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@ Harpswell Islands:
Pond Island:
Part of the Harpswell Island, Pond Island has a mysterious history.
Authorities in Harpswell of old exiled a local hoodlum by the name
of John Darling. He remained there for more than 20 years, eventually
preferring his recluse life, according to writer Neil Rolde in "So
You Think You Know Maine." Rumor has it John remained there
until he froze to death in his outpost.
Orr's and Bailey Islands:
Connected to the mainland by a unique honeycombed bridge, the islands
are popular stops on vacation visits. The islands are home to several
thousand residents, which support thriving tuna and cod
fishing industries. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Pearl of
Orr's Island, lived here.
@ Damariscove Island:
Now deserted, this island lays south of beautiful Boothbay Harbor.
According to Maine writer Bill Caldwell, this islands offers an interesting,
if not gruesome, history. Damariscove is where the America began 400
years ago:" long before Jamestown or Plymouth, Englishmen and
Europeans salted fish on its shore. The alleged ghost of Captain Richard
Pattishall is the islands only resident. Captain Pattishall was beheaded
and tossed into the brine by Indians in 1689. His body and that of
his dog, who jumped in after him, washed up on the shores of Damariscove
and are said to haunt the island. Today, the island is owned and protected
by the Nature Conservancy.
This island is accessible by private boat operators.
@ Monhegan Island:
Home to such famed artists as Rockwell Kent, Robert Henri, George
Bellows, and Jamie Wyeth, it is any wonder so many summer visitors
arrive each summer by the boatload to savor this islands beauty.
Along the rocky coasts, high cliffs (as high as 165 feet) overlook
the pounding surf. Nature lovers can savor some 600 varieties of wild
flowers that grow throughout the island. Quiet by winter, the island
becomes a bustling summer stop that is sure to give you a few great
photo shots to take home.
@ Vinalhaven:
Vinalhaven Island:
Accessible by state ferry at the Rockland Landing. Vinalhaven is some
eight miles long with well-paved roads. The islands past is known
for its granite that was quarried here and used to build public buildings
in many east coast cities, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Today, the quarries lie abandoned. The cuts into the bedrock now provide
natural swimming holes.
The Vinalhaven Historical Society Museum is open from late June to
Labor Day and recalls the town's seafaring and quarrying heritage.
Lodging and dining is available, although camping is by permission
only.
North Haven Island:
Just north of Vinalhaven Island, most of the limited commerce is gathered
in Pulpit Harbor. Shops feature quality items, including wool articles
from North Haven Sheep. Roads run island, rather than along the coast.
Summer rentals are available, although camping is by permission only.
Matinicus Island:
Located 20 miles off the coast of Rockland, this small island offers
natures lovers an opportunities to explore quiet woodland trails,
rocky shores, and flowered fields. A small community of residents
rely primarily on the fishing industry. Not a tourist resort, but
a great quiet daytrip getaway.
@ Isleboro Island:
Tucked in the middle of Penobscot Bay is Islesboro. This 11 mile
island is accessible by state ferry service from Lincolnville Beach
(just north of Camden). The exclusive summer resort community, Dark
Harbor, is located here, as is the Sailors' Memorial Museum and
Grindle Point Lighthouse. Accommodations and dining are limited. Camping
is allowed at nearby Warren Island State Park.
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