Down East (magazine)

Down East: The Magazine of Maine is the principal general interest monthly magazine covering the U.S. state of Maine. It is based in Rockport, Maine, with a second office in Yarmouth, Maine. Down East was founded in 1954 by Duane Doolittle and loosely modeled on The New Yorker. It covers a range of topics including travel, food, the arts, the environment, politics, business, and lifestyle in the state of Maine.

Down East enjoys the largest paid circulation of any publication in the state, peaking at more than 80,000 during the summer, with 53% of its readership aged 55 and above, 38% aged 35–54, and 9% 18–34. Global readership exceeds 380,000. It is Maine’s only audited and verified magazine. The magazine is published twelve times a year by its parent company, Down East Enterprise, Inc., which also publishes Shooting Sportsman and Maine Homes by Down East magazines. In 2013, Down East Enterprise sold a book publishing arm to Rowman & Littlefield.

In 2013, Kathleen Fleury became the first woman to serve as editor in chief, a position she held until 2018. Author Paul Doiron is a former editor in chief. Will Grunewald is the current editor in chief and Bob Fernald is President, CEO, and Publisher. Martha Stewart and Sam Sifton have served as guest editors.

Down East Magazine and Vermont Life Magazine together founded the International Regional Magazine Association in 1960. The magazine is a member of the International Regional Magazine Association, the City and Regional Magazine Association, and the Circulation Verification Council.

Down East compiles an annual “Best of Maine” list, making recommendations on where to “eat, drink, shop, stay, and unwind” in the state.