Bill's Guidebook
Food scene
Includes: Groceries, restaurants, take-out and seasonal farmers’ markets
Delicious food made with fresh, local ingredients - with specials often including local lobster and crab. (And homemade ice cream sandwiches!) This family business is owned by two hardworking artists who also have Makers Market next door which features local crafts and artists as well as local baked goods and other things for your pantry. The restaurant runs out of specials and food on busy days, so go early or have a backup plan if you go later. Wednesday - Saturday 11-7 or until sold out. @el_el_frijoles
68 locals recommend
EL EL FRIJOLES, Mexican Food
41 Caterpillar Hill RdDelicious food made with fresh, local ingredients - with specials often including local lobster and crab. (And homemade ice cream sandwiches!) This family business is owned by two hardworking artists who also have Makers Market next door which features local crafts and artists as well as local baked goods and other things for your pantry. The restaurant runs out of specials and food on busy days, so go early or have a backup plan if you go later. Wednesday - Saturday 11-7 or until sold out. @el_el_frijoles
Our favorite seafood shack. Gorgeous view of the Eggenoggin Reach and the Deer Isle bridge. Outside. Room for kids to play and explore the shore. Our favorite item on the menu is the lobster and bacon roll. It’s made the “Connecticut” method using melted butter instead of mayonnaise.
17 locals recommend
LDI Lobster
202 Little Deer Isle RoadOur favorite seafood shack. Gorgeous view of the Eggenoggin Reach and the Deer Isle bridge. Outside. Room for kids to play and explore the shore. Our favorite item on the menu is the lobster and bacon roll. It’s made the “Connecticut” method using melted butter instead of mayonnaise.
Great indoor or outdoor dining. The charming outdoor space is strung with lights and picnic tables in a pasture-like setting. The inside was updated, as was the menu. We enjoy our time here. There is also an intimate pub downstairs.
42 locals recommend
The Brooklin Inn
22 Reach RdGreat indoor or outdoor dining. The charming outdoor space is strung with lights and picnic tables in a pasture-like setting. The inside was updated, as was the menu. We enjoy our time here. There is also an intimate pub downstairs.
The Blue Hill Wine Shop
138 Main St
Blue Hill Co-op Community Market
70 South St
Tradewinds Marketplace
15 South St
Bagaduce Lunch
145 Frank's Flat
Fish Net
162 Main StBeautiful restaurant, beautiful food, beautuful setting, beautiful 180 degree views along the Maine shore on Deer Isle. Book well in advance. Nationally recognized. Most recently in Food & Wine in August 2024.
45 locals recommend
Aragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove RdBeautiful restaurant, beautiful food, beautuful setting, beautiful 180 degree views along the Maine shore on Deer Isle. Book well in advance. Nationally recognized. Most recently in Food & Wine in August 2024.
Fin and Fern
25 Seabreeze Avenue
Roaring Lion Farm
144 Snow's Cove Rd
Burnt Cove Boil
4 Willie's WayWe offer all our guests a welcome basket which includes locally roasted coffee from 44 North. They offer coffee and pastry at this location and also in Stonington.
25 locals recommend
44 North Coffee
7 Main StWe offer all our guests a welcome basket which includes locally roasted coffee from 44 North. They offer coffee and pastry at this location and also in Stonington.
Bucklyn Coffee
103 Main StAnother stellar coffee option on the Blue Hill Peninsula.
The largest of area farmers’ markets and farm stands. Others include:
@cardingbrookfarm in Brooklin, ME Wednesdays 10-1
Deer Isle Night Market
Wednesdays 4-6
Deer Isle Congregational Church -
57 Church St.
Bucksport Bay Farmers Market
https://m.facebook.com/BucksportBayFarmersMarket/Thursdays 12-3
23 locals recommend
Blue Hill Farmer's Market
233 Ellsworth RdThe largest of area farmers’ markets and farm stands. Others include:
@cardingbrookfarm in Brooklin, ME Wednesdays 10-1
Deer Isle Night Market
Wednesdays 4-6
Deer Isle Congregational Church -
57 Church St.
Bucksport Bay Farmers Market
https://m.facebook.com/BucksportBayFarmersMarket/Thursdays 12-3
Great new farm with farmstand in an historic Maine barn. {About a 30 minute drive from our cabins. Confirm times beforehand and perhaps plan to enjoy historic Castine while in the area.
Tilth & Timber
165 Castine RoadGreat new farm with farmstand in an historic Maine barn. {About a 30 minute drive from our cabins. Confirm times beforehand and perhaps plan to enjoy historic Castine while in the area.
Recently reopened tavern and restaurant in the historic Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle. Beautiful old beams and an enormous fireplace. I never thought I would wax poetic about a pretzel, but their warm pretzels are out of this world.
11 locals recommend
The Whale's Rib Tavern
20 Main StRecently reopened tavern and restaurant in the historic Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle. Beautiful old beams and an enormous fireplace. I never thought I would wax poetic about a pretzel, but their warm pretzels are out of this world.
Looking to cook up your own fresh seafood? This place has fresh local seafood near Stonington lobster capital of the world! 🦞 (local scallops and mussels are excellent in season. Looking for something to embellish your charcuterie spread? They have delicious, smoked local mussels as well. And they also ship lobster just to you, all over the country. Our cousin in Tennessee has had lobster shipped for parties and been very pleased.
8 locals recommend
Coldwater Seafood
100 N Main StLooking to cook up your own fresh seafood? This place has fresh local seafood near Stonington lobster capital of the world! 🦞 (local scallops and mussels are excellent in season. Looking for something to embellish your charcuterie spread? They have delicious, smoked local mussels as well. And they also ship lobster just to you, all over the country. Our cousin in Tennessee has had lobster shipped for parties and been very pleased.
Dennett's at the Wharf
Tinder Hearth
1452 Coastal RdNew restaurant right on the active waterfront in Stonington - Maine’s lobster capital. Eat inside the cozy restaurant or out on their expansive deck which literally hangs over the water. Nothing extremely creative about the food, but good, solid fare.
27 Fathoms Waterfront Grille
New restaurant right on the active waterfront in Stonington - Maine’s lobster capital. Eat inside the cozy restaurant or out on their expansive deck which literally hangs over the water. Nothing extremely creative about the food, but good, solid fare.
Popular seafood stand right on the dock in the center of beautiful, historic Castine.
Safe Harbor Cafe
Popular seafood stand right on the dock in the center of beautiful, historic Castine.
Delicious ice cream made from dairy produced right here in Maine. They are based in Searsport, but they have a delicious seasonal food truck on the town dock in Castine. Generous scoops, pleasant staff.
Stone Fox Farm Creamery
398 E Main StDelicious ice cream made from dairy produced right here in Maine. They are based in Searsport, but they have a delicious seasonal food truck on the town dock in Castine. Generous scoops, pleasant staff.
An historic, super charming inn - an institution and mainstay of this historic town - reenergized by a NY couple. Great wine/cocktail bar - it’s small so call ahead to reserve. Good food too - call ahead to reserve and make certain open to the public - not just guests. Gentle jazz on the porch some nights. And the occasional drag show.
20 locals recommend
Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant
26 Main StAn historic, super charming inn - an institution and mainstay of this historic town - reenergized by a NY couple. Great wine/cocktail bar - it’s small so call ahead to reserve. Good food too - call ahead to reserve and make certain open to the public - not just guests. Gentle jazz on the porch some nights. And the occasional drag show.
Great pizza, beer and other drinks. Music on occasion. Casual, sweet spot lovingly run by it’s owners.
24 locals recommend
Strong Brewing
7 Rope Ferry RdGreat pizza, beer and other drinks. Music on occasion. Casual, sweet spot lovingly run by it’s owners.
Shopping and points of interest
Tasteful, Maine-centric gifts and books.
Leaf & Anna
12 Reach RdBrooklin - just across the Benjamin River from our cabins is known as the “wooden boat building capital of the world” has several boat building operations and this phenomenal, world renowned wooden boat building school. Sailing lessons also offered.
26 locals recommend
Wooden Boat School
41 WoodenBoat LnBrooklin - just across the Benjamin River from our cabins is known as the “wooden boat building capital of the world” has several boat building operations and this phenomenal, world renowned wooden boat building school. Sailing lessons also offered.
Great jams made on the premises and one of a kind art installation -kind of like a small town - to wander through.
41 locals recommend
Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies
598 Sunshine RdGreat jams made on the premises and one of a kind art installation -kind of like a small town - to wander through.
Antiquing downstairs. Books and periodicals upstairs. All in a huge old chicken barn. Great for rainy days.
33 locals recommend
Big Chicken Barn
1768 Bucksport RdAntiquing downstairs. Books and periodicals upstairs. All in a huge old chicken barn. Great for rainy days.
Great, charming local bookshop with books, periodicals, children’s books, & cards.
21 locals recommend
Blue Hill Books
26 Pleasant StGreat, charming local bookshop with books, periodicals, children’s books, & cards.
A sweet spot for the literary set. Maine-centric and of-the-moment books for all ages. Book signings. In-house small bites pastries, beverages m, and sometimes soups for an afternoon nibble while checking out your new books. Also local, fresh flowers and other farm related items on occasion.
9 locals recommend
Compass Rose Books
3 Main StA sweet spot for the literary set. Maine-centric and of-the-moment books for all ages. Book signings. In-house small bites pastries, beverages m, and sometimes soups for an afternoon nibble while checking out your new books. Also local, fresh flowers and other farm related items on occasion.
Beautiful yarns from Maine and abroad. Patterns, clothes, & a large collection of beautiful Maine-centric gifts. Upstairs there is a separate shop for vinyl connoisseurs - Analog Attic.
Mary Margaret’s Mercantile
15 Main StBeautiful yarns from Maine and abroad. Patterns, clothes, & a large collection of beautiful Maine-centric gifts. Upstairs there is a separate shop for vinyl connoisseurs - Analog Attic.
Fine collection of vinyl with a knowledgeable owner. Tucked upstairs from Mary Margaret’s Mercantile.
Analog Attic
15 Main StFine collection of vinyl with a knowledgeable owner. Tucked upstairs from Mary Margaret’s Mercantile.
Gallery representing various artists. Friendly, talented and knowledgeable gallery owner is also an artist. Always fresh work and changing exhibits. Sister space Annex Arts has visiting artists in residence also available and open to the public on certain days. Small to larger works mean there is often something to fit every wallet.
10 locals recommend
Gallery B
5 Main StGallery representing various artists. Friendly, talented and knowledgeable gallery owner is also an artist. Always fresh work and changing exhibits. Sister space Annex Arts has visiting artists in residence also available and open to the public on certain days. Small to larger works mean there is often something to fit every wallet.
Beautiful old library with old clocks and other knickknacks. Lots of activities for families. Visitors can join for a simple, refundable $25 fee to have full use of the library during their time here.
Witherle Memorial Library
41 School StBeautiful old library with old clocks and other knickknacks. Lots of activities for families. Visitors can join for a simple, refundable $25 fee to have full use of the library during their time here.
MAE llc
49 Main StBeautiful clothing/lifestyle store
Aragosta has added an excellent shop at their location. Super cute, it has everything local from local cuts of meat to beauty products, gifts and books for little ones. A sweet resource if you find yourself out on Deer Isle in need of gifty things or items to fill your tummy.
45 locals recommend
Aragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove RdAragosta has added an excellent shop at their location. Super cute, it has everything local from local cuts of meat to beauty products, gifts and books for little ones. A sweet resource if you find yourself out on Deer Isle in need of gifty things or items to fill your tummy.
Sightseeing
Renowned arts and crafts summer school recently named as one of the 25 most significant works of modern architecture in the post war period. Also named as one of the American Institute of Architects “Architecture 25” significant works of architecture. Lectures, art viewings, tours on Wednesdays. Seasonal. Must reserve well in advance for tours.
29 locals recommend
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
89 Haystack School DrRenowned arts and crafts summer school recently named as one of the 25 most significant works of modern architecture in the post war period. Also named as one of the American Institute of Architects “Architecture 25” significant works of architecture. Lectures, art viewings, tours on Wednesdays. Seasonal. Must reserve well in advance for tours.
Isle au Haut
A separate part of Acadia on the mainland. Gorgeous hiking and views without the crowds.
77 locals recommend
Schoodic Peninsula
A separate part of Acadia on the mainland. Gorgeous hiking and views without the crowds.
A major reason we chose to live in this area. So much to do. Hike mountains with 180 degree views of the Gulf of Maine. Helpful in getting around while you’re out on Mount Desert Isle: http://exploreacadia.com/?fbclid=IwAR0DNNpQpQkrfRVUvcWI4fWgSXM1K8uZx1ZwBaKGkWuK9jhI2wvE9u5snLo&fs=e&s=cl
585 locals recommend
Acadia National Park
A major reason we chose to live in this area. So much to do. Hike mountains with 180 degree views of the Gulf of Maine. Helpful in getting around while you’re out on Mount Desert Isle: http://exploreacadia.com/?fbclid=IwAR0DNNpQpQkrfRVUvcWI4fWgSXM1K8uZx1ZwBaKGkWuK9jhI2wvE9u5snLo&fs=e&s=cl
Charming, historic town with quaint shops & eateries. Hike Blue Hill. Enjoy the waterfront park.
87 locals recommend
Blue Hill
Charming, historic town with quaint shops & eateries. Hike Blue Hill. Enjoy the waterfront park.
Quaint seaside town. One of the oldest in New England, it has flown under British, French, Dutch & American Flags. Paul Revere spent time here as did other historic figures. There are 5 historic battlefields in the town. A notable natural feature is the presence of around 300 large American elms, which were saved from Dutch Elm disease by the community. So the town is one of the last places on earth you can the large elms, which used to be a primary tree in the United States. Witherle Woods Preserve is a large nature preserve right in the town which also has shopping, dining, kayaking. Maine Maritime Academy calls Castine home, and the student adds a wonderful energy in town for most of the year, although it’s a bit quieter when students are away for the summer.
34 locals recommend
Castine
Quaint seaside town. One of the oldest in New England, it has flown under British, French, Dutch & American Flags. Paul Revere spent time here as did other historic figures. There are 5 historic battlefields in the town. A notable natural feature is the presence of around 300 large American elms, which were saved from Dutch Elm disease by the community. So the town is one of the last places on earth you can the large elms, which used to be a primary tree in the United States. Witherle Woods Preserve is a large nature preserve right in the town which also has shopping, dining, kayaking. Maine Maritime Academy calls Castine home, and the student adds a wonderful energy in town for most of the year, although it’s a bit quieter when students are away for the summer.
Tour the waters of Castine via kayak with well-trained guides. They also offer stars gazing night paddles. {Maine skies are fantastic for star-gazing since we have so little light pollution.) The waters of Castine are bioluminescent at night, so they glow as your kayak paddle strokes through the water. Schedule ahead of your visit to plan an experience that you will always remember. They also offer bike rentals.
23 locals recommend
Castine Kayak Adventures
17 Sea StTour the waters of Castine via kayak with well-trained guides. They also offer stars gazing night paddles. {Maine skies are fantastic for star-gazing since we have so little light pollution.) The waters of Castine are bioluminescent at night, so they glow as your kayak paddle strokes through the water. Schedule ahead of your visit to plan an experience that you will always remember. They also offer bike rentals.
The Activity Shop
139 Mines RdKayak and bike rentals.
Just a few steps from your cabin can get you to our town landing where you can watch lobster boats, kelp farmers, sailboats and kayaks navigate the waters of the Benjamin River. Look to your right to see out into the Eggemoggin Reach - some of the best sailing on the east coast. Head down really early to see the lobsterers load their traps and head out to sea. Or catch them by chance later in the day when they return with their catch.
Sedgwick Town Dock
Just a few steps from your cabin can get you to our town landing where you can watch lobster boats, kelp farmers, sailboats and kayaks navigate the waters of the Benjamin River. Look to your right to see out into the Eggemoggin Reach - some of the best sailing on the east coast. Head down really early to see the lobsterers load their traps and head out to sea. Or catch them by chance later in the day when they return with their catch.
Beautiful pond with clear, clean, cold water. Has a dock and boat ramp, a roped off area for swimming, a separate beach popular for families with small children, and picnic tables in a little forested area right next to the water. This pond was once home to one of the largest ice harvesting companies, shipping ice around the world packed in sawdust. Just over one edge of the pond is saltwater access. A huge conveyor system carried the ice to waiting barges. All that was disassembled after manufactured ice was invented. And now, it’s just a wonderfully special place to take a cool dip.
13 locals recommend
Walker Pond
Beautiful pond with clear, clean, cold water. Has a dock and boat ramp, a roped off area for swimming, a separate beach popular for families with small children, and picnic tables in a little forested area right next to the water. This pond was once home to one of the largest ice harvesting companies, shipping ice around the world packed in sawdust. Just over one edge of the pond is saltwater access. A huge conveyor system carried the ice to waiting barges. All that was disassembled after manufactured ice was invented. And now, it’s just a wonderfully special place to take a cool dip.
Though it’s just a pull off from the busy road, this is the most expansive view in the area. You can see all the way to the Camden Hills and Rockland and beyond as well as over to Isle au Haut. The Deer Isle isle bridge is just to the left. Thought it is spectacular on any clear day, sunsets here are incredible.
There is also a Blue Hill Heritage Trust path through the blueberry fields below. Free and open to the public. And you can pick your own blueberries when in season!
Caterpillar Hill Road
Caterpillar Hill RoadThough it’s just a pull off from the busy road, this is the most expansive view in the area. You can see all the way to the Camden Hills and Rockland and beyond as well as over to Isle au Haut. The Deer Isle isle bridge is just to the left. Thought it is spectacular on any clear day, sunsets here are incredible.
There is also a Blue Hill Heritage Trust path through the blueberry fields below. Free and open to the public. And you can pick your own blueberries when in season!
This wonderful organization has preserved much land in our area. And they offer numerous trails for you to enjoy during your stay. Check out their trail listings.
36 locals recommend
Blue Hill Heritage Trust
157 Hinckley Ridge RdThis wonderful organization has preserved much land in our area. And they offer numerous trails for you to enjoy during your stay. Check out their trail listings.
Another great organization preserving land and offering hiking trails and access to islands. Check out their listings.
19 locals recommend
Island Heritage Trust
420 Sunset RdAnother great organization preserving land and offering hiking trails and access to islands. Check out their listings.
A pretty hike with views of water through the trees along the shore.
16 locals recommend
Edgar M. Tennis Preserve
Tennis RoadA pretty hike with views of water through the trees along the shore.
Preserve with hiking on more remote peninsula off of Blue Hill Peninsula. Can be heavy with mosquitos near parking. We recommend heading up the hill for your hike, and maybe finding a place to have lunch along the trail.
While you’re out this way you can also visit ”the Good Life Center” which was home to Helen & Scott Nearing - a couple very influential in the back to the earth, self-sufficient life popularized in the mid-century era. Their iconic book “the Good Life” influenced a whole generation of back to the earth enthusiasts. Visitors can tour the grounds, speak with the caretakers, which are part of a summer residency program each year, and attend occasional lectures throughout the season.
58 locals recommend
Holbrook Island Sanctuary
172 Indian Bar RdPreserve with hiking on more remote peninsula off of Blue Hill Peninsula. Can be heavy with mosquitos near parking. We recommend heading up the hill for your hike, and maybe finding a place to have lunch along the trail.
While you’re out this way you can also visit ”the Good Life Center” which was home to Helen & Scott Nearing - a couple very influential in the back to the earth, self-sufficient life popularized in the mid-century era. Their iconic book “the Good Life” influenced a whole generation of back to the earth enthusiasts. Visitors can tour the grounds, speak with the caretakers, which are part of a summer residency program each year, and attend occasional lectures throughout the season.
”the Good Life Center” was home to Helen & Scott Nearing - a couple very influential in the back to the earth, self-sufficient life popularized in the mid-century era. Their iconic book “the Good Life” influenced a whole generation of back to the earth enthusiasts. Though the Nearings have passed on, their legacy lives on. Visitors can tour the grounds of their home and farm, speak with the caretakers, which are part of a summer residency program each year, and attend occasional lectures throughout the season.
22 locals recommend
Good Life Center
372 Harborside Rd”the Good Life Center” was home to Helen & Scott Nearing - a couple very influential in the back to the earth, self-sufficient life popularized in the mid-century era. Their iconic book “the Good Life” influenced a whole generation of back to the earth enthusiasts. Though the Nearings have passed on, their legacy lives on. Visitors can tour the grounds of their home and farm, speak with the caretakers, which are part of a summer residency program each year, and attend occasional lectures throughout the season.
Quaint town popular with the literary set. E.B. White called this town home as have many writers. (EBW’s home is not open to the public, though you can see it as you drive through town.) Head down to Naskeag Point for a look about. Great, local library with feee wifi conveniently located under a tent outside during the summer. Great 4th of July parade.
13 locals recommend
Brooklin
Quaint town popular with the literary set. E.B. White called this town home as have many writers. (EBW’s home is not open to the public, though you can see it as you drive through town.) Head down to Naskeag Point for a look about. Great, local library with feee wifi conveniently located under a tent outside during the summer. Great 4th of July parade.
Culture
The Blue Hill area and surrounds are home to many cultural offerings including music, the arts, crafts, and festivals. These are a few of our faves.
Incredible classical summer music venue with camp vibe. Students/young musicians and master instructors converge for great concerts, master classes and jam sessions in their tiny lodge and screen porch concert space.
8 locals recommend
Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival and School
137 Pleasant StIncredible classical summer music venue with camp vibe. Students/young musicians and master instructors converge for great concerts, master classes and jam sessions in their tiny lodge and screen porch concert space.
The New Surry Theatre and Performing Arts School
18 Union St
Opera House Arts
1 School St
First Congregational Church of Blue Hill
22 Tenney HillLocation of Bach Festival https://bluehillbach.org/
An international repository of sheet music. Visit their library, check their calendar for performances, take a stroll through their native fauna garden.
Bagaduce Music
49 South StAn international repository of sheet music. Visit their library, check their calendar for performances, take a stroll through their native fauna garden.
Look for performances by Blue Hill Flash in the Pans. Steel drums were introduced to the Blue Hill Peninsula in the 70’s by a resident who spent time in the Caribbean. Performances in various venues and towns on the peninsula are much loved by locals and visitors. Great for all ages. Listen or dance along!
https://www.flashinthepans.org
87 locals recommend
Blue Hill
Look for performances by Blue Hill Flash in the Pans. Steel drums were introduced to the Blue Hill Peninsula in the 70’s by a resident who spent time in the Caribbean. Performances in various venues and towns on the peninsula are much loved by locals and visitors. Great for all ages. Listen or dance along!
https://www.flashinthepans.org
Not some dusty attic, but a small, though well-researched institution with informative permanent and changing exhibits. They also offer free walking tours around the town which has a long and rich history.
15 locals recommend
Castine Historical Society
17 School StNot some dusty attic, but a small, though well-researched institution with informative permanent and changing exhibits. They also offer free walking tours around the town which has a long and rich history.
Eclectic museum which also has an associated historic house and a demonstration blacksmithing studio on their campus.
19 locals recommend
The Wilson Museum
107 Perkins StEclectic museum which also has an associated historic house and a demonstration blacksmithing studio on their campus.
Very active library. Great resource for visitors. All Maine libraries offer free wifi which can be useful as broadband access on the peninsula is limited. Great resources for children. Readings and other activities like an on-going book sale.
25 locals recommend
Blue Hill Public Library
5 Parker Point RdVery active library. Great resource for visitors. All Maine libraries offer free wifi which can be useful as broadband access on the peninsula is limited. Great resources for children. Readings and other activities like an on-going book sale.
Friend Memorial Public Library
1 Reach RdGreat, active, friendly local library.