Yarmouth

HomeYarmouth

Welcome to Yarmouth

THINGS TO SEE
PLACES TO EAT
PLACES TO STAY
WHERE TO DOCK

Beautiful yachts call Yarmouth home. Photo Tom Richardson

MANY A TOURIST DRIVING NORTH ALONG MAINE’S RTE 295 TOWARD THE SHOPPING MECCA OF FREEPORT HAS CAUGHT A PASSING GLIMPSE OF YARMOUTH’S ROYAL RIVER AND WONDERED, “HMMM, WHAT’S THAT SCENIC PLACE ALL ABOUT?” WELL, IF THEY BOTHERED TO TAKE THE NEXT EXIT, THEIR ANSWER WOULD BE ABOUT ONE MINUTE AWAY.

What they’ll find is a place steeped in history, much of it revolving around shipbuilding. In the mid-1800’s, four major shipyards existed on the Royal River, building wooden vessels for various trades. When the local shipbuilding industry ended around the end of the 19th Century, Yarmouth became a much quieter place. And, many would argue, more lovely.

An excellent launch facility can be found at the head of tide on the Royal River,
just a minute from Rte 295. Photo Tom Richardson

The Royal River Grillhouse specializes in steaks, chops, and other grilled fare.
Photo Tom Richardson

Follow the Picket Fence

On the chart, the tidal portion of the Royal River appears to be a serpentine nightmare of shoals, buoys and very thin-spread water, all leading to a tiny basin of unknown depth. In truth, though, the buoys installed by the U.S. Coast Guard are numerous and frequent, while the town itself adds more markers to help mariners stay out of trouble. As one old wag put it: “It’s like following a picket fence.”

In 2015 the main channel and turning basin at the head of navigation was dredged, expanded and deepened, much to the relief of natives and visitors alike.

Visitors can learn more about Yarmouth’s shipbuilding past at the Yarmouth Historical
Society Museum. Photo Tom Richardson

BIRDS. FISH, & ARCHITECTURE

Regardless of the water depth, a trip up the Royal on a flood tide has always been worthwhile. Once beyond the river’s mouth at Parker Point, any choppiness disappears and the calm waters allow for some prime nature gazing, starting with the osprey and blue herons that always seem to be present as the rising waters move generally northwesterly. And yes, those predatory birds mean the fishing can be pretty good for anglers too, with striped bass being the featured prize. The unmarked channels around Little Moshiers Island are known to produce good numbers of fish.

Transient boaters can tie up or get a mooring at one three marinas on the Royal River.
Photo Tom Richardson

Back on the river proper, the estuary’s natural beauty starts to combine with some attractive manmade structures as you near the head of navigation. Handsome houses with stunning gardens that run right down to the shore look as if they are contending for someone’s seal of approval. Happily, most are widely spaced, and the feeling of a suburbanized coast does not come to mind.

That feeling ends, however, when a newcomer reaches the turning basin. The scene remains bucolic with one glaring exception: Interstate 295. In 1961, some misguided highway planner decided to put the Interstate extension precisely at the head of the harbor, perhaps under the theory that drivers hurtling by at 65-plus miles per hour would be delighted with a glimpse of the jewel in Yarmouth’s crown. But the road’s noise haunts the moored boats, sometimes right through the night if the wind is just wrong.

Commercial clammers return from a morning on the mud flats. Photo Tom Richardson

DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS

Still, the sight and sounds of the highway can be blocked to a large degree by getting a slip at one of 3 marinas in the turning basin. It should be noted that Yarmouth’s downtown shops and parks are not directly on the harbor. However, the mile-or-so walk or bike ride into town is an absolute delight once you get up the hill from the Interstate. In fact, those big, shady trees lining the street to the town center are another source of pride for Yarmouthites. As if to emphasize Yarmouth’s commitment to sylvan superiority, a town tree warden has been on duty—without pay—for nearly half a century, making sure the elms, beeches, oaks, maples and exotic ornamentals are well taken care of.

The local architecture is also of interest, especially the homes built by the entrepreneurs who made Yarmouth grow in its earliest years. First settled in the late 1600s, Yarmouth slowly built a reputation as a shipbuilding juggernaut. Hitting full stride by 1790, the next 100 years saw more than 300 ships—among them brigs, barques and schooners—launched from the shores of the Royal and nearby Cousins rivers. For a town whose early population never strayed above 2,500, it was impressive output.

Great Chebeague Island—home of the Chebeague Island Inn—is a short run from the mouth
of the Royal River. Photo Tom Richardson

The arrival of the Interstate was the next big event in the town’s history, doubling the population in less than 10 years and nearly doubling it again over the next 25. The upshot was that sardine canneries turned into restaurants while offices and sail lofts became studios and retail outlets, and the town prospered.

Today, Yarmouth is a pleasant mix of old and new, enjoyed primarily by locals. That’s a bonus for the few visitors who take the time to make the trip, because they usually get the “royal” treatment from start to finish, complete with a lovely “picket fence” to follow.

GETTING THERE

CHART NOAA 13290

In the chart, the tidal portion of the Royal River appears to be a serpentine nightmare of shoals, buoys and very thin-spread water, all leading to a tiny basin of unknown depth. In truth, though, the buoys installed by the U.S. Coast Guard are numerous and frequent, while the town itself adds more markers to help mariners stay out of trouble. Mean low water depth to the turning basin is 8′.

In 2015, the main channel and turning basin at the head of navigation was dredged, expanded and deepened, much to the relief of natives and visitors alike.

HARBORMASTER

(207) 846-3333

DOCKAGE, MOORINGS & SERVICE

Yarmouth Boat Yard (207) 846-9050
Full-service marina and dealership near the head of navigation.
Royal River Boatyard (207) 846-9577
Full-service marina and yard with slips for 75 vessels. Offers gas and diesel, pump-out, shore power, water, WiFi, access to a courtesy vehicle, shower and laundry facilities.
Yankee Marina (207) 846-4326
Full-service facility with transient slips, haul-out, service and repair. Also has laundry, showers and restrooms.
Landing Boat Supply (207) 8460-3777
At Lower Falls Landing, this store sells all types of marine gear, including apparel, hardware, electronics, dinghies and more.

LAUNCH RAMP

The Town of Yarmouth maintains a large, all-tide ramp with courtesy float and lots of parking on Shipyard Road. Daily fee is $15 for boats; $5 for canoes and kayaks. Overnight parking with permission of the harbormaster is $5 per night. An attendant is on duty to make sure all runs smoothly.

RESTAURANTS

Royal River Grillhouse (207) 846-1226
At Lower Falls Landing, this waterfront, dock-and-dine restaurant near the head of the harbor specializes in chops, steaks, fresh seafood and more.
Maine Coffee Roasters (207) 846-6866
Fresh-roasted coffees, teas, pastries and doughnuts in downtown Yarmouth. Free WiFi.
Bruce’s Burritos (207) 846-6330
Tasty burritos made with fresh ingredients on Rte. 1. The price is right too!
Binga’s Wingas (207) 846-8736
Delectable chicken wings, homemade BBQ, and a great place to enjoy a cold draft after a long day on the water. On Rte. 1.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Yarmouth Clam Festival
Now in its 49th year, the free Clam Festival held each July celebrates the steamer clam with food, live entertainment, art shows, a parade, a road race and fireworks.
Royal River Park
Scenic, landscaped park bordering the Royal River above Rte. 1. Great spot for a picnic and offers great view of the falls.

FISHING INFORMATION CLICK HERE FOR MORE FISHING INFORMATION!

Watch

Lorem Vimeo

Ipsum Youtube

Lorem Vimeo

Ipsum Youtube

Lorem Vimeo

BEWITCHED BY YARMOUTH

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

At a Glance

Launch Ramps
Where to Stay
Rentals
Harbor Master and Harbor Info
Getting There
Things to Do