Maine's culinary scene is absolutely blowing up. And it's not just Portland. Now, you can find wonderful restaurants in all regions of the state. But more than just good food, many restaurants are actually taking things a step further and creating unique environments as well. We recently told you about a restaurant in Freedom (near Belfast) that was once a grist mill - but, that's not the only unique spot to have a meal. Earlier this summer we discovered our new favorite! And we think you'll love it, too.

If you love maritime history and boats of all types, then you most certainly have experienced the tall ships of Maine. Tall ships are exactly what they sound like: large sailing vessels that are typically traditionally-rigged. Today, many of the tall ships we see are topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques. We won’t go into all of those today but, if you’re curious, take yourself to Google and check them out. They’re all fascinating, and Maine loves them!

Each summer tall ships sail into Portland for the annual Tall Ships Celebration. In addition to overall viewing, visitors watch the various versions of the ships parade past Portland on their way to the harbor. Missed it this year? You're in luck! There's now a permanent tall ship docked in Maine that will give you the chance to dine aboard one of these incredible vessels.

The Spirit of Massachusetts was launched in 1984 and celebrated in Boston with a tall ship festival that welcomed her to the world.

Sure, there are a few other floating restaurants in Maine, but what makes The Spirit Restaurant so special is its authenticity. The 125-foot schooner was built in New England and served as an educational vessel crossing the globe as a goodwill ambassador for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 30 years later, The Spirit of Massachusetts was brought back to be restored and repurposed at her new home in Kennebunk.

Once arriving at The Spirit, you'll check in with a host on dry land. Then, after walking down the gangplank you'll enter the ship, greeted by perhaps the most impressive part of the set up - the massive, wraparound bar that seats almost 50 people.

Surrounding the bar on deck are tables that make for the perfect al fresco dining atmosphere. While many similar set-ups in other places use a ship's former life as a loose suggestion for how it should look as a restaurant, The Spirit feels just as much like a glorious ship as it must have when it was on the high seas. Minus the rocking back and forth in bad weather and being sprayed in the face by seawater, perhaps.

If you can't get one of the lovely upstairs tables, inside is just as nice if not a bit more upscale.

The booths are beautiful and can accommodate many people, including an area for large groups.

The menu is focused on local, small plates with specials available as well. If you love seafood, you certainly won't be disappointed by the menu - there's lots to choose from including a lobster roll - though, at $21, it might rock your budget a bit.

If dessert is in order, try any of the specials, particularly the blueberry cake.

But, despite a fun menu, The Spirit Restaurant truly shines as a bar. It just might be the perfect place to tip back a few tasty beverages on any of the nice, pre-fall days here in Maine. They're planning on being open until October!

Visit them any day of the week from 11am to 10pm. They're located at 4 Western Ave in Kennebunk.