Location: Phippsburg
Top Things to do in Phippsburg
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10 Things to Do in Phippsburg That You Shouldn't Miss
Phippsburg is a town in Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States, on the west side of the mouth of the Kennebec River. The population was 2,216 at the 2010 census. It is within the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine, metropolitan statistical area. A tourist destination, Phippsburg is home to Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, Fort Popham State Historic Site; it is also home to Fort Baldwin which overlooks Fort Popham, and Popham Beach State Park, as well as Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge. The town includes part of Winnegance.
Restaurants in Phippsburg
1. Maine Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Maine Maritime Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in historic Bath, Maine. Indoors, visitors enjoy air-conditioned galleries with exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Outdoors, visitors can join a guided tour or stroll through the historic Percy & Small shipyard and see how many of the world's largest wooden sailing ships were built, learn about lobstering in the Maine, enjoy lunch under the towering sculpture of the schooner Wyoming (the largest wooden sailing vessel built in North America), watch wooden boats being built in the Boatshop, or play on a pirate ship. May through October, visitors can get an up-close view of the area's lighthouses and spectacular scenery on daily cruises, learn the story of Bath Iron Works from shipyard insiders, and tour the Victorian-era home of the Donnell shipbuilding family. Open year round.
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
The Maine Maritime Museum was about a 10-minute drive from the Days Inn in Brunswick where I stayed.
On my Saturday morning visit, the museum had several visitors but was not crowded.
This museum had grown considerably since my last visit in the early 2000’s. Even the cruise boat used in the boating seasons is bigger. The quality of the exhibits was excellent.
I watched the two videos first. Both were tied into two main parts of the museum. The first was “Percy & Small Shipyard” which told the story of the huge six-masted schooners built there. The second was “Keeper” which related to the “Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience” exhibit. I thought that both were very well done.
Then, I went through all the indoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits and buildings were closed due to weather conditions.
A Maritime History of Maine
This permanent exhibit was the center of the museum. It summarized Maine’s maritime history with respect to all aspects of life along Maine’s coast ~ from wooden and steel shipbuilding, trade, and war to commercial and recreational fishing as well as travel. Maine’s maritime history spans 400 years.
A Shipyard in Maine: Percy & Small and the Great Schooners
This permanent outdoor exhibit was closed due to winter weather conditions, but a lot could be seen from inside the museum and from the parking lot. The video refreshed my memory on that exhibit.
The Percy & Small Shipyard is the only intact shipyard in the country which built large wooden sailing vessels with four, five, and six masts. Giant six-masted schooners were built here. Its largest ship, the Wyoming, is represented in frame form on the grounds. It was the largest wooden vessel built in the United States. The exhibit covers the period from 1894 to 1920.
Distant Lands of Palm and Spice: Maine Ships and Mariners in Deepwater Commerce
This permanent exhibit showed Bath’s participation in trade to and from distant lands as well as Bath’s influence on domestic and international commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries. I particularly liked this exhibit for the many models and oil paintings of commercial ships from that era.
Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience
This new permanent exhibit is what brought me to revisit the museum. The exhibit had been viewed and favorably reviewed by two members of the American Lighthouse Foundation ~ historian Jeremy D’Entremont and Director Bob Trapani. Quotes from their reviews were posted on the museum’s website on the page for the exhibit.
Here, the museum duplicated the tower and lantern room of the Cape Elizabeth Two Lights lighthouse. It was a great experience to see the original second-order Fresnel lens from the east tower at Two Lights. Also, through projected video, I experienced the panoramic views of the Gulf of Maine as seen from the lantern room.
This was a unique exhibit. I thought that it alone was worth the price of admission.
Pull Together: Maritime Maine in the 1914-1918 Great War
This current exhibit chronicled the shipbuilding in the City of Bath that contributed to the national effort during WW I. There were several sections in the exhibit. The museum was fortunate enough to have a painting of the USS Allen (DD-65), one of the US Navy ships built in Bath. It was a Sampson class destroyer.
Shipshape: Decoration and Advertising in the Merchant Fleet
This current exhibit illustrated the importance of a commercial merchant ship’s appearance was to differentiate one shipping company’s ships from another’s by using flags, distinctive carvings, and paint color combinations.
The gift shop had a wide variety of merchandise from magnets with six-masted ships to clothing and collectibles.
I spent almost 3 hours here.
I rate Maritime Maine Museum at 5.0. I highly recommend a visit.
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2. Popham Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 321 reviews
State park and beach area that is located on a peninsula near Bath, Maine.
Reviewed By StepMorris1 - Randolph, Vermont
This beach took us by surprise. It is spectacular! The views, the sand, the variety, the facility ... all were unbelievable and way beyond our expectation. Treat yourself with a visit.
3. Reid State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
This state park has two miles of hiking trails and a beautiful beach.
Reviewed By BobHLeverett - Leverett, MA
The land for Reid Park was donated (some 800 acres) in the 1940's by Walter Reid. Reid was a successful business man and investor. His remarkable donation of the land to the state of Maine resulted in a state park with two separate sections, complete with bathhouses. The two sections each has a nice sandy beach, one one mile long and the other about one half mile long. The water is cold, but the sand is nice (not common in Maine with its rocky coastline). In late August in fine weather the beaches were nearly devoid of people. The shore slopes in various ways and signs warn that one must be cautious in the water - there can be rip tides and undertow. There are picnic tables in many places, some in the sun, some in the shade; most have nice views. There are several nice walking trails. The park has an entrance fee.
4. Bowdoin College
Overall Ratings
5 based on 103 reviews
This small, elite college is located in Brunswick.
Reviewed By RocMom4 - Rochester, New York
Beautiful campus to walk around! There is an art gallery and various events open to the public. Check their schedule online before your visit. A map can also be found online.
5. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a natural wonder on 270 acres of shorefront in mid-coast Maine. Strolling through spectacular ornamental gardens and traversing miles of waterfront and woodland trails, visitors are delighted by the beautiful plantings, impressive stonework, waterfalls and fountains, and scenic views. It's no wonder the Gardens have been hailed as one of Maine's top three attractions. The Gardens are open 9-5 April 15 - October 31 (open until 6 pm in July and August). There is a cafe and gift shop on site. A visit at any time is a memorable experience.
Reviewed By islandfoodie04679 - Southwest Harbor, Maine
What a gorgeous evening......and so well organized. The nine of us had a fabulous time.
No problem parking which was perfectly timed to grab the shuttle. Lots of places to get warmed up (and activities for little ones which we did not have with us). Hot cocoa station and Kettle Corn station are a nice touch.
So much to see and experience as one meanders the well marked walkways. A plethora of colors of lights, styles and patterns including under ice!
Just please be smart and dress warmly. Be prepared....layer up, use hand and toe warmers, gloves, hats and scarves. I could not believe how many people I saw wearing shorts or Jean jackets and then complaining!?! Well duh! lol
Truly was a magical evening for any age. I would highly recommend attending during the holiday season.
6. Cabbage Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By Jezcat2013 - Columbus, Ohio
All around a very fun & delicious experience. Lots of seating on the boat, alcohol too! 2 decks to access different views. Informative narration of the area & history. Also plenty of seating on the island, picnic tables around the house, tables on the porch & inside. Super staff & service (gratuity jar on the table if you're so inclined). The food was plentiful & and DELISH!!! There's chicken if you aren't a lobster fan. 2 lobsters, about a dozen clams, large baked potato, hard boiled egg, onion and sweet corn in the cob. Thoroughly enjoyed every bite & every moment!! A definite repeat when we return to the area!
7. Cliff Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Jessica N
My husband and I hiked the Cliff Trail a few days ago just before the rain set in. We are early in the season, so no bugs! It was a delightful hike through the woods, with lots of tree roots on the trail, and the cliffs were impressive. We parked behind the town hall building, hiked the loop (it was a bit tricky finding the trail after the cliff, but it is there!), and came out at the transfer station. There is a connecting trail through the woods from the station back to the town hall, so you don't have to walk on the road. Something we did not think about is the tide, so when we went it happened to be low tide. There was no water, only mud in Long Reach. It was still beautiful, but I would have liked to see the cliffs overlooking the water.
8. Doubling Point Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By crloganphila - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
As reviews state, interesting ride to location. Followed directions in map app and thankful had read reviews so prepared for the private property signage and parking location. Very scenic private location. Very peaceful. Great view of shipyard. Quick walk from where you park on uneven ground. The wood walkway to lighthouse seemed in sturdy shape. We had place to ourselves during visit.
9. Southport General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By JeepGirl50 - Bolton, Massachusetts
We've been customers at the General Store for years and yesterday when I stopped in to pick up sandwiches to take out on our boat, I was once again struck by their friendly interaction with customers. One of the guys making sandwiches was hilarious and had all of us laughing. Their wine selection is fantastic, their pizza and sandwiches are fresh and tasty, their grocery section has everything you need and you can even pick up a copy of Uncle Henry's. There is also a charming gift shop in an out building where I have purchased jewelry, artwork and gifts.
10. Boothbay Railway Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind an vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Reviewed By Witch41 - Durham, New Hampshire
Took the day for this visit. Interesting but the Village needs a lot of work. Arrived as an exhibition of stone sculptures was being done. This fascinated my granddaughter the most. Very short train ride. Liked the antique car exhibition the best. Called ahead and so took a picnic lunch and the picnic area was pleasant.
