Local Area Guide: Things to do / Activities / Attractions

Things to Do on Deer Isle, Stonington and the Surrounding Areas

The Town of Stonington has been declared by Downeast Magazine to be one of the “Prettiest Villages on the Coast of Maine.”  Check out our Deer Isle and Stonington Village.  You’ll find shops, galleries, restaurants and great views!  “The minute you hit Stonington, you enter the magical world of an authentic Downeast village.  While great for tourists, it’s still a working fishing village with a Main Street that makes you feel like you have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting.”

Many of our businesses, restaurants, and attractions are members of the Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce.

114 Little Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle 207.348.6124

At Your Service offers a concierge service which specifically  welcomes visitors when they arrive on the island.  Three different levels are available from being an island contact before they leave home, greeting them upon arrival 24/7, stocking the rental with requested provisions, and guiding them to the rental on down to the basic level which is just meeting  and guiding them to the rental. Knowing some one will be waiting to greet you upon your arrival takes a lot of stress out of the trip. Please check the web site for more information.

Island Heritage Trust provides hiking trails and preserves.  These beautiful trails are conveniently located on public shorefront and within lush wooded areas.  Eight unique preserves rest on the island. Make it goal to check them all out while you are exploring our lovely island!  The Nature shop offers island and wildlife-related items, books, as well as Island Heritage Trust logo T-shirts and hats.

420 Sunset Road, Deer Isle 207.348.2455

The Lily Pond provides wonderful freshwater swimming for the whole family. The pond access point is located off Quaco Road and is well marked and maintained.

Sand Beach is a local favorite.  Sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets are to be expected when visiting this local hot spot.

Opera House Arts presents endless entertainment for people of all ages. This historic community theater offers acclaimed theatrical performances, concerts, dance, and films at their two performance spaces, the historic Stonington Opera House, and on their second stage, the restored Burnt Cove Church Community Center.

School Street, Stonington 207.367.2788

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is an international, non-profit, studio program in the arts, offering six one- and two-week studio workshop sessions to craft-makers and visual artists of all skill levels, led by prominent faculty artists. Haystack also offers a residency program, conferences, a visiting artist series, spring and fall workshops specifically for Maine residents, and workshop series and mentorship programs for Maine high school students. Visitors are welcome to tour the campus on Wednesdays at  1 pm or to attend their Summer Evening Program Series.

89 Haystack School Drive, Deer Isle 207.348.2306

Nervous Nellies Jams and Jellies invites fun for the whole family in a unique setting. Peter Beerits funky town creation is an eclectic mix of sculptures comprised of recycled and reused materials. “Nellyville” is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The gift shop and jam and jelly test kitchen is just icing on the awesome cake.   

598 Sunshine Road, Deer Isle 1.800.777.6845

Geoffrey Warner Studio invites visitors to explore this fine woodworking studio/workshop setting, just up the hill from the picturesque fishing village of Stonington.  Treat yourself to a day in their Stonington workshop where you will be guided by a master in the assembly and finishing for your own Owl® Stool! This workshop is suitable for ages 10 and up and families have a great time building stools together. Please call to register in advance.    

43 North Main Street, Stonington 207.367.6555

Isle Au Haut Boat Company operates year-round passenger, mail and freight service between Stonington and Isle au Haut, and seasonal service to the Duck Harbor Landing of Acadia National Park.  Happy to serve seasonal residents and daily visitors during the busy summer months.   

Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut at Duck Harbor located six miles from the mainland lies the beautiful island of Isle au Haut, home to the most remote part of Acadia National Park and a place to connect with nature in relative solitude. Park lands on Isle au Haut offer a natural environment where you can enjoy spectacular ocean views and quiet forest trails. However, there are few visitor amenities so be sure that you take everything you need for your visit.

The Island Country Club offers an expanded 9-Hole golf course of approximately 2,400 yards (par 34) that will challenge the gifted player yet please the whole family. Tee times are set on a “first come first serve” basis. Rental clubs, pull carts, and riding carts are available. The three HarTru tennis courts are considered to be the best clay courts on the peninsula. You can call up to 24 hours in advance to reserve a court. The Fairway Café, located in our Club House, is open for lunch seven days a week from 11am – 2pm. There are also frequent evening events including bridge. Wi-Fi is available throughout the Club House. 

 442 Sunset Road, Deer Isle 207.348.2378

The Stonington Farmers Market is located at the Island Community Center in Stonington and takes place mid-May through mid-October on Fridays from 10AM-12PM, rain or shine. We are a dog-friendly but request that you keep your dogs leashed at all times. Shoppers will find not only abundant fresh, native produce, meat products, local seafood, cheeses, specialty foods, and bakery goods but also a variety of fine artists, craftspeople, and community organizations represented in a lively mix of more than 50 vendors.

Vendors also sell their wares at the Deer Isle Night Market on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm at 11 Main Street in Deer Isle village.

The island is known for its rich community of artists and artisans drawn for decades by the natural beauty and quiet lifestyle.  Galleries and workshops are located all over the island and display artwork created through the use of a variety of media and techniques.  Visitors should plan to visit some these shops and check out the talent we have on our small island.