Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast of Maine and you may expect to find ocean as far as the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot the seascape. Sometimes called the calendar islands, there is rumored to be an island in the bay for every day of the year.
Stretching from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Small these islands with their rocky shores and rustic way of life define the stereotypical New England coastline. Mostly uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from everyday life. Their natural beauty and their sheer numbers create a place one could visit every day and still never have completely explored. With an island for every day of the year there is more than enough shelter from the wind to allow everything from large fishing vessels to solo kayaks to roam the bay. While sandy beaches are few and far between here, the rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can supply a continual source of enjoyment.
If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands will also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being located on the eastern most part of the country, these islands served their time during World War II as bases and look outs for German U-Boats. Great towers and forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while mostly converted to homes now, the military buildings on Great Diamond Island are hard to miss. During the war anti-submarine nets and mines were deployed at many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military purposes. In 1858 Fort Georges was constructed and armed for the Civil War, Spanish American War, and was used to store submarine mines during WWI.
Many opportunities await those looking to enjoy the islands for their less historical characteristics. Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, and one of the few with a year round population. Ferry service takes visitors from Portland or nearby Cousin's Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome hike or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a delicious dinner or nights rest at the breath taking Chebeague Inn. Great Diamond Island also offers an exceptional dining experience at the Diamond's Edge restaurant in Diamond's Cove. Peaks and Long islands both present dining opportunities to their guests and their proximity to Portland makes them popular tourist attractions.
If you are looking for a little less populated destination then you have literally hundreds of choices. You can relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals bask on the rocks of French Island, or setup a picturesque camping site on one of the Gosling islands. Many of these smaller islands will require you to provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, and motor boat rentals all provide easy access.
Whether you are looking for fine dining, a historical stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay offers something for every visitor and an island for every day of the year.
About the author:
Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website acrossdistance.com
Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWelcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More
Surrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg... Read More
Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More
Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More
The bed and breakfast experience is unique. You get the... Read More
With India being a major world tourist in the world,... Read More
Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new... Read More
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this... Read More
Valencia is the third city of Spain, by number of... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
Gatlinburg has a small but thriving community of property owners.... Read More
Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry... Read More
As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler,... Read More
Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple... Read More
Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More
Gatlinburg cabin rental options range from old-fashioned rustic "log cabins"... Read More
People often ask me why we keep returning year after... Read More
How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More
The rental market and Vacation Home sale market is unsustainable.... Read More
shuttle from Midway Munster are ..Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
The largest barrier island on the Atlantic coast between New... Read More
Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More
Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast... Read More
If you're planning a visit to Australia, then you'll be... Read More
If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think... Read More
Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
Hotels are a large component of Pigeon Forge lodging. As... Read More
The demand for a stay in an ice hotel has... Read More
This may seem like a very strange title for an... Read More
As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More
That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More
Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Surrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg... Read More
The secret treasure of Davenport's and Kissimmee's townhouses.Though usually Orlando... Read More
How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More
So you decided on Orlando Florida for your family vacation... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
Vacation Rental |