Breakfast on Union River

Our family recently returned to the Ellsworth area, and we’ve been happily discovering a few of the quiet corners of the city this summer. Over the last few months, we’ve found a Saturday morning routine surface — a quick stop for a takeout breakfast before enjoying the sights and sounds of the Union River at Ellsworth Harbor Park & Marina. This has quickly become one of my 3-year-old daughter’s favorite ways to spend a weekend morning.

We’ve been sticking to the drive-thru this summer — grabbing juices, coffee and breakfast sandwiches — before making our way to Harbor Park. We even have a favorite picnic table next to the Harbor Master’s office. It offers a great view of the water with plenty of boats to look at, and we even saw a family of deer grazing on the opposite riverbank one morning. My daughter, Dylan, loves to watch the boats coming in and going out of the harbor, she even likes to label the ones at the dock “Daddy,” “Mommy” and “Baby” boats.

Ducks on the bank of the Union River at Ellsworth’s Harbor Park

Once we’re done eating, we always take a stroll along the walkway, peeking into the gazebos and running in the grass. Dylan gets plenty of space to stretch her legs and burn some energy. During our last visit, a flock of ducks wandered out of the water to greet us (I’m sure they were really hoping for some leftover English muffin).

If you’re looking for a peaceful start to your morning, one that gets you and the kids out of the house, with plenty of fresh air, open space and quiet scenery – I highly recommend stopping by any of the great takeout spots in and around downtown Ellsworth and then spending some time taking in the view at Ellsworth Harbor Park. The park is open May 15 – October 15, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the summer (and fall) weather next to the water!