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.
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.
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…
Opposite view from the swimming beach back towards the ferry dock with The Island Inn on hill…
This photo inspired my painting, “Monhegan Island Harbor” 22″x28″ Acrylic on Canvas. Click shop to view paintings.
There are no paved roads and very few vehicles. Everyone walks to explore the island.
Manana Island from The Island Inn.
Hike through Cathedral Woods to Little White Head overlooking Squeaker Cove with towering Black Head in the distance. Spectacular!
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,
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,
Hiking on Mount Desert Island, Southwest Harbor
Gorham Mountain Trail Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Other Maine destinations worth considering include Kennebunkport,
Camden and even small towns like Surry or Stonington. We rented this cute 1960’s cottage in Surry
with spectacular views of Mount Desert’s mountains.
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!
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
I am ready to return, just loved our little cottage in Surrey.
We had such a wonderful view of the water and the mountains. Love low tide with all the seaweed and rocks. That will be in my next post.
Looks like such a beautiful place. I am sure you had a wonderful time .
It is beautiful and just love all the lobster, fish and clams. Thank you for your comment Nancy
Love the state of Maine! You captured some beautiful pictures that represent the unique scenery throughout the state. Your painting is gorgeous.
Thanks Joanne. I love painting landscape and seacapes from Maine. Wish I was eating lobster right now.
Loved all the pictures, your painting, and the lobsters- what a beautiful table setting.
Know you like lobster too Joy! I remember you talking about the lobster rolls on your trip last year!
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!