Most travelers to the Pemaquid Peninsula get straight to the point to see one of the most famous lighthouses on the Maine coast. It’s worth taking your time driving down to the lighthouse, however. At the head of the peninsula, the little town of Damariscotta is a picturesque fishing village with a brick downtown full of galleries and gift shops. South of town, the area is full of old farmhouses that have been converted to bed-and-breakfasts and antiques shops.

Events

You never know what you are going to find at Round Top Center for the Arts (3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta, 207/563-1507, www.roundtoparts.org), which might be staging community theater, a piano concerto, or banjo music on any given night. An art gallery and studio classes round out its offerings.

Shopping

In downtown the Firehouse Gallery (1 Bristol Rd., 207/563-7299, Damariscotta, www.thefirehousegallery.com, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tue.–Sat. May–Sept.) features contemporary art and sculpture that goes far beyond coastal scenes and lighthouses.

The eclectic Weatherbird (72 Courtyard St., Damariscotta, 207/563-8993, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat. year-round) is packed to the beak with gourmet foodstuffs, wine, jewelry, and women’s clothing.