End of the Season in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Boothbay Harbor, Maine is a small coastal town located at the end of a peninsula on Rt 27. Locals refer to Rt 27 as their "15 mile driveway." The population is around 2,300, but doubles, if not triples, in the summer. These are the people who only come for "The Season." Some are folks who own large summer homes, others are seasonal workers from the area and from abroad.

Although "The Season" in Boothbay Harbor officially begins in April with Fisherman's Festival, this seems to be more of a celebration for locals rather than tourists. A way for the locals to embrace their roots as well as get roaring drunk. One last party before the people "from away" take over their town. There is a blessing of the fleets by the priests, lobstermen relay races for the young and old, and potluck suppers. This all culminates with Tall-Tales on the last day at Gray's Wharf where locals storytellers shine.

The Season is in full bloom by the end of June. Restaurants are packed, parking is scarce, lines at the grocery store are long, and events at the Opera House run nightly.

Summer in Maine is beautiful. The weather is warm, but with a refreshing coastal breeze. Air-conditioners are rarely needed and clear days are picture perfect. The ocean air seems spiritually cleansing. Sailboats glide, sun-kissed children laugh. Seagulls hang in the air, lobsters and clams overflow.

One drawback for locals is that this is their busiest part of the year and they rarely have the time to enjoy this paradise. Many locals make most, if not all, of their salary for the year in the months between May and October, which can often cause stress and bitterness. Although the jobs are lucrative, the work is hard and hours long. Days off are few and far between.

By September though, things start winding down. Maine is truly "God's country" in the Fall. Crisp, clean, and fresh. Walking over the wooden footbridge in town takes ones breath away. The restaurants and shops are still open, but "The Season" has come and gone, and the locals seem pleased, a sigh even may escape their lips. Now they can enjoy Maine and "The Way Life Should Be."