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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
LDI Lobster
202 Little Deer Isle RoadTinderhearth is a magical place with really amazing artisanal pizza. Most seating is outside. They have an incredible garden where you’ll see children running around playing tag and climbing the old apple trees. The trick will be getting a reservation. See the photo images from their Instagram to see how it works. It’s a lottery system. You call on a particular day, and they call you back to let you know if you’re one of the lucky ones that gets to eat there.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tinder Hearth
1452 Coastal RdTinderhearth is a magical place with really amazing artisanal pizza. Most seating is outside. They have an incredible garden where you’ll see children running around playing tag and climbing the old apple trees. The trick will be getting a reservation. See the photo images from their Instagram to see how it works. It’s a lottery system. You call on a particular day, and they call you back to let you know if you’re one of the lucky ones that gets to eat there.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 StBlue Hill Co-op Community Market
70 South StTradewinds Marketplace
15 South StBagaduce Lunch
145 Frank's FlatFish Net
162 Main StAragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove RdFin and Fern
25 Seabreeze AvenueRoaring Lion Farm
144 Snow's Cove RdBurnt Cove Boil
4 Willie's WayAuthentic local fare, but freshened up with a great menu from New York chef with longtime connections to Stonington. Delicious breakfasts with the local lobsterers and dinner after your day out and about.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harbor Cafe
36 Main StAuthentic local fare, but freshened up with a great menu from New York chef with longtime connections to Stonington. Delicious breakfasts with the local lobsterers and dinner after your day out and about.
Dennett’s Wharf was a much loved restaurant that had been missed for several years. Recently re-established by an acclaimed NYC restaurateur who also has Harbor Cafe in nearby Stonington.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dennett's Wharf of Castine
15 Sea StreetDennett’s Wharf was a much loved restaurant that had been missed for several years. Recently re-established by an acclaimed NYC restaurateur who also has Harbor Cafe in nearby Stonington.
The Captain's Catch
5 Sea 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.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
Another stellar coffee option on the Blue Hill Peninsula.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
Sedgwick has its very own brewing company. And their pizza is wonderful! Outdoor music sometimes. Call and order your pizza ahead to save time. Carry out or eat inside small dining area or outside.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Strong Brewing
7 Rope Ferry RdSedgwick has its very own brewing company. And their pizza is wonderful! Outdoor music sometimes. Call and order your pizza ahead to save time. Carry out or eat inside small dining area or outside.
Informal place in an old farm structure that is literally tilting way over. It’s a memorable visit. It’s wine made with fruit. Not a favorite for our taste buds, but certainly unique. Tastings offered.
The Sow's Ear Winery
303 Coastal RdInformal place in an old farm structure that is literally tilting way over. It’s a memorable visit. It’s wine made with fruit. Not a favorite for our taste buds, but certainly unique. Tastings offered.
You’ve never been in a wine bar that looked like this. World leaders both the good and the bad line the walls from floor to ceiling in this beautiful room. A sommelier offers up a great selection for you. Small plates are offered. Some summer nights live jazz is wafts in from the porch just outside the door. It’s a tiny place. Reserve ahead so you won’t be sad you couldn’t join the fun.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant
26 Main StYou’ve never been in a wine bar that looked like this. World leaders both the good and the bad line the walls from floor to ceiling in this beautiful room. A sommelier offers up a great selection for you. Small plates are offered. Some summer nights live jazz is wafts in from the porch just outside the door. It’s a tiny place. Reserve ahead so you won’t be sad you couldn’t join the fun.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Schoodic Peninsula
A separate part of Acadia on the mainland. Gorgeous hiking and views without the crowds.
Charming, historic town with quaint shops & eateries. Hike Blue Hill. Enjoy the waterfront park.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 StOpera House Arts
1 School StFirst 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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
Great, active, friendly local library.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Friend Memorial Public Library
1 Reach RdGreat, active, friendly local library.