Visiting Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Many guests at The Manor Bed and Breakfast love taking a day trip to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in New England, and the experience feels both peaceful and full of things to explore. The drive from Newcastle is short and scenic, and once you arrive, the property immediately feels calm and tucked into the coastal landscape.

The gardens cover more than 250 acres, so there’s plenty of space to wander. Most visitors start in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, which is designed to be immersive. You’ll find fragrant herbs, textured plants, water features, and quiet spots where you can pause and take everything in. It’s a great introduction to the rest of the grounds.

As you continue through the main cultivated gardens, the scenery changes often. The Great Lawn opens into wide views and colorful perennial beds, and nearby paths lead into shaded woodland areas. One of the most popular features is the collection of giant wooden trolls known as the Guardians of the Seeds. They’re tucked into the forest and make the walk feel a little adventurous. Families often treat it like a scavenger hunt, but adults enjoy the surprise of finding each one too. Don’t forget to visit their Native Butterfly House. Here you can learn about every stage of a butterfly’s life. You will also enjoy the gothic style hoop house featuring shade screening and a planting scheme dedicated to supporting moths and butterflies native to Maine and New England.

If you follow the trails farther out, you’ll reach the shoreline paths. These areas are quieter and offer peaceful views of the Back River. It’s a nice break from the busier garden sections and gives you a chance to enjoy Maine’s natural coastline.

Most guests spend two to four hours exploring, depending on how many trails they choose and how long they linger. Comfortable shoes are helpful, and they also offer first come first serve scooter rentals for those who may need one to enjoy the beautiful sites.

After your visit, the return to The Manor at 34 Main feels like a perfect transition back into relaxation. Many guests enjoy unwinding on their private deck or settling in by the fireplace before heading into Damariscotta for dinner.

Whether you’re a gardener, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering beautiful places, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a refreshing and memorable part of any Midcoast Maine getaway.

Glidden Point Oyster Farm

One of the biggest draws to Damariscotta, Maine is oysters. The Damariscotta River is home to over 15 oyster farms, and produces approximately 80% of the states oysters. Glidden Point is one of the larger oyster farms on the river and hosts people from all over the world to learn about oysters, how they help the river ecosystem, and taste some of the best oysters in the state.

I took a tour at the oyster farm with Jolie as my tour guide. She was knowledgeable and able to answer all the questions the tour group had about oysters, farming, the history of farming, and even showed us how to shuck our own oysters!

The Damariscotta River is considered to be the heart of Maine’s oyster coast, a place where cold, clean tides create some of the finest oysters in the world. Oyster farming on the Damariscotta River is not a new fad or trend, but a continuation of Maine that began thousands of years ago. Indigenous communities once gathered oysters along these same shores, leaving behind enormous shell middens, or shell heaps, that still stand today. The most popular one is our area is the Whaleback Shell Midden. These ancient deposits reveal just how abundant and important oysters have always been to this river ecosystem and show us that people have enjoyed our oysters for centuries.

What makes the Damariscotta River so exceptional for oyster farming is its natural design. The river’s steady tidal exchange (our tide change can go up to 13 feet!) brings in nutrient‑rich seawater while maintaining consistent cold temperatures—conditions that encourage oysters to grow slowly and develop deep, beautifully shaped shells.

Many of the farms along the river, including well‑known names like Glidden Point, still rely on traditional hand‑harvesting methods. Farmers wade into the shallows at low tide, selecting oysters individually rather than harvesting in bulk. This small‑scale, meticulous approach protects the river’s health and ensures that only the highest‑quality oysters make it to market. It’s a process rooted in respect for the environment and a deep understanding of the river’s rhythms.

Oyster farming here is also a model of sustainability. Each oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water a day, naturally improving clarity and supporting the broader marine ecosystem. As a result, oyster farms contribute to the river’s health rather than depleting it, making aquaculture on the Damariscotta a rare example of food production that actively benefits its surroundings.

Today, the river has become a destination for travelers who want to experience Maine’s oyster culture firsthand. Visitors can tour farms, learn about the growing process, and enjoy oysters. With its blend of history, ecology, and culinary appeal, the Damariscotta River continues to shape the identity of Midcoast Maine—one perfectly briny oyster at a time.

The Glidden Point Farm tour makes learning all of this enjoyable and tasty! They host 2 tours everyday and have walk up window where you can order fresh oysters and drinks. They also have the Yeti Boys food truck on site everyday during the season for you to enjoy a fresh Main lobster roll, a smash burger, hotdogs, and more.

The Manor Bed and Breakfast is less than a 10 min drive to the Glidden Point Farms. We also have our Oyster Enthusiast package which includes a tour for 2 on the Glidden Point Farm and a dozen oysters to enjoy prior to or right after your tour.