Vinalhaven FAQ’s - Everything you need to know about our island

  • The credit goes to my grandmother, Millie. She discovered Vinalhaven back in the 1950’s when she came out here to take a painting class, fell in love with the island (so easy to do) and talked my grandfather, George, into moving here. The rest as they say is history - I came out as a summer kid and I could never imagine living anywhere else.

  • Travel to the island requires an adventurous spirit and a little bit of planning.

    Most folks will begin by driving to Rockland, Maine, where you get the Vinalhaven ferry; but it is also possible to travel to Rockland by bus (Concord Trailways) and by air (Knox County Regional Airport). Mid-coast Limo Service will pick you up at the Portland Maine Jetport and deliver you to the Rockland ferry terminal. The Amtrak Downeaster provides rail service to Portland, and connects with the bus service to Rockland.

    The ferry to Vinalhaven takes about an hour and fifteen minutes across beautiful Penobscot’s Bay and through Hurricane Sound, The Reach and finally turning into Carver’s Harbor. Enjoy the ride and make sure you’ve got your camera and maybe some binoculars. From March through October there are six ferry departures daily: the first at 7:00 am and the last one back at 4:30pm.

    Check the Maine State Ferry Service HERE for more information, current schedules and fares.

    Air

    Penobscot Island Air provides limited passenger service to Vinalhaven. For further information, contact them at 207-596-7500. Please note that there is no public transportation on the island—it will be necessary to make arrangements in advance for pick-up at the island landing strip. Try Vinalhaven Taxi at: (207) 720-0056.

  • If you are coming just for the day - it is much easier for you to walk on.

    It is very important that you understand the process for getting a car off the island. Please read about it HERE or call the Ferry office for more info.

  • Yes, ocean or quarry both an easy walk from the boat. Lanes Island would be the place to go for some ocean swimming (or dipping) and Lawson’s Quarry or Booth’s Quarry for some freshwater swimming and some cliff jumping!

  • The trails out here are amazing. Check out the Vinalhaven Land Trust for all the scoop and if so inclined… please consider supporting this great organization with a membership. Annual dues are only $20 Click HERE to join.

    You can see images of lots of my favorite trails here. Huber Preserve is one of my year round favorites.

  • Yes, check out Vinalhaven by Boat or Maine Sea Bird Tours

  • It depends on the day! In a small town its good to have a plan and know what your options are before you’re too hungry! These are some of the current options:

    Carver’s Harbor Market - Along with all of the normal grocery store offerings they have ready made sandwiches and salads. Open year round

    Island Spirits - Your go to for wine, beer, cheese and crackers as well as some really good coffee! Check out their other offerings including a wide selection of organic meat and seafood, some great gluten free pastas and crackers and some delicious sauces as well as chocolate! Open year round

    Salty Dogs Cafe - Breakfast and lunch. Ready made breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and tasty teas. Open year round

    Fisherman’s Friend - Convenience store. Open year round

    Surfside - A breakfast hub for fishermen - Waterfront breakfast with a great view! Open year round

    Seas Bakery - Delicious donuts (get there early!) and refreshing ice coffee with coffee ice cubes!! Open year round.

    The Sand Bar - Lunch and dinner and a full bar. Open year round

    The Pizza Pit - Pasta, subs and pizza. Open year round

    Sherry’s Kitchen - From scratch breakfast and lunch offerings. Great coffee! Scones, Quiches, Frittata's, sandwiches on focaccia Dine in and take out. Open year round

    New this year is Blue’s a food truck next to the Island Wave

    Vinalhaven Community Brewery

    Roberts Harbor Farm - Farm stand veggies and baked goods. Seasonal

    Dot & Millies - Dinners - good food in a comfortable atmosphere. Seasonal opening late this year

    The Island Wave - Offering fresh, handmade empanadas and other fresh, delicious, homemade food

    Vinalhaven Candy Co - Ice cream and candy. Seasonal

    Greet’s Eats - Food truck serving Lobster rolls, crab rolls and more Seasonal

    Asian Persuasion - Seasonal

  • The best way is to hire Brown's Boatyard to ferry you across. You can call Brown's for a trip from Vinalhaven to North Haven. They are open during the daytime, and also make runs on the hour every hour during the day. Call ahead of time - Brown's is generally your best bet at getting there from here.

    Brown's Boatyard: (207) 867-4621

  • The Tidewater Motel - An inn like no other! Built on the site of a former grist mill, and looking directly out on Carver’s Harbor, the family-run Tidewater puts guests right on the water. Its rooms are clean, comfortable, and outfitted with most modern conveniences (not all rooms have TVs, and Wi-Fi access can be limited — both of which might be welcome news, however, for families looking to unplug). The Tidewater offers guests a free shuttle service and use of its bikes, while the savvy staff will gladly help arrange everything from babysitters to dinner reservations.

  • As you walk down Main St from the ferry boat - stop in at Raven Winter's Ebb & Flow at Harbor Wharf for a beautifully curated selection of handcraft and other treasures.

    Once into town, stop in at The Marston House to see a beautiful collection of curated antiques.

    continue down the street to the best little used bookstore - Second Hand Prose

    Phineas Fogg has a wonderful selection of clothes and accessories. Looking for a chicken pocket book or a fabulous pair of linen pants … they’ve got them!

    Go Fish has been an island tradition for over 25 years - Custom T's, Unique Gifts, Classic Toys, Jewelry, Cards, Whimsical Housewares and so much more! Go Fish has something for everyone. AND the Penny Candy Counter is an experience not to be missed no matter your age. Fun, fun, fun!

    New Era Gallery currently exhibits the work of more than 75 artists, many of whom are known nationally and internationally, and nearly all of whom spend a significant part of their working lives on the island. A rotating schedule of small group and solo shows, artist talks, and performances fill the May through December season each year.

    And of course there is WindHorse Arts filled with color and a little bit of magic

    The Island Closet carries anything and almost everything, from screws to toothpaste, pillows to vacuum cleaners, crayons to toasters and everything in between. If Jeannie doesn't have it, she'll get it for you, typically faster and cheaper than you can get it yourself.

    Swap Shop – Goods Reuse Currently located at the Net Factory property (Former Town Garage), Main Street Regular hours: Saturdays 9-1 Pop up hours during the week.

    In my old storefront you can now fine VHVeggies

    A little bit out of town make sure to visit Zachs where you can find a wide variety of hand-cut wooden craft items, hand-painted decorative sea creatures, art supplies, books, original postcards and note cards, handmade items from local artisans, nautical toys, games, pirate gear and antique navigation replicas. Stop by and check out their ever-changing one-of-a-kind shop!

  • Yes, The Vinalhaven Historical Society and Museum is a definite must see. I am also partial to our library and visit the Brown Church to see some beautiful stained glass windows.

  • There is a flea market on Saturdays during the summer and often pop up vendors in the town parking lot

  • Yes, Roberts Harbor Farm is open to the public a few days a week and Turner Farm on North Haven

  • Yes, at the north end of the island you can drive to Browns Head Light

  • Too many to narrow down … but I’ll give it a try

    Grimes Park where the ferry boat landing is

    Lanes Island easy walk from town

    Gearys Beach - a short ride out of town

    The quarrys

    so many beautiful spots on any of the trails.