As May flowers bloom and our season begins, the midcoast comes to life! As we wake up from our winter slumber, you’ll find migratory birds returning, trees and flowers in bloom, shops and restaurants opening up again, and much more. May is a great time to visit if you want to enjoy a slower pace: relax and avoid the crowds while enjoying some of the lesser-known experiences our region has to offer. Just remember to bring pants and a sweatshirt or light jacket, as early mornings and evenings can be cool!
If you’re a nature lover, this is a great time to get outside and see early blooms! Head to the Botanical Gardens or hit the local trails to experience the local atmosphere. These are also great places to start if you’re into birding or photography! Hiking is particularly enjoyable in May, with dry, cooler days, and fewer bugs buzzing about.
Many of our local Farmer’s Markets start up in May, with flowers, baked goods, and early produce. May is also the season for a very special food here: Fiddeheads! These earthy green spirals are actually baby ferns, and although their season is quite short, their flavor really packs a punch! You’ll see them at markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and roadside stands when they’re in season.
Due to the smaller crowds, May is also a fantastic time to visit local museums and historical sites! The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, the Boothbay Railway Village, and the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum are all popular stops, but be sure to take time for the smaller, less-well-known spots too – they have quite a lot of interesting objects and insights into our history!
If you like avoiding crowds, experiencing the joy and tranquility of small-town life (the kind where the coffee shop folks know your name,) and want to explore the natural beauty and history of our hometown, May is the month for you!