Several miles off the coast of Midcoast Maine between Portland and Acadia National Park in the Gulf of Maine sits Monhegan Island.

Balmy Day Cruises has a morning boat out of Boothbay Harbor, arriving Monhegan Island at 11:00 a.m. and returning at 2:45 p.m. Spend an afternoon or stay overnight on the island.

Things to Do
Hike some of the 17 miles of trails. In the Cathedral Woods fairy houses built of natural materials from the forest floor and created from children’s imaginations line the base of several trees. The Headlands, on the back side of the island, are among the highest ocean cliffs on the Maine coastline offering incredible views.  Monhegan Associates, the organization that preserves much of the island’s land, publishes s trail map for hikers. It lists 14 trails and is available on the island.

Visit one of the two-dozen artist studios, which keep open hours at various times during the week. Hours are posted on the Rope Shed, a building in the village that serves as the community bulletin board.

Stay and Dine
On a bluff overlooking the ocean is The Island Inn, one of the most scenic bed and breakfasts in Maine. Guests can relax in rocking chairs on the front porch or on the lawn in Adirondacks – perfect vantage points to watch the comings and goings in the harbor and magnificent sunsets at days end.

Sometimes called the “Artist’s Island” Monhegan has drawn such prestigious artists as Jamie and Andrew Wyeth, Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, James Fitzgerald and Robert Henri.  Original art work by island artists shown in the dining room where guests enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the dining room.  The dining room is also available for dinner featuring native Maine mussels and lobster.