Things to do in Bath, Maine this weekend (Memorial Day)
Hello! This will be the first of what I hope are weekly posts highlighting top tips - a variety of fun things to do this weekend 🗓, based on special events, what’s open, what’s new, what’s weather appropriate, etc. in the fun and fascinating, delightful and delicious city of Bath and the surrounding area, on the Maine’s midcoast. Some general tips when planning your own visit: many restaurants close at 8; most businesses provide up to date info on their Facebook pages; everything is wonderful - if the restaurant you had in mind is close/long wait, try another. You won’t be disappointed. That said, if I were visiting Bath this weekend - and had 36, 48 or 72 hours ⏳ - here’s what I might do.
Friday - weather looks a little cloudy. I would take a walk in Thorne Head preserve, one of about a dozen trails Kennebec Estuary Land Trust maintains in the Bath area - this one is the best of woods and the water 🏞️ on the Kennebec River - just about a mile round trip out and back to walk the whole mini-peninsula. Or you could add on a longer exploration, for example down the Old Ferry Road (!). I walked there nearly every day in the heart of the Covid pandemic restrictions.
On my way back into town, I would stop at the flower stand 💐 on the corner of High and Whiskeag Roads- the best of the best from the cutting garden run there by a local teacher. Honor system, but most bouquets are 10 dollars. Bring back to your hotel/airbnb.
Dinner at Bath Brewing Company - the interior of this lovingly restored building is unequaled in downtown Bath. From the late 19th century through the 20th century, it was a clothing store - you can still see the ghost advertisement on the side. Yes Maury Povich and Connie Chung are two of our Bath celebrities. BBC has a great selection of beers 🍺🍺🍺 (e.g., Project Blackberry - a sour on draft) and live music every Friday. Or if you prefer cocktails, ask for a Popham Sunset (even if it’s not on the menu!)
Saturday the weather looks to be a bit cloudy/rainy. I would hit Mae’s Cafe & Bakery for breakfast (breakfast served from 8-2; closed Tuesdays), then down to the Farmer’s Market on Commercial Street. The market goes till noon and things are really picking up in our growing season. Hint: 🍓. Before leaving the waterfront, check out Maine’s First Ship, a replica of the pinnace, the Virginia, the first British built ship on (what are now) Maine’s shores, in 1607. It’s launching next weekend, but how much fun to observe the final preparations now (pictured)? Down East Magazine just did a little write up about it.
In the afternoon, I’d hit the Maine Maritime Museum. In addition to the exhibits, consider a boat tour (with a covered seating area if it’s drizzling). Seeing Bath from the water is a wonderful way to experience the City of Ships. Saturday night, get cozy at Byrne’s Irish Pub. The friendliest spot, and you can mingle with the Navy ⚓ personnel assigned to the ships being built at Bath Iron Works and try “The Destroyer” a delish pastrami sandwich named for those ships.
Sunday morning for breakfast, head to Southgate Family Restaurant downtown for a diner + experience. You can also order lunch to go and take it to the lovely beach 🏖️ (for walking, lounging, playing) at Popham Beach State Park. Visit Fort Popham, just a bit down the road as well, both in Phippsburg. Looks to be a good day to be outside! ☀️
Another dinner?! Head east across the Kennebec River in Woolwich at Taste of Maine - touristy in ALL the best senses of the word - but also a favorite of locals. You can sit inside or out, overlooking the water. I recommend the Lazy Lobster 🦞 with a side of dinner rolls - you can make your own lobster roll that way!
Monday, the Bath Memorial Day parade begins at 10:30 at the American Legion Post #21 on Congress St. - it proceeds south on Lincoln St, then east on Centre St, where there will be a ceremony at the Civil War Monument, aka the eagle monument according to my students, on the corner of High St. and Centre St. (The about 100 men from Bath who died in the war will be honored, as will all members of the armed services who gave their lives for their country. If you’d like to see that ceremony, you may want to watch the whole parade from here.) The parade will then proceed east to Front St., Bath’s downtown business district. Mr. Embark Maine Tours will be in the parade, driving the Woolwich ambulance. 😊 🚑 Grab a a snack and a coffee or smoothie to go from Cafe Creme, then afterward, stroll around Oak Grove Cemetery, to commemorate those who served; their graves will be marked with an American flag.
Of course, any visit to Maine should include a walking tour! 👣 We are running our flagship Downtown Tour Friday at 4, Saturday at 930 (includes 5 dollar Farmer’s Market token!) and our Historic Neighborhood Tour (gorgeous mansions of ship builders and ship captains!) on Sunday at 11. Hope to see you in Bath!
OH, I ALMOST FORGOT: SMELL THE LILACS!!!
