Lubec: The Town Where the Sun Rises Last

Lubec, located in the far eastern tip of Maine, is famously known as the town where the sun rises last in the United States. Sure, it’s not exactly a bustling metropolis or a major tourist destination, but the charm of Lubec lies in its quiet beauty, quirky history, and friendly locals.

The History of Lubec

Lubec was founded in 1811 by a group of settlers who were stranded in the area due to a shipwreck. They decided to make the best of their situation and established a town. Legend has it that they even named the town after the French word for love, “l’amour,” since they fell in love with the area’s natural beauty.

Over the years, Lubec has gone through some interesting phases. In the late 1800s, it was a bustling fishing town with a booming sardine industry. However, by the mid-1900s, the sardine industry had collapsed, and the town’s population dwindled. In recent years, Lubec has reinvented itself as a peaceful, artsy enclave that’s popular among retirees and artists.

The Sun Rises Last

Of course, Lubec’s claim to fame is that it’s the town where the sun rises last in the United States. This is due to the fact that Lubec is the easternmost town in the contiguous United States, and also because it’s located in a spot where the coast juts out into the ocean.

But here’s the thing: it’s not actually true that the sun rises last in Lubec. In fact, nearby Eastport technically sees the sun rise a minute or two later than Lubec due to its position on a separate island. But let’s be real: Lubec has better branding. “The town where the sun rises second to last” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Sightseeing in Lubec

If you find yourself in Lubec, there are a few things you must see. First, there’s the West Quoddy Head Light, which marks the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. It’s a beautiful lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since the mid-1800s.

Another must-see is the Lubec Channel Light, which is a small lighthouse that sits in the middle of the channel between Lubec and Campobello Island, Canada. It’s affectionately known as the “Spark Plug” due to its unique shape.

Finally, you need to check out Monica’s Chocolates, a local chocolate shop that’s been tantalizing taste buds since 2004. Run by Monica and her husband Maurice, the shop offers all sorts of artisanal chocolates and truffles that are handcrafted on-site. Trust us, it’s worth the visit.

Conclusion

While Lubec may not be the most happening place in Maine, it’s certainly worth a visit for its charm, history, and stunning natural beauty. And hey, where else can you say you saw the sun rise last (or second to last)?