There are many fun and interesting places to visit in Vinalhaven, Maine. From penny candy at Go Fish to working glass studio Wind Horse Arts, there are many things to see and do. Second Hand Prose, run by the Friends of Vinalhaven Public Library, is another great place to visit.
Boy Scout Point Town Park
In Vinalhaven, Maine, you’ll find plenty of places to take your dog for a walk. There are a few parks that make good picnic spots and offer scenic views. Boy Scout Point Town Park is a four-acre spot just across the Lane’s Island bridge from downtown. The park has trails and an excellent view of Hen Island. Another town park is Skoog Park, a four-acre park that recently reopened its trails.
Whether you’re looking for a waterfront property, a vacation retreat, or a home to retire to, there are plenty of options to choose from. Point2 offers 13 homes for sale in Vinalhaven, ME that range from $299,000 to $495,000. These properties include single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. In addition, you’ll find a number of commercial properties in the area.
If you’re into hiking, you’ll enjoy two of these parks in Vinalhaven. The Marcuse Wetlands Preserve has a 0.6-mile trail that winds through wetlands and forests. There are benches in both locations, and you can take the trail to see the views of Crockett Cove.
Lawson’s Quarry
Vinalhaven is known for its granite quarries. The granite from these quarries was used in many famous structures across the country, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Pennsylvania Railroad Station, and the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. Today, the abandoned quarries have been reclaimed as swimming and sunbathing spots. Lawson’s Quarry and Booth’s Quarry are both located along the Pequot Road.
Both Lawson’s Quarry and Booth’s Quarry offer crystal clear swimming. While neither offers restroom facilities or lifeguards, these places are popular among locals and visitors alike. The open space offers plenty of room for a picnic or a nice day at the beach.
For those who are hungry, the area has many delicious restaurants. Several of them serve seafood. If you love seafood, you can grab a lobster roll at Greet’s Eats. Another place to grab a tasty lunch is The Nightingale, a seasonal eatery that serves steak fries, fish and chips, and fried chicken. If you’d rather enjoy a cocktail, The Nightingale also serves crafted cocktails made with island-grown herbs. In addition, the restaurant also features homemade ice cream sandwiches and syrups.
The Vinalhaven Land Trust manages over two dozen parks and preserves on the island. The Vinalhaven Land Trust also publishes brochures about all of the public land in the area. You can hike up a steep mountain to get a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the scenic beauty of Lane’s Island Preserve.
The island is accessible by ferry from Rockland. There are six daily departures. You can also walk or bike around the island. A car is also available for rent, but you’ll need to plan your trip well. Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, the island is easy to navigate and offers plenty to see.
The Vinalhaven region is known as a summer community. Many wealthy people from Boston, New York, and Philadelphia make their home here to enjoy the summertime weather. While the area is small, it does have all of the amenities of a large city. There are restaurants, shops, and a welcoming inn.
Booth’s Quarry
One of Maine’s largest offshore islands is Vinalhaven, a peaceful, unspoiled destination with a large collection of natural attractions. The island is just a few miles off of the Midcoast, and visitors can spend a day hiking, exploring nature, or enjoying the waters and beaches. It’s also a great place to go swimming and enjoy the many local parks.
If you’d like to explore the natural surroundings of Vinalhaven, there are many trails you can walk along. One of them takes you through Booth’s Quarry, a popular swimming spot that’s owned by the town. You can also explore the Basin Preserve, where you can follow a hiking trail along the water.
Visitors can also relax by swimming at Booth’s Quarry or Lawson’s Quarry, two of the town’s famous swimming holes. These natural settings have crystal-clear waters and sand that’s ideal for sunbathing. While there are no lifeguards at either location, you can still swim here and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, Vinalhaven has more than two dozen parks and preserves. The Vinalhaven Land Trust has brochures about the public lands throughout the area. You can also explore the island’s nature preserves, including Lane’s Island, which is 45 acres of protected nature. You can also hike the scenic Toe Mountain Preserve for panoramic views.
If you want to shop, Vinalhaven offers a number of unique shops and restaurants. There’s a small museum dedicated to the island’s history, called the Vinalhaven Historical Society. The museum opens to the public on June 19, and it features a wide selection of historical artifacts, as well as a gift shop. Visitors can hike or bike along the island’s many nature preserves.
The lighthouse and its grounds can be visited from the sea. The lighthouse is now a private residence, but the grounds are open to the public. If you wish, you can take the ferry from Rockland to Vinalhaven Island. You may also want to take a boat tour to the nearby Browns Head Light Station. From there, you can see Heron Neck Lighthouse and Saddleback Ledge Lighthouse.
Tidewater Inn
Located on the site of a former grist mill, the Tidewater Inn overlooks the tidal estuary. From its deck, guests can enjoy a visual feast and a soothing sound track as the tides ebb and flow. The owners of the Tidewater Inn can also arrange for island tours, bicycle rentals, and kayaks. A waterfront function room is available for special events.
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation spot with plenty of outdoor activities, Vinalhaven is an ideal vacation spot. With hiking trails, kayaking and fishing, this island has something for every traveler. It also has many restaurants and shops. The Tidewater Inn is a perfect place to stay while exploring Vinalhaven.
Tidewater Inn offers waterfront lodging, including fully-equipped kitchens. Guests can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The hotel also can arrange lobster boat tours with local Captain Bobby Warren. Guests can also take a boat trip on a wildlife boat, where they’ll see guillemots and Arctic terns.
The Tidewater Inn is owned by Sarah Crossman, a veteran of the hospitality industry. It has been in her family for nearly fifty years. She grew up in Connecticut and assisted her father for several years before taking over the inn. She has two children and one neurotic dog.
A day trip to Vinalhaven is a wonderful way to spend a day. It’s a pleasant 75-minute ferry ride from Rockland. Once there, you can explore the island on foot, or rent bikes and paddleboards.
The area is surrounded by many parks and preserves. Many of these preserves are run by the Vinalhaven Land Trust, which has brochures available about the local parks and places to visit. The picturesque Lane’s Island preserve is a 45-acre nature preserve with beautiful views. The Toe Mountain Preserve, located on the island’s edge, is another scenic spot and offers both short hikes and panoramic views.
The town of Vinalhaven, Maine is an island community with a distinctly American character. The town’s economy is based on tourism and lobster fishing, but it also has a thriving business community.