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Islesboro Maine - An island retreat that transports people back into a simpler way of life

Islesboro is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Midcoast Maine. It is a small and quiet little island in Penobscot Bay with a small population of about 650 people, although this number climbs substantially during the summer months. Some of the best spots in Maine can’t be accessed by land, and this is one of those places. The island sits about three miles off the Maine coastline and is easily reached by a 30 minute ferry ride from Lincolnville Beach (that is about twenty minutes from Rockland), so this is certainly a trip where you should set aside the day.

Why is Islesboro so popular? Most people would say that it’s because this place transports them back into a nostalgic time and simpler way of life characterized by old traditional New England values. This island is still shockingly similar to the way it was during the early 1900's and has not been commercialized like many of the towns along the Maine coast, most notably on the southern Maine coast. Islesboro is welcoming, informal, tranquil, and packed with things to see and do. The island community regularly features local art exhibits and musicals during the summer months. Keeping with its low-key profile, there are very few shops and dining options available on the island. However, people can easily access nearby locations like Rockland and Camden for ample dining and shopping venues.

Islesboro is also the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, on land or sea. First and foremost, the island is known for some of the best sailing conditions in the world. There are also the notable surroundings around Ryder's Cove and the geological formations and carvings at Turtlehead Point. Other people enjoy simply walking the coastline, setting forth on a long nature stroll, taking a hike, or spending the day bicycling.

As a key component of Islesboro, Warren Island State Park spans over 70 acres and attracts people from all over New England each year. This park is located just off the shores of Islesboro, toward the southern side of the island. Since it closely borders the coastline, many people use their own boats to get there. In fact, it was the first state park in Maine to be designed specifically for boaters and has no public transportation that can reach the island. If you feel like camping, there are ten unique campsites and two Adirondack shelters to make your stay at the park a little more comfortable. For the ultimate serenity and peace, there are no phones available on Warren island. How often does this happen in today’s chaotic world?

Islesboro, Maine is also recognized as a semi-private resort community and is a prime destination for some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. These people can’t get enough of the natural beauty, the welcoming community, and the simplified way of island life. Accordingly, the island is comprised of a few summer resort areas like Ryder's Cove, Hewes Point, and Dark Harbor. These areas are partial retreats for a number of wealthy and famous individuals who have built large private summer residences tucked away along the shoreline. Some of these individuals include Kirstie Alley, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, John P. Morgan, Chris O'Donnell, Parker Stevenson, and Michael Collins.

Photos by Laura Toran. We would like to thank Laura Toran for granting us permission to use her images of Islesboro. You can view more images of Islesboro and Maine by visitng Laura's Flickr page.