Guidebook for Blue Hill
Food Scene
This is our favorite casual dining on the Peninsula. Excellent food, wonderful owners, and great prices. It gets super busy in the summer, so if you can go there just outside of the "prime" lunch/dinner hours you will have less of a line to manage.
68 locals raden deze aan
EL EL FRIJOLES, Mexican Food
41 Caterpillar Hill RdThis is our favorite casual dining on the Peninsula. Excellent food, wonderful owners, and great prices. It gets super busy in the summer, so if you can go there just outside of the "prime" lunch/dinner hours you will have less of a line to manage.
Wood fired pizzas using local ingredients. Reservations required (and they only accept them Tuesday mornings for the week).
72 locals raden deze aan
Tinder Hearth
1452 Coastal RdWood fired pizzas using local ingredients. Reservations required (and they only accept them Tuesday mornings for the week).
We love this place, while others will swear Bagaduce Lunch is superior (they are both good). We prefer Fish Net because it is super close, affordable, and we always have fun. Fried fish, seafood, and soft serve cones or sundaes. It's not fancy, but isn't that sometimes best? Small playground for kids, picnic tables outside, wait service inside.
48 locals raden deze aan
Fish Net
162 Main StWe love this place, while others will swear Bagaduce Lunch is superior (they are both good). We prefer Fish Net because it is super close, affordable, and we always have fun. Fried fish, seafood, and soft serve cones or sundaes. It's not fancy, but isn't that sometimes best? Small playground for kids, picnic tables outside, wait service inside.
If someone is offering to buy you dinner, go to Arborvine! It's arguably the best restaurant on the Peninsula and the older crowd (yacht, country club, $$) love it. Might be a little stuffy for smaller children.
85 locals raden deze aan
Arborvine
33 Tenney HillIf someone is offering to buy you dinner, go to Arborvine! It's arguably the best restaurant on the Peninsula and the older crowd (yacht, country club, $$) love it. Might be a little stuffy for smaller children.
Marlintinis is an average quality bar/restaurant with a standard menu of sandwiches, pasta, seafood, etc. It is OK food at best, and we only list it since their "bar" area is family friendly with tables, free popcorn, and television if you need a fix.
66 locals raden deze aan
Marlintini's Grill
83 Mines RdMarlintinis is an average quality bar/restaurant with a standard menu of sandwiches, pasta, seafood, etc. It is OK food at best, and we only list it since their "bar" area is family friendly with tables, free popcorn, and television if you need a fix.
Very scenic place for lunch or dinner. Fried seafood and ice cream. Check out the Reversing Falls which is directly adjacent.TEL#326-4197
47 locals raden deze aan
Bagaduce Lunch
145 Frank's FlatVery scenic place for lunch or dinner. Fried seafood and ice cream. Check out the Reversing Falls which is directly adjacent.TEL#326-4197
This is a seriously authentic lobster shack where you can sometimes even see the boats offloading directly to the holding tanks. Menu is simple with lobster, clams, and fried side treats being the main fare. BYOB and plan to go on a clear day to enjoy the view (only outside seating).
67 locals raden deze aan
Perry's Lobster Shack
1076 Newbury Neck RdThis is a seriously authentic lobster shack where you can sometimes even see the boats offloading directly to the holding tanks. Menu is simple with lobster, clams, and fried side treats being the main fare. BYOB and plan to go on a clear day to enjoy the view (only outside seating).
Best. Ice. Cream. Ever.
Homemade and totally amazing. Call for hours.
29 locals raden deze aan
Morton’s Moo Homemade Ice Cream
9 School StBest. Ice. Cream. Ever.
Homemade and totally amazing. Call for hours.
Another favorite of ours, Union River is a great seafood restaurant with an amazing view. They get very busy, but handle the crowds with years of experience. No reservations accepted, but you can have a cocktail by the River while you wait for your table. Open June-October TEL# 667-5077
84 locals raden deze aan
Union River Lobster Pot
8 South StAnother favorite of ours, Union River is a great seafood restaurant with an amazing view. They get very busy, but handle the crowds with years of experience. No reservations accepted, but you can have a cocktail by the River while you wait for your table. Open June-October TEL# 667-5077
We never seem to get here, but we here from many locals it is excellent fine dining. Castine is solid 30 minute drive from Blue Hill.
20 locals raden deze aan
Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant
26 Main StWe never seem to get here, but we here from many locals it is excellent fine dining. Castine is solid 30 minute drive from Blue Hill.
Some people love it, even NEED it, and if you are one of them then you are in luck because it is less than a mile from the farm!
9 locals raden deze aan
Dunkin'
27 Starrett DrSome people love it, even NEED it, and if you are one of them then you are in luck because it is less than a mile from the farm!
Family run with breakfast lunch and dinner either sit down inside or out. They have lots of essentials for your day trips into Acadia NP as well.
15 locals raden deze aan
Josie's Country Store & Cafe
126 Surry RdFamily run with breakfast lunch and dinner either sit down inside or out. They have lots of essentials for your day trips into Acadia NP as well.
Brand new in 2019 and less than a mile from the farm, the Co-op offers organic produce and takeout with outside seating.
80 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Co-op Community Market
70 South StBrand new in 2019 and less than a mile from the farm, the Co-op offers organic produce and takeout with outside seating.
Friar's Brewhouse
84 Main StExcellent and worth the 15 minute drive into Bucksport.
Excellent casual Greek food that is either takeout or sit-down.
16 locals raden deze aan
Manny's Greek Grill
248 State StExcellent casual Greek food that is either takeout or sit-down.
Sandy's Blue Hill Cafe
40 Main StBreakfast, lunch, and dinner (4 nights).
Recently named "Best Waterfront Restaurant in Maine". Definitely call ahead for reservations, $$$.
45 locals raden deze aan
Aragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove RdRecently named "Best Waterfront Restaurant in Maine". Definitely call ahead for reservations, $$$.
Local family run farm with food to buy and eat (there or take out).
12 locals raden deze aan
Roaring Lion Farm
144 Snow's Cove RdLocal family run farm with food to buy and eat (there or take out).
Blaze
66 Main StreetOutdoor beer garden and wood fired pizzas.
Bucklyn Coffee
103 Main StLocally roasted coffee.
Zeppa's Pizza
Best pizza around and lovely people running it.
Drinks & Nightlife
Deepwater is owned by the same family that owns Arborvine, the nicest restaurant in Blue Hill. Good beer and food offerings. "Nightlife" in Blue Hill means they have a small bar and close by 10pm.
34 locals raden deze aan
DeepWater Brewing Company
33 Tenney HillDeepwater is owned by the same family that owns Arborvine, the nicest restaurant in Blue Hill. Good beer and food offerings. "Nightlife" in Blue Hill means they have a small bar and close by 10pm.
Serving drinks and bar apps, Barncastle is a local favorite.
74 locals raden deze aan
Barncastle Hotel + Restaurant
125 South StServing drinks and bar apps, Barncastle is a local favorite.
Essentials
Tradewinds is an awesome grocery store that supplies the majority of the Peninsula. They'll have most items you need/want and a full beer/liquor selection. They also sell fuel and have a car wash.
82 locals raden deze aan
Tradewinds Marketplace
15 South StTradewinds is an awesome grocery store that supplies the majority of the Peninsula. They'll have most items you need/want and a full beer/liquor selection. They also sell fuel and have a car wash.
Great laundromat in the Village. You can walk across the street and eat while you wait for your clothes to dry.
9 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Laundry
11 Ellsworth RdGreat laundromat in the Village. You can walk across the street and eat while you wait for your clothes to dry.
US Post Office
104 Main StHopefully you never need it, but if so it is 1.5 mile from the farm.
12 locals raden deze aan
Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital
57 Water StHopefully you never need it, but if so it is 1.5 mile from the farm.
This market is centrally located next to the Brooksville Farmer Market, Bucks Harbor Yacht Club, and Condons Garage made famous from Richard McCloskeys books.
30 locals raden deze aan
Buck's Harbor Market
6 Cornfield Hill RdThis market is centrally located next to the Brooksville Farmer Market, Bucks Harbor Yacht Club, and Condons Garage made famous from Richard McCloskeys books.
Walgreens
17 South StConveniently located next to Tradewinds grocery store.
Arts & Culture
Blue Hill has a wonderful library which is well stocked with movies, music, and books. Sit in the oversized chairs by the fireplace or peruse the local art displays on the upper floors. Staff are super friendly and the library usually offers free summer kids programs. Best (free) internet on the Peninsula.
25 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Public Library
5 Parker Point RdBlue Hill has a wonderful library which is well stocked with movies, music, and books. Sit in the oversized chairs by the fireplace or peruse the local art displays on the upper floors. Staff are super friendly and the library usually offers free summer kids programs. Best (free) internet on the Peninsula.
Jonathon Fisher was indeed a Renaissance man who wore many hats. We particularly marvel that he used to WALK to Bangor (and back) to give sermons. Museum is in his original house. Call for hours.
16 locals raden deze aan
Jonathan Fisher House
44 Mines RdJonathon Fisher was indeed a Renaissance man who wore many hats. We particularly marvel that he used to WALK to Bangor (and back) to give sermons. Museum is in his original house. Call for hours.
This has since moved to South Street just across from Mainescape and we are listing them because they are now offering live music. Call for details.
Bagaduce Music
49 South StThis has since moved to South Street just across from Mainescape and we are listing them because they are now offering live music. Call for details.
Kneisel Hall is a summer chamber music school but if you get a chance, and enjoy chamber music, make the effort to get tickets to see one of their performances. The venue is so intimate they often do not have to amplify the instruments, so you are truly experiencing the thrill of chamber music. All of the kids are from the creme de la creme of the nations musical programs.
8 locals raden deze aan
Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival and School
137 Pleasant StKneisel Hall is a summer chamber music school but if you get a chance, and enjoy chamber music, make the effort to get tickets to see one of their performances. The venue is so intimate they often do not have to amplify the instruments, so you are truly experiencing the thrill of chamber music. All of the kids are from the creme de la creme of the nations musical programs.
Haystack is a world renowned educational institute for all types of hands-on crafts such as smithing, welding, sculpture, and more.
29 locals raden deze aan
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
89 Haystack School DrHaystack is a world renowned educational institute for all types of hands-on crafts such as smithing, welding, sculpture, and more.
The mission of the Good Life Center is to perpetuate the legacy of Helen and Scott Nearing. The Good Life Center, through its programming and preservation of the historic Forest Farm homestead, advocates for simple and sustainable living skills, social and economic justice, organic gardening and the non-exploitation of animals.
22 locals raden deze aan
Good Life Center
372 Harborside RdThe mission of the Good Life Center is to perpetuate the legacy of Helen and Scott Nearing. The Good Life Center, through its programming and preservation of the historic Forest Farm homestead, advocates for simple and sustainable living skills, social and economic justice, organic gardening and the non-exploitation of animals.
Shopping
Max and MaryAlice run this eclectic shop which sells, of course, wine in addition to fresh baked local treats, imported meats and cheeses, and coffee, tea, and tobacco. Max makes an excellent (cheap) espresso and usually there is some great old vinyl record playing on the turntable. They have an outside deck to enjoy you coffee and smoke. Look for the chocolate croissants.
43 locals raden deze aan
The Blue Hill Wine Shop
138 Main StMax and MaryAlice run this eclectic shop which sells, of course, wine in addition to fresh baked local treats, imported meats and cheeses, and coffee, tea, and tobacco. Max makes an excellent (cheap) espresso and usually there is some great old vinyl record playing on the turntable. They have an outside deck to enjoy you coffee and smoke. Look for the chocolate croissants.
Very cute and central bookstore for last minute acquisition of something distracting to read.
21 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Books
26 Pleasant StVery cute and central bookstore for last minute acquisition of something distracting to read.
Blue Hill Farmer's Market
233 Ellsworth RdSaturdays 9-noon.
Brooksville Community Center
1 Black Bear RdBrooksville Farmers Market Tuesday 9-noon
If you need any last minute outdoor equipment or attire purchases, Cadillac Mountain has a great selection. Clothes, shoes, kayaks, sleeping bags, bike rentals, etc.
7 locals raden deze aan
Cadillac Mountain Sports
32 High StIf you need any last minute outdoor equipment or attire purchases, Cadillac Mountain has a great selection. Clothes, shoes, kayaks, sleeping bags, bike rentals, etc.
If you are in Ellsworth, Rooster Bros is worth a visit. They locally roast the coffee we offer in our Cottage and have an amazing selection of kitchen and culinary items. But mainly its about the coffee!
30 locals raden deze aan
Rooster Brother Coffee Roasters
29 Main StIf you are in Ellsworth, Rooster Bros is worth a visit. They locally roast the coffee we offer in our Cottage and have an amazing selection of kitchen and culinary items. But mainly its about the coffee!
Art gallery or store? Hard to say, but interesting to visit and they offer affordable pieces if you are not feeling like dropping the big bucks.
11 locals raden deze aan
Handworks Gallery
48 Main StArt gallery or store? Hard to say, but interesting to visit and they offer affordable pieces if you are not feeling like dropping the big bucks.
Makers' market
47 Bagaduce RdUltra local art offerings at an affordable price in a cute little house.
Mainescape is an eclectic shopping experience...they offer everything from fruit trees to fresh bread.
8 locals raden deze aan
Mainescape Inc
48 South StMainescape is an eclectic shopping experience...they offer everything from fruit trees to fresh bread.
Rackliffe Pottery
132 Ellsworth RdWonderful local family owned pottery store.
Mark Bell Pottery
283 Mines RdLocal porcelain potter with a store open 7 days.
Parks & Nature
This is a beautiful beach spot that locals love and there is usually plenty of room for privacy. Entering the beach, you can go right and head to the giant rock ledges or go left and walk on the beach until you have a nice quiet spot. The tide is pretty dramatic and we prefer low tide since there is much to see for kids and adults. Ocean is usually below 60F.
13 locals raden deze aan
Curtis Cove
This is a beautiful beach spot that locals love and there is usually plenty of room for privacy. Entering the beach, you can go right and head to the giant rock ledges or go left and walk on the beach until you have a nice quiet spot. The tide is pretty dramatic and we prefer low tide since there is much to see for kids and adults. Ocean is usually below 60F.
BHHT manages multiple hiking trails throughout the Peninsula. They are an excellent (often overlooked) resource to find amazing day hikes (ranging from 1-5 miles). They have great online maps to show you how to get there, where to park, and maps of the trails.
36 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Heritage Trust
157 Hinckley Ridge RdBHHT manages multiple hiking trails throughout the Peninsula. They are an excellent (often overlooked) resource to find amazing day hikes (ranging from 1-5 miles). They have great online maps to show you how to get there, where to park, and maps of the trails.
Very cool old fort guarding the Penobscot River that offers tours and you can also go up into the observatory of the Bucksport Bridge.
140 locals raden deze aan
Fort Knox en Penobscot Narrows Observatory
740 Ft Knox RdVery cool old fort guarding the Penobscot River that offers tours and you can also go up into the observatory of the Bucksport Bridge.
One of our favorite hikes in the area. Great views from the top, total distance is approximately 2 miles (1 up, 1 down). Parking at the base on Mountain Road.
33 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Mountain Trail
Blue Hill Mountain TrailOne of our favorite hikes in the area. Great views from the top, total distance is approximately 2 miles (1 up, 1 down). Parking at the base on Mountain Road.
Creating public gardens of Maine native plants to demonstrate their beauty and value and to encourage sustainable gardening.
Native Gardens of Blue HIll
49 South StCreating public gardens of Maine native plants to demonstrate their beauty and value and to encourage sustainable gardening.
Peters Brook and its associated branches drain the uplands east of the Blue Hill village into Peter’s Cove, which is part of Blue Hill Bay. The Peters Brook Trailhead is located on the opposite side of the street and across the stream from the AB Herrick Memorial Landing and the Penny’s Preserve trail head is apx 1/4 mile down the East Blue Hill Rd (heading away from the village). The entire trail system has apx 5 miles of hiking trails that take you along and out to various points along Peters Brook, including a beautiful waterfall and through historic granite quarries.
6 locals raden deze aan
Peters Brook walking trail
170 ME-176Peters Brook and its associated branches drain the uplands east of the Blue Hill village into Peter’s Cove, which is part of Blue Hill Bay. The Peters Brook Trailhead is located on the opposite side of the street and across the stream from the AB Herrick Memorial Landing and the Penny’s Preserve trail head is apx 1/4 mile down the East Blue Hill Rd (heading away from the village). The entire trail system has apx 5 miles of hiking trails that take you along and out to various points along Peters Brook, including a beautiful waterfall and through historic granite quarries.
Entertainment & Activities
Super nice couple own this business that rents bikes and kayaks. Also check with them as they often offer summer kids activities.
40 locals raden deze aan
The Activity Shop
139 Mines RdSuper nice couple own this business that rents bikes and kayaks. Also check with them as they often offer summer kids activities.
Many people from all over the world come to Wooden Boat to learn about the essentials of wooden boat building. They offer classes year round.
26 locals raden deze aan
Wooden Boat School
41 WoodenBoat LnMany people from all over the world come to Wooden Boat to learn about the essentials of wooden boat building. They offer classes year round.
Haystack Mountain is world renowned for offering a wide range of arts and crafts course as well as old world skills such as blacksmithing.
29 locals raden deze aan
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
89 Haystack School DrHaystack Mountain is world renowned for offering a wide range of arts and crafts course as well as old world skills such as blacksmithing.
This is where the Annual Blue Hill Fair is held as well as the weekly (Saturday 9-noon) Blue Hill Farmers Market. They have a 1/2 mile track if you fell like getting some exercise.
9 locals raden deze aan
Blue Hill Fairgrounds
233 Ellsworth RdThis is where the Annual Blue Hill Fair is held as well as the weekly (Saturday 9-noon) Blue Hill Farmers Market. They have a 1/2 mile track if you fell like getting some exercise.
This is where you can catch the Isle au Haut mail boat that offers trips. Make sure the weather is nice!
20 locals raden deze aan
Isle au Haut Boat Services
37 Seabreeze AveThis is where you can catch the Isle au Haut mail boat that offers trips. Make sure the weather is nice!
Brand new in 2020, the YMCA is less than a mile from Misty Morning Farm and features a competition swimming pool and fitness center. Short term memberships available.
6 locals raden deze aan
Downeast YMCA Fitness Center
32 Mines RdBrand new in 2020, the YMCA is less than a mile from Misty Morning Farm and features a competition swimming pool and fitness center. Short term memberships available.
Castine Kayak Adventures
17 Sea StCastine Cruises
5 Sea St