Discover Our Home Friendship, Maine

If you want the real-deal Friendship experience, you’ve got to head down to Jameson Point Lobster and grab a seat by the water. It’s a no-frills, working-waterfront spot where the lobster is fresh off the boat, and the haddock tacos are probably the best you’ll ever have. Just park the car, soak up the harbor salt air, and enjoy a meal that’s as authentic as this town gets.

You’ve got to stop into Wallace’s Market to get a real feel for life in Friendship. It’s a local hub where you can grab a hot breakfast sandwich at 5:00 AM or a freshly-made pizza and a few cold drinks after a day on the water. Whether you’re stocking up on supplies or just grabbing a quick lunch, it’s the kind of down-to-earth spot that makes you feel like a regular the second you walk through the door.

You absolutely have to swing by Salt Pond Studio to see some of the best art coming out of the Midcoast. It’s set in a beautifully restored 1850s schoolhouse where local artist Pam Cabañas showcases her own work along with a rotating mix of other talented neighbors. Expect great art, workshops, and weekly life drawing sessions.

If you're lucky enough to be here in mid-July, Annual Friendship Day is the one thing you can't miss. It’s a full-on town celebration with a classic parade, a huge community auction, and a chicken BBQ that brings everyone out to the village square. The whole weekend wraps up with the lobster boat races in the harbor, which is about as authentic and exciting as Maine life gets.

If you want to know how this town became the lobster capital it is today, you’ve got to spend an hour at the Friendship Museum. Housed in a charming old schoolhouse, it’s packed with local history and the story of the world-famous Friendship Sloop. It’s small, sweet, and run by neighbors who really know their stuff. It is the perfect rainy-day stop to appreciate the deep roots of our little village.

You can’t leave town without taking a walk through the Martin Point Wildlife Refuge to see the quieter side of the peninsula. These winding trails take you through thick pines and spit you right out onto a pristine stretch of Muscongus Bay shoreline that feels like your own private discovery. It’s the ultimate spot to escape the noise, scramble over some granite rocks, and catch a sunset that'll make you want to move here for good.

Skip the crowded tourist spots and head down to Walker’s Beach to see what the Maine coast really looks like. It’s a rugged, quiet little stretch where you can hunt for sea glass or just sit and watch the tide come in. Walker’s Beach is the perfect, peaceful, salty spot to clear your head and watch the lobster boats pass by in the distance.

You’ve got to grab a stool at The Narrows Tavern if you want a real taste of the local nightlife. It’s a cozy, wood-beamed spot where the beer is cold, and the fish and chips are always spot on. Whether you're stopping in for a quick pint or staying for the live music, it’s the kind of place where the fire is usually going, and you’ll feel like a regular before you even finish your first drink.

If you’re up for a short drive to Rockland, you have to treat yourself to a night at Primo. It’s basically the gold standard for farm-to-table dining, where everything from the pork to the veggies is raised right there on the property. Between the incredible food and the walk through their gardens, it’s an experience you’ll be talking about long after you head home.

If you can manage the early wake-up call, you’ve got to get yourself to the top of Mount Battie to catch the sunrise. Watching the sun break over the Atlantic and light up the entire harbor from above is one of those "only in Maine" moments. Whether you hike up the trail or take the auto road, standing by the stone tower while the islands start to glow is easily the best way to start your day.

One of our favorite spots is Beech Hill Preserve, and you’ll see why the second you hit the trail. It’s a gentle walk up a grassy path that leads to a historic sod-roofed stone hut with some of the most insane panoramic views of the bay you'll ever find. It’s the perfect place to just sit in the grass, soak up the breeze, and, if you’re lucky enough to be here in August, pick a pint of wild organic blueberries right off the bushes.

We always love a visit to Schooner Landing if you’re looking for that perfect mix of fresh oysters and riverfront vibes. There’s nothing better than sitting out on the back deck with a cold beer, listening to live music while the tide moves in and out of the Damariscotta River. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s the absolute best spot to just kick back and enjoy a sunny afternoon right on the water’s edge.

One of our favorite spots is North Beacon Oyster for a night when you want a break from the traditional lobster shack. It’s a great little downtown spot where you can grab a dozen local oysters, a cold craft beer, and some of the best small plates in the area. The vibe is always lively, and the food is consistently spot on, making it the perfect destination for a fun dinner out after exploring the Rockland galleries.