You can also talk to their experts to get all your questions answered. Address: Little Deer Isle, ME 04650, USA Tip: Dont count on having a GPS connection for navigation as you travel around Downeast Maine. Maine State Ferry Service Bass Harbor, ME, 04653 Phone: 207-244-3254 Toll-Free: 800-491-4883. And, as Megan Dewey-Wood, the coffee shops 38-year-old co-owner, pointed out, Maine is the oldest, whitest state in America. In the wake of George Floyds death and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, a Little Deer Isle resident had displayed a sign that read White Lives Matter. A noose had been hung nearby. Address: Round out your day of adventures around the Blue Hill Peninsula with a nice dinner at Arborvine. When theres little to do in the offseason, this has sometimes contributed to the kinds of drug abuse that Ostrow had mentioned (and presumably helped to fuel the islands once-thriving brothel industry). 3 East from Augusta to Belfast, connect to Rte. Directions Advertisement Deer Isle Map The City of Deer Isle is located in Hancock County in the State of Maine. Here, at last, was Steinbecks glorious strangeness, a place that must disappear when you are not there. Are you looking for something a little more private? The hostel does close down for the winter months but offers a unique staying experience when it is open. The leave no trace rule is a good one any time and especially when visiting preserved lands. It really is a spectacular place to get away. Or you can shop for wedding dresses in the same store as fishing tackle. Instead of asking a local about where the trail started, I went against my better judgment and used Google Maps, and it took me past the parking lot down dirt roads that made it hard to get turned back around.). This makes sense after I researched it. Its about working hard and being nice., Even so, the place was not quite paradise. Hike through Barred Island Preserve, go sightseeing on a kayak or sailboat, and spend a day in Acadia National Park. You can buy it from the cooler like a regular bottle of soda. Fishing remains a mainstay on this island, which also features quiet woods, open fields and a vibrant artist community. This proves that Maine is known for its lobster and that means its also easy to find. Technically speaking, what Beerits has created here might be called an art installation, but such a term seems woefully inadequate. (Grab it to go if you want to find a picnic spot on the water to enjoy ocean views while you eat.). If you want a photo of the suspension bridge, stop at Bridge End Park immediately on your right after you cross. Some locals I spoke with said the parking in downtown Stonington can be challenging at this time of year, while others said they never feel like things are truly crowded like they are elsewhere on the coast. Disconnecting from social media and technology is a great way to really connect with nature and the people you interact with. In addition to selling their produce to the public every Saturday throughout the year, they sell to a couple of local restaurants (such as Arborvine in Blue Hill). This is when things will be in bloom and the weather will be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. He explains that his friend and associate Elizabeth Otis (actually his agent) was a longtime visitor there and had urged him to go: When she speaks of it, she gets an other-world look in her eyes and becomes completely inarticulate. Our Welcome Center is on the first corner on the right hand side after the bridge. by Ethan Genter August 23, 2022 A truck heads off Deer Isle along the island's recently repaved causeway in August 2022. Marnie Crowell, a friend of one of the docents, had secured permission to bring me by Gilchrists house with the caveat that I was not to reveal anything about its location. I wanted to see what, if any, part of Deer Isle remained from Steinbecks journey, though I knew I wouldnt be the first writer to choose Travels With Charley as a departure point for exploration (nor even the first for The Washington Post; Rachel Dry did so in 2011, focusing on his stop in Fargo, N.D.). Some rooms have their own private balcony, but even the ones with a street view, like the one I stayed in, have access to a shared balcony via the hallway. Youve not heard quiet until youve been here in the middle of winter. Then the UPS truck passed by, prompting Cook to scrunch up his face in a mock grimace and vigorously wag his middle finger at the driver. No dogs are allowed on this trail in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. I didnt find outside of Maine when I was traveling. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in August. Isle au Haut Boat Services: Find rates and schedules here. Things to Do in Deer Isle, Maine: See Tripadvisor's 3,633 traveler reviews and photos of Deer Isle tourist attractions. You can find Moxie at almost any convenience store or grocery store that you go in to, so its easy to get. The restored and historic opera house was built in 1912. One of them told me I was only the third person shed seen in the park so far that season. Visitor and Tourist Information for Stonington, Maine | Town of I would not be happy if I had to make sculptures out of stuff I purchased at Home Depot., When I expressed disbelief that he could be making such vital work in virtual obscurity and offered that it should be given a platform for much wider exposure, Beerits gently smiled. White, and the recently departed Roger Angell, is 15 miles from Deer Isle. Every place Ive been has food that is specific to its region and Maine is no different. Some businesses are only open during the height of summer, and some (like the Isle au Haut mail boat) have a limited schedule outside of peak months. Malaga Island was once home to a mixed-race fishing community forcibly removed by the state in 1912. Between the hiking, the coastline and the views this should be on every nature lovers must-see list. They tell me stories about what it all means, and thats very satisfying for me.. Or is it a living history museum? If you have a choice, planning your visit during the peak the peak season for blueberries is a no-brainer. Spruce Island - Private Island for large and small gatherings You cant explain it to anyone, this place. I want the wood to come from a 200-year old sawmill, the aluminum to have dings and wear marks, the patina that comes with age. Pets, bikes, kayaks, and canoes are allowed, bike rentals are available, and on-site parking is available at the dock (additional fee for all of these, except Fido). 15 South to the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge. There are coastal cottages for rent and charming bed and breakfasts. Beginning in May and running to October at the Island Community Center, the long-standing Stonington Farmers Market is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, and the new Deer Isle Village Farmers Market sets up at the old elementary school parking lot on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Select a category to see topic filter options. This preserve also had short and easy to hike trails. Do you need a car? Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, Turner. Maybe you want more space? If Travels With Charley tells us anything, its to disregard the obvious, to seek out the unexpected, to remain curious, to follow our gut. Deer Isle is the kind of place where inn owners know lobstermen, and even if youre from out of town, youre likely to bump into someone you know at the Thursday night wine bar. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. When Stratton arrived she had me follow her to the spot where shed shaken the authors hand. Fans of Charlottes Web will be intrigued to know that this famous author lived in the tiny town of Brooklin, Mainethe barn that was the setting for his beloved childrens book still stands on the saltwater farm. That fact had vanished from my memory. Or are you wanting to connect with others on your trip? For ideas of what to do when you're here, visit the website of the Deer Isle - Stonington Chamber of Commerce at deerisle.com. Sitting perched right above the water, this cozy downtown Stonington inn combines lovely views with a great location and tasty breakfast. Pick up maps and get recommendations at the, Pick up a map at the Deer Isle welcome center or. Instead of keeping fishermen, scientists, and regulators all working in their own silos, MCCF works with fishermen through a collaborative approach to utilize the wealth of knowledge they hold. Jutting proudly into the Atlantic, Deer Isle is one of the largest of the 3,000 islands dotted along Maine's rocky coast. Website. Stay for awhile at the. For more suggestions, scroll down our list of regional businesses below. I had several islanders tell me that its well worth visiting Deer Isle in the winter. They would take care of me.. There aren't many tourist amenities on this island in Downeast Maine. Located just over an hour outside of Bangor, Deer Isle is easily accessible by car. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. And Im at peace with it. Here's how to embrace slow, #sustainabletravel on your Downeast Maine vacation. To top it off there is also an island named Little Deer Isle that you must drive through to get to Deer Isle. Recommended Drive, bus Drive from Deer Isle to Rockland, ME Take the bus from Rockland, ME to Portland, ME 4h 36m $37 - $55 Cheapest Bus You can visit woods, overlooks and small islands, including the popular Barred Island Preserve. This post references the entire island as its small enough to explore the entire island in a single trip. If you thought Deer Isle was quiet and peaceful, head 14 miles out on the water to Isle au Haut (pronounced eye-la-HO) for a day trip that really gets you away from the crowds. Beerits did not dispute what Steinbeck had written about the otherworldly feeling of Deer Isle. Address: Play Shop Stay Services Welcome & Information Center Stop by and visit the Deer Isle - Stonington Welcome & Information Center located on Little Deer Isle about 1/4 mile after crossing the bridge. And if Deer Isle can indeed be compared to Avalon, then Beerits is its Merlin. No matter how the flavor sounds to you, take a chance and try it out. Today the Penobscot Nations land base, Indian Island ( north of Bangor on the Penobscot River), is a fraction of the millions of acres that is their ancestral territory. Accessible by bridge, its fairly easy to get to Deer Isle. If youre lucky you may even find an opportunity to learn how to set a lobster trap (a license is required for this). Though the library didnt seem to have a copy of the book, she was determined to rectify that. I was immediately taken with everything about the island. I would hate to try to force them to do anything they didnt want to do. It was a sentiment echoed by Tony Adams at the Opera House, whod told me: People here will do anything you ask them to, and nothing you tell them to.. Fun fact, this opera house is in the National Register of Historic Places. Deer Isle Bridge - Wikipedia I couldnt help but think it would be a perfect time for a romantic weekend, and Im sure it would be equally amazing as a relaxing solo trip to clear your head. 1 Opera House Lane This was a prized area during granite boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the archipelago that stretches out to sea from Stonington became known as Merchant Row. The coast off of Deer Isle is in Penobscot Bay. But what I immediately understood was that these things were beside the point entirely. Things to Do in Deer Isle Deer Isle Village Deer Isle Village See all things to do Deer Isle Village 4.5 22 reviews #6 of 16 things to do in Deer Isle Points of Interest & Landmarks Write a review About Being near the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts means that a lot of fine crafts are available here. Deer Isle Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Visit a Nature Reserve in Deer Isle, Main, Be Entertained at Stonington Opera House Arts, 4 Things to Eat and Drink on Deer Isle, Maine, Taste the Local Deer Isle, Maine Blueberries, The Best Unknown Vacation Spots in the United States | Poppin' Smoke, The Best Unknown Vacation Spots in the United States MaryJaneSmokedU, Bucket List Places to Visit and Things to do in New England, Summer in New England: 15+ Awesome Weekend Trips From Boston, The 10 BEST Provincetown Airbnb Rentals to Book NOW, 16 Best Strasbourg Airbnb Homes to Book Today, 16 Perfect Sitges Airbnb Rentals to Book This Year. The United States is brimming with fun and unique travel destinations. More details arehere. Places to stay in Stonington and Deer Isle include Boyce's Motel, Stonington; Inn on the Harbor, Stonington; Pilgrims Inn, Deer Isle; The Inn at Ferry Landing, Deer Isle; and the Deer Isle Hostel, Deer Isle. Climate change threatens the only road to Deer Isle - Bangor Daily News The trail is well blazed and has markers every 1/10 mile. The first one I talked with seemed nonplussed by my mission, but her colleague Lee Fay told me that, yes, she remembered hearing that Steinbeck had visited her grandparents on their farm when hed come through. Its perfect for those who love to enjoy the outdoors but need trails that are a little easier to navigate. Some events are free of charge, others have a set fee and some are based on suggested donation. There is something about it that opens no door to words. Ferries carry vehicles. The coastal towns of Stonington and Deer Isle, Maine are known for their lobster and granite. Theres a three-story wooden church with a ghostly pieta residing in one of its pews, and a reconstructed Maine general store containing many of the originals actual furnishings and features. We are committed to the vitality of downtown Stonington and enriching the lives of all who pass through, no matter the season. In fact, Stonington is the biggest producing lobster port in Maine. He moved there just recently. May 02 2022 Standing at the eastern entrance of Penobscot Bay, Isle au Haut isn't the most remote of Maine's islands that distinction goes to Matinicus, about 15 miles to the southwest. You can simply take Route 15 south from Bangor and follow it all the way onto the island. Naomi is the coffee-loving, crazy-about-Latin-America writer and photographer behind everything here. Deer Isle Lily Pond Beach was also among our favorite stops for the day. Pingback: The Best Unknown Vacation Spots in the United States | Poppin' Smoke, Pingback: The Best Unknown Vacation Spots in the United States MaryJaneSmokedU, Pingback: Bucket List Places to Visit and Things to do in New England, I am an essential worker with the opportunity to come to Maine is there cheap monthly rentals there Ill be working at the nursing home so Ill be staying 1to3 months. It can be rented by the week in the summer. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Jimmy Cook moved to Deer Isle 36 years ago. This doesnt make list of 5 things to do in the next section because it is an annual event, but if you time your visit right, I wouldnt miss it. All I knew about Deer Isle was that there was nothing you could say about it.. The Discovery Wharf is closed during the winter months, but is a nice stop when its open. They are delicious and not nearly as cost effective to have them shipped to you if you dont try them when you have the chance. The preserves are limited to foot traffic only. The price for these events has a wide range too. Travels With Charley in Search of America. Inn on the Harbor delivers on its name. After hes been, he finds that he agrees with her assessment. More specifically, the Humpty Dumpty brand. 68 Main Street PO Box 200 As youd imagine, its full of Instagram magic but here are my top two spots to fill your Insta and make your followers jealous. Recommended option Bus Take the bus from Bar Harbor - Malvern Belmont Apartments to Ellsworth City Hall Recommended option Bus, drive Take the bus from Portland, ME to Rockland, ME Drive from Rockland, ME to Deer Isle 4h 12m $36 - $51 Cheapest option Bus Todays innkeepers are a lovely couple from Pennsylvania, who give this 200-year-old property plenty of TLC. 48 Hours inDeer Isle - The Maine Mag While Deer Isle offers many things to do, a day trip inland is a fun way to see more of Downeast Maine. Opera House Arts at the Stonington Opera House offers an ongoing calendar of movies, concerts and other events. For camping, check out Greenlaws Camping & RV Park in Stonington. Even in the peak travel season, July and August, the Island is still low-key and quiet compared to other travel destinations. Deer Isle 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor It was rebuilt in 1912 and over the years served as a home for theater performances, basketball games, film showings, rollerskating, and the town hall. Cook knows everything about everyone and introduced me to a steady stream of regulars lined up for the shops coffee (roasted right here) and local pastries. The Deer Island - Eastport run takes about 15-20 minutes. The Deer Isle suspension bridge is the only way on or off Deer Isle by land but its so much more than that. I was definitely the only person out on the trails that day. Stonington and Deer Isle are steeped in the arts. There are also other reasons to visit during the peak of the warm season. The only downside to visiting during late spring or early fall is that some businesses and events only run during the peak summer travel season. Deer Isle-Stonington Welcome Center: Located on Little Deer Isle about 1/4 mile after you cross the big bridge, the welcome center is open from mid-May until mid-October from 10:00 AM 4:00 PM. When I say on Deer Isle, Im referring to the island, whereas in Deer Isle refers to the town. Beerits does sell the odd sculpture to people who like them, but I quickly realized the insensitivity of my suggestion. She wanted to tell me about it and said shed be right over. We stumbled upon a place to stay in Stonington, Maine on Deer Isle when looking for a place to stay near Acadia National Park. Whether youre traveling in New York City or a small town in Maine, its important to be a polite guest. But despite its relative lack of renown, its well-worth a detour away from the mainland. Wait a minute, one of the women offered. The Center is staffed by volunteers from mid-May until mid-October from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily. As you are out an about enjoying the nature preserves on the island its important to visit responsibly. , Stonington, 9 Thurlows Hill Rd 9 Thurlows Hill Rd Find out more about us HERE. 207-596-5400. Caterpillar Hill Scenic Turnout for stunning views of Penobscot Bay, the Camden Hills, and surrounding islands as you come down Caterpillar Hill Road towards Deer Isle. I discovered that it is flavored with Gentian Root Extract. Approximate crossing time is 50 minutes. Now a public preserve and important Maine historical site, we encourage all to learn the story of Malaga and those who called the island home. You get that hands on experience thats fun for kids and adults alike. Not only is it a more pleasant experience for visitors when things are less crowded, it also helps spread the tourism dollars out for local businesses. My inspiration as a furniture designer began with Scandinavian and eastern influences. You can find some route ideas here, or ask around locally to see if any groups are riding. Warm temperatures are just one reason to visit during this time of year. Deer Isle-Stonington Maine Chamber of Commerce | Visitor Info Deer Isle Maine: Countdown Travel Guide - Robe trotting And this picture-perfect coffee shop (now expanded to 2 locations on the island) isnt just there for tourists. Explore Maine by Ferry - Maine Islands 44 North Coffee: Deer Isle Location 7 Main Street // Stonington Location (seasonal) 70 Main Street // Follow them on Instagram here. Snapshot: Deer Isle | Travel| Smithsonian Magazine Learn how your comment data is processed. All of this seemed relevant today. With that in mind, here are some ways you can be a respectful traveler and make sure Deer Isle remains a great place to visit and live. In Maine, the ocean doesn't get warm enough for recreational swimming to be common, even in the summer. All that being the case, there is a section of Acadia that you can get to from Deer Isle. Recommended option Bus 3h 6m Take the bus from Deer Isle - Deer Run Apartments to Ellsworth City Hall Stonington Bus It is marked on the park map. All I knew about Deer Isle was that there was nothing you could say about it, but if I didnt go I was crazy.. On the road, Steinbeck despairs at the waste created by our compulsive consumerism and laments the way our natural environment is being slowly poisoned by plastics and refuse. A hubbub ensued, as Fay and her colleagues began talking to one another, looking through files, pulling out copies of local newspapers and checking for leads. Who knows, you may like it, but at the very least you can say that you tried the official soft drink of the state. 15 Main St Deer Isle, Town of ME 04627. Explore Maine by Ferry & Maine Islands , Stonington, 43 N. Main St I availed myself of resources that were here, from an America that has vanished everywhere else. In one of the notes posted in Nellieville he writes: The important thing is that the material has a soul, a history; that it carries a little scrap of myth. There is only one parking area for the trail with 8 parking spots. There are a few turns along the way, but continue following signs for Route 15 and youll end up on Deer Isle. To add a little more to the mix, there is a smaller island called Little Deer Isle, which you drive through to get to the larger island. On my trip in early May, I took my bike on the mail boat to the town landing and biked the 5 miles to Duck Harbor on the southern part of the island. Recommended: Hiking Acadia National Park Falcon Guide has a nice section on Isle au Haut hiking trails. There are several different preserves on the island and all have with hiking trails. The bridge is the only vehicular connection from the Maine mainland to Little Deer Isle, one of the segments that make up the island. Spruce Island is a small, 80 acre private island off Deer Isle/Stonington, Maine. You can only get there via mail boat. When you go to the Opera House in the winter, Sam Ostrow had told me, it isnt really to see movies. While some suggestions are better than others, I find myself drawn to trying the food that the locals suggest. Although Deer Isle is much quieter than those mountains and other islands you can see in the distance (Im looking at you, Camden and Mount Desert Island), its not as quiet during these months. On my day trip to Isle au Haut, I had sufficient time to do the Western Head and Cliff Trails, which boast incredible ocean vistas, stopping for a picnic lunch and plenty of photos. Looking for some evening entertainment? It offers unique opportunities to learn about the marine ecosystem of the area. Deer Isle is full of great outdoor activities and natural wonder preserved through the Main Island Heritage Trust. Arguably, lobster from Maine has the best flavor. There are 4 ways to get from Deer Isle to Maine by car or bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. In addition, the boat service offers lobster-fishing tours, lighthouse tours, and Seal Island Puffin cruises. Downeast Acadia Regional Tourism:Get more ideas for traveling in Downeast Maine here. Nellievilles genius, like the best kinds of live performance, resides in the alchemical reaction that takes place when it interacts with its intended audience, and theres no museum that could contain its feral spirit. Their fees are similar to the mail boats, but they only go to the town landing (per park regulation). As travelers, we can do our part to not put too much burden on local water supply, especially during periods of little rain, by being mindful of water usage. Deer Isle, Maine - Wikipedia Camping: The 5 primitive lean-to campsites at Duck Harbor are open mid-May through mid-October by advance reservation only. When I mentioned that Id been inspired by the fact that Steinbeck had begun his Charley journey here, Cooks response was one of disbelief. The second option is Old Quarry Ocean Adventures, which is an adventure company that offers seasonal service from approximately Memorial Day Labor Day. Heres a run down of five Deer Ise, Maine activities, but theres plenty more waiting for you there. Contact the Deer Isle-Stonington Maine Chamber of Commerce You could say that, yeah! Im not sure if it was the early-spring lack of green elsewhere that made this hike so magical, but I can vouch that the locals who told me to go here were spot on. The ferry is operated by Isle au Haut Boat Services and . Head to the bottom of this post for a custom Google Map with everything listed in the post! He began making his jams and jellies simply as a way to support his artistic practice, which involved repurposing found objects for the sculptures and buildings that became Nellieville. Take in a movie or performance at the Stonington Opera House. These groups collectively make up the Wabanaki Confederacy, which meansPeople of the Dawnland.. However, there are at least some lodging and dining options open year round. As I hung out for an hour or two on a rainy day in early Maywhen there is a distinct lack of outsiders presentthe door seemed to be rotating with regulars who were each greeted by name. Once you get on the strenuous trails, there are no amenities. Mosses, ferns and lichens are common. It was thrilling thrilling to be where Steinbeck himself had been, to stand in the same driveway, to walk into the same house, to look out on the same waters and sandy beaches that hed looked out on. Ask a local where you can find the home, but note that it is privately ownedso please be respectful and dont stop or take photos. Because commercial fishing tends to be profitable here, and because it is often a family affair, with young men regularly dropping out of school to follow their fathers onto the boats, you got a lot of people with very low education and very high income, Reynolds said. Deer Isle is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The Isle au Haut Mail Boat offers regular year-round passenger service to the town landing and seasonal service (June October) to the town landing and Duck Harbor. Reservations can be made starting April 1st, and they book up very quickly. Recommended option Fly to Bar Harbor 11h 26m Fly from Portland (PDX) to Bar Harbor (BHB) PDX - BHB $478 - $1,222 Cheapest option If youre looking for a unique stay with a rich history in a prime location this may be the place to stay. (207) 598-9656. Unless you have your own boat, visiting the Isle au Haut unit of Acadia National Park requires taking a public ferry from Stonington, Maine, a small town west of Mount Desert Island. One time I saw a cow drinking a Michelob Light on the side of the road!. One of the biggest things to consider when planning a vacation in Deer Isle-Stonington is that not everything is open year round. Many visitors prefer to camp and overall, theres the perfect lodging for every taste. I kept hearing about it, but I wouldnt experience it for myself until I followed a small yellow painted road sign pointing toward something called Nervous Nellies Jams and Jellies, a few miles off the main road. At only $20 per site, per night, they offer an affordable way to enjoy Maine in the summer. You dont have to tiptoe around or be afraid to engage, but try to be courteous and stay observantlike when youre snapping photos, driving down main street, or parking on the docks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Airbnb is a great choice and there are several options to choose from on Deer Isle, Maine. The coastal villages around the Blue Hill Peninsula range from tiny to bustling, and exploring them can easily take up a whole day. 43 N. Main St Deer Isle to Maine - 4 ways to travel via car, and bus - Rome2rio A Pilgrimage to a Maine Island in the Footsteps of John Steinbeck I would describe it as a cross between Coke and Root Beer with a bitter aftertaste. Youre kidding me! he said. More than 18 people can be accommodated with prior arrangement. The original opera house was built in 1886 during the granite boom but burned down in 1910 (ironically, on the first night the towns fire hydrants were operational).

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