City/town information
Vinalhaven Island, Maine
Small, quaint, quiet, simple lobstering community life. This granite island has beautiful views, fresh water swimming quarries and the scenic land preservation hiking trails are boundless on the island. Boating and kayaking is some of the best in the world.
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Vinalhaven
Small, quaint, quiet, simple lobstering community life. This granite island has beautiful views, fresh water swimming quarries and the scenic land preservation hiking trails are boundless on the island. Boating and kayaking is some of the best in the world.
North Haven is Vinalhaven's sister Island.
http://www.northhavenmaine.org/
You can catch a boat ride over using Browns Boatyard's Ferry Service (it's a tiny boat that takes you across the water)
https://www.brownsboatyard.com/
https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
Round trip price $10.00 per person One way $8.00
Bikes are an additional $3.00 each
Leave on the hour between 7 am and the last trip is at 5 pm
North Haven
North Haven is Vinalhaven's sister Island.
http://www.northhavenmaine.org/
You can catch a boat ride over using Browns Boatyard's Ferry Service (it's a tiny boat that takes you across the water)
https://www.brownsboatyard.com/
https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
Round trip price $10.00 per person One way $8.00
Bikes are an additional $3.00 each
Leave on the hour between 7 am and the last trip is at 5 pm
Top Notch Restaurants, Food & Farms on North Haven
The restaurant at Nebo Lodge serves up a varied, seasonal menu of island-grown meat, fish, and produce—from oysters, lobsters, and scallops to pasture-fed lamb, and bountiful vegetables. Homemade bread, creative cocktails, and decadent desserts serve as delicious accompaniments.
You get there by driving to the Horth Haven ferry landing (at the end of North Haven road on Vinalhaven. Then, you use the phone booth you'll find there and call "Browns Boatyard" for a boat ride across the thoroughfare by boat. They charge $10. Or you can pre-schedule a boat (good idea) https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
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Nebo Lodge
11 Mullins LnThe restaurant at Nebo Lodge serves up a varied, seasonal menu of island-grown meat, fish, and produce—from oysters, lobsters, and scallops to pasture-fed lamb, and bountiful vegetables. Homemade bread, creative cocktails, and decadent desserts serve as delicious accompaniments.
You get there by driving to the Horth Haven ferry landing (at the end of North Haven road on Vinalhaven. Then, you use the phone booth you'll find there and call "Browns Boatyard" for a boat ride across the thoroughfare by boat. They charge $10. Or you can pre-schedule a boat (good idea) https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
AMAZING pizza. Open June 30–September 5: Thursday–Monday nights, 5-8 p.m. Bar closes at 10 p.m. Calderwood Hall does not take reservations.
They offer take-out every night they are open. Take out orders can be placed by phone after 5 p.m. at (207) 867-4700.
You can use Brown's Boatyard boat to go and pick up! https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
Calderwood Hall
2 Iron Point RdAMAZING pizza. Open June 30–September 5: Thursday–Monday nights, 5-8 p.m. Bar closes at 10 p.m. Calderwood Hall does not take reservations.
They offer take-out every night they are open. Take out orders can be placed by phone after 5 p.m. at (207) 867-4700.
You can use Brown's Boatyard boat to go and pick up! https://www.brownsboatyard.com/services
Top Notch Restaurants, Food & Farms on Vinalhaven
Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-5:00
Saturdays 10:00-1:00
Farm grown veggies, flowers and syrup.
And, of course, there’s the special experience of visiting the farm to see how they raise food for our community.
https://www.rhfarmvh.com/
Robert's Harbor Farm
144 Roberts Cemetery RdOpen Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-5:00
Saturdays 10:00-1:00
Farm grown veggies, flowers and syrup.
And, of course, there’s the special experience of visiting the farm to see how they raise food for our community.
https://www.rhfarmvh.com/
A year-round farm with seasonal offerings (with a store front on Main Street in Vinalhaven).
-Fresh Goat Cheese & Dairy From Their Creamery
-Veggies From Their Farm
-Slow Cooked Goat Milk Caramels
-Treats & Foods Made In Their Kitchen
-Other Local Island Goods
-Delicious Cheeses & Specialty Foods
-Beautiful Useful Tools For Home & Kitchen
They are a state licensed homestead goat dairy (since 2013), intensive sustainable salt-water-farm vegetable cultivation operation ( since 2019) , historic Main St. retail location & state licensed kitchen (since 2017).
https://www.creelmanfarm.com/
Creelman Farm Store
50 E Main StA year-round farm with seasonal offerings (with a store front on Main Street in Vinalhaven).
-Fresh Goat Cheese & Dairy From Their Creamery
-Veggies From Their Farm
-Slow Cooked Goat Milk Caramels
-Treats & Foods Made In Their Kitchen
-Other Local Island Goods
-Delicious Cheeses & Specialty Foods
-Beautiful Useful Tools For Home & Kitchen
They are a state licensed homestead goat dairy (since 2013), intensive sustainable salt-water-farm vegetable cultivation operation ( since 2019) , historic Main St. retail location & state licensed kitchen (since 2017).
https://www.creelmanfarm.com/
AN ISLAND SPEAKEASY
Scandinavian flair on the island of Vinalhaven. Music, full bar, small plates, and fun, fun, fun.
HOURS:
5:00-11:00 p.m. Wed-Saturday
Live music June-September
https://www.islandspeakeasy.com/
SKAL
6 Bodwell LaneAN ISLAND SPEAKEASY
Scandinavian flair on the island of Vinalhaven. Music, full bar, small plates, and fun, fun, fun.
HOURS:
5:00-11:00 p.m. Wed-Saturday
Live music June-September
https://www.islandspeakeasy.com/
Fresh lobster roll food truck on Vinalhaven near the ferry.
Long line sometimes... great lobster roll.
Greets Eats
Fresh lobster roll food truck on Vinalhaven near the ferry.
Long line sometimes... great lobster roll.
Ice creme!
They serve Gifford's famous scooped ice cream, soft serves, Slush Puppies, bulk candy, quality chocolates, homemade fudge, cold drinks (Jones, Stewarts, Maine Root, Snapple, Coke, Pepsi, etc.), and much more!
Vinalhaven Candy Co
35 W Main StIce creme!
They serve Gifford's famous scooped ice cream, soft serves, Slush Puppies, bulk candy, quality chocolates, homemade fudge, cold drinks (Jones, Stewarts, Maine Root, Snapple, Coke, Pepsi, etc.), and much more!
Groceries, Whatnots & Other Places to Eat
Our island store is adorable - tiny - and may leave much to be desired if you're used to variety! Best to do main shopping off for major necessities off island, and grab small stuff here while on island.
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
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Carver's Harbor Market
36 W Main StOur island store is adorable - tiny - and may leave much to be desired if you're used to variety! Best to do main shopping off for major necessities off island, and grab small stuff here while on island.
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Must stop in. It's a classic on VH. It's the local fishermen's stop and shop. Beer and whatnots.
Fishermen's Friend
35 W Main StMust stop in. It's a classic on VH. It's the local fishermen's stop and shop. Beer and whatnots.
A locals bar you can grab a bite.
Address: 63 Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM–8PM
Wednesday 11AM–8PM
Thursday 11AM–8PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Sunday 11AM–8PM
Sand Bar
63 Main StA locals bar you can grab a bite.
Address: 63 Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM–8PM
Wednesday 11AM–8PM
Thursday 11AM–8PM
Friday 11AM–9PM
Saturday 11AM–9PM
Sunday 11AM–8PM
A classic Maine experience on the island.
Locals and lobstermen's breakfast spot.
Hours:
Monday 4–10:30AM
Tuesday 4–10:30AM
Wednesday 4–10:30AM
Thursday 4–10:30AM
Friday 4–10:30AM
Saturday 4–10:30AM
Sunday 4–10:30AM
Surfside
35 W Main StA classic Maine experience on the island.
Locals and lobstermen's breakfast spot.
Hours:
Monday 4–10:30AM
Tuesday 4–10:30AM
Wednesday 4–10:30AM
Thursday 4–10:30AM
Friday 4–10:30AM
Saturday 4–10:30AM
Sunday 4–10:30AM
Lunch place located right beside Vinalhaven Candy Co.
Address: 62 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Hours:
Monday 11AM–2PM
Tuesday 11AM–2PM
Wednesday 11AM–2PM
Thursday 11AM–2PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 11AM–2PM
Sunday 11AM–2PM
Homeport Family Restaurant
62 W Main StLunch place located right beside Vinalhaven Candy Co.
Address: 62 W Main St, Vinalhaven, ME 04863
Hours:
Monday 11AM–2PM
Tuesday 11AM–2PM
Wednesday 11AM–2PM
Thursday 11AM–2PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 11AM–2PM
Sunday 11AM–2PM
Lobsters right off the boat & gas are sold here.
Crazy combo, I know....:)
Vinalhaven Fisherman's Co Op
11 W Main StLobsters right off the boat & gas are sold here.
Crazy combo, I know....:)
Beautiful, top notch selection of wines, beers, cheese, crackers, local meats, local coffee, and extra yummies!
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM–6PM
Wednesday 11AM–6PM
Thursday 11AM–6PM
Friday 11AM–6PM
Saturday 11AM–6PM
Sunday Closed
Island Wine n Spirits
605 Main StreetBeautiful, top notch selection of wines, beers, cheese, crackers, local meats, local coffee, and extra yummies!
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11AM–6PM
Wednesday 11AM–6PM
Thursday 11AM–6PM
Friday 11AM–6PM
Saturday 11AM–6PM
Sunday Closed
Pariri dwar il-belt
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Vinalhaven Ferry
FERRY:
Pricing:
$17.50 for a car with one person included.
$12.50 for adults.
$6.25 for kids 6-17
Kids under 6 are free.
How to get on the ferry:
Spring & Summer are the peak seasons. Learn more at https://www.maine.gov/mdot/ferry/vinalhaven/
Once you book, you'll find a detailed "how to' guide!
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How to Discover Vinalhaven
BY CAR: In order to discover all the trails, inlets, stores and breathtaking views, it is best to bring your car - if possible. If not, there is a taxi.
VINALHAVEN TAXI: By reservation...or by chance. Jeanne Bineau-Ames 207.720.0056
BIKING:
The island is bike friendly. It is approximately 23 square miles.
BY PLANE: Penobscot Island Air flies here from Rockland. They will also take you on breathtaking scenic air plane tours. More information at https://penobscotislandair.net/.
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Hiking the Preserves on the Island!
Visit the App Store and download VHTrails app for all routes and hikes manicured by the Vinalhaven Land Trust.
Here's a map of the VH Land Trust Trails: https://vinalhavenlandtrust.org/town-parks
Sunsets:
'Sunset Point'
'Folly Pond' (walk to the end of the road not the actual trail) at sunset.
'Lanes Island' (In august it’s overflowing with blackberries and raspberries)
'Tip Toe Mountain'
Drawwiet u kultura
The Wave
On the island, you will notice 'the wave'. When you pass a car, you give and receive a wave. We don't pass anyone here, on the street or in our cars, without saying hello.
X'għandek tippakkja
Temperature and What You'll Want to Pack
SPRING & SUMMERS:
They have a saying in Maine about the weather, "Give her a minute, she'll change."
WHAT TO BRING:
A sweater, sweatshirt or warm light jacket
Rain jacket (it rains almost weekly here - but it's a light, lovely rain that doesn't last too long)
Bathing suit
Hiking shoes
No need for nice shoes or upscale clothing here, it's very laid back.
Bug spray/deterrent: I've found that natural oils are best for me, and keep all the critters away.
- Mosquitoes and 'no see 'ems'; Lemon Eucalyptus (I've got some in the tent for you),
- Tic repellent: cedar wood oil
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Kayaking the Island
If you love kayaking, this is a place for you.
Bring your kayak or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board from the Tidewater Hotel in town. https://www.thetidewatervh.com/
They'll drop you and your boats off and pick you up.
Easy drop in locations and amazing kayaking:
- Carver's Harbor in town
- The Basin bridge (between 11a & 11b on the map) https://vinalhavenlandtrust.org/hiking-preserves
- Mill River bridge (#16 on the map) https://vinalhavenlandtrust.org/hiking-preserves
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Vinalhaven by Boat
Mark Jackson is the captain at Vinalhaven by Boat.
Tell him you're staying with me. He's friend and a fantastic waterman who knows the islands well. You'll love your adventure with him. Bring wine and food and enjoy!
https://www.vinalhavenbyboat.com/