Here we feature products & businesses we found to be of the finest kind, and so are chosen to be shared here as Best of Maine.
We encourage you to patronize our chosen partners to support the goodness of Maine and to make your life a little more like being aboard.
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The flowers that greet you in your cabins aboard our ship are fresh from nearby Swell Farms. Tracey and Chris draw beauty from the soil and supply constant reminders of Maine's beauty and potential for growth, goodness and sharing.
Swell Farm is a small family operation in Mid Coast Maine, growing high quality cut flowers on nearly an acre of land.
We split our growing space between our home farm in Rockland, and a generously leased plot of land in the neighboring Rockport.
We farm using organic and sustainable practices. It is of the utmost importance to us to leave our growing space better than we found it.
The soaps you'll enjoy in your cabins aboard our ship are handmade on the Maine coast by Sisters Soap. They look and smell so good, you'll want to eat them! Luckily - and probably because of this - the one sister, Caitlin, also makes award winning cheeses (link below), so you actually can eat something made by these creative sisters, just not the soaps.
Sisters Soap began as a joint venture between sisters Caitlin Hunter and Megan Owen. Now, while Cait focuses on her award winning cheeses, Megan crafts the wonderfully moisturizing soaps using goat milk from Cait’s farm, Appleton Creamery.
Just as Cait’s cheeses delight your palate and leave you craving more, Sisters Soaps will awaken your senses and leave your skin feeling soft and pampered. We challenge you to resist becoming addicted to both!
Our soaps are visually stunning as well as nutrient rich. The addition of dried flowers, herbs and seeds make each bar unique and appealing. The use of recycled containers for molds allows for a variety of unique shapes that you won’t find elsewhere. Our large selection of scents ensures that everyone will discover a personal favorite!
After you explore Secret Maine on your Maine sailing cruise aboard VICTORY CHIMES, let Penobscot Island Air reveal our secrets from the air during one of their scenic "flightseeing" tours of the area.
21 Terminal Lane
Owls Head, Maine 04854
Because we both enjoy sharing Maine from unique perspectives, it's no surprise to see Penobscot Air on our list. With all of its islands, peninsulas, harbors coves and lighthouses, taking a "flightseeing" tour of midcoast Maine is a great way to see how the area puzzles together.
PIA began service in 2004 by founder Kevin Waters, with one leased plane and the mission to maintain the way of life for the people of the Penobscot Bay islands.
There had been air service to the islands of Penobscot since the ‘40s, under different names and owners, up until mid-December 2004 when the owner of then titled Maine Atlantic Aviation decided to abruptly stop all service to the islands. Kevin had flown the islands for 11 years and had grown to know his customers and the island life very well. It was then he decided to establish Penobscot Island Air and began with a single leased plane to serve the islands.
Today, with a fleet of 5 planes, including a seaplane, they loop the bay from Matinicus to Bar Harbor, or can bring you from the airports in Bangor & Portland to your midcoast vacation destination.
After your Maine sailing cruise aboard VICTORY CHIMES, contact them for a “flightseeing” tour of your cruise route because it's an experience above the norm.
A wonderful place to start or end your time in Maine is right nearby. We'll show you Maine from the sea and the Topside Inn will take it from there. They'll keep spoiling you too, with a special combination offer for a stay there and a cruise with us. They will even customize their free itinerary to help you keep exploring Maine. Best of Maine indeed. #finestkind
We are steps from Boothbay Harbor's main street and waterfront, but regally perchd on a quiet hilltop with a panoramic view of the harbor. We offer a gourmet breakfast and will keep you in the style of a VICTORY CHIMES cruise. That means great food, good company, lots to do and wonderful accommodations.
Our goal is for all guests – whether visiting for the first time or returning again – to feel that they’ve arrived at their favorite seaside getaway. We fondly remember childhood visits to a special place that was eagerly anticipated each summer, and look forward to welcoming you to our place and having it become your special place!