Visiting Deer Isle
Deer Isle is still very much a working waterfront- it is the largest lobster port in the country, in fact. It is full of trails, coves, and places to explore. September is also just a wonderful time to visit coastal Maine- the tourists are mostly gone, but things are still open. If you would like to extend your Maine visit, please feel free to reach out to us for suggestions.
HIKING
September on Deer Isle is really beautiful. Most of the busy tourist time has passed by then, so the island feels quiet and relaxed but the weather is still good enough (knock on wood) that the water is accessible. (Photo to the left of Robert, Anna, and Maya on Barred Island not taken in September, we promise.)
Barred Island Nature Preserve is a beautiful, relatively flat walk that goes out to a sandbar and a tidal island. PLEASE check the tides so you aren't stranded on the island, the tides come in faster than you would think!
Tennis Nature Preserve is in the Sunshine region of the island, and is a lovely set of trails along the water. Lots of good bird watching here.
Isle au Haut is known as the "quiet part" of Acadia. It is a bit of a trek to get to, you can get there by mailboat leaving from Stonington. A series of trails runs all over the southern part of the island, looking out of rugged and beautiful rocky coastline. From Isle au Haut it's a straight shot down to the Dominican Republic, so some crazy waves roll in.
Eagle Island is just off of Sylvester's cove. A mailboat called "The Katherine" goes there a few times a day. There are nice short hikes to a lighthouse there.
If you're just looking for a quick run (hi, Robert's Dartmouth friends!), the "loop" around Sylvester's Cove is three miles. Keep an eye out for Anna's mom and sister, they are the queens of the loop walk.
KID FRIENDLY THINGS
All of the above hikes are super kid friendly. However, if that's not your thing, there are tons of rocky beaches full of tidepools and beach treasures. Find one of Anna's cousins for the inside scoop, or hang out on the beach in front of Anna's grandmother's house. Pro tip- if you want to swim, go at high tide, the rocks baking in the sun all day can make the water feel warmer. Or that might just be a lie we tell ourselves.
Nervous Nellie's Jam's and Jellies is a REALLY fun place to go with kids. In addition to the great jams and jellies, the people who own it are artists who make huge sculptures that tell fairytales out of reclaimed objects.
Take the Isle au Haut Mailboat for just a quick little cruise around Stonington to look for seals!
Stonington is the fishing village at the end of the island. It's beautiful, and a true working waterfront still. There's also a little Doll House Village that Anna used to love as a kid.
An old friend named Walker runs a tour company called Good Tide Tours- he takes his old lobster boat around the best hidden spots and knows this area like the back of his hand.
Find Anna's parents and ask if you can borrow a kayak!
PLACES TO EAT
To be honest, places on Deer Isle are kind of limited for eating that time of year. For delicious coffee and pastries, check out 44 North Coffee- they have a location in Deer Isle Village, just a few minutes from the wedding, and a bigger cafe in Stonington. They also carry yummy beer, wine, and snacks like cheese and tinned fish. They’re owned by Anna’s friend Megan and Melissa who are just all-around delightful.
Aragosta is fancy fancy, but they do brunch on the weekends. It's BEAUTIFUL, and right near the Barred Island Nature Preserve.
Whale's Rib Tavern is in the Pilgrim's Inn, and is cute!
For groceries, Burnt Cove Market in Stonington has a decent selection, but if you want to grab food, you might be best off stopping at the Blue Hill Food Coop or Trade Winds Market in Blue Hill on your way into town.
For a traditional lobster roll, check out Little Deer Isle Lobster just by the Deer Isle Bridge. I think you can BYOB?
If you’re looking for lobster to take home and cook yourself, Greenhead Lobster and Stonington Lobster Coop sell lobsters that were just caught that day. Ask them to go down to the dock to pick them out! Get soft shells, and ask for female lobsters (more tail meat.) Anna’s friend Abby has an oyster farm called Long Cove Oysters, you can order oysters from her and pick them up day-of. They are phenomenal, cannot recommend highly enough!
Can't say I recommend Fisherman's Friend or Stonecutter's Kitchen in Stonington, TBH. Just....don't.
