974. The former garage is now an elegant restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the Sheepscot River…and while the view is lovely, what keeps my family coming back to this restaurant time and again is the food. I recently had their seared duck breast and it was absolutely delicious. And I felt good about eating it too, because all of their meat is grass-fed, antibiotic-free, and doesn’t contain hormones.

Most of the items on their menu are locally sourced (e.g., produce from Tarbox Farm, bread from a local baker (The Bread Lady), eggs from Bowdoin’s Egg Farm, and seafood from Ducktrap), and they serve local beer and spirits such as Oxbrow, Sheepscot Valley, and Cold River Vodka. They feature seasonal ingredients in their specials, which change every two weeks. They are just finishing up strawberry rhubarb specials; next are honey weeks followed by blueberry weeks. They try to always feature a vegetarian item on their list of specials and have vegetarian options on their regular menu, such as their yummy vegetarian paella. Gluten free? Many of their menu items can be tweaked so they don’t include gluten; Head Chef Steve White is happy to do so. He is currently working on a recipe for gluten free crepes!

So what should you get when you are there? The crab cakes are one of their most popular dishes; but if you are looking to try something different, Le Garage is also one of the few restaurants in the region still serving finnan haddie, a classic New England seafood dish that has been warming lobstermen’s bellies for years. If you ask my cousin though, she will say you MUST save room for dessert; their Tollhouse pie is to die for.

As someone who has spent every summer of her life on Southport Island, the Boothbay Harbor Region truly feels like home. If you choose to visit this summer, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time. Snap a picture of the places you go and tag us on Instagram or Facebook! We’d love to share a bit of your journey.

Looking for outdoor activities in the Boothbay Harbor region? Check out “A Day Outside in Boothbay” for inspiration. Are you curious about kid-friendly activities in the region? Check out “A Family Day in Boothbay.” In that post I also spill the (coffee) beans on a great Boothbay café…

Ruthie Hawley is the SunriseGuide’s 2014 summer intern through the Blackstone Accelerates Growth Program. She is passionate about all things related to sustainability, girl power, and fostering peace. She will graduate from Colby College in May 2015. Want to read more of Ruthie’s writing? Check out her blog, “Trees and Women.”