The German heritage of Waldoboro is celebrated at Morse’s Kraut Haus (3856 Washington Rd./Rte. 220, N. Waldoboro, 207/831-5569, www.morsessauerkraut.com, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Thu.–Sun.; 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Wed., $6–10), which is renowned as far away as Portland for its annual fall crop of homemade sauerkraut. The little café also serves old-world sandwiches, pierogies, and sausages.

Situated in the center of town, Damariscotta River Grill (155 Main St., Damariscotta, 207/563-2992, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily; open at 10 a.m. on Sun.; close at 9:30 Fri.–Sat., $17–25) is a favorite dinner spot for locals, who tuck into dishes like Asian chicken salad, artichoke fondue, and local oysters on the half shell in a dining room overlooking the river.

The obligatory lobster-in-the-rough can be found at Muscongus Bay Lobster (28 Landing Rd., Round Pond, 207/529-2251, www.mainefreshlobster.com, , $12–25), which also offers lobster and crab rolls and BYOB shore dinners with lobster, clams, and corn on the east side of the peninsula. The sprawling lobster pound has both outdoor and indoor seating.