Acadia's Oceanside Meadows Inn's
14 Days of Discovery Downeast

We’ve found that the best remedy for a long, stressful day on the road is to read a good book with the sound of crashing waves in the background. You’ll find Louise Dickinson Rich’s The Peninsula in your room, and the beach is just across the street. Children can build sandcastles or gaze into tidepools. Use the guides in your Inn to explore the Salamander or Heron Trails found in our 200 acre Preserve. Take a leisurely dinner at one of the many restaurants within just 5 to 10 minutes from the Inn.

Now that you are rejuvenated, it’s time to experience the adventure of Acadia Park at Schoodic, just five minutes from the Inn. With 2000 acres of pristine acreage and 12 miles of pink granite shoreline, Acadia at Schoodic is one of the most prized destinations in Maine. Drive or bike the 8 mile loop and picnic before the massive waves that crash on Schoodic Point. Hike the Anvil or East Shore Trail and, if the tide is right, walk across the sea floor to Little Moose Island.

If you feel up to it, wake up just before 5 in the morning to catch the sunrise over Corea Harbor, just a few minutes down the road. Gazing over this peaceful fishing village is a perfect entrance to a relaxing day of visiting local artisans and businesses. Don’t miss Barlett’s Winery, the 5 & 10, Gypsy Moose Glass, the Bell Foundry, or Lobster’s in the Rough - a no frill’s seafood haven. Finish the day with a sunset sea kayaking cruise and see seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and, of course, a gorgeous sunset over Mt. Cadillac.

Head down to Mooselook Guide Service after breakfast to rent a canoe or kayak, whatever your preference. Pack a bagged lunch with fresh bread sandwiches from Mama Boy’s Bakery and local produce, bottled water or a bottle of Bartlett’s wine, and perhaps a sampling of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream - sure to give you plenty of paddle power. Row out to an island and go swimming in the warm freshwater of Jones Pond. Relax for a picnic and head back in time to catch some afternoon golf at Grindstone Neck.

Head off the peninsula today and take Route 183 to Schoodic Mountain. The energy for your hike will be well worth it as you reach the summit, where you can gaze over 200 square miles of ocean and wilderness. Take some time to wind down in the crystal clear waters of Donnell Pond when you reach the bottom again. Lounge on the sandy beach and return to a relaxing evening at the Inn. Play frisbee, badminton, croquet, or horseshoes in our backyard, and fly a kite or take a romantic promenade along the sandy beach.

Take Rt. 1 North for 10 mins and and turn right on the Pigeon Hill Rd. just past H&H Marine. Pass through beautiful fishing villages and you will arrive at Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge, a 3500 acre bird sanctuary with miles of well-tended trails. We recommend the Hollingsworth Trail, a trail with annotated signs that tell about the birds and wildlife. Make sure you bring your camera and binoculars to appreciate the birds of the refuge. On your way back, stop at the Country Charm Restaurant to enjoy fresh scallops and lobster.

45 mins from the Inn either via the car shortcut or the ferry (that we strongly recommend) is the busy town of Bar Harbor. Take a whale watching trip or a cruise aboard the Margaret Todd, a beautiful 4 masted schooner. Use the free bus service that will deliver you to any one of the trail heads on the hour. Try some of the miles of trails and experience afternoon tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House. Time your visit so that you may enjoy a beautiful sunset over the bay when you return aboard the ferry.

Take Rt. 1 deep into Down East Maine today. Gaze over the expansive blueberry barons just before you enter Machias, then head through this quaint university town towards Lubec. Here you’ll find West Quoddy head, a candy-cane lighthouse that gazes over Sail Rock, the easternmost point of the United States. Head to Canada’s Campobello Island, the location of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s summer home. Gain an insight into the president’s life and appreciate this beautiful coastal location.

The coast has time and time again proved an inspiration to artists, whether they be painters, poets, writers, or photographers. Today we will hope to capture some of that creative mystique. Start by driving through Ellsworth, stopping at the historic Black estate of Woodlawn or for provisions. Head to Blue Hill, the inspiration for E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, and visit M.E.R.I. for a guided voyage of biological discovery. Continue on to historic Castine, which stands at the head of Penobscot Bay.

Take this day to appreciate the coast from where it is meant to be seen: the ocean. Try a sailing trip around the point and view the other side of the crashing surf. After your adventurous jaunt, take a trip to see the lighthouses of the peninsula and drive or bike through photogenic Corea, where you will see dozens of boats wet with fresh sea spray. Try an elegant dinner at The Fisherman's Inn.  See if one of the many summer concerts is going on in the evening, or lay back before a roaring fire.

Stop for the Ruggles House and pottery in pituresque Columbia Falls. Take a puffin-watch trip leaving from Jonesport. When you return, spend some time to appreciate the splendor of the Great Wass Preserve. Head over to Roques Bluff for a perfect picnic lunch. Lounge at this beautiful spot with freshwater swimming on one side of the road, a small park, and the crashing surf on the other. Have a bite to eat in Milbridge and watch a movie in the historic 1930s theater.

Head into the woods today by going to Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, noted for the presence of bald eagles. Take a lunch either here or at Cobscook Park, 888 acres of lush wilderness overlooking Cobscook Bay with its 24-foot tides. Head to Pembroke, where you can see the spectacular reversing falls that reverse their course with the tide. Stop at the Seafarer’s Wife Restaurant in Jonesport for a gourmet meal BYOB (Bring your own Barlett’s!).

Start the day by heading to Eastport, the easternmost city of the United States. Recently turned into "Sunrise, ME", Easport is famous for being on the brink of civilization. Stop by Raye’s Mustard Mill and watch the massive tides of the Bay of Fundy before heading north to the Pleasant Point Indian Reservation and Museum. Finish your trip with a visit north to the St. Croix International Historic Site, one of the earliest French settlements, and a visit to the 45th parallel marker.

Congraulations! In the course of two weeks you’ve sampled some of the best Down East Maine has to offer. Take this day to reflect on what you’ve experienced and to rest for the long journey home. Relax on the seashore or try some saltwater fishing off our pink granite rocks. Catch a striped bass and have a barbeque on the patio. Try one of our well-maintained trails if you missed them, or visit the local Dorcas Library. Finish with fine dining in Winter Harbor or just some fresh pizza from the deli. We hope you will return to experience more!

Oceanside Meadows Inn P.O. Box 90, Prospect Harbor, Maine 04669
Map and Directions to our Inn
Tel: (207) 963 5557 Fax: (207) 963 5928 Email: oceaninn@oceaninn.com

All information copyright 2001-05 Oceanside Meadows Innstitute for the Arts and Sciences.