A Brief History of the Inn
From this classic coastal Maine hilltop, the family of Cyrus McKown watched over their shipyards, and the comings and goings in the harbor below. The main house was built around 1864, and the inn originally provided lodging for the shipyard workers in the Windward guesthouse. While boatbuilding continues in the area today, guests now come from all over the world to enjoy many aspects of this beautiful ocean peninsula.
Today's Topside Inn has been operating since the late 1930s, when various hillside land parcels were combined into our current property. Faye and Newell Wilson owned Topside for almost 40 years starting in 1959, and Walter Reed passed the reins to the current owners in 2003.
Common Space
In the main house, all guests are welcome to lounge by the living room fireplace with a book or magazine, take on a puzzle or game, review restaurant menus, or plan your next adventure. We can help with your questions, provide directions and advice for excurions, and make whatever arrangements you need.
Watch the harbor come alive in the early sun—pick a porch or come to the dining room, where a delicious full breakfast starts the day: help yourself to great local coffee, tea and juice, a great fresh fruit selection, homemade granola, yogurt and muffins. We also offer a different, creatively prepared hot entree each morning. After breakfast, the serving room is ready with ice, barware, and the hot water kettle for tea, coffee or hot chocolate at any hour. Cookies, brownies or other treats randomly appear on most afternoons.
Topside Inn is a great location for all kinds of visitors. People from across the country and around the world find their way to Boothbay Harbor, and you should too! Whether passing through or staying a while, attending a special event or just getting away from it all, you'll find a warm welcome waiting for you on top of the hill. It's the perfect seaside hideaway, whether you're here with one friend or many.
