Sign in with Facebook- Join for free
- Sign In
Sign in with Facebook
Pro
Quaint, just like it must have appeared 100 years ago, quiet, colorful, beautiful, produces good genes
Con
Few lodging accommodations on the island (also considered a plus), no nightclubs if you're the nightclubbing type
In a nutshell
A great way to spend a lazy day and gorge oneself on the best lobster rolls in Maine!
foggybottom Says: Vinalhaven is on the fly way south and north for great bird watching......eagles....ospray....goldfinches....ect
foggybottom Says: Sunsets and sunrise are magical on Vinalhaven. The colors splash everywhere. Best seen over the water.
WheninRome Says: Granted, the beach combing here may not be as easy or as profitable as it is in more sandly locals, however, it can still be fun. I enjoyed finding the artifacts of lobstering, such as the lobster traps washed ashore in the picture below. I even brought a couple lobster trap...
WheninRome Says: It is rather difficult to swim in the ocean on Vinalhaven Island (believe me I tried). The water is extremely cold even in the summer due to the ocean currents sweeping down out of the north. Besides the cold even, the shallow areas of around 15 feet or less of water have...
WheninRome Says: Overall, I was slightly disappointed with the amount of wildlife I saw while on Vinalhaven Island. There was some fantastic birding, I saw a couple harbor porpoises, lobsters (caught), and some tidal pool inhabitants, but that was really about it. Oh, and this crab pictured...
WheninRome Says: One of my favorite things to do while at Vinalhaven was to kayak out to uninhabited islands and explore them. I know it sounds crazy, but when you are out there completely alone it feels as if you are the first person to walk upon that soil. At least until you find a stray...
Harbor Gawker: What is a lobster roll?
karenincalifornia Says: So, what exactly is a lobster roll anyway? I know this sounds like a stupid question to you New Englanders, but you have to understand that when Californians hear "lobster roll" they envision lobster with farmer's market organic ingredients such as avocados, tomatoes,...
The Haven: Make reservations or come early.......
foggybottom Says: Right on Main Street this Vinalhaven gem is always delicious. Open in the season and into the fall. Run by Tori and Dennis Pratt. Tori is also the womens high school basket ball coach. She is the chef and has the great creative ability to make dining fun. From fish to soup...
karenincalifornia Says: The only way to get to Vinalhaven is by ferry. You catch it at Rockland (not Rockport, which is a few miles to the north, as my husband insisted - good thing I was driving and knew where I was going). No reservatons are required if you are going without a car. Mind you,...
foggybottom Says: The best advice I can give is arrive early- you must be in line 30 minutes before departure time....be patient.....and bring a snack.....and a ginger pill from the health food store taken 15 minutes before departure will help with any sea swells.When you drive up get into...
WheninRome Says: I should emphasize that the return trip to Rockland from Vinalhaven operates in the same way. You must have a reservation for the return trip or wait in line and hope for the best. Locals say that frequently a return spot for your vehicle to the mainland is harder to get...
WheninRome Says: The only way to get to Vinalhaven Island is by ferry. Getting a seat on the ferry is no problem if you are not driving a car. Getting a spot on the ferry can be a big problem if you are driving a car. For those taking day or overnight trips only, do not bother with taking a...
Helpfulness
Vinalhaven's population is only 1200, so the main street in town is rather short. You won't find the endless souvenir shops here that you can find in Bar Harbor (thank goodness). We did find a nice shop for Maine souvenirs (focusing on - of course - lobsters). It also had the most delicious fudge. I wish I could remember the name of the shop, but there are so few, I'm sure my description will lead you right to it. When you are leaving the ferry terminal, head to town (just follow the people). The shop is on the north side of the main street, and is one of the first shops you will reach once you get into the commercial area.
What to buy: Of course I had to get a Vinalhaven T shirt. And some delicious fudge, which was the best we found in Maine.
Updated Aug 11, 2006
karenincalifornia Says: In an area where everyone either is in the lobster business or is related to someone who is, what do 4th graders on Vinalhaven write about when they are given a creative writing assignment? Being a lobster, of course! I found the cutest link to stories written by 4th graders...
karenincalifornia Says: What do you do if you are a small island off the coast of Maine with a small population and you have only only two churches? You have one church that is run by a man and caters to only one faith, and then you have another that is inter-denominational, open to all religions...
Helpfulness
When hiking or exploring the beaches- mosty rocky ones.....be on guard for the seaweed covered rocks.....they are VERY slippery.....and the wet darkly colored ones are slimy and slippery too. Use cation when jumping from rock to rock or climbing down to the edge of the sea. One can easily end up soaked because of a slick step. Don't forget that the water is extreamly cold too.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Phone: 207-867-2293
Helpfulness
Luggage and bags: pack light if you are walking on the ferry on a day trip...the village is about 4 blocks from the ferry.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Bring layers of clothing....when the sun goes behind the clouds the temp can drop 15 to 20 degrees.....add in wind chill and water temps it can be down right nippy out there.....
The temps can range 20 degrees also from mid island to the shore.
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: band aids......
Photo Equipment: as much as you can carry... this is a very beautiful island. Don't miss Lane's island.
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: There are many summer rental houses here.
Miscellaneous: The weather changes very quickly here so be ready for the hot sun to the cool clouds and fog banks.
Written Jun 13, 2007
Phone: 207-867-2293
Helpfulness
Staying for a week on Vinalhaven is like living inside a Norman Rockwell painting. The people are friendly, the town is charming, life's pace is comfortable here. The 4th of July parade is America at it's best. The town is centered around a harbor filled with a large lobster fleet. If you like nature there are numerous walks through out the island. Lane's Island is a very beautiful walk highlighted when the sun is out and the wild flowers are in bloom. You must leave your city pace behind and slow down to read a book you've never had time to jump into or catch a sunset and a sunrise while listening to the sea gulls cry.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Phone: 207-867-2293
Hiking On Lane's Island Preserve
chocolatelab Says: Gunner and I spent a week on island and we really loved Lanes Island Preserve. Daily hikes and retrives on Sand Beach. Meeting Actor Michael York and his lovely wife
WheninRome Says: If only I had a Lieutenant Dan, I too could be a Lobsterboat Captain.No seriously, lobstering is grueling work even in the summer. In the winter it is downright dangerous.
Sponsored Links
Vinalhaven - Connecting to the Past
Vinalhaven is so off the beaten path, it gets only 2,000 or so visitors each year. And Vinalhaven thinks that's a lot! This beautiful island is located 15 miles off the coast of Maine - the closest......
Vinalhaven Island - A Real Maine Experience
If you want to avoid crowds, see immense beauty and get a taste of a real Maine lobster village, then Vinalhaven Island is your place. We spent a week on the island and loved every minute of...
Build your own Vinalhaven page
Comments