Location: Deer Isle
Top Things to do in Deer Isle
Countries
Top 8 Free Things to do in Deer Isle, Maine (ME)
Deer Isle is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,975 at the 2010 census. Notable landmarks in Deer Isle are the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and the town's many art galleries.
Restaurants in Deer Isle
1. The Turtle Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
2. Stonington Lobster CO-OP
3. Barred Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By thumper1 - Massachusetts, United States
We were visiting in Brooklin and were told what a treat it was to walk to the beach at Barred Island Preserve and to arrive for low tide. There were 3 of us -- myself, my daughter, and my 4 year old granddaughter. We arrived about two hours before low tide and were just about to pull into the last parking space in the lot when my granddaughter announced she needed the potty. We left and brought her to town. When we returned the lot was full and there were three cars parked along the road. Two were in clearly marked "No Parking" zones. The third vehicle was parked in a space that was not marked and there was room enough in front of them for our car. If this was an official "no parking" zone then it needed it better signage. You would think that the town would have a larger parking area at such a beautiful and popular place. My granddaughter has short little legs and stops often so the hike took about an hour each way. It was a wonderful adventure for a little one with the tree roots in the path, the steeper spots, the big rocks, and the "bridges" over the wetter areas. She loved getting to the beach then walking the short distance to the island that gets buried in deep water at high tide. (We own property in Southern Maine so she understands about the tides.) The walk back took a little longer as we were starting to flag. We had plans for dinner in Deer Isle before heading back to Brooklin for the night. As we approached the car, I heard my daughter say, "Oh, no." I looked up and saw that some "vandals" (not exactly the word I have in mind) had covered every glass surface of my car and each of the other 5 or 6 cars that were parked on the road. Our front, back, and side windows were covered with "no parking", "okay to tow", and the symbol for no parking. My granddaughter could see we were upset and wanted to know why those people were mean to us. We knew it was not something done by someone who represented the town or who had any sort of authority -- just some bully trying to scare us. Although we were able to clean it before leaving, it left us with a bad impression of Deer Isle residents and with the decision to head back to Brooklin for dinner where we felt more welcome.
4. Deer Isle Village
5. Edgar M. Tennis Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Area offering walks through the woods and along the coast.
Reviewed By wilhelmusgjanssen - Washington DC, United States
This reserve offers some beautiful hikes, some three miles in total. Wear good shoes and be aware of the roots. You will be rewarded with wonderful panoramas of sea and land, characteristic of the unmistakable Maine coast line. We enjoyed the explanation board for the farm that was found there in the past, we passed by the little cemetery where Mr. Tennis has been put to the rest. Don’t forget to make a contribution for the maintenance of the preserve. We then drove on to Stonington and had lunch overlooking the harbor.
6. Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Nervous Nellie's is a cottage industry (jams and chutneys made with mostly Maine fruit) in a cottage. It's a sculpture studio and acres of whimsical sculptures and installations of American icons like the general store, the juke joint, a western town complete with saloon, sheriff, jail, Chinese laundry, fortune teller, church, Grail castle and wizard's tower all made in Peter Beerits's quirky style, using re-purposed "junk" from the island dump and countless old barns. Little ones enjoy the sandbox under a grape arbor, while parents relax in Adirondack chairs close at hand. Try free jam samples in the shop or have a homemade scone with jam in the tea room. Something for everyone here!
Reviewed By 505bonniek
Quirky destination with a family fun atmosphere. Plan on spending at least an hour to absorb the surrounding art installation composed of found objects and imagination. You will feel like a kid again exploring all the wonderfully vivid and unique pieces. Adorable jam and preserve shop with additional tempting finds. One of a kind experience.
7. Stonington Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Reviewed By R291TVbrianm - Newburyport, United States
Spectacular, timeless fishing village with a smattering of artisans and service providers located in one of Maine's most classic coastal settings. This is the real "Maine". Having lived for twenty plus years in Portland Maine and then moved away, I can vouch that there are few places more quintessential Maine than Stonington. This is a hardscrabble fishing island. At one time granite harvesting was also an industry but that has faded away and what's left is a QUIET tourist destination mixed with locals who live off the sea and/or their artistic talents. This is an eclectic place where mother nature is in charge. The harbor of Stonington is littered with lobster boats and wharfs where fishermen still offload their catch. Nothing moves fast in this town and that's part of the charm. Hundreds of tiny islands dot the harbor and Deer Isle Thoroughfare that sits just off shore. This is the real Maine. Timeless. Genuine. Unhurried. Interesting. If you want shopping and tourist driven entertainment, look elsewhere. If you want to kick back, sip coffee, stroll around, smell the salt air, maybe paddle amongst the islands or hike along the shoreline of Barred Island....then by all means put this on your bucket list.
8. Settlement Quarry Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 31eliseg - Hudson River Valley, United States
During our stay at Stonington, we marveled at all of the granite. We wondered, where did it come from? On a spontaneous adventure, we happened upon the quarry. We felt our mystery was solved. The lovely trails and signage made for a delightful evening's walk. The paths were easy to follow, the informational signs were accessible as they pieced together history and geology, and the views were stunning! The openess was other worldly. One can imagine being a stone cutter in the 1800's while learning of the operations. And the granite, oh, the beautiful granite. I highly recommend a visit.
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