BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
THE BLUE HILL Peninsula is a land of nooks and crannies between Maine’s midcoast and Down East regions, where pure beauty juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Aside from soaking in the crisp salt air and countless “Oohs” and “Ahhs” of coastal snap shots around every corner, the region has much to offer.
SURRY
The wonders of Maine’s coast include looping roads and inconsistent internet access, so a map might be handy. Just seven miles from Ellsworth is Surry, a town that surrounds Patten Bay and is home to the famous Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop — with more flavors of ice cream, gelato, and sorbet than you can imagine.
BLUE HILL
Hop along Route 172 into Blue Hill and you are treated to a childhood memory. Well known author E.B. White, a long-time resident with a farm on Blue Hill Bay, set his beloved children’s book “Charlotte’s Web” at the site of the historic Blue Hill Fair.
The fair features a livestock exhibit like the one described in the 1952 book and sanctioned by White’s family. Now in its third year, the display is a lasting legacy.
“The real life exhibit with Wilbur the pig and other characters is the only such exhibit of one of the most popular books of all time,” said Erik Fitch, general manager of the fair.
The Blue Hill Fair was founded in 1891 as an agricultural fair and has grown to be a venue for entertainment, exhibits, and attractions. The fair runs from Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, and this year there’s an added feature.
“There will be a Charlotte’s Web live play courtesy of The Grand,” Fitch said. “We are the only fair in the state of Maine that has ever run a live theatrical performance on a section of midway.”
Continuing down Route 175, you’ll cross the Blue Hill Falls Bridge. While parking is sparse, you’ll want to aim for low tide as Blue Hill Falls is known for its rare reversing falls created by the tide funneling into the channel. The narrow bridge crosses this tidal basin and it’s fascinating to watch.
BROOKLIN
Further south you’ll find Brooklin’s Harriman Cove. A short hike will bring you to a serene beach, and across the way is Long Island with Mount Desert Island for the backdrop. More breathtaking sights await as you travel over Eggemoggin Reach via the iconic Deer Isle Bridge erected in 1939.
DEER ISLE AND STONINGTON
The first stop is Little Deer Isle, then onto the Stonington Causeway that takes you to Deer Isle and Stonington. Certainly no trip to Deer Isle is complete until you have explored Nervous Nellie’s Jams & Jellies. Eclectic is an understatement when it comes to Peter Beerits’ sculptures strategically embedded in some five acres of sparsely wooded terrain. The fantastical woods offers an array of buildings and artworks known as Nellieville, with corresponding literature and stories of Beerits’ travels from the west to the east coast.
“Peter’s head is as full of ideas as the property is full of raw materials waiting to be repurposed,” said Peter’s wife Anne Beerits. “Peter works more or less continuously on curating and revising existing exhibits, making sculptures, making new exhibits, and acquiring new ‘junk.’” Beerits also offers talks on Friday afternoons.
Sweetening the visit is an array of jellies and jams made on the premises, along with other Maine-made products, like cutting boards made at the Maine State Prison.
“I try to stock items that are a bit off the beaten path taken by most gift shops,” Anne Beerits said.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to get a glimpse of the working waterfront of Stonington and the lobster co-op, where you can make a fresh purchase literally from the ocean’s edge.
SEDGWICK
Returning to the mainland once again over the historic suspension bridge, you travel up Caterpillar Hill in Sedgwick offering postcard views of Maine’s larger populated islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven, Isle Au Haut, and Islesboro.
BROOKSVILLE
The community of Brooksville is next, home of the Good Life Center. This is the homestead of Helen and Scott Nearing, the prominent back-to-the-land proponents who wrote “The Good Life.” The learning center offers an array of speakers, community events, and workshops on ways to live simply and well.
Next, take the Cape Rosier Road to the unique Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park. The park is a network of old roads, paths, and animal trails that allow you to explore the shoreline, marshes, ponds, and forests. It’s also a prime place for coastal bird-watching, spread out over 1,200 acres.
PENOBSCOT
As you return toward Penobscot, cut over to Bagaduce Lunch on Route 175 for take-out and an ice cream while watching the falls.
CASTINE
Head north, around the head of Northern Bay and loop down into Castine. You’ll be treated to an entire downtown that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Castine was once named by Yankee magazine as one of the 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns in Maine, with a Main Street that slopes to the sea.
Maine Maritime Academy’s (MMA) training ship, The State of Maine, has been anchored in Castine Harbor since 1997. Recently the ship departed on a training voyage around the northern Atlantic Ocean with 202 students and 45 staff and crew on board. In the future, Castine’s shoreline will host a new pier where MMA’s new training vessel will dock.
Castine is also home to something very rare. Wilson Museum boasts million-year-old fossils, as well as the tools of early humans.
FOR MORE INFO AND EVENTS, VISIT THE BLUE HILL PENINSULA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEBSITE AT BLUEHILLPENINSULA.ORG.
