There's a lot to look forward to in Maine in 2017. Adding to the list of the tried and true that makes Maine such a special place are a plethora of new places to dine, stay, play and explore. Maine's first organic distillery opened in 2016 and that fall, Split Rock Distillery opened a tasting room in Newcastle. Split Rock handcrafts their spirits using organic grains, fruits and sugars and draws waters from the purest and cleanest estuary in the Northeast—the Damariscotta River.
Nīna June opened in picturesque Rockport. After many years at the helm of her acclaimed New York City restaurants, Camden native Chef Sara Jenkins now brings her Mediterranean passion to the products from the bounty of Maine's oceans and farms.
Situated on the shore of beautiful Camden Harbor, Rhumb Line is now open serving waterfront lunch and dinner using the freshest ingredients the local area offers.
Portland's food scene gets even more noteworthy with additions like: Woodford Food & Beverage, a neighborhood bar area dining room serving upscale regional fare; Scales, two popular and well-known Portland chefs combined forces to create this over-the-waterfront restaurant featuring the freshest in local seafood; and Rhum, Portland's only “tiki” bar. If the custom- made glasses and unbelievable cocktail menu doesn't get you, Rhum boasts in an impressive featuring many raw bar options, salads and more.
Verona Wine & Design has opened in Bucksport offering tapas-style small plates, desserts and a carefully selected wine and beer menu, as well as wine and gifts for purchase. It's an intimate, laid-back eatery that's a welcome addition to the growing, diversifying Bucksport downtown.
Expanding their offerings year round, Maine Foodie Tours is working with art galleries for art tasting tours as well as local boat tours to present fare from the sea, and a customized Sherpa Tour that has visitors tasting the “best of the best” in Portland cuisine.
