Read on for some really great family food stops in Maine, when you've had enough of the fresh lobster.
The concentration of colleges and universities in the northeast makes it very likely that when you have a junior or senior in high school, you will be doing “The Circuit.” While we were on the road with our son, we happened upon some unusual and interesting eateries which I thought were worth sharing. These are great places to stop while pondering the merits of small vs. large, urban vs. rural, liberal arts vs.pre-professional, a required core of courses vs. free choice of college curriculum, etc. etc. etc. Maybe after a good meal or snack, it will be easier to sort through it all and concentrate on where your child will be the happiest.
Cindy’s
174 Yarmouth Road (Route 1)
Yarmouth, ME 04906
207/865-1635
11am to 7pm (or until the food runs out) Sunday-Friday, closed Saturday
If you’re stopping in Freeport, Maine to shop at L.L. Bean or at the area’s many outlet stores, you will certainly need sustenance. For fabulous New England specialties without any frills, stop at Cindy’s in Yarmouth. Literally a food stand with a group of picnic tables, this is uncommercial, pure Maine dining. Owner, cook, and “kibbitzer” Bob Pottle has been at this location since 1980, serving the most incredible creamy chowder (full of clams or fish), the sweetest fried clams, tastiest fried onion rings, French fries and mushrooms, and the absolute best lobster rolls we have ever tasted, brimming with chunks of lobster with just enough mayo to hold it together. Cookies, cakes and cupcakes for dessert are also baked in-house. Pull into the parking lot, place your order and your food will be cooked to order. Sometimes Mr. Pottler even passes out free samples while you wait!
Toots
137 Walnut Hill Road (Route 115)
North Yarmouth, ME 04097
207/829-3723
More ice cream? Why not! The Grover family began making ice cream at their farm as a way to keep their cows “working,” and to help keep their Thornhurst Farm afloat. In a farming community north of Yarmouth, the family sells their deliciously fresh ice cream out of a converted red caboose parked on their land. After choosing your regular ice cream or soft-serve flavor from many standard and unique choices (e.g. hazelnut chip, mocha, etc.) you can walk around to the back of the caboose to meet and pet the resident cows, goats and other animals, a nice outlet for any younger siblings along for the ride.
Lily’s Cafe
Route 15 (Airpo Route Crossroad)
Stonington, ME 04681
207/367-5936
Located in an old cottage, Lily’s serves up homemade lasagna, fresh pies, tasty soups and great organic food, including broiled halibut sandwiches, fresh crabs cakes and other delicious selections. The service is great and the atmosphere is, as locals call it, “a true taste of Maine,” with its owner Lily being a native Mainer and quilter. The dress is casual and dishes range from $15-$19. Make sure you stop by for lunch because Lily’s, although opening at 7am for breakfast, is only open for dinner on Wednesdays and Thursday.
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