Maine Coast - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 816

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge, in Prospect, boasts the tallest bridge observatory in the world and is the only one in the
United States. Towering 437 feet above the Penobscot River, the deck offers views that extend 40 miles.
14. Castine
OnthewaytoCastine,stopinProspecttovisittheworld'stallestpublicbridgeobservatory.
The Penobscot Narrows Observatory towers 437 feet above the Penobscot River. Farther
up the coast—past the pleasant communities of Belfast, Searsport, and Bucksport, on the
shores of Penobscot Bay—follow Rtes. 175 and 166A to the historic village of Castine.
This part of Maine, beginning with the eastern shore of Penobscot Bay and continuing to
the Canadian border, is referred to by residents as the Downeast Coast. Here the signs of
commercialism begintothinout.Thecottages, barns,meadows,andwoodlandsalongRte.
166A, for example, look much as they might have some 100 years or more ago.
Centuries-old homes, quiet inns, and grand elm trees line the streets of Castine. Spend
some time sitting on the benches that overlook the town's peaceful dock, or take a walking
tour of the town to gain insights into the history of the homes and other points of architec-
tural and historical interest.