An Island A Day
|
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
|
|
|
10 Tips For Selecting The Perfect Costa Rica Vacation Rental
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Coastal Vacations Club Offers Up To 85% Off Week Long Condo Stays
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay home, putter around the house, and get caught up on repairs or cleaning. While this might be a cheap option, it is not the most ideal.Psychologists and thinkers like twentieth century Russian literary critic Victor Schlovsky emphasize the importance of what they call defamiliarization. This means that to make you better appreciate life and your surroundings, you need to step back and look at it from a different perspective. You must defamiliarize yourself from you present situation.One of the best ways to do this is a vacation to a far away and exotic place. Take yourself out of your everyday surroundings. While many of us want to do this, cost is often a deciding factor. It is import...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Alternatives For Business Travelers
"I'm coming home. I've been away too long. Been away so long. I'm coming home" ? Ian Thomas, in Coming HomeI still recall my road warrior days. It seemed like every other week, I was hopping on a plane for Orlando or Vancouver or Palm Springs or Washington or Chicago or Toronto.It might not be Rome, Paris, and Monte Carlo, but Washington, Toronto and Orlando are pretty classy places. I went to crucial meetings. I was an important person. I was a frequent flyer.However, after a while, all the towns begin to look the same. One airport hotel looks amazingly like another. Surely the taxi driver in Washington and the taxi in Orlando were twins separated at...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Come To Orlando And Vacation Like You Never Have Before In A Town Home!
Of course you are anxious to take a vacation this year, to enjoy time with your spouse and kids and to have a great time away from work and the daily grind. So why not come to Orlando, Florida where you can relax and enjoy time away from home while having a great time at theme parks such as Walt Disney World and attractions such as Universal Studios and Sea World?The best way to do this, of course, is to first find a great accommodation to stay. Booking lodging accommodations at resorts, through time shares or even at hotels can be difficult and pricey. The following is what you need when you come to the Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport areas for vacation.A townhome rental? It's a home away from home i...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Vacationing With Children
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the question is "What kind?" Your chances of a lifetime memory you will cherish increase significantly with some advance communication and preparation.The book, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, outlines a five-step process you can apply to organizing any area of your life ? including traveling with children of any age. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help you plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they fee...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Scottish Roadtrips -- Encountering Porridge With Salt And Other Dangers
Edinburgh and beyondRoadtrips around BritainIt's hard to overstate the poetry of Edinburgh. Even when crossing the North Br...(related: Vacation Rentals)
You Only Have One Life, Let Your Caribbean Dream Come True
Turning your dream to Reality?Buying in the CaribbeanBuying a home in the Caribbean is something many people only dream of. A little determination and, some financial resources can easily make this dream become a reality. Those who buy real estate in the Caribbean do so for many reasons these include:? A place to spend your retirement? A purchase for investment purposes? A second home as an ideal getaway? To escape the rat race for a slower warmer pace of life? To Return back homeBefore you take that big step here are a few tips to keep your dream a reality, Generally your purchase will fall into the following categoriesA home in a ...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Zambia... What An Amazing Country!
When you travel abroad, especially far away from home you want to have peace of mind. The same applies if you’re on an African safari. If your desire is to meet friendly, warm people then travel to Africa’s peace haven, Zambia. In Zambia you’ll find that which you most desire, the warm African welcome.Pea...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Coastal Vacations Club Offers Up To 85% Off Week Long Condo Stays
When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay home, putter around the house, and get caught up on repairs or cleaning. While this might be a cheap option, it is not the most ideal.Psychologists and thinkers like twentieth century Russian literary critic Victor Schlovsky emphasize the importance of what they call defamiliarization. This means that to make you better appreciate life and your surroundings, you need to step back and look at it from a different perspective. You must defamiliarize yourself from you present situation.One of the best ways to do this is a vacation to a far away and exotic place. Take yourself out of your everyday surroundings. While many of us want to do this, cost is often a deciding factor. It is import...(related: Vacation Rentals)
Ten Cheap Vacations
Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else you want them to be. Unlike cars and shoes, vacations don't get better according to price. Give up that expensive resort if you don't have the money, but don't give up your vacation. Try one of the following ideas instead.1. Visit your friends. The key here is to have friends with spare beds that live in interesting p...(related: Vacation Rentals)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Vacation Rentals