Maine has no shortage of places to go if you need some time alone. Regardless of the season, there’s always a stretch of coast or forest that nobody has discovered. But, what about if you’re truly tired of where you live and want a complete change of pace? Here are a few places you might consider. Some are downright rural, but others are simply small, friendly and often overlooked. Each offers a unique characteristic that could be just what you need to take a step back and enjoy life more.
- Norway, Oxford County
Michelle Starin
Ernest McGray, Jr. / Flickr While Norway isn’t exactly remote, it does offer a friendly, small town vibe. The town of less than 5,000 has a lovely Main Street which happens to be home to the newly opened Norway Brewing Company. Spend a few hours in their patio area while sipping a lovely Session!
- Northern Piscataquis Region, Piscataquis County
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce / Facebook If it’s alone time you want, it’s alone time you’ll get here. Northern Piscataquis is comprised of just one neighborhood and has a population of 274 people. With an approximate population of 17,535, Piscataquis County is the least populous county in Maine.
- Sidney, Kennebec County
Patrick Lien / Flickr The population of Sidney is approximately 4,208. The town was incorporated in 1792 and named for Sir Philip Sidney, an English author. Since 1937, Sidney has been home to the New England Music Camp.
Patrick Lien / Flickr The population of Sidney is approximately 4,208. The town was incorporated in 1792 and named for Sir Philip Sidney, an English author. Since 1937, Sidney has been home to the New England Music Camp. Move here and you’ll have access to Messalonskee Lake.
- Hallowell, Kennebec County
Terry Ross / Flickr
John Brandt / Flickr Hallowell isn’t off-the-grid, but it’s certainly not a bad place to escape the stress of larger cities. Over the past few years the downtown area has seen a proliferation of arts and culture, along with some lovely restaurants. Its close proximity to Augusta means you can still check-in on city life if you find yourself missing it.
- Chapman-Castle Hill Area, Aroostook County
Towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman / Facebook With a population of 2,769 people and just one neighborhood, the Chapman-Castle Hill Area is the 159th largest community in Maine. While the primary language spoken here is English, its proximity to Canada means you’ll find some French as well.
- Saint Agatha & Frenchville, Aroostook County
Wayne Boardman / Flickr When we write about towns that will make you feel at home, this area is almost always included. It’s another that becomes more popular during the summer, but head here during the off-season and you’ll have Long Lake all to yourself. With a population of 1,787 people, the area is the 210th largest community in Maine.
- Cliff Island, Casco Bay
Dana Pico / Flickr
Dana Pico / Flickr Pack your bags and hop the ferry in Portland. Skip Peaks Island and go all the way to Cliff Island. It’s more remote and arguably more beautiful. Explore the seaside areas and then head inland for the wooded areas.
- Waterford, Oxford County
Steve Bott / Flickr
Steve Bott / Flickr Waterford has all of the scenic beauty you imagine of inland Maine. Plus, there are plenty of lakes providing recreational opportunities aplenty. A recent visit to the area revealed lots of land for sale. If none of this sounds appealing, visit Melby’s and you just might decide to stay.
- Lincolnville, Waldo County
Cynthia Donovan / Flickr Another town that isn’t exactly rural, but will still let you live out your mid-coast dreams. If you find yourself too surrounded by people, jump on the ferry to Isleboro which leaves from the terminal here.
- Roque Bluffs, Washington County
criana / Flickr
Kim Carpenter / Flickr Home to Roque Bluffs State Park, this area might be among the most beautiful in Washington County. The town itself is home to about 300 people as of the last census.
We may have missed your favorite town! Was yours left off the list? Let us know why you think we should have included it over on our Facebook page!
Michelle Starin
Ernest McGray, Jr. / Flickr
While Norway isn’t exactly remote, it does offer a friendly, small town vibe. The town of less than 5,000 has a lovely Main Street which happens to be home to the newly opened Norway Brewing Company. Spend a few hours in their patio area while sipping a lovely Session!
Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
If it’s alone time you want, it’s alone time you’ll get here. Northern Piscataquis is comprised of just one neighborhood and has a population of 274 people. With an approximate population of 17,535, Piscataquis County is the least populous county in Maine.
Patrick Lien / Flickr
The population of Sidney is approximately 4,208. The town was incorporated in 1792 and named for Sir Philip Sidney, an English author. Since 1937, Sidney has been home to the New England Music Camp.
The population of Sidney is approximately 4,208. The town was incorporated in 1792 and named for Sir Philip Sidney, an English author. Since 1937, Sidney has been home to the New England Music Camp. Move here and you’ll have access to Messalonskee Lake.
Terry Ross / Flickr
John Brandt / Flickr
Hallowell isn’t off-the-grid, but it’s certainly not a bad place to escape the stress of larger cities. Over the past few years the downtown area has seen a proliferation of arts and culture, along with some lovely restaurants. Its close proximity to Augusta means you can still check-in on city life if you find yourself missing it.
Towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman / Facebook
With a population of 2,769 people and just one neighborhood, the Chapman-Castle Hill Area is the 159th largest community in Maine. While the primary language spoken here is English, its proximity to Canada means you’ll find some French as well.
Wayne Boardman / Flickr
When we write about towns that will make you feel at home, this area is almost always included. It’s another that becomes more popular during the summer, but head here during the off-season and you’ll have Long Lake all to yourself. With a population of 1,787 people, the area is the 210th largest community in Maine.
Dana Pico / Flickr
Pack your bags and hop the ferry in Portland. Skip Peaks Island and go all the way to Cliff Island. It’s more remote and arguably more beautiful. Explore the seaside areas and then head inland for the wooded areas.
Steve Bott / Flickr
Waterford has all of the scenic beauty you imagine of inland Maine. Plus, there are plenty of lakes providing recreational opportunities aplenty. A recent visit to the area revealed lots of land for sale. If none of this sounds appealing, visit Melby’s and you just might decide to stay.
Cynthia Donovan / Flickr
Another town that isn’t exactly rural, but will still let you live out your mid-coast dreams. If you find yourself too surrounded by people, jump on the ferry to Isleboro which leaves from the terminal here.
criana / Flickr
Kim Carpenter / Flickr
Home to Roque Bluffs State Park, this area might be among the most beautiful in Washington County. The town itself is home to about 300 people as of the last census.
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