1. Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
City: Milbridge, ME
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (207) 546-2124
Address: P.O. Box 279
Description: This sprawling “refuge” is actually a series of preserves, as it contains more than 49 islands as well as three mainland pieces. Intended as wildlife habitat first—and in this case that largely means birds—the refuge formerly known as Petit Manan has some nice hiking trails on its lands, especially at Petit Manan Point in Steuben. The best of these paths might be the Holingsworth Trail, a 1.5-mile loop through woods, across meadows, and down to cobbled beaches, with interpretive signs that fill you in on what it is you’re looking at. The signs won’t tell you what animals you’ll see, but a wide variety of critters might be about as well. The preserve is open from sunup to sundown.
2. 44 Degrees North
City: Milbridge, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 546-4440
Address: 17 Main St.
Description: Just the sort of place Milbridge needed, this restaurant and pub offers a nice alternative to seafood joint after seafood joint. Yes, you can still get lobster and seafood lasagna but you can also get a teriyaki steak or penna alla Arrabiata or any of a dozen burgers, and it’ll be worth your time. Comfortable overstuffed booths, and a full bar in the pub.
3. Milbridge Theater
City: Milbridge, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 546-2038
Address: Main St.
Description: It’s a good thing that this old movie house is such a pleasure, because it’s the only place to see first-run films for many miles around. (Nightlife is seriously scarce Down East.) But it’s great—air-conditioned and with stereo surround sound. Shows are at 7:30 p.m.