When you hear the name Boothbay, you normally think of Boothbay Harbor, which is a great place to visit, but there is so much more to the region.

Boothbay Harbor is full of history, and is still a fishing, lobstering and shipbuilding village along with a town that hosts specialty shops and great restaurants, some right on the water. The harbor is one of the busiest ports in Maine, with pleasure boats, fishing boats, whale-watching boats, windjammers and island ferries.

Windjammer Days are coming up June 24 and 25. Don't miss this annual event. For more information on the festival go to http://www.boothbayharbor.com/windjammers.htm

But there is so much more. When you leave Route 1 head down Route 27 toward Boothbay. You will soon find Dolphin Mini Golf (this year's home of the U.S. Open Miniature Golf Tournament), the Boothbay Railway Village www.railwayvillage.org (where you can ride on a narrow gauge steam locomotive through a small village that houses antique autos), the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (www.mainegardens.org) and the Boothbay Region Historical Society (www.boothbayhistorical.org), among the many offerings.

After you have spent time in Boothbay Harbor, continue south on Route 27 to Southport Island. The quiet of this island will balance the activity of Boothbay Harbor. Drive to the end of the island to Cape Newagen, to the town landing, and sit for a spell. The views are delightful.

There are two lighthouses on the island, Hendricks Light, which is retired, and The Cuckolds Light, which is just off the coast. Visit Elderkin Art Studio at the Pratt's Island Bridge and stop off at the island's small market on the way back.

No matter where you go on the peninsula and the island, you will not be disappointed. More than you can put in one day - so make a weekend out of it!

For more information on what to do, check out this link from the Chamber of Commerce: http://www.boothbayharbor.com/visiting.aspx. It's loaded with information. And for the boaters out there: http://www.boatmaine.us/boothbay-harbor.aspx.

510 Wiscasset Road, Route 27, Boothbay, 633-4828, www.prominigolf.com/usschedule.html

The U.S. ProMiniGolf Association (USPMGA) held its U.S. Open here in May, with entrants coming from around the world. But you don't have to be a pro to enjoy this course. They also have an ice cream shack and an arcade barn for extra fun.

Pier 1, Boothbay Harbor, 633-3444 and 975-2628, www.sailschoonerlazyjack.com

Book a cruise on this beautiful schooner. Set sail for a two-hour adventure with Captain Joe and his first mate "Pappy" on the Lazy Jack, which will also be one of the entrants in the Windjammer Days festival.

Boat House Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant is at 12 The By-Way, Boothbay Harbor, 633-0400, www.theboathousebistro.com

McSeagull's Restaurant is at 14 Wharf St., Boothbay Harbor, 633-5900, www.mcseagullsonline.com

These are sister restaurants. At the moment, McSeagull's is undergoing a major renovation, but will be open for business very soon. Both restaurants offer up great fare, and are good places to stop off for a brew to quench your thirst after a sail, or shopping spree.

23-25 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, 633-0573, www.sadiegreens.com

This is a just one sampling of what the harbor area has to offer. Curios to clothing, jewelry to toys, lamps, artwork and much more.

20 Hendricks Hill Road (just over the bridge in Southport), Southport Island, 633-3830, www.robinsonswharf.net

Want to relax after a day in Boothbay Harbor? This is the place to do it. You can eat inside the restaurant or on their open deck, where you can watch the lobster boats come in. Downstairs you can buy fresh seafood in their market.

Viewed from Cape Newagen Town Landing, Routes 238 and 27, www.cuckoldslight.org

The original lighthouse had a large building attached that was torn down. There are plans to rebuild, but for now it is still a nice view within sight of the Cape Newagen Town Landing.

At Pratt's Island Bridge, West Southport, 633-2665, www.elderkinstudios.com

Stop in and say hello to artist June Elderkin. Her studio will be open July 1, offering her wonderful assortment of paintings of the Maine coast and its people.

At the end of Southport Island, where Routes 238 and 27 intersect

This is where you can view The Cuckolds Light and also experience a tranquil moment sitting on a bench on the dock. Try this at sunset and you won't be disappointed.