Ellsworth
Set at the crossroads of the region , Ellsworth offers visitors historic downtown streets lined with eateries serving up dining options from sushi and jerk to more homey DownEast fare . Enjoy a flight of local brews with a side of live music or a night out at the theatre . Explore shops and galleries in town and the network of downtown preserves and trails . Take in the stunning views of Frenchman Bay from Lamoine State Park or Hancock Point . Spend a day paddling , fishing , or hiking in Branch Lake Public Forest .
Deer Isle Archipelago
Blue Hill Peninsula
The small-town character of the Blue Hill Peninsula ’ s sheltered working harbors , lighthouses , and islands make it one of the world ’ s premier locations to enjoy time on the water . The area is punctuated by secluded nature preserves , classic Maine villages dating to our nation ’ s infancy , and world-class performance venues and galleries . Unwind at the end of a full day with trap-to-table lobster and a local brew . Finally , settle into sleep at a historic inn to the sound of the ocean breezes . Enjoy the quiet and fresh air year-round on Deer Isle ’ s mossy coastal preserves .
TOP THINGS TO DO
• Take in the breathtaking 360 ° view from the top of Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory .
• Visit the Good Life Center on Cape Rosier , home of Helen and Scott Nearing who were instrumental in the original Back-to-the-Land movement .
• Enjoy an outdoor theater performance put on by Opera House Arts in Stonington .
• Step back through time and across cultures at the Castine Historical Society and Wilson Museum .
TOP THINGS TO DO
• Explore historic railroads from Ellsworth — ride the Downeast Scenic Railroad , or head east with your mountain bike on the Down East Sunrise Trail .
• Head out for adventure on the 4,500 acres of bike , hike , and horseback trails at Great Pond Mountain Wildlands in Orland , just 10 miles west of Ellsworth .
• In winter , the Branch and Graham Lakes , north of Ellsworth , offer excellent ice fishing .
• Enjoy a round of croquet , then tour the historic house and gardens , or hike the trails , of Woodlawn Museum , Gardens and Park in Ellsworth .
FEATURED EVENTS
• Ellsworth Waterfront Concert Series , July & August
• Autumn Gold , Ellsworth , September
• Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival , Ellsworth , November
Downtown Ellsworth
FEATURED EVENTS
• Wings Waves Woods Birding Festival , Deer Isle , May
• Bastille Day , Castine , July
• Fright at the Fort at Fort Knox , Prospect , October
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