Bayside

Here at On the Water in Maine Inc, we have a very special interest in what we believe is a truly rewarding vacation destination for you and your family or friends. We offer many properties in this classic Maine coastal village, and we are excited about all of them!

A listing of all the Bayside cottages we offer is at the bottom of this page or you can search for them in our Advanced Property Section of the website.

But, first we put this page together so that you could first learn more about this special place in Maine.

Bayside, while officially a part of the town of Northport, is a unique “Village within a Town” that has it’s own village government, utilities, and budget. Officially known as the “Northport Village Corporation,” Bayside was originally settled as a Wesleyan summer campground at which members of the faith gathered annually and erected sturdy tents to serve as camps and meeting places. Over time, the tents were gradually replaced with more permanent structures. Many of the quaint Victorian cottages still standing in the village today date from the late 1800s and the early 1900s.

Down East Magazine did an article on Bayside in April of 2004 that we highly recommend that you read. Click here to view the article (2 MB file in PDF).

Having been built on the footprints of the original tent sites, the homes are “stacked” side-by-side throughout the village, lending the community its strong sense of connectedness and contributing to the camaraderie shared by visitors and residents alike.

While only a short distance from coastal Route 1 which runs the length of the state, Bayside remains a well-kept secret; a small hamlet that takes one back to a simpler, uncomplicated time. There are no shops in Bayside, but there is no shortage of things to do in and around the community. The focal point of the Village is Ruggles Park which includes the Town Pier, a small playground, basketball court, and the Northport Yacht Club. If you are lucky enough to be in town on and around the 4^th of July, you’ll be able to enjoy the annual children’s activities in the park, a community band concert, and the traditional bonfire on the beach.

This is an excerpt derived from the April 2004 article in Down East Magazine about renting in Bayside. We revised it slightly to ensure every point was considered and highly recommend that everyone who plans to rent in Bayside considers this:

• Before booking a Maine summer rental in Bayside, take a moment to review your expectations. Decide if privacy is a concern, or if lumpy mattresses or steep stairs present problems for you, and say so up front. Do you mind the smell of mothballs on occasion? Are there young children in your party? Children have grown up in Bayside starting at all ages for over 100 years. However, you must understand that not all the cottages were designed with today's safety standards for children. Learn as much as you can about any cottage you are considering. Is it sunny and bright inside or shady and cool? Maine summer nights can be brisk but they can also be very hot. Is there a thermostat in the house, or is a wood stove the only source of warmth?  Are there fans for hot nights?  Don’t even think to expect an air conditioner.  Renters are typically expected to supply their own towels and bedding; is there anything else you should bring?

• Once you have committed to a rental, remember to stay flexible. Bayside is not a resort with identical rooms and furniture chosen by committee; that is why you are here and not at some famous vacation hotel. Minor inconveniences may well be part of the package, but so be it. Choose wisely and then relax. You will probably remember them as part of the charm.

Lots of people come to Bayside to relax and escape the “daily grind,” but if you’re in the mood for a bit more activity, you won’t be disappointed:

• Sailing in the protected waters of Penobscot Bay is not to be missed. If you’re up for a little friendly competition, come down to the wharf on a Saturday or Sunday when the Northport Yacht Club holds their summer race series – chances are you’ll find a sailor looking for “crew.”
• Kayaking is a popular pastime, and kayaks can be rented from a near-by outfitter.
• Small public parks are located throughout the village, many of them right on the ocean. Pack a picnic lunch or just hang out and enjoy the refreshing ocean breezes.
• There’s nothing like a brisk swim in the Atlantic, and the town pier offers the ideal place to take the plunge. You can jump from the pier during high tide, or use the “swim float” or the beach for a less dramatic entry. A lifeguard is regularly on duty during the summer months.
• The Northport Golf Course, a public, 9-hole course borders the village and is within easy walking distance of most of the village.
• Feel like a hike? Follow Bluff Road up Mt. Percival and then take a short hike through the woods on the Mt. Percival Preserve to the summit.

If you’re not in the mood to cook, there are numerous restaurants in Belfast, just four miles to the north, and in Lincolnville and Camden just a short drive to the south. Shopping, antiquing, museums, state parks, and Acadia National Park all make ideal half-day or day trips from Bayside.