Matt Newberg grew up in Harpswell and returned four years ago. He’s now the executive director of the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, which has conserved more than 1,800 acres in the town.

“I feel very fortunate to be back here,” Newberg said. “I’m also very proud to be with the land trust because I think one of the things that has made Harpswell, since my time here in the mid-’70s, so special is the amount of open space that there is for people to enjoy, whether that’s town trails or our preserves or just private properties that allow folks to visit.”

Where do you like to eat?

His family’s favorite is Erica’s Seafood. The restaurant is closed for the season, but in the warmer months, Newberg would pick up haddock baskets to go by boat. “We would order ahead of time and pick it up and go sit out somewhere in Potts Harbor or one of the islands and eat,” he said.

Where do you go for a drink?

Newberg prefers tea over coffee, but his favorite spot to get any hot beverage is the Itty Bitty Coffee Shop. “They have incredible snacks, like gluten-free Rice Krispy treats that are just really, really great,” he said.

Where do you go to connect with nature?

Newberg runs a land trust, but he likes the town’s trails too. One favorite is Devil’s Back on Orr’s Island, especially the westside trail. “You just feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, even though you know you’re not,” he said. “It’s just very natural on both sides of the water with incredible bird watching and lots of cedar trees.”

Where do you go to shop local?

Uncle Pete’s Community Market is a staple for everything from a tank of gas to an easy dinner. “It’s a go-to when you’re feeling lazy in the winter time, and cooking just feels like too much. You can always get a good pizza there.”

What’s one more thing you can’t miss in Harpswell?

“There just isn’t, in my opinion, a more quintessential Maine harbor than Mackerel Cove,” Newberg said. “It’s really idyllic.” The town and the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust both own land in this area, increasing access for the public.

Editor’s note: 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 future? Send an email to news and culture editor Katherine Lee at [email protected].