Stonington is a working fishing village at the southern tip of Deer Isle connected to the mainland by the soaring Deer Isle Bridge. One of the most authentically Maine towns on the entire coast, Stonington is home to the largest lobster fleet in the state, a thriving arts community, and the ferry to Isle au Haut — the remote and spectacular section of Acadia National Park accessible only by boat.
Best Restaurants in Stonington, Maine
Dining in Stonington is simple and focused on the sea. Aragosta at Goose Cove is a celebrated destination restaurant worth planning a trip around — chef Devin Finigan’s locally sourced tasting menus have earned national recognition. The Fisherman’s Friend is a no-frills local institution for fresh chowder, lobster rolls, and seafood. Stonington Ice Cream is a beloved summer stop right on the working waterfront.
Best Hotels in Stonington, Maine
Stonington has intimate lodging options that reflect its character as a working village. The Inn on the Harbor has rooms with direct waterfront views of the lobster fleet and island-dotted Penobscot Bay. Goose Cove Lodge offers secluded cottages in the woods above the water. Several vacation rentals are available for those wanting to settle in for a week and truly experience island life.
Things to Do in Stonington, Maine
The ferry to Isle au Haut departs from Stonington and is the only way to reach this remote and beautiful section of Acadia National Park — with far fewer visitors than the main park. The Haystack Mountain School of Crafts nearby is one of the most respected craft schools in America and offers summer programs and occasional open campus days. Stonington’s waterfront galleries showcase some of the finest artists working in Maine today. Sea kayaking among the Merchant Row islands is world-class and outfitters offer guided trips through the archipelago.
Day Trips from Stonington
Deer Isle village is 30 minutes north with more galleries and the famous Nervous Nellie’s jam kitchen and folk art environment. Blue Hill is 45 minutes away with excellent pottery studios, a wonderful independent bookstore, and outstanding dining. Castine is about an hour north — one of the most beautifully preserved Federal-era towns in New England with a remarkable colonial history.
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