If you’re heading Down East this summer, or even if you’re already there, here’s a list of five not-to-be-missed islands in Maine from New England Today. Chances are, you may already have been to some of them, in which case these pictures may touch some favorite memories. But the chances are better that you haven’t been to all five, so here are some fresh ideas for your destinations file.
Chebeague Island in Casco Bay, the largest island in Casco Bay, is just ten miles from Portland, and it has the flavor and feel of an elegant summer resort town. It’s full of old houses, 25 miles of winding scenic roads, and one of the best hidden beaches in New England. Its only hotel, the Chebeague Island Inn, has a huge wraparound porch to die for.
Squirrel Island is three miles from the bustle and tourists of Boothbay Harbor, and it’s the home of Maine’s oldest summer colony, with about 100 summer cottages. Cars and bikes are prohibited, but the island has five miles of sidewalks so you can stretch your legs. The island got its name because it’s supposed to look like a squirrel holding an acorn.
Vinalhaven Island on Penobscot Bay (see picture above) has the state’s largest year-round island community. There are few cars, but Vinalhaven has several swimming quarries, a picnic-perfect nature preserve, and one of the world’s largest lobster fleets.
Monhegan, one of my personal favorite day-cruising destinations, is 12 miles off Port Clyde on the mainland, with a rugged natural beauty, stunning scenery and hiking trails offering panoramic views. You’ll want to visit the 1850 lighthouse that’s now a museum, and you’ll see dozens of artists at work outside their summer homes and galleries around the island. You can tie up in the protected harbor and then grab a sandwich or some homemade baked goods at the little store at the top of the dock.
Mount Desert Island has 108 miles of rocky coastline plus the mountains and woodlands of Acadia National Park. It’s a nature lovers dream, with hiking trails, fantastic views and the bustling shops, restaurants and inns in tourist-friendly Bar Harbor. But Mount Desert is large enough that you can get away from it all at spots like Thurston’s Lobster Pound in Bass Harbor, at the tip of the island, for one of the state’s better lobster rolls. You also can head down to Southwest Harbor to visit some iconic Down East boat builders, including Hinckley, Wilbur and Ellis, among others. Read more:
https://newengland.com/today/travel/maine/best-maine-islands-to-visit-this-summer/
