Maine is a wonderful place to escape the summertime heat


Amelia Island in the summertime is a wonderful vacation spot for many people.  Our pristine beaches, prevailing southeasterly breezes, lush marshes, abundant golf courses, and many fishing options keep visitors and locals happy during the summer.

When temperatures rise, many of our residents may wish for a change of scenery if only for a much needed cooler vacation.  The coast of Maine is a great choice for a  summertime experience.

Among the places our family has stayed:

Monheagan Island, located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, is accessible only by ferry.

Monhegan Island, Maine from lighthouse photo by Kathy Miller

The hour ferry ride brings visitors, art enthusiasts, and locals, to this charming, rustic, fishing/lobstering village and artist colony.

As the ferry approaches the island loved ones gather on the pier to greet their family or guests.

Some even wave from the rocks to welcome new visitors.

Waving in welcome to visiting guests Monheagan Island, Maine photo by Kathy Miller

From the ferry, luggage is loaded on rare pickup trucks to be transported to the island’s 2 hotels.

The swimming beach viewed from the ferry dock…

View of swimming beach from ferry dock Monhegan Island, Maine photo by Kathy Miller

Opposite view from the swimming beach back towards the ferry dock with The Island Inn on hill…

Mongehan Island Harbor with view of ferry dock, Island Inn and swimming beach photo by Kathy Miller

This photo inspired my painting, “Monhegan Island Harbor”  22″x28″ Acrylic on Canvas. Click shop to view paintings.

Monhegan Island Harbor Painting Acrylic on Canvas 22"x28" Original by Kathy Miller

There are no paved roads and very few vehicles.  Everyone walks to explore the island.

Manana Island from The Island Inn.

Mañana Island, from The Island Inn, Mongegan Island, Maine photo by Kathy Miller

Hike through Cathedral Woods to Little White Head overlooking Squeaker Cove with towering Black Head in the distance.  Spectacular!

White Head on Monhegan Island overlooking Squeaker Cove with of Black head photo by Kathy Miller

 For most, Monhegan Island is a great 2 day trip.  For artists, many artist workshops are available.

The Island Inn offers Zimmie’s Artist Cottage, a charming “4-bedroom, 2 full bath, foursquare farmhouse located in the center of town, with views of the meadow and the historic Monhegan Lighthouse. The colorful gardens and clothesline have been favorites of visual artists for decades”.

Our family has also rented houses on Mount Desert Island, home of  Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor,

Large sailing ship Bar Harbor, Maine photo by Kathy Miller

Southwest Harbor, Northeast Harbor.  Acadia is spectacular featuring Cadillac Mountain, Rockefeller Roads (miles of carriage roads available only to hikers, bikers, and horse drawn carriages) Thunder Hole, and

Bass Harbor Head Light,

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Mt Desert Island Maine photo by Kathy Miller

Hiking on Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor

Hiking on Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor photo by Kathy Miller

A ship from the shore Southwest Harbor, Maine photo by Kathy Miller

Gorham Mountain Trail Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine

Gorham Mountain Trail, Mt. Desert Island photo by Kathy Miller

Other Maine destinations worth considering include Kennebunkport,

House on the rocky Maine coast Kennebunkport, Maine

The Bush Compound, Kennebunkport, Maine

Camden and even small towns like Surry or Stonington.  We rented this cute 1960’s cottage in Surry 

1960's cottage in Surry Maine photo by Kathy Miller

with spectacular views of Mount Desert’s mountains.

View of Mt. Desert's mountain from 1960's cottage photo by Kathy Miller

The towns boast shopping and great seafood…clams, haddock and of course  famous Maine lobsters.

 There is nothing better than eating lobsters on the porch!

Lobsters from Perry's Lobster pound photo by Kathy Miller

Watch for more lobster, clams and fish chowder photos from Maine.  And maybe a recipe or two!

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a table at the lobster pound! 

10 Comments

  • Dave Miller says:

    I am ready to return, just loved our little cottage in Surrey.

  • Nancy says:

    Looks like such a beautiful place. I am sure you had a wonderful time .

  • Joanne Astor says:

    Love the state of Maine! You captured some beautiful pictures that represent the unique scenery throughout the state. Your painting is gorgeous.

  • Joy McCabe says:

    Loved all the pictures, your painting, and the lobsters- what a beautiful table setting.

  • Laura Huffman says:

    These photos are gorgeous! Maine, and pretty much all of New England is so beautiful. I love that my roots are in New England, I just wish I were there more. Your painting from Monhegan Island Harbor is one of my favorites – I love it! I may need you to do a painting for me when you have time….. let’s talk.

    • Thanks always for your comments Laura! I know you love your New England roots, Maine and Vermont especially. I would love to talk with you about a painting. Look forward to seeing you sometime in our other special place, Cashier, NC!

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