Town of Stonington, Maine

Described by visitors as one of the best examples of a perfectly-preserved lobster village from days gone by—and a working one, at that—the town of Stonington is actually on Deer Isle, reachable by the picturesque Deer Isle suspension bridge. Removed from the hustle and bustle of other Maine tourism destinations, Stonington offers just the right level of amenities without changing the face of the town itself.

When you come to Stonington, we suggest you start by parking in Stonington Village, where School Street terminates at North Main Street; there are three municipal lots (there are also public bathrooms at the firehouse).

Take your time strolling around this tiny hub of quintessential Maine; meander along the streets among the quaint 19th-century buildings—good things come to those who are patient and aren’t expecting a Camden– or Boothbay-type retail experience (and always remember to check for seasonal closings before making the trip!).

Exploring Stonington Maine

Start your excursion with a visit to the 44 North Stonington Café for an amazing slow-pour coffee (made with their own in-house-roasted, fair-trade beans) and a local pastry before setting out (by the way, they also offer an adorable room rental they’ve lovingly dubbed the Coffee Loft).

Once you’ve taken care of your caffeine and sugar fix, head to the Jill Hoy Gallery and maybe leave with the perfect reminder of your stay here; her joyfully vibrant paintings bring the harsh Maine coastline to life with a rhythmic effusion of color. Right across from the waterfront on Main Street is Dry Dock, a jack-of-all-trades kind of store: Fabulous clothing, Maine-made items, pottery, toys, accessories, artwork; be sure to set aside a fair amount of time to browse this fantastic find.

For an eclectic, refreshingly different retail experience, stop into Marlinespike Chandlery; these amazing ropework creations must be seen to be believed.

Outdoor Activities

Or, if you have little ones with you that may not be amenable to perusing art galleries or shopping, head south down Atlantic Avenue along the waterfront to Discovery Wharf at the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. This delightful, field-trip-worthy gem features a marine touch tank, an interactive learning wall, and a virtual reality exhibit—fun for all ages.

If the weather is accommodating, how about a picnic? Stop into the Stonecutter’s Kitchen and Harborview Store—next door from Discovery Wharf—to either gather some road snacks or a take-out meal (they also offer dine-in).

Once you’ve stocked up, hop back in your car and head to one of the Island Heritage Trust’s most popular holdings: Settlement Quarry Preserve. One of its trails leads up to an overlook platform of the defunct quarry, and historic structures dot the area.

Or check out Crockett Cove Woods, where there is a ¼-mile nature trail (part of a larger trail system) that meanders through this 98-acre wooded area known as a “fog forest,” which stretches along the Eggemoggin Reach.

Before you head back to “civilization” in the village, as it were, perhaps consider a bit of sea-faring fun. Osprey’s Echo Sea Kayaking offers group or private kayaking outings (they even have an overnight camping option!) with their expert guides.

Stonington Paddle is another kayaking option; if you chose not to leave the village for your recreating, then you’re in luck because they’re located just around the corner from Discovery Wharf and Stonecutter’s Kitchen.

Or give Oceanville Boat Tours a call—book one of their six boating adventures (and a stay in their rustic cabin in the woods) for a day you won’t soon forget.

Restaurants and Entertainment

Once back in the village, stop by the Stonington Ice Cream Company for a sweet treat (although they also have a fabulous lunch menu) while you sit and peruse your options for evening entertainment, dinner, and lodging (if you are lucky enough to have the time to stay overnight).

Take a peek at the schedule for Opera House Arts to see if there is a movie or performance that catches your eye; this historic building was originally built in 1886 and has gone through various iterations and changes since then—including a total rebuild after burning to the ground in 1910.

If you’re staying somewhere that has a kitchen, consider adding a true Maine touch to your visit; buy lobster fresh off the boat from Stonington Lobster Co-op. It’s a great opportunity to interact with the hardworking fishermen that are an integral part of what makes this town so special—and you’ll never have a fresher meal.

But if you’re kitchen-less, then—oh, darn…you’ll just have to go out. The Harbor Café on Main Street offers dine-in or take-out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and it’s all scrumptious. Their Friday Seafood Fry specials are amazing—and if you order the haddock or shrimp, you can get a second serving…for free (although their servings are so generous, it’s doubtful you’ll be able to cash in on that deal).

Also on Main Street, Acadia House Provisions takes reservations, is open year-round, and provides guests with a wide selection of fantastic American comfort food (they even offer Chinese take-out!). Fin & Fern can be found right on the waterfront in the Village—and reservations are suggested here, as well. It will be well worth it if you can get in; their locally-sourced seafood and homemade pasta and sauces are heavenly.

Lodging options are fairly limited in Stonington—but not nonexistent. The historic Inn on the Harbor overlooks Stonington Harbor, where you are lulled to sleep by the tidewaters coming and going beneath the inn.

Also looking out over the harbor, Boyce’s Motel features standard rooms, efficiencies, and small apartments, and their sun deck is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon just gazing at the boats going by.

Get away from the frenetic pace of tourist hotspots and commercially overblown destination towns—give Stonington on Deer Isle a chance to show you the value of a slower pace and the true meaning of “less is more.”

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