What is it about staring at the ocean’s flow that calms our nerves, lifts our spirits, and rejuvenates our souls? If immersing yourself in the peaceful simplicity of the tides sounds appealing, an escape to the unpretentious accommodations of The Tidewater on Vinalhaven will likely exceed your expectations.
From private decks under which swift tides ebb and flow, the inn offers breathtaking views of Carver’s Harbor, one of Maine’s most important working waterfronts, where you can watch generations of lobstermen head out to sea and return to unload their haul at the island co-op.
Getting to the island is easy via regularly scheduled ferry crossings from Rockland. It’s a quick 90-minute trip past the Breakwater Lighthouse and ledges where seals frolic and sunbathe. Whether you’re traveling by foot, bike, or automobile, the ferry can accommodate you, but it’s best to book your spring or summer stay at the inn early because the highly coveted tidal front rooms go fast!
Solitude-seeking travelers should book their stays early in the season (the inn opens April 1) or midweek to avoid crowds while kayaking, hiking, or daring to jump in the island’s freshwater quarry.
Where to eat: Many of the island’s eateries like Greet’s Eats food truck and Dot and Millie’s restaurant don’t reopen until late May. Until then, guests of The Tidewater can bring their own provisions and prepare meals in the inn’s communal area called The Gathering Place, which has a full kitchen and dinner tables overlooking the water. Visitors can find artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, beer, and wine across the street at Island Spirits. If you rise and shine to the baritone of lobster boat motors, you can grab breakfast at Surfside like a local. Finally, no visit to Vinalhaven is complete without enjoying a fresh-picked crabmeat quesadilla or a classic cheeseburger at The Sand Bar, where you can wash down both with a potent “island strength” frozen mudslide.
What to do: The island is a hiker’s and photographer’s paradise, with over 20 trails managed by the town of Vinalhaven as well as organizations like Vinalhaven Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust. After a day outside, visitors who are also music enthusiasts can reserve tickets on select weekends to live shows at Skål, the island’s speakeasy.
The Tidewater
15 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
(207) 863-4618
www.thetidewatervh.com
