Vacation Spotlight: Islesboro, Maine

Islesboro, a small island located off the coast of Maine is a wonderful secluded summer getaway. The 14 mile Long Island is located 3 miles off the coast of Lincolnville and only accessible via ferry. This New England summer getaway is popular with big city dwellers seeking a little R&R in a serene setting. You will find many New Yorkers and Bostonians planning trips here each summer. In fact, the population soars from a mere ~500 year round residents to over 3000 during the peak of summer tourism.

Mike and I were lucky enough to live here for a year due to a job relocation. Even though it was super difficult to find a house rental (they are in demand!), everything was smooth sailing after that. We loved the serenity, the gorgeous beaches and nature, and the opportunity to feel like we escaped it all for a year. I love strolling the beaches, collecting beach glass, reading and relaxing, playing tennis, getting to know the locals, and just taking in the scenery every weekend.

Not surprisingly, many celebrities (we learned of John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Chris O’Donnell) have enjoyed second home residences here over the years. Many locals have had experiences with these celebs and commented on how normal and nice they were to everyone.

Perhaps the most unique attribute of this island is the process of getting here. Islesboro is only accessible via ferry from Lincolnville, Maine. The 3 mile 20 minute ride is scenic and peaceful. It’s also super pricey and part of the reason we did not leave the island much during our year living here. Fortunately, the island is so gorgeous that really there is no point in leaving outside of getting essentials and daytrips to nearby coastal towns like Camden (which is home to an amazingly beautiful state park).

Views of Grindle Point Lighthouse greet you as you arrive on the island. This one is pretty old, being that it was established back in 1851. The tower is open to the public in July and August. You can tour the Sailor’s museum and explore the history of the area more via paintings and ship models.

Summer rentals are available although they tend to book well in advance. The island is heavily forested which means it is the ideal vacation choice for anyone looking to relax, read, paint, enjoy nature, hike, bike, and take in beautiful landscapes. You can browse a list of available vacation rentals on the Island Property website. Rentals are typically only available during the summer months. Prices vary depending on size and location.

The house we rented was rustic, but located in a gorgeous setting right across from a beach. It was so nice waking up every morning to a wonderful water view. We often saw deer right outside our bedroom window! We had a hard time finding a year-round rental, but thanks to some work acquaintances, we finally found a beauty right near a beach.

During tourist season, several seasonal businesses open including the Dark Harbor Shop (a casual cafe and souvenir shop), and the Snack Shack (quick snacks and meals by the ferry). The Dark Harbor shop, serving sandwiches and sweet treats, was one of our first stops after moving here. I enjoyed a delicious float here. We often picked up a quick snack at the Shack while waiting for the ferry – they also made the best fries!

Additionally, year-round businesses like the Island Market are available for grocery shopping and prepared snacks. A community center featuring a cafe, fitness center, and ongoing events recently opened its’ doors.

Seaglass: Trash is transformed into gems

It was living on this island that I first learned of seaglass. A young girl and her dad told me and my sister about it and it became a lifelong passion of mine. I now visit beaches all over the country in search of these frosty gems. The seaglass found on the island is very old and well tumbled as it has had years to tumble along the rocky coastline.

For those of you who don’t know, seaglass is the ending product of discarded glass (beaches were often used as public dumps back in the day) that has had decades to tumble along the rocks. The resulting glass resembles a gemstone due to the shiny, smooth appearance and feel. On a sunny day, the glass appears to glisten in the sunlight. Note that you need to watch the signs as many beaches are private.

I found so many rare pieces here including lots of coveted cobalt blue pieces. The most common colors you will typically find are brown, white, and green (beer bottles and other common glass). This island is a bit older and less populated so you can find a lot of rare colors like purple, cornflower blue, turquoise, and even pink.

My prized find is this old bottle stopper that could be over 100 years old. I’ve yet to find an entire bottle still intact but I’ve heard of rare cases (I wonder how it stays in perfect condition after all those years of tumbling?).

A few of the gorgeous water views around the island. It’s such a secluded and natural place and really that is the basis of its’ appeal. The main beach is the Town Beach which features wonderful scenery and some picnic facilities.

And for those of you who like winter…

The real beauty in vacationing here is being surrounded by nothingness. The isolated location makes for a relaxing trip – I can see why so many celebs want to live here unbothered. Peaceful green forests, beautiful ocean views, and quiet rentals lend to a prime destination for a laid-back summer getaway.

It’s a super popular place to bike and jog. I didn’t bike much while living here, but I did do a lot of half marathon training here. Warren Island State Park is a popular place to fish, hike, kayak, and wildlife watch.

Islesboro is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking to escape the congestion and traffic in nearby cities like Boston and New York.

Interesting Tidbit: Islesboro is home to the first recorded solar eclipse in North America. Be on the lookout for the commemorative plaque, located on the northern portion of the island.

Easy day trips to Mid Coast Maine

There are many charming coastal towns to explore in Mid-Coast Maine. One must visit area, if planning a day trip off the island, is definitely the quaint, beautiful town of Camden. This coastal town is home to a picturesque downtown where you will find specialty shops, galleries, local restaurants (my favorite – Camden Deli), and access to the waterfront. The landscaping and scenery in this town is amongst the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The amount of trees is astonishing! Also be sure to check out the beautiful waterfall.

The combination of mountain and harbor views provides a truly idyllic setting, hence the town’s slogan, “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea.” If you are hiking, I recommend climbing Mt. Battie at Camden Hills State Park, an absolutely gorgeous state park featuring over 30 miles of scenic hiking trails.

The highlight of this state park is the incredible vista of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor from the top of Mt. Battie. You have the option of either taking the auto road or being adventurous and embarking on a short (1 mile), but intense hike up to the 800 ft summit. This challenging hike offers rewarding scenery at every angle, not to mention a fabulous workout!

Other great daytrips

• Lincolnville, Maine – There is a small beach right off the ferry and a handful of tourist shops to browse around.
• Bar Harbor, Maine – Home to Acadia National Park. This is another hotspot for collecting seaglass.
• Belfast, Maine – This scenic town features a walkable downtown with plenty of restaurants and local shops. Lots of choices for seafood lovers – I recommend Dockside Family Restaurant.
• Bangor, Maine – The largest shopping destination in Mid Coast Maine.