When people think of Maine, they imagine the beautiful waves breaking against a rocky coast, the splendid tall pine trees, rigged Windjammers, iconic lighthouses, and fishing harbors filled with colorful boats. People visit this unique state to enjoy its endless attractions and partake in its various and magnificent activities. They come to see Acadia National Park, the Old Port, Portland Head Lighthouse, the Marginal Way and Ogunquit Beaches, Pemaquid Point Light, Old Orchard Beach, Farnsworth Art Museum, Nubble Lighthouse, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay Harbor, and much more.
Maine is also known for its many mesmerizing islands. However, the smallest of them all is so magical and unique that it houses New England’s most enchanting beaches.
What To Know Before Visiting The Smallest Island In Maine
Maine is home to several islands. However, the smallest of them all, Chebeague Island, is home to the most beautiful beaches in New England. Chebeague Island is located in Casco Bay and can be reached by ferry or private boat. Those ferries can be found in nearby Cousin’s Island or Portland. Chebeague Island transports its visitors back in time, where they can enjoy the natural wonders of Maine and take in the simple things.
- How to get there: People can reach Chebeague Island using two options. The first is heading to Cousins Island park in the Cumberland parking lot. They can take the shuttle bus from there to reach Cousins Island. The ferry is taken from there to Chebeague Island. This ride takes 15 minutes to complete. The other option for reaching Chebeague Island is through Casco Bay Lines, and needs one hour to complete. However, people can enjoy their time by taking in the breathtaking views of the different islands in Casco Bay.
- Recommended: To ensure they don’t lose time when visiting Chebeague Island, visitors are encouraged to save a map of the island before reaching it. The map can be sourced from the website of Chebeague Island Inn. Moreover, when people reach the Inn, they will find a map copy there.
What To Do While Spending A Beautiful Time On Chebeague Island
When visiting Chebeague Island, people enjoy a handful of activities. Those staying at the Chebeague Island Inn will have fun playing lawn games, including corn hole and bocce ball. They can also enjoy playing board games, getting lost in a book, and spending time outdoors. Another activity worth partaking in around Chebeague Island is bicycle riding. People staying in Chebeague Island Inn will get free access to bicycles.
Hiking and running are also nice hobbies to engage in when visiting Maine, and also Chebeague Island. People are expected to bring some food, water, snacks, and a backpack with them. They should also wear good shoes for hiking. Hikers will meet many runners there since the island is a great place to clear minds.
Hanging out at the beach is a must on Chebeague Island. At the Inn, people must ask the staff for towels and chairs to enjoy a lovely day at the beach. The boxed lunch options offered at the Inn are also great for taking them to the beach.
- Recommended: People visiting Chebeague Island in Maine are advised to ride the Casco Bay Lines, where they will have the chance to witness the different islands from Chebeague to Portland. They can also get out on the water by going on a sailings excursion.
- Cost: Riding the Casco Bay Lines costs around $11 per person.
Other activities worth enjoying on Maine’s Chebeague Island include playing tennis or a round of golf and visiting the LL Bean Flashship store.
Here’s Where To Eat When Visiting Maine’s Chebeague Island
Anyone visiting Chebeague Island will fall in love with the food offered at this unique Maine spot. This applies particularly to the people dining at the Chebeague Island Inn. Some would say they will take the ferry from Portland to Chebeague, just to dine at the Inn. The latter offers an extensive menu offering the freshest ingredients and the yummiest meals.
- Recommended: When dining at the Chebeague Island Inn, people are advised to try the Chebeague burger and the heirloom and burrata salad. For breakfast, the lemon scone is a must. Other yummy meals include the Bang Island mussels and the Casco Bay lobster.
When people reach Chebeague Island, they will notice a unique yellow hotel, from the ferry, standing high up on the hill. This is the Chebeague Island Inn, and it’s the place to stay on the island. The iconic hotel is a gem on Chebeague Island and offers the most delicious food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Inn features breathtaking grounds filled with flowers, butterflies, and veggies. People staying at the Inn’s cozy rooms will feel the ocean breezing through the windows.