Cape Cottage Guidebook
Grocery stores
The closest country store with most of the necessities. It's the same market where Sal and her sister Jane bought ice cream in One Morning in Maine (on the bookshelf!)
30 locals recommend
Buck's Harbor Market
6 Cornfield Hill RdThe closest country store with most of the necessities. It's the same market where Sal and her sister Jane bought ice cream in One Morning in Maine (on the bookshelf!)
This country store has all of the necessities and has longer hours of operation that the Bucks Harbor Market. It also sells liquor and is the closest place to buy gas.
15 locals recommend
Eggemoggin Country Store
119 Caterpillar Hill RdThis country store has all of the necessities and has longer hours of operation that the Bucks Harbor Market. It also sells liquor and is the closest place to buy gas.
This is a wonderful local supermarket. It has everything you may need including many local ingredients, seafood, alcohol, an extensive beer and wine selection and there is gas out front and a Walgreens pharmacy next door.
82 locals recommend
Tradewinds Marketplace
15 South StThis is a wonderful local supermarket. It has everything you may need including many local ingredients, seafood, alcohol, an extensive beer and wine selection and there is gas out front and a Walgreens pharmacy next door.
beach spots
This is a wonderful public beach open to all. Bring beach chairs (in the shed) and a picnic and stay for the day! This is also a great bike ride from the cottage.
Bakeman Beach
This is a wonderful public beach open to all. Bring beach chairs (in the shed) and a picnic and stay for the day! This is also a great bike ride from the cottage.
This is a free state park open all year from 9:00 until sunset. There are hiking trails marked along Cape Rosier Road. There is also a beautiful beach and picnic area within the sanctuary accessed from Indian Bar Road
58 locals recommend
Holbrook Island Sanctuary
172 Indian Bar RdThis is a free state park open all year from 9:00 until sunset. There are hiking trails marked along Cape Rosier Road. There is also a beautiful beach and picnic area within the sanctuary accessed from Indian Bar Road
a breathtakingly beautiful SAND beach! located on park loop road in Acadia National Park. Open dusk to dawn. There are bathrooms and changing rooms in the parking area.
93 locals recommend
Sand Beach
a breathtakingly beautiful SAND beach! located on park loop road in Acadia National Park. Open dusk to dawn. There are bathrooms and changing rooms in the parking area.
Activities
This is the best place to rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc. They do weekly rentals that include life jackets and paddles and their rental fees are very reasonable. They will even deliver for no additional charge! We recommend renting sea kayaks to paddle from Bakeman's beach to Pond Island, a preserved island with breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay! If you want to leave the kayaks at Bakeman's beach no one will mess with them but make sure they're above the high tide mark!
40 locals recommend
The Activity Shop
139 Mines RdThis is the best place to rent paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc. They do weekly rentals that include life jackets and paddles and their rental fees are very reasonable. They will even deliver for no additional charge! We recommend renting sea kayaks to paddle from Bakeman's beach to Pond Island, a preserved island with breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay! If you want to leave the kayaks at Bakeman's beach no one will mess with them but make sure they're above the high tide mark!
Our family always called this mountain "Aunt Sally's Mountain" but Blue hill Heritage Trust recently preserved it and it has officially been name John B Mountain. It's a short uphill hike to a beautiful view overlooking Horseshoe Cove. It's approximately .75 each way. You access it from Breezemere Road and there's parking on the right hand side of the road by the trail head.
7 locals recommend
John B Mountain
Our family always called this mountain "Aunt Sally's Mountain" but Blue hill Heritage Trust recently preserved it and it has officially been name John B Mountain. It's a short uphill hike to a beautiful view overlooking Horseshoe Cove. It's approximately .75 each way. You access it from Breezemere Road and there's parking on the right hand side of the road by the trail head.
The former home of Helen and Scott Nearing, radical economists, educators, writers, political activists, pacifists, vegetarians and advocates for simple living who developed a community embracing the "back to the land" movement right here in Harborside. The mission of the Good Life Center is now to perpetuate the legacy of the Nearings. They have an afternoon speaker series at 4:00 p.m. on the property during the months of July and August.
22 locals recommend
Good Life Center
372 Harborside RdThe former home of Helen and Scott Nearing, radical economists, educators, writers, political activists, pacifists, vegetarians and advocates for simple living who developed a community embracing the "back to the land" movement right here in Harborside. The mission of the Good Life Center is now to perpetuate the legacy of the Nearings. They have an afternoon speaker series at 4:00 p.m. on the property during the months of July and August.
This is a beautiful moderate hike to a breathtaking view of Blue Hill Bay and the hill that gave Blue Hill its name.
33 locals recommend
Blue Hill Mountain Trail
Blue Hill Mountain TrailThis is a beautiful moderate hike to a breathtaking view of Blue Hill Bay and the hill that gave Blue Hill its name.
This place is an exceptional walking museum that has to be seen to be understood. Artist Peter Beerits has created a village installation sculpture ground that is absolutely amazing and unique. They also make and sell delicious jams and jellies from their shop.
41 locals recommend
Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies
598 Sunshine RdThis place is an exceptional walking museum that has to be seen to be understood. Artist Peter Beerits has created a village installation sculpture ground that is absolutely amazing and unique. They also make and sell delicious jams and jellies from their shop.
Isle au haut is a year-round island community located off of Stonington. It's a remote part of Acadia National Park. The island is six miles long and has some great walking trails. https://islauhautferryservice.com/schedulerates.html for the ferry schedule. They also offer a lighthouse tour and puffin tour! This is a must do!
Isle Au Haut
Isle au haut is a year-round island community located off of Stonington. It's a remote part of Acadia National Park. The island is six miles long and has some great walking trails. https://islauhautferryservice.com/schedulerates.html for the ferry schedule. They also offer a lighthouse tour and puffin tour! This is a must do!
only 1.4 miles round trip but it is rocky with some rung and ladder hiking. The view is spectacular.
12 locals recommend
Beehive Trail
only 1.4 miles round trip but it is rocky with some rung and ladder hiking. The view is spectacular.
Thunder Hole
Located off of park loop road, this is a park visitor's favorite!
The highest point on the east coast. You can drive to the top to experience the most spectacular 360 degree view. If you watch the sunrise from the top, you will be the first to see the sun in North America!
128 locals recommend
Cadillac Mountain
707 Cadillac Summit RdThe highest point on the east coast. You can drive to the top to experience the most spectacular 360 degree view. If you watch the sunrise from the top, you will be the first to see the sun in North America!
Restaurants
Breakfast at Hiram Blake Camp. This family resort is located just down the road from the cottage. You can call ahead and reserve a table at the dining room for a lovely homecooked breakfast. You can also purchase live lobsters off the dock from Nate Venno (bring cash or check).
Hiram Blake Camp
220 Weir Cove RoadBreakfast at Hiram Blake Camp. This family resort is located just down the road from the cottage. You can call ahead and reserve a table at the dining room for a lovely homecooked breakfast. You can also purchase live lobsters off the dock from Nate Venno (bring cash or check).
145 Frank's Flat Penobscot. This is the most amazing quintessential fried Maine seafood lunch spot located on the Bagaduce River, a brackish tidal estuary. It doesn't have a website but it won a James Beard award a few years ago! Open from Memorial Day-Labor Day every day except wednesday from 11-6:30. We recommend the fried clams, crab roll and lobster roll
Bagaduce River
145 Frank's Flat Penobscot. This is the most amazing quintessential fried Maine seafood lunch spot located on the Bagaduce River, a brackish tidal estuary. It doesn't have a website but it won a James Beard award a few years ago! Open from Memorial Day-Labor Day every day except wednesday from 11-6:30. We recommend the fried clams, crab roll and lobster roll
this is an amazing Taqueria spot blending traditional Mexican street food with Downeast ingredients.
68 locals recommend
EL EL FRIJOLES, Mexican Food
41 Caterpillar Hill Rdthis is an amazing Taqueria spot blending traditional Mexican street food with Downeast ingredients.
Buck's Restaurant
6 Cornfield Hill RdThis is a fine dining restaurant with great seafood.
Bucklyn Coffee
103 Main StA coffee shop that serves fresh coffee roasted in brooklin, Maine.
A fun kid friendly open-air location serving fresh seafood caught by the owner. They usually have a fire outside, horseshoes and great drinks too!
9 locals recommend
The Boatyard Grill
13 E Blue Hill RdA fun kid friendly open-air location serving fresh seafood caught by the owner. They usually have a fire outside, horseshoes and great drinks too!
Siam Sky
8 Mill StDelicious thai restaurant in Blue Hill!
DeepWater Brewing Company
33 Tenney Hilla three-barrel microbrewery with delicious pub fare
a find dining restaurant with a fame to table emphasis. Thursday-Saturday 5:30-8
85 locals recommend
Arborvine
33 Tenney Hilla find dining restaurant with a fame to table emphasis. Thursday-Saturday 5:30-8
The Brooklin Inn
22 Reach RdWonderful dinner Thursday-Sunday and Sunday brunch.
Hands down the best restaurant nearby. Devin Finigan the chef and owner has cooked alongside Thomas Keller and many others. It's more than a restaurant, it's a dining experience. Reservations needs to be made WAY in advance (like March 1st for the entire summer) but they also have cocktail hour every Thursday that does not require advance reservations.
45 locals recommend
Aragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove RdHands down the best restaurant nearby. Devin Finigan the chef and owner has cooked alongside Thomas Keller and many others. It's more than a restaurant, it's a dining experience. Reservations needs to be made WAY in advance (like March 1st for the entire summer) but they also have cocktail hour every Thursday that does not require advance reservations.
44 North Coffee
70 Main StA wonderful coffee shop in the heart of Stonington village
A true Maine lobster shack experience with outdoor dining oceanside
67 locals recommend
Perry's Lobster Shack
1076 Newbury Neck RdA true Maine lobster shack experience with outdoor dining oceanside
An exceptional restaurant located on the water in Stonington village. The chef Ryan McCaskey is a two starred Michelin chef.
11 locals recommend
Acadia House
27 Main StAn exceptional restaurant located on the water in Stonington village. The chef Ryan McCaskey is a two starred Michelin chef.
This lobster pound is located directly on Somes Sound, the only Natural Fjord in North American on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island in Southwest Harbor. All the famous and wealthy summer residents of the island are regulars here so the food and view will not disappoint but it's not cheap!
14 locals recommend
Abel's Lobster
13 Abels LaneThis lobster pound is located directly on Somes Sound, the only Natural Fjord in North American on the "quiet side" of Mount Desert Island in Southwest Harbor. All the famous and wealthy summer residents of the island are regulars here so the food and view will not disappoint but it's not cheap!
This place has been a staple of Northeast Harbor for a long time. It has wonderful lobster rolls and friend seafood and it's relatively affordable as well!
The Docksider Restaurant
14 Sea StreetThis place has been a staple of Northeast Harbor for a long time. It has wonderful lobster rolls and friend seafood and it's relatively affordable as well!
Shops
Located in Bucks Harbor. There is a cute gift shop and ice cream/beer supply. It's a great place to rent a charter sailboat or motorboat for the day. They also usually have lobsters for sale from the dock.
6 locals recommend
Buck's Harbor Marina
684 Coastal RdLocated in Bucks Harbor. There is a cute gift shop and ice cream/beer supply. It's a great place to rent a charter sailboat or motorboat for the day. They also usually have lobsters for sale from the dock.
This is a wonderful shop in Blue Hill that sells beautiful handcrafts from local artists.
11 locals recommend
Handworks Gallery
48 Main StThis is a wonderful shop in Blue Hill that sells beautiful handcrafts from local artists.
a wonderful shop in downtown Stonington with local gifts and housewares.
10 locals recommend
The Dry Dock
24 Main Sta wonderful shop in downtown Stonington with local gifts and housewares.
Located on the campus of the Wooden Boat School, the wooden boat store has all things wooden boat. Especially a great selection of books but also hoodies, tee shirts, and memorabilia with their iconic logo. If you are there, make sure to take a look at the boats in Center Harbor. The wooden boat capitol of the world! it's hands down the most beautiful selection of wooden boats you will ever observe in one place!
7 locals recommend
The WoodenBoat Store
84 Great Cove DrLocated on the campus of the Wooden Boat School, the wooden boat store has all things wooden boat. Especially a great selection of books but also hoodies, tee shirts, and memorabilia with their iconic logo. If you are there, make sure to take a look at the boats in Center Harbor. The wooden boat capitol of the world! it's hands down the most beautiful selection of wooden boats you will ever observe in one place!
Local Food source
This farm was started by Eliot Coleman and his wife Barbara Damrosch and now run by Eliot's daughter Clara Coleman. It has become nationally recognized as a model of small-scale sustainable agriculture. They have a farm sale on the farm on Saturdays from 10-12 from May through mid October. Their book Four Season's Harvest is on the bookshelf.
10 locals recommend
Four Season Farm
609 Weir Cove RdThis farm was started by Eliot Coleman and his wife Barbara Damrosch and now run by Eliot's daughter Clara Coleman. It has become nationally recognized as a model of small-scale sustainable agriculture. They have a farm sale on the farm on Saturdays from 10-12 from May through mid October. Their book Four Season's Harvest is on the bookshelf.
The Little Island Oyster Company is a small oyster farm on the Bagaduce River run by a wonderful local family. You can call or text them or message them on facebook and they will meet you at the dock (right across from the Bagaduce Lunch) at the end of the day with as many fresh oysters as you desire! (assuming they are working that day). Bring cash or check to pay and make sure to grab a bottle of bubbly to go with them! There is a oyster knife and glove in the kitchen.
Bagaduce River
The Little Island Oyster Company is a small oyster farm on the Bagaduce River run by a wonderful local family. You can call or text them or message them on facebook and they will meet you at the dock (right across from the Bagaduce Lunch) at the end of the day with as many fresh oysters as you desire! (assuming they are working that day). Bring cash or check to pay and make sure to grab a bottle of bubbly to go with them! There is a oyster knife and glove in the kitchen.
This bakery has the best almond croissant you will ever have. It also sells freshly baked bread and an assortment of pastries on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-1.
72 locals recommend
Tinder Hearth
1452 Coastal RdThis bakery has the best almond croissant you will ever have. It also sells freshly baked bread and an assortment of pastries on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-1.
This is a wonderful farmstand/CSA open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all summer. They also host Sunday burger nights on the farm 4-8 p.m.
12 locals recommend
Roaring Lion Farm
144 Snow's Cove RdThis is a wonderful farmstand/CSA open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all summer. They also host Sunday burger nights on the farm 4-8 p.m.
Arts
They have a full schedule of shows/performances throughout the summer. Visit operathousearts.org for a full lineup.
60 locals recommend
Opera House Arts
1 School StThey have a full schedule of shows/performances throughout the summer. Visit operathousearts.org for a full lineup.
Monday night Street dances by Flash in the Pans Community Steel band! This tradition was started by our uncle, Carl Chase who majored in music in undergrad and traveled to Trinidad and fell in love with steel drum music and later studied with renowned pan tuner Roland Harrigan. He came back to Horseshoe Cove and taught steel drum at our local high school and started a community steel drum band called Flash! in the pans. They have Monday night street performances around the peninsula. www.flashinthe pans.com/events for a calendar. It's a fun summer event and a great way to dance the night away!
Blue Hill Town Park
113 Water StreetMonday night Street dances by Flash in the Pans Community Steel band! This tradition was started by our uncle, Carl Chase who majored in music in undergrad and traveled to Trinidad and fell in love with steel drum music and later studied with renowned pan tuner Roland Harrigan. He came back to Horseshoe Cove and taught steel drum at our local high school and started a community steel drum band called Flash! in the pans. They have Monday night street performances around the peninsula. www.flashinthe pans.com/events for a calendar. It's a fun summer event and a great way to dance the night away!
The Yacht Club hosts summer street dances open to all children every Thursday night from 7:30-9:30. We grew up going to them and it's a great way to meet all of the other awesome kids in the area.
Bucks Harbor Yacht Club
Steamboat Wharf RoadThe Yacht Club hosts summer street dances open to all children every Thursday night from 7:30-9:30. We grew up going to them and it's a great way to meet all of the other awesome kids in the area.
The Bagaduce Theatre is situated in an 1850's forever wild coastal site overlooking the Bagaduce River. Their mission is to offer excellent live performances to the Greater Blue Hill Peninsula in this unique rural setting. Each summer they offer an exciting roster of plays from timeless classics to cutting-edge scripts. www.bagaducetheatre.com
176 Mills Point Rd
176 Mills Point RoadThe Bagaduce Theatre is situated in an 1850's forever wild coastal site overlooking the Bagaduce River. Their mission is to offer excellent live performances to the Greater Blue Hill Peninsula in this unique rural setting. Each summer they offer an exciting roster of plays from timeless classics to cutting-edge scripts. www.bagaducetheatre.com