What to do!
Explore the Maine Mid-coast Region
Ames Pond: A must see! Lily covered pond with beaver, water fowl and other wildlife. Located on Indian Point Road. Nice walk for any in-town Stonington guest or visitor.
Bicycling: Ample biking opportunities available throughout Deer Isle, including a number of bike rental facilities. Superior biking exists at Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park, and reachable by Isle au Haut Ferry, Stonington. Hiking, too.
Blue Hill: Charming town north of Deer Isle (you may even pass through on your way to Deer Isle) with quaint shops, galleries, restaurants and much more. Hikers will enjoy the trails up Blue Hill Mountain, opening up to extensive views of the area. More information available at the Blue Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Brooksville: Quiet coastal community. Steel drum band performances at Buck Harbor.
Castine: Another charming seaside town with shops, restaurants and galleries. Home to the Maine Maritime Academy.
Ellsworth: Neat town at top of peninsula with charming downtown - great shopping, ample antiques, activities, movies, restaurants – even an L.L. Bean outlet store. If you like pizza, visit Pat’s Pizza – excellent pizza!! Ellsworth also houses the closest Wal Mart and Home Depot, and several sports outfitters. You will pass through this town on day trips from Deer Isle over to Bar Harbor and Acadia.
Events Calendar: Visit the Deer Isle/Stonington Chamber of Commerce for a calendar of local events.
Fishing/Hunting/Naturalist: Expert guided Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Paddle Trips with Registered Master Maine Guide, David Cassidy. Located on Deer Isle, Dave provides all-season, fresh water fishing (Trout, Bass, Pickerel, Perch, etc), including winter season ice fishing, on nearby lakes, ponds and streams. Dave also provides guided hunting for white-tailed deer, duck and turkey, utilizing firearms, bow and black powder (season mandated). Nature guided trips, too. Call 1-207-348-7743 or e-mail: davesguideservice@hypernet.com.
Haystack School of Crafts: International renowned craft school specializing in a variety of craft media including clay, glass, metals, paper, blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking and more. During the summer, Haystack faculty, artists, technical assistants and staff share their inspirations, ideas and work as part of an Evening Presentation Series. Presentations include slide lectures, musical performances, and readings of their work by poets and writers. Auctions held at end of each session, offering work donated by session participants.
Inn on the Harbor: (Espresso Bar) Inn on the Harbor is an 1880's Inn built out over the harbor in the center of Stonington village. From 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily (May through December) their Espresso Bar is open to the public offering a delicious array of homemade desserts and great hot or iced drinks. Enjoy these delicacies inside or outside on their flower covered harbor deck. Watch the island's lobstering fleet and the wonderful Windjammers as they pass in and out of Stonington Harbor.
 Island Cow Ice Cream Store: Charming and delicious ice cream store, Main Street, Stonington.
Island Guided Tours: Captain Walt Reed provides a private bout tour of the area on his revamped lobster boat, The Gael. Capt. Reed is a professional biologist and Registered Guide, and is affiliated with the Maine Island Trail Association and Island Heritage Trust. Captain Reed is well versed in a variety of forums, and is pleased to tailor his tour of the area to reflect your interest, including but not limited issues relating to Deer Isle’s biology, geology, history, etc.
Island Heritage Trust: A must do! The Island Heritage Trust is dedicated to the conservation of significant open space, scenic areas, wildlife habitats, natural resources, and historic and cultural features that offer public benefit and are essential to the character of the Deer Isle area. Through the IHT, many preserves, trails and lands have been made available to the public, and offer an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty of the area. Be sure to visit the IHT website where maps and information are provided for the following preserves: Barred Island, Crockett Cove Preserve, Mariners Memorial Park, Holt Mill Pond, Tennis Preserve, Reach Beach at Gray’s Cove, Settlement Quarry, Shore Acres Preserve and Causeway Beach.
 Isle au Haut Ferry: Shuttles passengers to nearby Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park, or on scenic tours that provide another venue for exploring Maine's beautiful coastline.
Kayaking: Eggemoggin Landing Kayak Rentals (348-6115), Finist Kind Canoe and Kayak Rentals (348-7714), or Old Quarry Kayak, Canoe and Sailboat Rentals (367-8977). For guided tours, we strongly recommend Dana and Anne Douglass of Granite Island Guide Service (348-2668) Anne and Dana Douglass are both registered Maine Guides who enjoy sharing their love of nature with those who travel with them.
 Lily Pond: A must see! Pristine Lake near downtown Deer Isle. Provides warmer water for swimming, nice picnic spot, beautiful setting. Pull in at entrance for Deer Run Apartments (off Rte. 15 just north of downtown Deer Isle.). Will see signs for designated parking for pond. Follow path through woods to pond (lake).
Museums/Historical: The Granite Museum – Explains history and interesting aspect of the earlier and current day area granite trade. ….. The Deer Isle – Stonington Historical Society ….
 Nervous Nellies Jams and Jellies & Peter Beerits Sculpture: A must see! Nestled on an old farm orchard, this idyllic setting of rustic outbuildings combines whimsical sculpture, homemade jams and a seasonal tea room. Consider combining hiking at Tennis Preserve with your visit to Nervous Nellies – located within close proximity of each other.
Scenic Spots: Caterpillar Hill, “Stonington Mountain,” Light House on Little Deer Isle, Settlement Quarry
Stonington Opera House: A must do! Stonington Opera House Arts is a non-profit organization offering a full, year round schedule of film, performances, workshops and community events. Be sure to check their calendar to see what is offered during your stay. The 2006 season has a variety of events scheduled that include: play-reading series, community performances, bands, theater, opera, movies, art camp, comedy/vaudeville, dance, workshops, 2006 Jazz Festival, Lupine Festival activities and much more! Tours available of this nationally registered historic opera house, originally constructed in 1893.
Tour of Galleries: Those appreciating a variety of art will enjoy the Tour of Galleries, an assortment of artists' homes located around the island showcasing their own, unique style of art. Open to the public. Printed guides available at the Island Information Booth or within businesses throughout the town Island. |
Explore one of Maine’s most picturesque and unspoiled coastal regions, where retreating glaciers left behind an archipelago of nearly 60 islands. Connected to the mainland by a remarkable suspension bridge, Deer Isle is one of the more easily accessed and largest of these awe-inspiring islands (second largest of Maine’s 1000+ islands). Marvel at the breath-taking scenery of this spruce-clad island, where its rugged shorelines, shimmering blue waters, and undulating countryside beckon those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Trails abound throughout the island, traversing fields of lupine, lush forest, blueberry barrens, and meander along inlets and coves or along pristine lakes. In harmony with this idyllic setting, the town of Stonington is a century old fishing village at the southern tip of Deer Isle. Its stunning harbor shelters Maine’s second largest lobstering fleet. This charming coastal town is home to delightful restaurants, museums, theater, shops, galleries, antiques and more, providing just the right amount of activity to complement this peaceful setting.
Historic homes dot the cascading hillside down to Stonington Harbor, providing many with unsurpassed ocean views and charming accommodations from which to enjoy this scenic harbor town. More privately situated homes are scattered throughout the island and offer an even quieter escape to relish this scenic hideaway.
Graced with the distinguished Haystack School of Crafts, the area has attracted a creative mix of craftspeople, artists, writers, photographers, and musicians, while preserving a treasured unpretentiousness that visitors and Mainers savor.
Festivals and special events, such as the Lupine Festival, Annual Lobster Boat Races, Fish Fry on the Docks, The Regatta, Down East Race Week, Fisherman’s Day, art camps, lobster dinners, art shows, church suppers and socials, and much, much more provide a creative assortment of events to further heighten your stay.
Island Heritage Trust, an active conservation group, has facilitated the public accessibility to several noteworthy, scenic areas.
|
