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
Kalamazoo taxi o'hare .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareSurrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg... Read More
You have your tickets, your hotel or vacation rental reservations,... Read More
Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More
Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More
Real Estate in an area like Punta Cana is hot... Read More
The first words that come to mind when people think... Read More
Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Today, we as travelers have a ton of options to... Read More
Italy is a popular vacation destination for families because it... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
Each year, over two million people find their way to... Read More
Cairns Rainforest Retreat is ideally located for your unique rainforest... Read More
Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have... Read More
Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
India has always been an irresistible tourist destination for people... Read More
Following the horrendous events on Boxing Day 2005 The Maldives... Read More
The Bahamas serve as the perfect relaxation destination. With pristine... Read More
Hilton Head Island is a vacation destination for over two... Read More
We are planning a family trip for just a few... Read More
Lodging Hotels in Davenport, FLThere are numerous choices for lodging... Read More
Are you thinking about a great place to go for... Read More
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the... Read More
A trip to the Bahamas does not have to also... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More
After France, Spain is Europe's most popular holiday destination, and... Read More
Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home... Read More
Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More
Maui is one of the islands found in Hawaii. It... Read More
You are the owner of a timeshare and have decided... Read More
An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
What kind of traveler are you? Do you want everything... Read More
Traveling is a great way to escape the rat race... Read More
Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More
If your vacation time is coming up and you are... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
I am in my yearly snit. Now my wife would... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
Two visits to Budapest. Two apartments, walking distance from downtown.... Read More
Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More
Lake Tahoe cabin complexes rangein size from small, six-unit, luxury... Read More
For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway... Read More
You've thought and dreamed about it for months, planning each... Read More
Are you thinking of travelling Abroad?You will surely want to... Read More
Most of the time, when an individual is planning a... Read More
Vacation Rental |