Charles Philbrook, which. Riding the paved loop, many houses are seen with stacked lobster pots out front and boats on the lawn. The Historical Society, at 41 High St., is walking distance from the ferry and houses many other artifacts and displays about island history. VINALHAVEN ISLAND, Maine (AP) Take a ferry to picturesque Vinalhaven Island in Penobscot Bay off the Maine coast for great biking, good food, beautiful coastal scenery and a few surprises: the eye-catching home of a famous artist, a connection to the beloved childrens book Goodnight Moon and old granite quarries now used as quiet swimming spots. Vinalhaven Ferry Vehicle Reservations & Line Numbers | Maine State Ferry Service Vinalhaven Ferry Vehicle Reservations & Line Numbers Reservations Procedure View Rockland's vehicle reservation page for Vinalhaven reservation info. Pass by seals and keep an eye out for the bald eagles flying overhead while you watch the colors of the sky transform 360 degrees around you as the sun inches toward the pines on the horizon. Before heading over, be sure to make arrangements for a taxi or shuttle to pick you back up from Youngs Cove when youre ready to return. Success . Vehicle Reservation Info. Capt. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries. Circle the island counter-clockwise by continuing on E. Main St., Pequot Rd., Round the Island Rd., and N. Haven Rd. Took the first ferry over. Camden to Vinalhaven - one way to travel via car ferry - Rome2rio Grants and Scholarships Portal Apply Here, Download Vinalhaven Community Profile (PDF). The word lifeline is used. Especially when you need something on the mainland. Low tide at Vinalhaven Harbor-- looking from the "port" side of the Tidewater Inn. You have permission to edit this article. We have 100 people working for the service, seven boats going all the time. 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Vinalhaven to Maine - 2 ways to travel via car ferry, bus, and car Vinalhaven is the state's largest off-shore island community, known for its striking natural beauty and for being home to one of the world's largest lobster fishing fleets. FORE MORE DATA ON MAINES ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES VISIT: Higgins said the Capt. The quickest way to get from Camden to Vinalhaven is to car ferry which costs $45-$55 and takes 1h 26m. The island itself is closed to the public, but boat tours to view the island are permitted. Waterfront Maine Island Cottage, Brand New Post and Beam! The islands listed on this site are those that are serviced by ferry. A visit to Vinalhaven, where we're watching the tides roll in More details Ken -- "No regular ferry or water taxi" because there just isn't enough demand to make operating one feasible or profitable. Hope you can find someone willing to split the cost with you.both great areas for biking. Please call us with your dates and we can let you know which available rooms allow furry friends. Box 648 This island is quaint, remote, quiet, and one of the best-kept secrets in Maine and New England, as a whole. The new ferry is named after Richard G. Spear who served as the Maine State Ferry Service manager for 30 years, from 1959 to 1989. The Penobscot Bay islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Islesboro, and Swan's Island off Mount Desert Island, were named in the original bill, Their needs were determined by a study of each island's traffic, commissioned by the Maine Port Authority. The Island Institute works to sustain Maines island and coastal communities, and exchanges ideas and experiences to further the sustainability of communities here and elsewhere. I'm doing a Maine Coast bike trip in September. Maine State Ferry ServiceMaine State Ferry ServiceP.O. You can glimpse the turbines from the ferry but you won't see or hear them from Main Street; they're about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. The society opens June 16 for the season, Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission, donations welcome, http://www.vinalhavenhistoricalsociety.org . Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Penobscot Island Air out of Rockland delivers the mail and makes regularly scheduled trips. Charles Philbrook, which has serviced the route for the past 30 years. The scenic ferry ride from Rockland on the mainland takes 75 minutes and drops you off on Vinalhaven, about a 10-minute walk from the downtown area. Keywords . And though the bikes lying around the motel's yard are a bit beat up, they'll get you to the quarry for a swim. Approaching Vinalhaven, the ferry cruises among beautiful, smaller islands jutting up from the ocean's floor. Every room has its own private bath. The Owls Head Light is an active aid to navigation located at the entrance of Rockland Harbor on western Penobscot Bay in the town of Owls Head, Knox County, Maine. Ferries for the 15-mile (24-kilometer) trip between Rockland and Vinalhaven depart six times daily from either side between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ($17.50 round-trip),. Written by Lisa Luken, a Maine-based writer and researcher exploring rural and coastal communities around the world. Start exploring magnificent places with our weekly travel newsletter. Although a native of Blue Hill, not Vinalhaven, when Maddox was a young man he hopped aboard a wooden steamer that traveled from Boston to Maine, got off on Vinalhaven, spotted a beautiful young woman, and just stayed. He became a pillar of the community, An institution here, in charge of everything, including the Masonic Lodge, Crossman said. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The Ferry Service operates year round. Since summer is the prime time for a visit to these islands, be sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time to find a parking spot. Many lobster men earn their living along Vinalhaven's rocky shores. The Vinalhaven Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to get a glimpse of our year-round island communities! On other islands, they eat, sleep and breathe by the ferry schedule, said Murray. P.O. Or rent one on Vinalhaven at the Tidewater Motel, which offers bikes free to guests. Im probably the islands most frequent ferry user, she said. Maine State Ferry Service recently received a $150,000 federal grant to implement a program to better track preventive maintenance of its fleet. Maine Transportation operates a car ferry from Rockland to Vinalhaven every 4 hours. We had the mail boat. The Penobscot Bay islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Islesboro, and Swans Island off Mount Desert Island, were named in the original bill, Their needs were determined by a study of each islands traffic, commissioned by the Maine Port Authority. As a ferry approaches the end of its 30-year lifespan, the ferry service tries to replace it. Updates on new roads, events, motorcycle news and more! (must be reviewed, approved, & posted). Come experience these unique adventures yourself and see why the coast of Maine is the perfect place to escape the rat race and venture off the beaten path. In the late 1950s, Islesboro, just a three-mile trip from Lincolnville, boasted an 84-foot, 10-car, double-ended wooden ferry that could carry trucks. Rooms at the Tidewater are $175-$199 through Labor Day; https://tidewatermotel.com/. Discover how to get to attractions and hotels near Vinalhaven. Thats a trip to the mainland. This ferry (a small outboard boat that seats 4-5 people and can accommodate bikes) runs during the day on the hour for a small fee. Originally, North Haven selectmen said they wanted a side-loading ferry because they believeda bow- and stern-loading vessel would obstruct the marine channel. Website | 207-596-5400. Since 2016, Vinalhaven has been addressing the effects of sea level rise by first understanding the impacts Maine State Ferry Service Tariff 9 Quick Reference Fare Structure: Passenger and Walk-On Vehicles, Motorcycles & Trucks Bicycles (includes passenger ticket) Seven islands of Casco BayPeaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long Island, Chebeague, Cliff, and Bailey are served by Casco Bay Lines, a thriving private service at the time the Maine State Ferry Service began, but which foundered and went bankrupt in 1981. The 15 mile scenic trip takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes each way and provides a unique tour of Penobscot Bay. Vinalhaven Ferry & Island Run | Route Ref. #36276 - Motorcycle Roads Monhegan Island, like Matinicus, usually has a winter population between 30 and 40, but the island does not have a regular car ferry. Located 15 miles off the coast of Rockland, these islands are filled with scenery and experiences that will remind you why Maine is considered "vacationland.". Each is only about a mile or so away from the Tidewater. For me, the service is indispensable,vital to Maine people as well as the economy. [2] It is home to a thriving lobster fishery and hosts a summer colony. hammerbabe--do u know anyone that rents mall boston whalers on vinal haven ??? Working with a number of invaluable partners, the towns active Sea Level Rise Committee is developing recommendations to incorporate sea level rise into municipal planning and infrastructure adaptation. Explore Maine by Ferry - Maine Islands Today, the Maine State Ferry Service is building a new boat at Washburn & Doughty, an East Boothbay shipyard established in 1977, for delivery in the fall of 2020. Not only is the ferry ride a nice way to get on the water and enjoy the views, but islands tend to be a bit cooler and breezier than the mainland. Add a photo or video to a route, event, club, or place and earn 3-profile points, Add a new route, event, club or place and earn profile 5-points! There are no amenities once leaving town and it's a good idea to cap-off fuel before boarding the ferry at Rockland. Ferry Service by Island Select an island below to view ferry services. Day trips to the island are doable if you take an early ferry over and the last one back, but overnights are better especially if you want to try some of the islands good food. Things were and are different on Matinicus, another year-round residential island in Penobscot Bay. ROCKLAND, Maine Maine State Ferry Service will unveil a new $9 million ferry to serve the island of Vinalhaven beginning this summer. The biggest challenge is having enough hours in the day, and no two days are alike, he said. Leave the car behind and set out for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to Vinalhaven and North Haven, two islands in MidCoast Maine. Its permanent collection includes works by such artists as Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Thomas Eakins, Eastman Johnson, Fitz Henry Lane, Frank Benson, Childe Hassam, and Maurice Prendergast, as well as a significant collection of works by the 20th-century sculptor Louise Nevelson. All rights reserved. Operated by the Maine Department of Transportation, provides fixed-route ferry service from Bass Harbor to Swan's Island and Frenchboro, from Rockland to North Haven and Matinicus Island, and from Lincolnville to Islesboro. Riding the paved loop, many houses are seen with stacked lobster pots out front and boats on the lawn. Grants and Scholarships Portal Apply Here, Portland to sell building to island group. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Operated by the Maine Department of Transportation, provides fixed-route ferry service from Bass Harbor to Swan's Island and Frenchboro, from Rockland to North Haven and Matinicus Island, and from Lincolnville to Islesboro. The process: you have to call, starting at 5:30 am the day before you want to leave. Located 15 miles off the coast of Rockland, these islands are filled with scenery and experiences that will remind you why Maine is considered vacationland. Heres how to make the journey to these MidCoast retreats. Ferries for the 15-mile (24-kilometer) trip between Rockland and Vinalhaven depart six times daily from either side between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ($17.50 round-trip), https://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/vinalhaven.htm . Did you know you can see puffins in MidCoast Maine? There was no plumbing, no electricity and no road in; she brought guests to the house in a rowboat and kept white wine chilling in a well. Get lunch at The Landing (and dont forget the ice cream!) This April, Treat Yourself, Dont Cheat Yourself! PHOTO: COURTESY HISTORY PRESS/VINALHAVEN ISLANDS MARITIME INDUSTRIES. You never know what you'll find at the flea! This up-close wildlife encounter is the perfect end to an island-hopping adventure in MidCoast Maine. Vinalhaven was in the news a few years ago when three tall windmills were installed to provide low-cost electricity; some locals complained about the whoosh-whoosh sound disturbing the island's peace and quiet. Vinalhaven School is the largest unbridged island school in Maine. Ferry tickets for pedestrians are $17.50. Guide to Vinalhaven, Maine | Eat, Stay & Play - New England Vinalhaven, ME 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Our wharf is hidden at low tide., To make trips when you want to would cut the harbor in half, mess it up. Both swimming quarries are also on our route, as is the Basin, where we recommend visiting to kayak or canoe while visiting with the seals that frequent that spot! Alternatively, you may use. Vinalhaven is also used to refer to the island itself. The ocean water is chilly, but plan a dip in one of the old granite quarries, which now serve as irresistible freshwater swimming spots. Sign Up! We're happy to suggest some favorites to explore during yorur stay. North Havens old 64-foot wooden ferry serving the 500 year-round residents could carry only one vehicle at a time and lacked the cargo-handling, two-ton hoist of the old Vinalhaven vessel. It will replace the Capt. Brown died in 1952 and The Only House property is not open to the public, but the Vinalhaven Historical Society maintains a small exhibit about her. The result? Vinalhaven has 49-miles of paved roads which includes the loop described. Both swimming quarries are also on our route, as is the Basin, where we recommend visiting to kayak or canoe while visiting with the seals that frequent that spot! No bank. A few of the lobstering residents have trucks, but most residents use golf carts or just walk. An Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure Awaits. On Monday evenings, we host lobster bakes for our guests. Its a way of life. The staff was pleasant and efficient. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Heron Neck Light Station on January 21, 1988. Find all the transport options for your trip from Camden to Vinalhaven right here. The downside of living on an island includes isolation from the rest of the world. A bit of an uproar occurred when the contract was awarded to build the first four ferries. You kind of get to a point of no return.. Or rent one on Vinalhaven at the Tidewater Motel, which offers bikes free to guests. Touring the island by bike or motorcycle is a nice way to experience the magic that captivated Margaret Wise Brown. We are happy to pick you up at the ferry, drop you off, or bring you to one of our favorite nearby hikes. The population swells in the summer months to around 4,000 people, making for a very seasonal tourist economy. It will join the E. Frank Thompson vessel, which also provides year round service to Vinalhaven, the largest of the six island communities served by Maine State Ferry Service. Good luck! Leave the car behind and set out for an off-the-beaten-path adventure to Vinalhaven and North Haven, two islands in MidCoast Maine. Of course, ferries dont merely perform the vital function of getting everyone home. info@islandinstitute.org, 386 Main St. www.islandinstitute.org/waypoints, FOR DATA QUESTIONS, CONTACT: Rockland, ME 04841, SITE DESIGNED & DEVELOPED BY NORTHEAST MEDIA COLLECTIVE. Good morning! Within the next 10 years the ferry service will be working on a plan to replace the Everett Libby, which services Matinicus island. Over 3,800 to 5,000 years ago, the island was inhabited by the Red Paint People and later by the Abenaki. Use our sharing links on the page to notify other riding friends about great roads, events, clubs, & places & earn 1-profile point per share! Vinalhaven - Travel guide at Wikivoyage A main course of seafood stew or scallops and bacon (or steak, chicken, or pasta if seafood isnt your thing) will satisfy your appetite but be sure to save room to top it all off with dessert. The present lighthouse was built in 1857; and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Browns Head Light Station" on January 27, 1983. A wharf that could handle larger ferries needing a deeper draft would have to extend so far out into the harbor that its other uses would be curtailed. The light was automated in 1984. Wooden vessels were ruled out by U.S. Coast Guard regulations that required nonflammable construction materials for a boat transporting vehicles. The Laura B was put into service in 1952 by the founder of the Monhegan Boat Line, Capt. The town maintains three public access locations in Carvers Harbor. A large granite industry developed on the island in the early 19th century and for 100 years provided high-quality stone for monuments, bridges, buildings and city streets around the country, including for Civil War forts, the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Washington Monument and New Yorks Cathedral of St. John the Divine. A steady peaceful burble to an almost thundering roartaking place just beneath your room as the tide races from place to place. We look forward to seeing you then! Vinalhaven is located in Penobscot Bay with 24 square miles of land. When the new, 90-foot, aptly named North Haven was placed in service, vehicle traffic for the 11-mile trip increased from 290 cars for all of 1959, to 829 vehicles during June and July of 1960. The harbor was spread before us dotted with lobster boats and other craft. Need a tank of propane? If you're not bringing your car onboard, you must park it in Rockland; don't panic if the main lot appears full as there are other reasonably priced options nearby. The 44-foot Sea Wind served McKinleycurrent day Bass Harborand Swans Island by way of Frenchboro, for a round trip of just over 22 miles, making one trip a day year-round since 1950, carrying mail six days a week but no vehicles. We want to get everyone home, is how Mark Higgins, manager of the Maine State Ferry Service, based in Rockland, explains its role. Region: Mid-CoastService Area: Frenchboro, Islesboro, Matinicus Island, North Haven, Swans Island, Vinalhaven In 1959, only 544 cars made the trip during the entire year. Pet needs a vet? Each ferry carries 16 cars but getting a spot for a vehicle is complicated details at https://www.vinalhaven.org/getting-here . Higgins said this will help keep maintenance costs down. But we also had a solid waste problem.. Lobster man's WARNING sign reads "Due to the price of ammo, no shot will be fired for trespassing.". Sleeps 3 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. The cheapest way to get from Vinalhaven to Maine costs only $29, and the quickest way takes just 2 hours. Let me know if you're interested. Fares are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. Crewman inspecting equipment on the ferry as Chas enjoys the sweet scent of salt air. The distance between Camden and Vinalhaven is 26 km. Touring the island by bike or motorcycle is a nice way to experience the magic that captivated Margaret Wise Brown. Brown died in 1952 and "The Only House" property is not open to the public, but the Vinalhaven Historical Society maintains a small exhibit about her. It ran between the island and Rockland from 1892 to 1924. *IMPORTANT! PO Box 505/ 15 Main Street Vinalhaven, Maine 04863, 2023 by Anton & Lily. During the winter months, however, the last trip to and from the island departs at 3:15 pm rather than 4:30 pm during the summer. There are 57+ hotels available in Vinalhaven. You can call our office at (207) 594-9209. . Charter would cost me around $400. There was a kind of economic wonderland on Main Street, said Crossman. The vessel is pushing 60, and Higgins said a substantial amount of maintenance has been done on it in recent years. Full details here, http://www.vinalhavenhistoricalsociety.org, http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/vinalhaven.htm. Vinalhaven, Maine - Wikipedia The next ferry being eyed for replacement is the Capt. You can glimpse the turbines from the ferry but you wont see or hear them from Main Street; theyre about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away. The Historical Society, at 41 High St., is walking distance from the ferry and houses many other artifacts and displays about island history. Map Operators Explore There is 1 way to get from Camden to Vinalhaven by car ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. It is the centerpiece of 13acre Owls Head State Park and was added to the National Register of Historic Places as Owls Head Light Station in 1978. But before new vessel construction began, they changed their minds when they realized they needed to be able to bring trucks over. Note that if you dont have time to visit both Vinalhaven and North Haven in one trip, you can always take a ferry directly to North Haven from Rockland (and back). GETTING THERE, GETTING AROUND AND GETTING FED. Ferries for the 15-mile (24-kilometer) trip between Rockland and Vinalhaven depart six times daily from either side between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ($17.50 round-trip), http://www.maine.gov/mdot/msfs/vinalhaven.htm . If you don't have a bike to bring on the boat, you can rent one at Sidecountry Sports in Rockland. Nancy Griffin is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Thomaston. QUICK FACTS Vinalhaven is located in Penobscot Bay with 24 square miles of land. After you arrive in Vinalhaven, its a ten-minute walk into town to The Tidewater. Region: Mid-CoastService Area: Rockland Area, Vinalhaven . Proudly created with. In 1878, Hurricane Isle, part of Vinalhaven, broke off to form its own town. Explore Islands in Maine There are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine not to mention some inland too. Find all the transport options for your trip from Camden to Vinalhaven right here. Birding expert John Drury, of Maine Seabird Tours, takes guests out for tours aboard his boat, Skua. At the time, the 64-foot wooden vessel serving Vinalhavens 1,500 residents accommodated only two cars. The Capt. She writes and speaks on slow travel, off-the-beaten-path adventures, womens leadership, community building, simple living, and happiness and well-being. If the ferry terminal lot is full, parking is available at other lots in town or the neighboring boatyard. Beginning in the 18th century, Europeans arrived on Vinalhaven to quarry the granite. Owners Amy and Kelly have created a freshly curated welcome home atmosphere that invites you to sit and savor island life. SUMMER SCHEDULE 2023 "M/V RICHARD G. SPEAR" and "M/V CAPTAIN E. FRANK THOMPSON" Rockland - Vinalhaven Island 15 miles1 hour 15 minutes Eec ve March 1st 2023 Daily Departures *Ferry may depart Rockland 10 minutes late on Tuesdays due to fueling the vessel. The Select Board has identified broadband as a community priority, and the town is conducting a feasibility study to determine a viable business model for a fiber-to-the-premises network. Explore Maine by Ferry - Maine Islands The best way to get from Camden to Vinalhaven without a car is to car ferry which takes 1h 26m and costs $45-$55. Ferry to Vinalhaven - Review of Maine State Ferry Service, Rockland, ME . There is a fan in your room, to supplement the ocean breeze from the rooms that enjoy private balconies . In town consider: the Tidewater Inn for over-night lodging, the Harbor Gawker for good food at a reasonable price, the Surfside for an inexpensive breakfast with local working men-- opens 3:30 AM, and the Sand Bar where locals frequent for beer and bar food. Just be sure to plan another time to explore Vinalhaven. of flooding, storm surge, and rising tides through modeling and local data collection. Thats a trip to the mainland. The SS Governor Bodwell, seen here, was launched at Rockland on May 27, 1892, by the Vinalhaven & Rockland Steamboat Company. Contact & Hours. In 1960, 1,704 vehicles made the 13-mile crossing during June and July alone. Vinalhaven has averaged $39 million in ex-vessel value of lobsters landed over the last 5 years, earning it the second highest landing port by value in Maine over the same period (Maine Department of Marine Resources, 2020). Eva Murray, a resident for more than 30 years, said the private, one-car, freight and passenger vessel serving the island was good enough for a long time. While islanders save trips by buying online, Whatever you purchase to save yourself a trip to the mainland still ships either via UPS or the U.S. The bus will drop you off at the Maine State Ferry terminal parking lot, which is fortunate, because you'll have only a few minutes to catch the boat. People didnt go back and forth as much, she said. With your car parked, your ferry tickets purchased, and time to spare, youre free to explore downtown Rockland. The island's dirt roads often end at scenic tidal inlets offering superb views of larger bodies of water in the distance. The allure of living on an island includes isolation from the rest of the world. Fox Islands Electrical Cooperative provides electricity for both Vinalhaven and North Haven. 2023 Island Institute. Overall, dirt roads are in fair condition. From May through August a colony of puffins, razorbills, terns, and more call Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge home. The scenic ferry ride from Rockland on the mainland takes 75 minutes and drops you off on Vinalhaven, about a 10-minute walk from the downtown area.
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