Luckily we have some amazing local friends to explore Maine with. For this trip, Amy went with Lisa of Simple Joy Living to explore Midcoast and Downeast visiting all women-owned businesses.

Lisa wrote the entry below about the road trip and you can learn more about her here: Lisa Luken is a travel writer and researcher located in Southern Maine. With a passion for supporting rural communities and women leaders, Lisa loves sharing stories of ambitious women doing awesome things in Maine and around the world. Follow Lisa’s adventures on Instagram.

Imagine a place where you can swim in a pool overlooking the ocean, climb mountains in a national park, ride ferries out to islands, and cruise along scenic routes off the beaten path. Look no further than Midcoast and Downeast Maine. You will find all of this and more, including a variety of businesses run by ambitious, creative, and inspiring women. 

Recently, two Maine women, Lisa Luken and Amy Welch-Olson, headed up the coast for a women-owned business adventure. Along the way, they met entrepreneurial women who are putting their skills, talents, and passions to work providing locals and visitors with art, accommodations, nourishment, and more. Some of these women have been in business for decades. Others opened during the pandemic. But one thing is certain, they are all pouring their hearts into what they do.  

Whether you live in Maine, visit on weekends, or are here for a much-needed solo, friend, or family getaway, be sure to check out what these women are up to. Not only will you find unique Maine treasures, treats, and experiences, but you will also be supporting local Maine women along the way. 

Here are eight not to be missed women-owned businesses to explore as you venture through Midcoast and Downeast, Maine:

Saltbox Pottery – Nestled among the pines just off Route 1 in Woolwich, is the retail shop and studio of Tracy Adams and Megan Tyrol. With a vast selection of durable, functional, and beautiful pieces, there is something for every room of your home. They even offer a bridal registry option for those wishing for unique, Maine-made items.

Not to be missed: The Compost Pot for a one-of-a-kind, Maine-made addition to your kitchen counter and the Chart Mugs featuring charts of your favorite Maine towns incorporated into the pottery.

The Maine Tasting Center – Just opened in July of 2021, the Gross family spent months renovating the buildings on their property along Route 1 in Wiscasset. With community, education, sustainability, and accessibility as their guiding values, the family, which includes the mother-daughter team of Lisa and Sara, has created a welcoming space that facilitates connection and learning. Through their events, classes, and fresh takes on small plate snacks made from locally sourced food, they hope to connect Maine producers with locals and visitors. 

Not to be missed: The Maine Marbles and the Ricotta Toast with fresh cheese from Lakin’s Gorges Cheese, another woman-owned business in the region.

Primo – Now in its twenty-second season on Main Street in Rockland, Primo continues to operate in ways that protect the environment and support healthy living in their community. Chef and owner, Melissa Kelly welcomes locals and visitors alike to take part in the "ultimate farm-to-table experience.” With a farm full of vegetables, pigs, chickens, and even flowers on-site, there’s plenty to explore before or after your meal. 

Not to be missed: The mouth-watering Grilled Street Corn, best enjoyed with a slushy drink while listening to live music in the open-air 0km bungalow.

Namaste Indian Food – Tucked away inside The Ledges by the Bay Motel in Rockport, you’ll find Deepa Patel lovingly preparing dishes that instantly transport you across the continents to the heart of India. Fulfilling her dream to own a restaurant, Deepa attributes her abilities to her grandmother who taught her how to cook when she was young. Deepa sources fresh, local ingredients for her made-from-scratch recipes. You will want to try a bit of everything

Not to be missed: The Coconut Kachori, Paneer Pakora, and Garlic Naan.

Lincolnville Motel – You will feel like you’re stepping back in time as you pull up to this retro motel lovingly renovated by owner Alice Amory in 2015. Light and airy from the moment you walk in, the simple, Scandinavian-inspired décor plus the views of the garden and ocean, make for a relaxing, budget-friendly stay. Swim in the pool, lounge in the sun, or sip coffee in the common area as you gaze out to the ocean.

Not to be missed: Cozying up with a book in the bright and cheery common room or taking in the expansive view while relaxing in the sauna.

Islesboro Oyster – In the midst of the pandemic, Kim Grindle decided to become an oyster farmer. After several conversations with friends and colleagues about how fun it would be to grow oysters, Kim decided to dive in fully, which she says is such a Maine way of life, especially if you live on an island. One serendipitous conversation led to another and before she knew it, she was enrolled in the University of Maine’s Aquaculture in Shared Waters program learning how to grow oysters-and a business-from scratch. Kim acknowledges that although it was complicated to start a business during the pandemic, it allowed her the time and energy to focus on all the details that go into launching a business. 

Kim’s passion for what she does is evident from the minute you meet her, as is her love for the island of Islesboro where she grew up and where she is raising her three children.  A model of grit and ambition, Kim runs her business with sustainability in mind and is always excited to help out and learn from fellow farmers. 

Not to be missed: Oysters fresh off the boat after a picturesque ferry ride from Lincolnville.

The Tiny House with the Enormous View of Acadia – Just before crossing the causeway to Mount Desert Island, a quaint tiny home sits on Goose Cove with sweeping views of the mountains of Acadia National Park. Owners Anne and Ned thought of everything as they outfitted their cozy tiny house that was built in the summer of 2021. Only a short drive from downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia, you can easily spend days shopping, hiking, and nearby then come “home” to unwind in your own private paradise. This tiny house, available for rental through Airbnb, was built by Tiny Homes of Maine, another woman-owned business founded by Corinne Watson. 

Not to be missed: A sunset walk down the path to the ocean.

Your Maine Concierge – Whether you live in Maine or you’re here for a visit, let Vanessa Santarelli plan your itinerary for your Maine experience. As a native Mainer, Vanessa will use her knowledge of the businesses in Maine to prepare an unforgettable experience that fits your budget. You can also find this adventurous Maine woman exploring the state on the TV show MaineLife, which she co-produces with Erin Ovalle.

Vanessa is also passionate about connecting individuals in the restaurant and hospitality industry. In August, Vanessa partnered with Islesford Dock Restaurant & Gallery to host chefs, restaurant owners, innkeepers, farmers, beer makers, business leaders, and guests out on Little Cranberry Island for an evening of connecting and “breaking bread” while enjoying a five-course seafood dinner. 

Not to be missed: Your personalized travel itinerary created by Vanessa to ensure you have a magical Maine experience.

These are just some of the many inspiring, driven women running businesses in Maine. Reach out to them or pay them a visit while you are in the Midcoast and Downeast regions and be sure to let them know how much you appreciate the impact they are making on their communities here in Maine.