Curated by your hosts at Pink Hen House
The oldest city is a year-round place, but the reason to come changes with the season. The one event that fills hotel rooms is Nights of Lights, when the downtown streets are strung with holiday lights from November into January.
The good news for a cottage stay is that the backyard has its own seasons: the hot tub in winter, the porch in spring, the beach shed in summer, the firepit when the evenings turn.
November to January
Winter — Nights of Lights
The downtown streets and the bayfront are strung with holiday lights, and the old city fills up for it. It is the busiest stretch of the year and the prettiest — the walk from Lincolnville to the lights is the same eight minutes as any other night.
No. 18 min walk from the cottage
St. George Street
The historic pedestrian street at the heart of the old city.
No. 213 min walk from the cottage
Bridge of Lions
The bridge and the bayfront are part of the light display.
Spring — the walking season
Warm enough to be outside all day, cool enough to do it on foot. The oaks and the gardens in the backyard are at their best, and the old city is not yet shoulder-to-shoulder.
Summer — island days
Hot, and better for the water. Anastasia State Park is 2.5 miles away and the shed holds the beach equipment and coolers, so a summer day is a drive across the bridge and a hot tub afterwards.
Autumn — the quiet one
The crowds thin out, the brick streets cool down and the firepit earns its place. This is the season we would pick if we were not hosting.
On the map
Where it all is, from the Hen House
The hen marks our block in Lincolnville. Walking times appear only where we have measured them.
Good to know
- Book early for Nights of Lights — it is the busiest season in the oldest city.
- The hot tub and firepit make winter a real option, not a compromise.
Businesses change — check hours and reservations before you go.