Written by Stephen Ondich
The town of Milbridge, Maine is the first town to be featured in our series, Down East Destinations. Below is a comprehensive helpful guide to the Milbridge. We cover community history, things to do, economy, trends and more.
↓ Subscribe to Our YouTube channel NOW ! ↓
Milbridge, Maine
Location
Milbridge, Maine is 43.1 miles from Acadia National Park.
Milbridge is located south of Cherryfield, east of Steuben and West of Harrington. Narraguagus Bay comprises its southern border.
Areas of Milbridge
Downtown Milbridge is pedestrian friendly. Thus, many of Milbridge’s shops and restaurants are here. Roughly speaking, the epicenter of downtown is where US-1 (Main Street) intersects with US-1A (Kennedy Highway).
The Harbor Area starts at the mouth of the Narraguagus River and continues to the bay, leading out to the Atlantic Ocean. Also, in the harbor area there are restaurants, fresh local seafood offerings, and boat tours. Additionally the Milbridge historical Society Museum is located in the harbor area.
Rural Areas comprise a majority of Milbridge’s land area. Accordingly, these designated rural areas have limitations on development.
Conservation Areas are designated as places of vital importance to Milbridge’s natural resources. Very limited development is allowed. Also, there is a minimum lots size of 10+ acres. Additionally, these designations are primarily in coastal or island areas of Milbridge.
Milbridge History
Town of Milbridge was founded in 1765. It was created from the town of Harrington in Plantation Number Five.
According to Maineanencylopedia.com, the original spelling was “Millbridge.” Interestingly, I recently confirmed this when I searched Maine: A History, Volume 4 online for “Milbridge.” When my search yielded no hits, I realized that the text used the earlier “Millbridge” spelling.
Harrington Connection
Unfortunately many of Milbridge’s early historical records were stored in Harrington when a fire swept through town. I can find no mention online of when that fire took place. However, those early Milbridge town records were lost.
In July of 2019, I stopped into the Gallison Memorial Library in Harrington to see what remained of early Milbridge town records. Unfortunately, most of the early records inside were genealogical and provided by individual families. However, sifting through the folders I found an interesting document. It showed that in 1960, Mrs. Mildred Coffin donated a large map of early Washington County, Maine to the library.
I looked up from my table and saw the map!
Significantly, the Coffin family was one of the early settlers of Harrington, Maine. V.L. Coffin and Sons,, was the primary store in town selling dry goods for many decades.
1848 Separation from Harrington
Almost 90 years later on July 14, 1848, it split off from the easterly neighboring town of Harrington. Subsequently, Milbridge expanded in 1876 and 1907, taking over land from its neighbor on the west, Steuben.
In the 19th century Milbridge served as a receiving point for lumber sawn in Cherryfield. An entire industrial complex was set up on the Narraguagus River involving multiple shipyards and businesses that served the boat building trade. Then, as now, Milbridge hosted fishing and seafood processing businesses including a lobster canning factory.
Milbridge’s population stands at roughly 1300 residents. This has been a relatively stable count for the past three decades.
Early Native American Presence in Milbridge
Pre-colonist records of Native Americans in the area now known as Milbridge are sparse. In part, this is due to the fluidity of tribes over time. Once Europeans arrived in the area the 1500’s Native Americans bore the brunt of newly introduced illnesses. As a result, surviving Native American assimilated into new groups regularly.
Here is a list of tribes with ties to Milbridge:
Red Paint People
The Red Paint People are the oldest known inhabitants of the Milbridge area. Very little is known about the Red Paint People.
They lived in coastal areas of Maine and New England approximately 2000-6000 years ago. Excavation of their burial sites revealed stone tools and artifacts covered in iron oxide, ie red paint.
Abenaki – Wawinkak
The Abenaki settled in villages close to rivers and/or flood plains.
Passamaquoddy
Passamaquoddy Native Americans were seasonal settlers. In summer, they stayed in coastal areas. For the winter months, they migrated inland.
Prior to European contact, the Passamaquoddy history was passed down verbally without written records.
1675-1760 Series of Six Indian Wars
Until 1675, relations between English settlers and Native Americans were mostly amicable. However, the following 85 years brought a series of conflicts known as the Indian Wars.
These battles pitted Native Americans and their French allies against English colonists.
Post Native American settlement by Colonists
The earliest known European settlers in the Narraguagus area were Jebez Dorman, John Densmores and Ichabod Willey. They established themselves in the Narraguagus region just Prior to the revolutionary war in the mid 1750s.
At this time, the cultural center of what is was then part of Harrington (now Milbridge) was on the Narraguagus Bay. Everything was developed with the goal of harvesting lumber and getting it to market or into maritime production. Since no roads were in existence, everything centered around the waterways.
An early population boom occurred as a direct result of the colonists victory over the British in the revolutionary war. Soldiers were partially paid in Maine land grants.
As the population grew, Milbridge was used as a stop for a steamboat service that passed between Milbridge, Machias and Portland several times a week. The ship-based access to Milbridge continued throughout most of the 19th century.
Roads improved and cars came into favor in the early part of the 20th century. Accordingly, downtown Milbridge displaced the Wyman industrial district as the town’s focal point at that time..
Historic Sites in Milbridge
Petit Manan Light Station
The Petit Manan Light Station is operational. The island it occupies also hosts a puffin colony! It is not open to the public. However, public boat tours are available. As a matter of fact, Milbridge’s own Robertson Sea Tours offers Fall boat tours of three area lighthouses:
- Petit Manan Lighthouse
- Narraguagus Lighthouse
- Nash Island Light Station
Narraguagus Light Station
The Narraguagus Light Station was taken out of operation in 1934. Now privately owned, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 1987.
Everett Wallace House
The 1937 Everett Wallace House is located at the intersection of US-1 and Wyman Road.
It is notable for being a modern example of Queen Anne architecture. Additionally, the home was made as a reproduction of Wallace’s previous 1800’s era Queen Anne home which was lost in a fire.
Economy of Milbridge
The natural resources surrounding Milbridge have shaped the towns activity since it’s inception. Not surprisingly, shipbuilding, lumber production, agriculture and fishing comprise much of this activity. More recently, tourism has played a role, as well.
Currently, blueberry production, commercial fishing, timber harvesting and wreath production drive the Milbridge economy.
Smaller farms, including organic, are emerging as a growth industry.
Agriculture
The largest agricultural crop in Milbridge is the blueberry. The biggest blueberry operation in town is the Wyman Company.
The Wyman Company
In the late 19th century, despite the booming lumber trade, one of the most important companies then as now, was the Wyman company.
Wymans of Maine was founded by Jasper Wyman in 1874 and is still family owned today. In addition to his Milbridge business interests, Jasper Wyman (1852-1923) served two terms as a state senator for Maine in 1906 and 1908.
Wyman’s is to Milbridge what Burt’s Bees is to Dover-Foxcroft, with one important exception. Wyman’s is still operating out of its home town
Originally primarily a seafood canning company, Jasper Wyman started the company where he grew up in Milbridge, Maine. By the turn of the century, the focus of the company had shifted from seafood to wild blueberries.
Subsequent generations of the Wyman family continue to acquire land and blueberry barons over the years.
The company owns more than 10,000 acres of blueberry barons in addition to contracting out with other growers in Maine and Canada.
Additionally, Wyman’s conducts an ongoing campaign in support of food and worker safety.
In 2012, Wymans was certified for compliance in the Global Food Safety Initiative. In addition to health care benefits for employees, the company provides housing and competitive wages for its seasonal workers.
I contacted Wyman’s to ask if they provide factory or barren tours to the public. Unfortunately, they do not.
According to company spokesperson Pat, Wyman’s receives frequent requests for company tours. They are considering options that comply with their insurance regulations. I will post an update if public tours become available.
Blueberry Overproduction: Milbridge and Down East
2018 was a difficult year for the Down East blueberry industry, in general.
In July of 2018, I briefly spoke to Marie Emerson on a family trip to Wild Blueberry Land in neighboring Columbia Falls, Maine. Interestingly, she said the biggest issue facing North American blueberry farmers is competition from hybrid lab-grown blueberries. Also, they are fast growing, large in size and often imported into the US in large quantities.
According to Emerson, their taste is bland are they are not Wild Blueberries. However, they are plentiful and inexpensive.
Blueberries are currently overproduced. Significantly, domestic and overseas government subsidies are a factor, in addition to natural market forces.
Currently, the price of blueberries is at a 3 decade low. Good for consumers but not sustainable for suppliers.
Unfortunately, in 2018 the choice for smaller politically unconnected blueberry operations was an unenviable one.
- Produce at a loss.
- Discontinue the operation.
Anyone who has spent time in the Pine Tree State knows that throwing in the towel goes against the Maine spirit (sometimes called moxey). Thus, many producers forged ahead and lost money last year.
Kelco Industries of Milbridge
Kelco Industries primarily manufactures and sells wreath making supplies. They are one of the larger employers in Milbridge despite the work being somewhat seasonal.
I’ve see the Kelco name online and around town but was not familiar with the company. The name struck me as one of those vague sounding 1980’s era conglomerates. The type of enterprise that gobbled up smaller companies and put them all under one name. However, that is not the case, at all.
Kelco, like Wyman’s is a home grown Milbridge company.
Doug Kell
Doug Kell founded Kelco in 1955. A former New Jersey resident and ship captain, he did not relax in the off season winter months. Instead, Doug saw an opportunity to distribute Maine Christmas trees in New Jersey. Hauling trees was his side-hustle before there was such a term.
Soon, Doug expanded into making and distributing machinery for processing tree and creating wreaths. Kelco’s mechanical innovations allowed many small scale mom and pop shops to sell and market their own wreaths.
With the success of his business, his family moved with him to Maine. Evidently, Doug’s charter boat days were behind him. The next six decades Doug focused on the Christmas tree industry.
I intend to get an update soon but as of 2013, Doug had a familiar stable of loyal employees. Referred to as the Golden Girls, these workers have been with Doug since the 1950’s. That is both heartwarming and rare in today’s business world. Kudos, Kelco!
An entire article could be written on Doug’s accomplishments. In addition to what is above, here are a few highlights of his storied career:
- Licensed ship Captain
- Pilot’s license
- Air Force veteran
- Art Gallery proprietor
- Tree farmer
In 2015, Doug graciously donated his beloved twin engine GA-7 airplane to the Down East Emergency Medicine Institute to assist with search and rescue missions.
Fishing
Lobster is the most important product in Milbridge’s fishing industry. Other sea products include marine worms and clams.
Much of the commercial fishing activity takes place around the Town Marina and Jordan Pier. Thus, if you spend some time watching the incoming fishing boats you’ll see lobster, shellfish, eels, urchins and more.
Tourism
Milbridge is riding the wave of increased tourism throughout Washington County. It anchors one end of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. Visitors often choose Milbridge as their quiet home base for Acadia National Park trips.
From my own experience, people who specifically travel to Milbridge fall into one of three categories.
- Down East Explorers. These tourists cover a lot of area in Washington County and Mid-Coast. They need a somewhat centralized home base. Milbridge is a good choice.
- Acadia National Park visitors on a budget. People visiting Acadia in Summer or Fall face steep lodging rates if they’re looking to stay in Bar Harbor. Sticker shock makes them look elsewhere. Going South or West won’t save you much. However, looking in Milbridge offers substantial savings when compared with Bar Harbor or Mount Desert Island. Besides, it’s a scenic 40 minute drive to the park. A small price to pay to save a hundred dollars a night for a waterfront stay!
- People Who Love Milbridge. Many tourists come to Milbridge regularly despite not having any family roots or previous ties to the area. Often, what keeps them coming back is the memory of that first Milbridge trip. I call it Maine-fever. It’s a phenomenon that is certainly not unique to Milbridge. However, Milbridge has a lot of the characteristics that tend to make people fall in love with the area: coast, convenience, rivers, charm, friendly locals, etc.
Geology of Milbridge
Much of Milbridge’s beauty is associated with its rugged coastline and river valleys. The character of its terrain did not just simply appear overnight.
The Ice Age
The landscape of Milbridge was carved out by glaciers over a million years ago. Thick ice pushed its way through the Narraguagus Valley. In the process, land was contorted, rocks were moved, rivers and valleys were created.
Soil
The soil in Milbridge is more suited to forestry than traditional farming. USDA Prime Farmland Soil represents a paltry 2% of Milbridge’s land area.
Only two areas in Milbridge have ideal soil for traditional (non-blueberry) farming, Pond island and select portions of Fickett Point.
Climate in Milbridge
Weatherspark.com summarizes Milbridge’s climate this way:
“In Milbridge, the summers are comfortable, the winters are freezing and windy, and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 15°F to 73°F and is rarely below -0°F or above 80°F.”
Winter in Milbridge
By Maine standards, Milbridge has a relatively mild winter season. However, everything is relative. If you are used to shoveling snow in Buffalo, New York, Milbridge winters will be easy. If you’re coming from Florida, it will take some getting used to.
Milbridge is located on the coast of Maine. Average coastal winter temperatures are higher than inland communities experience. The reason for this is that water has a higher heat capacity than ground coverings and rocks. Thus, the ocean holds onto its warmth while land inland cools rapidly.
Snow season in Milbridge lasts just under 6 months. Typically, snow falls early November through mid-April.
Read About Milbridge
Books
You may be able to pick up some of these on Amazon but I recommend ordering through the Milbridge Historical Society. They really appreciate the support!
The History of Milbridge by Terry Hussey
Drops of Spray from Southern Seas by Lucy Brown Reynolds
Cemeteries of Milbridge by Diana Bartlett, Alice Beal & Beverly Pinkham
Pond Island Heritage by Anne C. Nash
Periodicals Serving Milbridge
Milbridge Historical Society Newsletter
Watch Milbridge
Extreme Home Makeover – Milbridge
In 2007, ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover came to Milbridge. The show featured the Ray-Smith family. Spoiler alert. Their house was made over in a most extreme way. The episode aired in 2008. Season 5, epsiode 10.
Black Rock
Milbridge’s own Katie Aselton directed the 2012 motion picture Black Rock. Filming took place in Milbridge as well as other Down East locations. Kudos for bring the work back home Katie!
The Puffy Chair
This 2005 movie The Puffy Chair was filmed on location in Milbridge. Directed by Mark and Jay Duplass, the film also stars Milbridge native Katie Aselton. It won the Audience Award at the 2005 South by Southwest Film Festival.
Additionally, the film crew stayed at Aselton’s parent’s home during production.
Building Styles
Milbridge offers a mix of building styles, from simple 1970’s-era mobile homes to tastefully constructed resort style vacation homes.
Much of the architecture reflects Milbridge’s boom years of the mid to late 19th century. Fortunately, many of the stately homes from that time period have survived.
Victorian Architecture
A walk thorough of Milbridge’s older areas gives you a sense for the Victorian style architecture that predominated from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.
at 70 Main Street is on the market as of July 2019. Photo by maineterrain.com
The Victorian homes are interesting to observe and offer a glimpse into Milbridge’s past. Accordingly, it’s understandable that residents advocate for their refurbishment at every opportunity.
Victorian architecture is characterized by:
- Irregular layouts
- Multiple gabled roofs
- Asymmetrical window & door patterns
- Complex shapes
- Walls of varied textures
Cape Cod Architecture
Cape Cod style homes are also found in Milbridge’s historic areas. Significantly, the simple boxy style and straight lines are in start contrast to the area’s Victorian homes.
Cape Cod architecture is characterized by:
- Simplicity
- Symmetrical lines
- No overhang from the roof
- A front-to-back design
Quality of Life in Milbridge
According to the latest comprehensive plan created by the town of no bridge, The top priority of the town is to protect his vital natural resources. The plan clearly spells out the quality of life factors that Milbridge residents value .
Clean air
Clean water
Low crime
Low traffic congestion
Lack of noise and light pollution levels
Access to goods and services
Good employment opportunities
While economic growth and income opportunities are addressed in the plan, the priority is clearly focused on maintaining environmental quality-of-life. To this end no bridge passed a 2009 ordinance that required a minimum of 6 acre lots on any rural property where housing is built.
Currently, here is what Milbridge’s land composition looks like:
Milbridge has done an admirable job of addressing the goals laid out in its general plan.
Perhaps their most ambitious goal is that of bringing new jobs into town. For better or worse, job creation is tied to the health of its core natural resources rather than government subsidies or aggressive commercial growth strategies.
In Milbridge, slow and steady wins the race!
Moving to Milbridge
Despite the stable population of Milbridge, people are moving into the area. Many recent Milbridge transplants are middle age or above. The Milbridge cost of living /quality of life ratio is a big draw.
One of my neighbors, Dave, is one such transplant. He lives most of the year in Massachusetts but has a second home in Milbridge. I asked him how he ended up in Milbridge. “I wanted an affordable place on the coast. I put my finger on a map of Maine, starting in Portland and followed it North till I found a town on the water we could afford,” he answered.
That is the same logic that brings many people to Milbridge.
Milbridge Visitor Information
Pronunciation
I don’t think I’ve ever heard an egregious mispronunciation of Milbridge, although I’m sure it happens. However, some neighboring town names are regularly butchered by visitors from away.
From Away
On a side note, if you are not a local resident, you are from away. Do not read too much into it. It means exactly what it says, nothing more. In my experience, it doesn’t (necessarily) have a negative connotation.
Pronunciation Rule
This rule is not perfect. However, if you want to guess on the correct pronunciation of a Down East town, here’s my suggestion.
Either pronounce with no accent at all or place the accent on the last syllable rather than the first.
For example:
Steuben
- stu-BEN = correct
- stu-ben = passable
- STU-ben = definitely from away
Again, this tip will not work in every situation but I like your odds!
Airports
The closest airport is Hancock county bar harbor airport. However, The closest major airports are Bangor international airport, Portland international, and Manchester, in that order.
Get Around in Milbridge
Public Transportation
Milbridge offers limited public bus service. The once-daily service is along a route that runs on Us-1 from Calais to Bangor. West Bus Service‘s Milbridge pick up location is at:16 West ManorMilbridge, ME 04658
Walk
Drive
Ride Bike
Uber, Lyft or Taxi in Milbridge
Scenic Areas of Milbridge
The Bold Coast Scenic Byway Project was created in 2011, in partnership with the state.
Milbridge is the first stop at the easternmost point of the bold coast scenic byway. The gold coast scenic byway is a worthwhile 125 mile drive that spans over 20 communities on the coast of Down East Maine.
Milbridge’s areas of note according to the Downeast Coastal Scenic Inventory database.
McClellan Park
Beaver Brook Meadow
Back bay
Mill river
Public Access to Waterways of Milbridge
Recreational boating access is available within the town limits.
The Town Marina
The Town Marina is located in downtown Milbridge on Narraguagus Bay. This marina is open to the public. For your boat launching needs there are boat ramps and a pier. Accordingly, this is the most popular public access water point in Milbridge for both commercial and recreational boaters.
Stover Cove Boat Launch
Also open to the public, this launch is suitable for smaller watercraft.
Jordan Pier
This boat launch is for the exclusive use of commercial fisherman.
Ray’s Point
Rays Point public access is open to recreational users.
Wildlife of Milbridge
The bays, flats and river areas of Milbridge provide both natural resources and an ideal habitat for wildlife. Federal, state, and local laws are in place to protect these habitats.
Popular Hikes In and Around Milbridge
Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge
Inside Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge you’ll find both Petit Manan and Nash Island Light Houses.
Petit Manan Light Station is the second tallest light station in Maine. Additionally, it is also home to a colony of Puffins.
Both lighthouses are on islands only accessible by boat.
Petit Manan is known as a premier bird watching location.
Birch Point Trail (Steuben)
Birch Point Trail is just over 4 miles, round trip. It leads through a range of habitats and is well maintained, according to noted Maine outdoors- woman, Aislinn Sarnacki.
This trail runs through blueberry fields so snacks are readily available for the taking.
There are also a series of wooden informational signs that provide interesting facts about the area you are exploring.
Pigeon Hill
The Pigeon Hill Trail in Steuben is a moderately difficult hike at 1.4 miles. Additionally, there are elevation changes. There are spectacular view at the 300 foot+ summit of Pigeon Hill.
On the way back down, you’ll see the remnants of an old silver mine.
Hollingsworth Trail (Steuben)
Steuben’s Hollingsworth Trail is a 3.4 mile round trip. Additionally, hikers report that Hollingsworth is a good trail for kids.
Wildlife is plentiful and easy to spot. Also, the trail runs through a cedar bog. Feel free to bring your dog (on leash only).
One of the most interesting features of this trail is the rapidly changing ecosystem. One moment you are warm and surrounded by blueberries. Ten minutes later the blueberries are gone, replaced by cedar trees and bog water. Next, the flat ground turns uneven with rocks and brush. The temperature fluctuates wildly. It’s hard to believe these changes transpire over the course of only a few miles!
Alltrails.com rates this hike 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Milbridge Commons Wellness Park
The newly opened Milbridge Commons Wellness Park is located downtown and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. This pleasant in-town walk takes you on a scenic on a 72″ wide paved trail along the Narraguagus Bay. It is stroller and wheelchair friendly.
If you want to check it out virtually before going, follow this link.
Trail Maps
Birding Trail Map
With its miles of coastline and pristine nature, Maine is a birder’s paradise. According to the Audubon Society, Maine has over 17 million acres of important bird areas.
Accordingly, it’s no surprise that Milbridge and its surrounding communities have well established birding trails.
Here is a link to a detailed Downeast birding trail map, courtesy of Mainebirdingtrail.com.
Museums
Milbridge Historical Society
The Milbridge Historical Society Museum offer free admission. However, check ahead for hours which are seasonal, like many businesses Down East.
This museum features rotating exhibits by local artists. Also, events featuring speakers of note take place periodically.
Events
Milbridge Days Festival
One event that is unique to Milbridge is the Milbridge Days Festival.
This event has be an annual town showcase for over three decades. Typically, Milbridge Days takes place over a weekend in July.
Festivities include:
- Downtown Parade
- Blueberry Pie Sale
- Silent Auction
- Car Show
- Arts and Crafts
- Games
- Library Book Sale
The Annual Codfish Relay Race.
Sure, you may have been to dozens of other codfish relay races but you haven’t lived until you’ve seen Milbridge’s.
Parks in Milbridge
McClellan Park
McClellan park is used for picnicking and camping as well. Significantly, McClellan park covers 10 acres on Tom Leighton Point. It features 14 campsites, refurbished fire pits, picnic tables and perhaps most importantly of all restroom facilities.
McClellan Park’s History
Does the name McClellan sounds vaguely familiar? The park is named after Civil War General George McClellan’s son, George McClellan Jr.
Unfortunately, despite an admirable career in public service, George McClellan, Jr stood in George McClellan Sr.’s shadow. Junior served as the 93rd Mayor of New York. Additionally, he unsuccessfully vied for Democratic nomination for for President in 1904.
Jr.’s Wikipedia page mentions nothing about his connection to McClellan Park. However, I may update that. It does refer to his Grinch-like executive order against celluloid movies in 1908. Also mentioned is his mutinous commandeering of New York City’s first public subway ride in 1904.
Personally, I will remember McClellan, Jr. for McClellan Park.
Riverside Park
This paved walking path his Americans with disabilities act accessible. It follows the Narraguagus river near the downtown area.
Stargazing in Milbridge
Milbridge provides an ideal location to view stars at night. Two factors play a major role:
- Low density population
- Shoreline development restrictions
In Milbridge, there are very few artificial obstacles to impede your view of the stars.
To see how Milbridge and Maine, in general, stacks up against the rest of the country for light pollution, click here.
Tours
Robertson Sea Tours
Captain Robertson runs a variety of boat tours out of Milbridge. Additionally, he is a commercial fisherman who dives for sea urchins and scallops in the off-season.
In Fall of 2019, Robertson’s Sea Tour’s Captain Jim Parker was interviewed for an NPR news story. The story addressed warming sea waters and changing whale migration patterns. Accordingly, Parker’s boat tours diversified beyond whale watching. Parker explains:
“What I don’t want to do is put a half dozen people on the boat, have them all excited about going out and seeing whales when I know there’s not one there.”
source: Garcia-Navarro, L. (6 October, 2019), The Gulf of Maine is Warming and Its Whales are Disappearing. NPR.
Our family hike with Maine Outdoor School.
Maine Outdoor School
Maine Outdoor School (MOS) organizes custom and group field trips in throughout the Down East region. Read our interview with MOS founders Hazel Stark and Joe Horn here.
Milbridge Historical Society
Performing Arts
Milbridge Theatre
The Milbridge Theatre is currently operating as an outdoor only entertainment venue. Accordingly, their concert event schedule runs from June through August.
Read our interview with Gateway Milbridge Chair Richard Bondurant here.
Schools
Public school enrollment in Milbridge has been on a declining trend for the last few decades. This is primarily a result of a maturing population.
Milbridge Elementary School
The Bangor Daily News recently featured Milbridge Elementary School in an article on Downeast education. Click here to read the article.
Maine Outdoor School
Maine Outdoor School is the brainchild of co-founders Hazel Stark and Joe Horn.
Both are Naturalist Educators who teach children about their surrounding outdoor environment though field trips, camps and exploration
Shopping in Milbridge
Milbridge has an optimal combination of convenience and serenity, in my opinion.
For example, there are many places you can in visit in Maine to “get away.” However, I want to connect with nature without giving up Wifi, plumbing, and some local shopping options.
Milbridge has enough shops that you can find what you need in town. However, if you need a big box store, Ellsworth (and the shopping crowds) is a 40 minute drive away. A perfect set-up for me.
Stores in Milbridge
Family Dollar
The Family Dollar is the closest thing Milbridge has to a big box store.
Some residents feel it stands out too much from the local theme of downtown Milbridge. The controversy has more to do with the large signage rather than the actual store. However, I think it’s a great convenience to have a store like this in town.
Riverlily
Very cool gift store featuring many local items. Additionally, the store is air-conditioned which many find pleasant in the hot summer months. Regardless, it certainly adds to shoppers’ browsing time!
I included pictures of both Riverlily’s former Cherryfield location and their current Milbridge location.
Viking Lumber
Viking Lumber is a local chain of building materials stores. It is more than just a retail hardware store. They have their own sawmill, too. They can help you with any repair needs that are specific to Milbridge or Down East life.
Napa Auto Parts
The place to go in Milbridge for your do-it-yourself auto repair needs.
Food in Milbridge
Milbridge is home to a few good restaurants. However, be sure to call ahead to check hours before driving to them. Many restaurants Down East are seasonal or may have seasonal hours. Thus, you should not assume that restaurants will be open based on their Yelp operating hours.
Bayside Market
Bayside is my go-to place for groceries in Milbridge. They are open 7 days a week. I’ve always found the employees to be helpful. Size-wise, it’s somewhere between a Kroger and Trader Joe’s, for reference.
Vazquez Mexican Take-out
Great Mexican food at low prices at nice family business. What more can you ask? OK, maybe a few more tables, but that’s it.
I’ve been to hundreds of Mexican restaurants in California & New Mexico. Thus, I’m a bit of a Mexican food snob. Vazquez is worth going to. They have a few picnic tables but most people take it to go.
One of my favorite things to do is pickup Vazquez food and head down the street to McClellan Park and find a picnic table by the ocean.
One time, we arrived into Milbridge late. Vazquez closed about 20 minutes earlier. They saw us and opened the kitchen back up. The kids were so happy. I’ll sing their praises to anyone!
44 Degrees North
44 Degrees North is a popular restaurant with both tourists and locals, alike.
I’ve been there a few times for dinner. The service is friendly and welcoming. The food is good and there is a pub area, as well.
The Milbridge House
The Milbridge House is a popular breakfast and lunch destination for locals. Sadly, I have not tried it yet myself. However, I have heard good things from others who have.
Incredible Edible Milbridge
A few years back, Milbridge followed the lead of the English town of Todmorden and created Incredible Edible Milbridge. It is an ongoing campaign to plant locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the downtown area.
Visitors are welcome to snack while they walk. The purpose is to promote locally grown produce and a healthy lifestyle.
Featured Photographer – Nikki Graham
Nikki Graham’s photography can be seen on DownEast.com. Her tasteful images of Milbridge and Cherryfield garner praise on social media. Nikki’s art gives fans around the globe a taste of Down East life. Additionally, she takes a great selfie!
Nikki was kind enough to sit down and answer a few of our questions.
Q&A with Nikki Graham
How long have you lived in Milbridge and what brought you here?
Are you a full time resident or seasonal?
Full time.
What type of camera/equipment are you using around town?
Where are your favorite places to shoot in Milbridge?
What is the most surprising thing that you’ve captured on camera while shooting in Milbridge?
There are lots of great pictures floating around online of Washington County scenes. Has Down East Magazine or any other media sites reposted your pictures? If so, which ones?
I have hundred of pictures of Milbridge and Cherryfield on my hard drive but only a handful of pictures that I’d consider decent. How do you capture the imagery of Milbridge that is in front of the camera onto the film, chip or paper in just the way you want?
Many of your pictures feature wild life. How do you capture a good shot without scaring them off?
Moose are symbolic of Maine, however, they don’t often wander down toward the coasts. Have you ever spotted one in the wild? If so, what were the circumstances?
Milbridge (and Maine in general) is very scenic. It’s hard to take a really bad picture but it’s harder to snap a great one. Do you have any words of advice for amateurs who want to capture memorable of Milbridge on their iphone?
Contact Nikki
Resources
I referenced a ton of online resources to compile the information found on this page.
Here they are, in no particular order.
- Town of Milbridge
- Ray’s Place
- State of Maine
- Native Languages of the Americas
- Milbridge Historical Society
- New England Historical Society
- Maine: an Encyclopedia
- Q1065 Radio
- Mainerec.com
- Wikipedia
- Act Out With Aislinn
- New England Lighthouses
- Weather Spark
- Newengland.com
- Milbridge Commons
- Bold Coast Maine
- Explore Maine
- Maine Memory Network
- Harrington Town Office
- Maine Trail Finder
- All Trails
- Visit Maine
- United States Fish and Wildlife
Pingback: 5 Scenic Photo Sites NOT in Acadia National Park - Maine Terrain - 2019
Pingback: How to Buy An Inexpensive Acadia Vacation Home - Maine Terrain - 2019
Molly Ondich
11 Apr 2019Great recommendations! You put together a very comprehensive list. This will be very helpful on my upcoming vacation to Maine. I can’t wait to read future blog posts. Keep up the good work.
Stephen
12 Apr 2019Thanks Molly. If you’re going to Milbridge, let us know if there’s anything we should add. This guide is a living document and is updated regularly. Thanks for commenting!
Forex Review
18 Apr 2019Milbridge, Maine (ME 04658) profile: population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders
Pingback: Popovers: Can You Make Them Jordan Pond-Style? - Maine Terrain
Pingback: John Walters: Codfish, Milbridge and Sports Illustrated - Maine Terrain
Pingback: Drone's Eye View: Ryan Malagara films Down East - Maine Terrain - 2019
Pingback: Bringing Back the Milbridge Theatre - Gateway Milbridge Interview 2019
Pingback: Maine Outdoor School: - Maine Terrain
Pingback: Cozumel Pearl Farm: Can You Tour A Working Pearl Farm? Yes, We Did.
Pingback: 🌄 Building Their Coastal Maine Dream Home - Maine Terrain
Pingback: 🌄 Work Remotely In Maine: 13 Tips for Digital Nomads - Maine Terrain
Pingback: 🌄 Goat Hikes in Maine: Where Baby Goats Live and You Hike - 2019
Pingback: Acadia National Park: 2 Secret Things to Do - Maine Terrain