A Lobster Roll with a View

Ask anyone in Maine and you’ll find everyone has an opinion on where to get the best lobster roll. Locals steered me in the direction of an off-the-beaten-path establishment called, Trevett Country Store, which serves a darn good lobster roll, right alongside one of the last hand-cranked swing bridges in the state of Maine.

Creating a successful itinerary for a vacation is similar to planning an efficient production schedule. One rule to follow, always maximize your time at each location. I refer to it as the “2fer” rule. Try to find at least two quality things to do in one place, or at least close by, this cuts down on travel time which can eat up a day like nothing else. I hit the jackpot at Trevett Country Store.

Located alongside a two-lane road where Barters Island meets Hogdon Island, and about 10 minutes from Boothbay Harbor, Maine, Trevett Country Store is a little out of the way, but it’s where locals eat. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of charm and history – there’s even a tiny U.S. Post Office inside. The setting at Trevett is laid back with its quintessential white clapboard, tin roof and array of colorful lobster buoys hanging from the porch.

You could say lobster rolls are the street food of the rocky Maine coast. Simple ingredients where lobster is definitely the star. So, when it comes to their version of lobster rolls, Trevett’s is about as traditional Maine-style as it gets with a generous portion of fresh steamed lobster and mayo, served on a hot dog roll with a bag of chips. After ordering at the counter, grab a soft drink and head outdoors to the tables on the porch for a prime seat by the waters of the Back River and a view of the Barters Island Swing Bridge as it opens up for a parade of boats going by.

Swing bridges are unique, but the Barters Island Bridge holds a special place in the hearts of locals as it is one of the last man-powered swing bridges. For over 80 years this pony truss swing bridge has been hand-cranked and opened manually – sometimes 12 times a day in the summer months. Bridge gates are lowered by hand and while standing in the middle of the bridge the operator cranks in a circular motion as the center span of the bridge rotates on a pivot and allows boats to pass the center span on either side. It is a sight to see.

If you visit the Boothbay Region of Maine, do yourself a favor and drive out of town to enjoy a delicious lobster roll at Trevett Country Store and be entertained by the Barters Island Swing Bridge. It’s a great 2fer and a hidden gem.

Travel Tips

• Trevett Country Store is located at 381 Barters Island Road, Trevett, Boothbay, Maine Check out: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trevett-Country-Store/263366343678094

• Maine fisherman can be found lobstering year-round, but peak Maine lobster season is between late June and late December.

• Don’t leave Trevett Country Store without stopping by Mill Cove Lobster Pound right behind it. Buy some fresh Maine lobster to take back to your vacation rental. Check out: https://www.millcovelobster.com/

• Check out the Boothbay Region of Maine Chamber for events and things to do in the area. Go to: https://www.boothbayharbor.com/