Haystack Mountain School of Crafts

Perched on the rugged coast of Deer Isle, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has been a hub for creative exploration since 1950, bringing together makers from around the world to push the boundaries of craft and design. Set against a breathtaking landscape, its award-winning campus by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes fosters an immersive environment where artists, from emerging to master, experiment, question, and refine their work in a spirit of innovation and discovery.

The Turtle Gallery

The Turtle Gallery has been showcasing fine art, sculpture, and contemporary craft on Deer Isle since 1982, featuring a dynamic mix of regional and national artists. Housed in a beautifully restored 1876 barn, its galleries and sculpture court display paintings, prints, photography, jewelry, and works in glass, fiber, clay, and wood—offering a thoughtfully curated blend of tradition and innovation in Maine’s creative landscape.

Deer Isle Artists Association

Since 1973, the Deer Isle Artists Association has fostered a thriving community of painters, sculptors, printmakers, and more through exhibitions and events. Open to artists and art lovers alike, DIAA keeps creativity alive year-round with ever-changing shows and lively discussions. Featured artwork by Leslie Anderson.

Stonington Opera House

The Stonington Opera House has been bringing theater, film, music, and dance to Maine’s busiest fishing village for 21 years, serving as a vibrant gathering space in a beautifully restored historic landmark. A visit here is more than a show—take time to explore the charming waterfront, where hardworking lobstermen haul in the state’s biggest catch.

Nellieville

Nellieville is a whimsical, ever-evolving art-filled village created by artist Peter Beerits, tucked into the woods at Nervous Nellie’s on Deer Isle. Here, handmade jam meets larger-than-life sculpture. Step into a world of towering metal figures and a Western-style town crafted from salvaged treasures—part roadside attraction, part artistic wonderland.

Kayaking

Paddle your way through Deer Isle’s stunning coastline, where sheltered coves, rocky shorelines, and spruce-topped islands make for unforgettable kayaking adventures. With kayaks available for guests, you can explore at your own pace, spotting seabirds, seals, and the beauty of Maine’s coastal waters.

Hiking in Deer Isle

Explore Deer Isle’s natural beauty on trails maintained by the Island Heritage Trust, winding through forests, along rocky shores, across quiet meadows and islands. Whether you’re up for a coastal hike with stunning ocean views or a peaceful walk in the woods, these community-preserved lands offer a perfect way to connect with nature.

Explore Light houses of Deer Isle

Deer Isle, surrounded by spruce-topped islands and rugged granite shores, is home to eight stunning lighthouses within 12 miles of its coast. Thanks to a new Lighthouse Trail, visitors can spot three from shore, explore five by boat, or take in all eight from the air—making the island a must-visit destination for lighthouse enthusiasts year-round.

Stonington Market

The Stonington Farmers’ Market brings fresh local produce, seafood, baked goods, and artisan crafts to the Island Community Center every Friday from late May through September. A lively hub of growers, makers, and neighbors, it’s the perfect place to stock up on Maine’s best while soaking in the island’s community spirit.

Marlinespike Chandlery

Tucked away on the Maine coast, Marlinespike Chandlery is a treasure trove of handcrafted nautical ropework, maritime antiques, and curious finds. Specializing in the art of fancy marlinespike seamanship, this one-of-a-kind shop is open year-round—just text ahead to catch Tim in his workshop, where tradition meets craftsmanship in every knot and splice.

Nervous Nellie’s Jams & Jellies

At Nervous Nellie’s, small-batch jam-making meets whimsical artistry on a one-of-a-kind Deer Isle homestead. Step inside the tiny white cottage where jams and jellies are still made by hand, then wander through a playful world of sculptures and Maine-made curiosities—part country store, part folk art adventure.