These are the special places we go (when we have a day off!). You can count on consistently excellent goods and services with these folks.

Cabbage Island Clambakes - A very well-run operation that combines a harbor tour with a true New England lobster bake on a privately owned island.

Schooner Sailing - A must for anyone visiting the Maine coast. See it the way the first visitors did - aboard one of the traditional wooden sailing vessels that call Boothbay Harbor home. Schooner Eastwind, a traditional wooden windjammer captained by world voyagers (and outstanding hosts) Herb & Doris Smith; Schooner Lazy Jack with Captain Joe Tassi; or Bay Lady, a friendship sloop run by Balmy Days Cruises.

Blackjack Sport Fishing - Captain Dan Stevens grew up on the bays and inlets of this region, and you won't find a more knowledgeable or experienced guide. If its stripers you're after, he's your man. (207-633-64452 or cell: 207-380-5445)

Burnt Island Lighthouse Tour - A limited schedule, but worth going out of your way for this living history tour, seen through the eyes of the last lightkeeper's family.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - still a work in progress, but well worth the trip for anyone interested in gardens, botany, or landscaping, or just taking a walk in a gorgeous coastal garden. Grand Opening in August 2006.

Boothbay Region Land Trust - A dozen different nature preserves make for exceptional hiking for people of all abilities. Porter is our personal favorite - just long enough, neither too tame or too rugged - with great woodland and ocean views.

We're lucky to have so many great restaurants for such a small town, and it's tough to narrow it down, but here are some of our favorites:

Ports of Italy - High-end menu Northern-Italian style - and Christa and Davide know what service is all about. (207-633-1011).

The Thistle Inn - A fine choice for fine dining: Max has set the mood in the cozy dining room on a cold winter's night, or under the trees on a warm summer evening.

The Lobster Dock - Mitch and Dawn have the place for lobster when you want it up to your elbows, at a picnic table with a fresh sea breeze (not to mention a gorgeous view of the sunset over the Welch House across the harbor)!

McSeagull's - Ralph and Ilaina do a super job . . . Varied menu, water-side seating and locals aren't afraid of eating here, either.

93 Townsend (formerly The Daily Catch) - A great hang-out for food, fun cocktails, live music, and friendly service. (207-633-0777)

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor - watch the schedule for concerts and plays, as well as dances, parties, and other events. Attend an event and help us to preserve this historic building and local landmark.

Live music by Joe Ferren - catch him at 93 Townsend, Thistle Inn, or Townsend Avenue Wine & Coffee Bar.

Reggae Cruise - Sunday nights, all summer long - live band and dancing on the water under the stars - when you're in the mood.

Abacus - The best artisan's gallery for a hundred miles, bar none.

Calypso - Women's clothing with style, sophistication, comfort, and no pretense! (207-633-3831)

Coast & Cottage - Wonderful home décor items - a surprise around every corner.

The Cannery - If you're into Fresh Produce clothing, this is the place. Fun accessories, too.

The Saucy Contessa - Cool foodie items, unique gifts, and fun stuff you won't find anywhere else.

Sherman's- Great collection of books on Maine and by Maine authors (upstairs).

Avalon Antiques - Route 1 in Wiscasset - just 15 minutes south of the Welch House, three floors of furniture and collectibles - warm and welcoming all year long, and a great way to spend a less-than-perfect weather day.

Nobleboro Antique Exchange - Route 1 in Nobleboro - A little less than an hour north of the Welch House, this building is deceptively small and unimposing from the outside, but the selection and arrangement of the goods inside will impress and delight avid antique hounds. Open year round. (207- 563-6800)

Gleason Fine Art - The best collection of New England painters, from the up and coming to the highly collected. Well informed proprietors and a beautiful space.

Joy to the Wind - Husband and wife artists Lynne Seitzer and John Michael Thomas Seitzer work in multiple mediums and subjects. Delightfully warm and friendly, too.

Boothbay Region Art Foundation - Shows change monthly at this artists' collaborative, where you can often find excellent work at very reasonable prices.