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
home cleaning services Buffalo Grove ..Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More
As a family, we have been visiting Orlando since 1998,... Read More
Work-rate, health and even personal relationships may be affected if... Read More
Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and... Read More
Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More
For many people, the Bahamas is a dream vacation site,... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More
As a resident, business owner and frequent skiier at Whistler,... Read More
For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway... Read More
Holiday time is around the corner and its time to... Read More
Considering a romantic or family Costa Rica vacation? You're choosing... Read More
Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More
As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More
The Algarve, and particularly the areas around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Praia... Read More
I had always been told that if you wanted to... Read More
Stay a week or stay a lifetime, the Emerald Coast... Read More
Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More
Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
Maui is one of the islands found in Hawaii. It... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry... Read More
Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Lake Forest ..If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting the city... Read More
Hospitable to all of our visitors, rental agencies on Hilton... Read More
Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More
In November, 2004, my wife Terry and I visited Paris... Read More
Have you ever done something spontaneous? Are you in love... Read More
Miraflores is the turistic district of Lima. The main hotels... Read More
Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More
The typical scenario goes something like this: your casual mention... Read More
Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More
Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
It is a common assumption for most Americans that they... Read More
Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FLThere are numerous choices for lodging... Read More
Real estate in Gatlinburg is thriving. While the 2000 census... Read More
Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More
Gatlinburg cabin rental options range from old-fashioned rustic "log cabins"... Read More
A Fabulous Guide to Florida's Best Rentals: Condos for rent,... Read More
Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More
When staying in Orlando, you really do have a lot... Read More
Did you know that staying in a vacation cabin rental... Read More
When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Many people believe that the first thing you should do... Read More
Vacation Rental |