Things to Do in Downeast Maine

When you stay at Pilgrim’s Inn, the rest of Downeast Maine is at your fingertips.

Fresh air, open spaces abound at Pilgrim’s Inn on Deer Isle!

Rocky coastline, quiet coves, and breathtaking landscapes greet visitors at every turn. During your vacation here on the Maine Coast, you can explore nearby nature trails, take kayaking excursions to surrounding islands, travel to Isle au Haut and Acadia National Park, visit historic attractions and inspiring art galleries, or even take classes at a world-renowned art school. There are countless things to do in Deer Isle and Stonington.

Be sure to browse our Blogs, for more detailed info on places to go and things to do. We keep the blogs current with fresh suggestions for galleries, shopping, restaurants and all things nature, on Deer Isle.

Or, simply choose to stay put on our property for a quiet getaway. Our spacious grounds, which border the 50 acre Mill Pond out back, are a great place to spend some introspective days. Read a book, wander the trails through our meadows, paint, watch for birds, enjoy a drink, the choice is yours!

Some Local Events/Highlights:

Wings, Waves Woods Festival May 21-23, 2021 ( event TBD)
Island Heritage Trust – for hiking trails, preserves, nature
Lupines! These Seuss-like flowers bloom from late June into July
July 4th – experience some of Maine’s greatest Americana right here on Deer Isle (events TBD)
Blue Hill Fair – Labor Day weekend
AppleFest in Stonington – October date TBD
Opera House Arts – Deer Isle’s culture center, with movies, plays, spoken word events, concerts and all things creative

Map made out of a collage of multicolored blue paper sitting on top of a nautical map of Deer Isle

Things to Do in Deer Isle

There are so many things to do in Deer Isle and Stonington that you don’t even need to leave the island during your stay at Pilgrim’s Inn! Our bed and breakfast is located right on Main Street in Deer Isle Village, meaning it is close to anything you want to do in the area. Whether you’re looking for adventure, to explore, or indulge in a meal, we have it all.

Shop on Main Street

Check these out during your stay:

Local jams and art at Nervous Nellie’s
A unique nautical memento at Marlinespike Chandlery
Our favorite shops in Deer Isle

Explore the Area

There are so many opportunities to explore Deer Isle during your stay at Pilgrim’s Inn! Hikes in Deer Isle will take you through Maine’s classic rocky coast, towering pines, and mossy forest floors. You can also take a drive through the area to see amazing sights!

See lighthouses on the Deer Isle Lighthouse Trail
Explore the Barred Island Preserve
Hike through the Edgar M Tennis Preserve

Indulge in Art

There’s art everywhere in Deer Isle! Our gorgeous area has inspired many. Many artists gather here to create their work; you can even stimulate your own creativity here and take a class!

Rotating art shows at Turtle Gallery
Participate in an art class or workshop to develop your skills at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
View Maine photography at Kingman Gallery, just across the Mill Pond from Pilgrim’s Inn

Gray buildings and a boat dock surrounded by rocks and trees next to a body of water with boats on the water

Things to Do in Stonington, ME

When you stay at Pilgrim’s Inn, you’ll probably make your way to our neighboring town of Stonington. This quaint town has gorgeous views of the working harbor along with many activities you can fill your day with. Our Deer Isle bed and breakfast is just 10 minutes away, so you can easily experience all the fun things to do in Stonington, ME!

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Did you know that Stonington and Deer Isle lead the state in pounds and dollar value of lobster landings, with a fleet of over 300 lobster boats? Come experience some of the freshest seafood around when you visit a restaurant here! Indulging in local cuisine is a great break from all the other things to do in Stonington, ME.

Adventure Awaits in Stonington

Like Deer Isle and the rest of Downeast Maine, there is ample opportunity for adventure here. If you are looking for a hike, you will love the Crockett Cove Woods Preserve. It is known as the “fog forest” because towering trees trap the fog brought in from the ocean’s southwest winds, creating one of coastal Maine’s classic characteristics of lingering mist. If you would rather get out on the water, go kayaking with Old Quarry Ocean Adventures!

Catch a Show

Art is included in things to do in Stonington, ME, too! During your stay at Pilgrim’s Inn, you can check to see what is playing at the Stonington Opera House. This creative venue is housed in a historic building in downtown Stonington. It not only offers cultural events but serves as an important community resource through its community and education programs!

Small island with a house and trees surrounded by a large body of water and a sail boat

The Best Things to Do in Downeast Maine

In Downeast Maine, there are many activities for you to enjoy, including hiking, the arts, local wine and brews, Acadia National Park, and Isle au Haut.

Go on a Hike

Downeast Maine is perfect for adventurers! Hiking is plentiful here in Deer Isle, but there are even more places waiting to be explored throughout the rest of the area. Hiking trails and nature preserves offer visitors a glimpse of stunning landscapes and local wildlife. If you are looking for outdoor activities in Downeast Maine, you will love these spots:

Hiking on Blue Hill Heritage Trust trails
Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park

Experience the Arts

Art blossoms here in Downeast Maine. The gorgeous scenery, fresh air, and quiet atmosphere have inspired many. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by fine art or local talent in a play, Downeast Maine has something for you! Here are a few of our favorites:

Enjoy beautiful music at the renowned Kneisel Hall
Catch a show at the Grand Theater in Ellsworth or the New Surry Theatre
Get inspired at Downeast Maine art galleries

Enjoy Local Wines and Brews

Get a true taste of Downeast Maine when you try some local wines and brews! Take a break from your adventures and relax with a drink in your hand. Many of these options use only local ingredients to create fresh and unique refreshments each batch!

Grab a beer at Strong Brewing
Have a wine tasting at Bar Harbor Cellars
Try some brews at the Atlantic Brewing Company
Find a Downeast Maine Winery

Venture to Acadia National Park & Isle au Haut

When you stay at Pilgrim’s Inn, you’ll have tons of day trips right at your fingertips. A visit to Downeast Maine would not be complete without a trip to Acadia National Park. Located approximately a 75-minute drive from Pilgrim’s Inn, the park encompasses 47,000 acres of coastal shoreline, granite-topped mountains, wooded areas, bogs, and spectacular scenery. Go explore one of the other towns in Downeast Maine!

Spend the day on Mount Desert Island where Acadia National Park is found
Take a day trip to the Schoodic Peninsula
Hop on the Mail Boat from Stonington to Isle au Haut

Artisan pieces made out of wood and clay set out for purchase on top of large white display boxes

Deer Isle Businesses We Love

One of the many things we love about the Deer Isle, Stonington, and Blue Hill area is the community that ties everyone together. This community encompasses not just citizens, but local businesses as well.

Below are several local Deer Isle and Stonington businesses and organizations that we love and that we recommend to our guests.

Kingman Gallery and Turtle Gallery
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies
Island Heritage Trust
Stonington Opera House
Healthy Island Project
The Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce

Deer Isle Village (Close distance to Pilgrim’s Inn)

Devta Doolan Studio
44 North
Periwinkle
Ronald Harte Antiques
Summerall Mozell Gallery

Close up view of steamed lobster, butter, lemon, and coleslaw on dark green stone plate

Local Restaurants

Deer Isle and Blue Hill offer great dining options! From seaside shacks to fine dining, we’ve got it all. Please check the websites for current info on days and hours of operation, menus, etc. Reservations are suggested. Here are a few of our favorites:

On Deer Isle

Acadia House Provisions
Fin & Fern
Aragosta

On Little Deer Isle

LDI Lobster

In Blue Hill

The Thurston Co.
Sandy’s Blue Hill Cafe

Pilgrim's Inn

20 Main Street Deer Isle, ME 04627
Phone: (207) 348-6615
https://pilgrimsinn.com innkeeper@pilgrimsinn.com
Latitude: 44.2236746 Longitude: -68.6888234