Exploring Machias: Wild Blueberry Season
Machias, Maine is the kind of place that you want to hold close and keep a secret. At the same time, you want to share it with everyone you know so that they can experience the beauty, peace, and natural wonder of this part of Downeast, Maine.
It is a delicate balance and one that both locals and visitors alike are keen to perfect. Its deep community roots and connection to the land epitomize the unofficial state motto: "The Way Life Should Be." All the while, its eye is on sustainable growth and investment in the health of its communities.
Don't wait to plan your visit - Machias awaits!
Pro tip: Plan your visit in mid-August for the annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival!
1. Wild Blueberry Heritage Center
Calling all blueberry lovers! The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center in Columbia Falls is a must-visit. It is a dedicated institution that celebrates the wild blueberry's rich history, science and culture. A great place to kick off your visit with a mix of educational exihibits, community events, research and conservation efforts and of course...blueberry goodies.
Pro tip: grab a freshly made blueberry coffee or cold blueberry juice!
2. Schoppee Farm
Take a drive down East Kennebec Road and you will come upon the rolling hills of Schoppee Farm. It is an Eighth generation family farm that now is home to a community commercial kitchen, bakery, extensive vegetable garden, and a burgeoning organic hemp farm.
With a mission to educate and support consumers with high quality, organic hemp-derived products, the team creates a line of pâte-de-fruits, oils, salves, honey, hemp flower, and capsules. Co-owners Ben and Allison Edwards work meticulously with their medical and culinary team.
3. The Milkhouse Cafe
If you're visiting Schoppee Farm, make sure to stop into The Milkhouse Cafe! Housed in an old Milking barn on the farm grounds on East Kennebec Road in Machias - it is a gem that you don't want to miss.
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Milkhouse-Cafe/61573896500216/?_rdr
4. Nautical Farms
Stop by the Nautical Farms shop on Main St for a unique shopping experience. Nautical Farms, a Maine-based aquaculture company, is deeply committed to sustainable seaweed farming in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Maine. They specialize in cultivating ocean-farmed sugar kelp, a versatile ingredient prized for its use in food products and skincare.
5. Mason's Brewing Company Downeast
Named after one of the earliest European settlers in the Downeast region, Mason's Brewing is the perfect place to replenish with a cold brew and a delicious bite to eat.
Don't skip the pizzas! The local beer in the dough makes for a light, chewy, and savory crust. Try the Lobstrosity Pizza with white sauce, gruyere, lobster, mac-and-cheese, bacon, and herbed bread crumbs, or the Best Damn Pepperoni Pie with red sauce, pepperoni, soppressata, ricotta, peppadews, and herbs. The huge burgers and crispy cauliflower are standouts and are the perfect ending to a day on the Sunrise Trail.
6. Downeast Sunrise Trail
The Downeast Sunrise Trail is a 96-mile multi-use rail trail along Maine's Downeast coast, offering hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
The trail features diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas with ocean, river, and mountain views. It is home to moose, deer, eagles, and waterfowl - perfect for budding or seasoned birdwatchers.
7. Welch Farm
Welch Farm, an anchor of the annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival is the quintessential wild blueberry farm. Located in Roque Bluffs, Maine, this family-owned and operated farm has been cultivating blueberries for over a century.
Book a private tour or check out their open farm events throughout the year. Looking for a place to stay? They have two cabin rentals available on the property as well!
8. Helen's Restaurant
Helen's Restaurant is a local favorite known for it's delicious food and warm atmosphere. It is centrally located (and newly renovated) and has served the Machias community for over 74 years. The food is scratch-made and and scrumptious. Don't miss out on a local favorite, the Dutch-style French Fries with a homemade curry sauce!
9. Jasper Beach
Don't miss this coastal gem! Nestled in the the picturesque town of Machiasport, Jasper Beach is a unique-in-the-world treasure. Its shoreline is carpeted with millions of smooth, colorful stones and offers a mesmerizing, mile-long stretch of vibrant hues.
Pro tip: There is plenty of parking onsite but no bathrooms or lifeguards. Plan accordingly!
10. West Branch Farms
This place has it all! Visit West Branch Farms, a family owned farm with a variety of activities and experiences for visitors from an onsite bakery and cafe to outdoor activities including trail walks and farm animal visits. Top it off with a farm to table restaurant offering delicious local cuisine and its not hard to see why people keep coming back to West Branch Farms.
Pro tip: Looking for a place to stay, or a potential wedding venue?? West Branch Farms offers cottages to rent and a select number of wedding receptions per year.
11. The Mercantile
Deserving of its own stop, The Mercantile is a newly opened shop by the fine folks at West Branch Farms. Just 5 minutes away from the farm itself, The Mercantile offers seasonal produce, jams, pickles, and other goods made at the farm. You'll also find a thoughtfully curated assortment of items from talented local artisans who share the same passion for quality and craft.
https://westbranchfarmsmachias.com/grab-and-go-at-the-mercantile/
