Keri Lupien wants people to know there’s a lot more to Waldoboro than what most of us see passing through the Midcoast town on Route 1.

That’s where the landmark eatery Moody’s Diner is, of course. But just a couple minutes away is Waldoboro’s quaint downtown and a scenic town landing.

Lupien is the talent and live music booking agent for the Waldo Theatre, which was built in 1936 and extensively renovated and re-opened in 2021. She took a few minutes to share some of her favorite things to do and places to visit in town. Some are seasonal so check websites for hours.

Where do you like to eat?

I tell everyone that a homemade biscuit with butter and jam at Perch is NOT to
be missed. I could eat one every day for breakfast. Speaking of carbs, I love eating the wood-fired pizza at Odd Alewives and then walking through the gardens that provide the toppings.
Although they’re closed during the winter, it’s also a wonderfully cozy place on a rainy day too.

Where do you go for a drink?

Ida’s Wine Bar at The Waldoboro Inn. Housed in the mansion’s carriage house, this is the place to go for a glass of natural wine. You’re just as likely to chat with a first-time visitor to Maine, a visual artist from NYC, a local businessperson or just enjoy the beautiful backyard gardens. In the winter, the local vibes at The Narrows Tavern provide a real sense of community, especially if you can catch a local music jam session.

Where do you go to connect with nature?

Riverbrook Preserve, managed by Midcoast Conservancy, is a great place for an easy hike (or
cross-country ski or snowshoe) on a nearly 400-acre parcel of land that has open fields, deep
woods and beautiful meandering river frontage on the Medomak River.

Where do you go to shop local?

After you’ve gone to Riverbrook Preserve, you have to head to Morse’s Sauerkraut, a half-mile up the road. Besides their world-famous kraut, it’s a great place for unique stocking stuffers, a hard-to-find bottle of wine for a host gift, or the best “girl dinner.” Get some world-class cheese at East Forty Farm and go eat it on the picnic tables down at the town landing while you watch the tide change and think about how sweet Waldoboro is. Go to Delano Seafood for the clams — Waldoboro is one of the leading clam harvesting ports in Maine — for sure, but their huge selection of fresh and frozen seafood, beer and wine, and Maine Made gifts is fantastic.

What’s a hidden gem in Waldoboro?

I love Pinky La Rue for a wildly good curated selection of vintage clothing, vinyl and housewares. The owner, Natalie, is the coolest.

5 Things is a feature in which locals give our readers suggestions for exploring the state of Maine, town by town. Have a city or town you think we should explore in the future? Tell News & Culture Editor Katherine Lee at [email protected].