Our first Harvest Host experience in our newly renovated Coachmen Camper Van was at Boothbay Craft Brewery (BCB). As Maine residents, we had been to Boothbay Craft Brewery about 5 years ago while following the Maine Beer Trail. Since that time BCB has expanded the family run operation and among other things have added an outdoor Biergarten complete with a Bocce ball court, the ubiquitous Cornhole bean bag toss game, plenty of both outdoor seating and covered outdoor seating. On arrival around 5 PM on a Friday evening in June, we were immediately greeted by a very cordial young man named Riley, the campground manager who directed us to our site on the edge of a grassy field. Riley is one of the sons of the owners and after making introductions told us our specific free Harvest Host site had a 115V/20 amp electrical hookup! The 20 amp service was adequate for our needs, with our small fridge only drawing 2 amps typically. Not too hot – not too cold, the forecast temperatures went from a high of 77’ to a low of around 57’.

After parking our Ford E250 camper Van on the basically level grassy site, Kim and I headed up to the Biergarten and met a couple of the BCB staff – Sharon who took our beer/food order and Brett. Sharon and Brett were working hard and doing an excellent job serving food that was ordered out to everyone’s tables. Due to us arriving when we did, we had just missed the cutoff for the Friday night Brisket BBQ which looked and smelled amazing. A couple sitting next to us who were from Austin, TX said it was as good or better than what they were accustomed to in the Austin area, and gave us the story on how the BBQ chef at BCB was mentored by a top BBQ chef from Texas, sorry I forgot to note the BBQ chef’s name.

I had a Crypto Double IPA and ordered the Camden pizza which had red sauce, a 3 cheese blend, pepperoni, fresh pineapple, and cracked pepper. The pizza came out cooked perfectly with just a hint of char on the crust. The toppings were evenly distributed so you got a taste of everything with each bite. Kim started with a glass of red wine and the farmers salad. The farmers salad was incredible and a great item to experience some of the fresh produce from Maine’s best farms. Kim prefers wine over beer and said the wine was pretty good. 

The beer and food was just as awesome as it was 5 years ago, although a slightly smaller variety, as I did not see the fish and chips on the menu that I had last time I was there quite a few years ago. Just an observation and not a big deal as we were already planning on going to Bet’s Fish Fry the following day…

We had three rounds of beers/wine. I didn’t partake in the wine but am crazy for a juicy tasting New England IPA (NE IPA) and loved both beers I tried, Thirsty Botanist and Crypto Double IPA (DIPA). I prefer DIPA(s) but 8.5% ABV I limited myself to one DIPA and two of the NE IPA(s). Ah… so relaxing knowing you can retire to your RV after imbibing in a few adult beverages. We chatted it up with Sharon and Brett during the night as things got a little quieter. When we stayed until closing Brett gave us a behind the scenes look at the second floor speakeasy in the Tavern and told some great stories about the construction of the buildings and all the community collaboration. We absolutely loved getting a sneak peak at the Speakeasy behind the secret hidden door and Brett was a perfect host who genuinely interacted with us and made us feel very welcome.

Sometime shortly after 9 PM we headed back to the RV. It was a quiet and peaceful evening. In the morning we got up around 9 AM, made some Peet’s coffee and were soon off to the Boothbay (Town) Commons to await the opening of Bet’s Fish Fry, – if you like fried haddock and the biggest fish sandwich ever, you will be impressed. I have had haddock from all over Maine and feel Bet’s is up there with the best, if not the best. Tip – try the dill tartar sauce. 

We are already planning a return trip to the BCB through our Harvest Host membership and will combine our stay there with another visit to Bet’s and maybe a trip out to Bristol/So. Bristol/Christmas Cove  to hear some music and hit up the white sand beach at Pemaquid. Vacationland. 

Harvest Host is a network of 2110+ Wineries, Breweries, Farms & Attractions That Invite RVers to Stay Overnight! With most RV parks charging $35-$50 per night a yearly membership will quickly pay for itself.

To learn more about how you can join Harvest Host, and save 15% click here.