To really seal the deal — Brown’s Lobster Pound is BYOB, so grab that cooler and load it up with some local beer or bubbly and have yourself a fantastic evening!

What to Order at Brown’s: Our favorite things to order are lobster, steamers, fried scallops, and their crispy onion rings.

Tips on Ordering at Brown’s: Order at the outside window if you want fried seafood. Head to the inside counter if you want lobsters or steamed seafood. Also, you don’t need to wait in multiple lines if you want steamed and fried seafood; they’ll add a fried or steamed item or two for you at either counter.

The Saint Croix Island Historic Site commemorates the first French attempt to colonize the area in 1604. This makes it one of the earliest European settlements in North America! Against the advice of the native tribe, the expedition set up their fort on the island just off the coast. That first winter was historically cold and they quickly became iced-in and cut off from fresh water and food. When spring finally came, 35 of the 79 men in the expedition had died. 

This is definitely worth a stop on your Maine coast Route 1 road trip! We took the short interpretive trail down to the viewing area (you can’t visit the island except by private boat) and were met by a wonderful ranger who explained the harrowing tale of the French explorers. He pointed out interesting sights on the island with his spotting scope and helped us better understand the history of the area.