Deer Isle/Blue Hill Peninsula
Deer Isle/Blue Hill Peninsula
The Blue Hill Peninsula, and especially Deer Isle, are known for lobstering, and rugged coastal scenery. As part of Downeast Maine, the Blue Hill Peninsula is considered by some as “off the beaten path”. That’s part of its appeal. It is easy to get to by car. Whether you are coming across the stunning Fort Knox Bridge from the Midcoast Region, from Bangor, or through Ellsworth from Bar Harbor and Acadia, it is less than a 90 minute drive. Drive a little farther ‘toward the end of the earth’ to another beautiful bridge that takes you across the Eggemoggin Reach to Little Deer Isle, then across a causeway to Deer Isle. There is much to experience in the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle, Maine’s second largest island.
What to Expect:
Scenic and winding roads with views of rugged coastline
Rolling hills, big sky, mossy forests, salt water coves, fresh water ponds, granite outcroppings
Lots of places to experience unparalleled nature, hiking trails of all skill levels, kayaking, forest bathing
Bird-watching, stargazing, beachcombing, blueberries, seafood
Small, quiet, seaside towns and fishing villages, with an artsy streak and a love of all things Maine-made.
Maine’s best kayaking locationMany businesses and restaurants are seasonal, operating from May to October
Stonington, at the south end of Deer Isle, is a harbor town, hauling the largest lobster catch in North America each year. Deer Isle has a long history of granite quarrying and shipbuilding. The Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle have long been known as a summer haven for those from afar, plus for those that long to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature and the sea.
The towns of Blue Hill, Brooksville, Brooklin, Castine, Penobscot, Surry, and Sedgwick make up the Blue Hill Peninsula. Deer Isle is not only the name of the island, but also a village, and the town that makes up the majority of the island. Stonington is a small working harbor town at the south end of Deer Isle.
ARTS, CULTURE, AND MUSEUMS
Blue Hill Peninsula is an area that has inspired many artists and writers. Charlotte’s Web, by EB White, is based on the Blue Hill Fair. Robert McCloskey wrote his classic children’s books about the area and created some of the fictional characters after real people. You can find numerous art galleries tucked away in outbuildings on the artist’s homesteads, and all throughout the villages. There are usually signs that tell you when they are open. Deer Isle is home to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, which brings artists of all types to seasonal workshops and residencies.
In addition to art, the Blue Hill Peninsula offers plenty of culture and a few museums. The Opera House in Stonington is quite exceptional. Don’t miss a summer theater production, which just may take place outdoors, by the coast, or on an expanse of farm. The Opera House has programming year-round, but most live performances take place from May to October.
Places to See:
Maine Center for Coastal fisheries interpretive center, Discovery Wharf where you can learn more about Maine fisheries.
Outdoor Activities by Land and Sea
On the drive from Blue Hill to Deer Isle, you can’t miss the scenic overlook at Caterpillar Hill. Locals consider this the gateway to Deer Isle.
Blue Hill Heritage Trust (BHHT) and Island Heritage Trust (IHT) offer many of the hiking experiences, on conservation land and preserves in the area. The experiences can range from short walks to longer mountain trails, and all offer plenty of wildlife too. On Deer Isle alone, there are more than 10 preserves, and all vary significantly. Time the tide right and get out to an island, climb a steep rock face to get a view of Eggemoggin Reach, sit quietly on a bench and view birds. Try forest bathing at any of the preserves. All you need is a place to sit. Both BHHT and IHT offer self-guided trails, and a calendar of scheduled events. Check with your innkeeper for favorite suggestions.
If being on the water is more your thing, rent a kayak and take a guided tour from a local outfitter, or bring your own ocean-worthy kayak and paddle around the Stonington Archipelago of islands. You can see many types of sea birds and seals. The Eggemoggin Reach is home to the annual Eggemoggin Reach annual regatta. These waters are considered some of the best sailing waters in the United States and the classic boats participating in this race are a sight to be seen. Please be aware that public marinas and docks are few on Deer Isle and in Blue Hill.
Take a Harbor Tour on The Mail Boat, which travels daily to Isle au Haut, just a few miles south of Deer Isle. Part of Isle au Haut is an official section of Acadia National Park. You can take naturalist tours to learn more about the local flora and fauna or hop on a small boat for a tour of Penobscot Bay.
Here are a few additional ideas for outdoor adventures:
Order a picnic lunch from your innkeeper and make a day trip to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert.
Spend the day lounging and swimming at a pond.
Drive around to see The Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail. All the local lighthouses are operational, so you cannot visit them, but may enjoy from afar.
Head to Bangor for a Stephen King Tour, walk along the river, and visit Paul Bunyan.
Dining in Blue hill Peninsula and Deer Isle
Do you love lobster? Do you love wild Maine blueberries? You are in the right place! There is something for everyone on the Blue Hill Peninsula - from seaside shacks to fine dining, coffee shops to microbreweries. There are plenty of farmer’s markets too! There are no bars on Deer Isle, but most restaurants serve alcohol. Please check websites or call ahead for seasonal hours of operation. Reservations may be suggested.
Some of Our Favorites are:
Sandy’s Blue Hill Café for breakfast or lunch, this beautiful house that was turned into a cafe has great food and drinks.
Strong Brewing for a local brew, there is a place to sit outside and enjoy your beer under there pavilion and they sometimes have a food truck or musicians.
44 North Coffee for a pour over cup of coffee from beans roasted there.
Acadia House Provisions Wonderful food over looking the Stonington Harbor.
Fin & Fern with a menu featuring the great local seafood and something meat lovers too.
El El Frijoles from classic mexican to something special with local seafood you can get your fix of this great place.
LDI Lobster sitting under the trees at the picnic tables on the Reach with a wonderful vie of the bridge.
EVENTS
Since nearly all of the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle are made up of seasonal businesses, most events occur between May and October.
In May - Wings, Waves Woods Birding Festival on Deer Isle
In June - Lupines are in bloom this time of year throughout the region, and a driving tour offers wonderful photo opportunities.
In July –Each town has a 4th of July schedule of events. The Deer Isle fireworks and parade are a local favorite
In July – Don’t miss the Castine Plein Air Festival
In August – Be sure to be on hand for the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta
In September – End the summer at the Blue Hill Fair
Ready to start planning your trip? Click here to view the group calendar to check availability.