Location: Stonington
Top Things to do in Stonington
What to do and see in Stonington, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Stonington is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States, located on the southern portion of Deer Isle. The population was 1,152 at the 2000 census. It includes the villages of Oceanville and West Stonington. A picturesque old seaport and tourist destination on Penobscot Bay, the town is home to Stonington Municipal Airport, and terminus for mailboat ferry service to the island town of Isle au Haut.
Restaurants in Stonington
1. Stonington Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Frank J - Winter Haven, Florida
This is a place to head for if you are looking to get away. Stonington is a small town, very quaint. It is a beautiful place to take a casual stroll. You can easily walk the length of downtown in a few minutes, but really, you should plan to check out the stores and enjoy the views of the harbor. Don't rush it, this is a place to take your time and unwind. Limited cell phone coverage might bother some people, but I felt it was all a part of "getting away". I just turned my phone off and enjoyed being out of touch for the week. Certainly there are things to do, and enjoy, here but only if you enjoy being in a quiet, small town to relax. Its easy to mix with the locals if you chose and blend into the slower pace of life.
2. Barred Island Preserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By dgage30445 - United States
A long hike, with lots of tree roots and opportunities for missteps. I had a knee replacement a year ago and it was challenging but doable. This is a mossy forest with filtered sunbeams shining through. Very magical or zen. The kids loved the walk and that the sandbar to the island would disappear when the tide came in. This is not an easy hike, but the upside to that is that there aren't a lot of people interrupting your experience. It could be very romantic for a young couple.
3. Old Quarry Ocean Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
We welcome you to visit one of the most extraordinary places on the coast of Maine. The Deer Isle-Stonington archipelago in Penobscot Bay is a unique and breathtaking area, home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the lower 48 States, and over 60 uninhabited islands. It is well known to be the destination of choice for kayakers, sailors, campers, and any nature enthusiast. People from all over the world come to this place because of the quiet, un-spoiled and awe-inspiring environment. They come to Old Quarry because we provide the perfect access to this magical body of water, where seals and porpoises thrive and sea birds are abundant, where historic windjammers sail, and lighthouses stand stalwartly on rocky cliffs as sentinels of the night.
Reviewed By 40yearOldGirlScout - Statesville, NC
We booked the 1/2 day kayak tour online. Everything was handled professionally and they had us ready to go. No Waiting. Cody was our guide and was very personable and knowledgeable. Even though he is not originally from the area, he obviously takes his career seriously and knew the answers to practically everything we asked. The day started out foggy, but as we paddled the fog lifted and we were blessed with the wind at our backs on our return to home. They have a store in case you forget anything. Extra staff were on hand to help get the kayaks set up. They have a bath house, rooms for rent and a simple kitchen.
4. Isle au Haut Boat Services
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Tom T - Carrboro, North Carolina
Over the years we've taken many rides with (the non-profit) Isle au Haut Boat. This year we were in town for the once-a-month Lighthouse Cruise, and it was wonderful. It was four hours out on the water, cruising west from Stonington, across the bay, between North Haven and Vinal Haven Islands, down the western side of Vinal Haven, and back across the bay stopping at Saddleback Ledge Light, finally through Isle au Haut Pass to Stonington. As a bonus for us, and as a big attraction for others on the trip, we saw six lighthouses, and lots of seals and Ospreys.
We could sit on the top deck except for foggy periods (something to do with needing to use the radar which can be harmful to you if you're too close). The crew gave a nice narrative and were willing to answer questions. The boat has a toilet, but you need to bring a bottle of water and maybe a sandwich.
A very, very pleasant afternoon. Probably the best motor boat cruise of he many we've taken over many summers in Maine.
5. Edgar M. Tennis Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Area offering walks through the woods and along the coast.
Reviewed By Jennifer D - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We walked this slow paced trail to Barred Island and then around the loop back to the parking lot. There were a LOT of roots on this trail. The trail itself was very easy, no steep climbs, soft ground, pretty level. There where, however, a ton of roots. If you're sure footed, then this is an easy walk. If your balance is at all in question, then the roots may trip you up. The Island is made of granite, so the root structures of the trees are very shallow.
Just short of the halfway point, is the opportunity to walk up to a vista point on the rocks. The view is spectacular. If you made it this far on on path, then climbing up here will be easy and worth it.
6. Stonington Lobster CO-OP
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Susan and Vinh N - Arlington, Virginia
Small, unassuming stand serving sandwiches and ice cream, with lobster rolls overflowing with fresh and abundant lobster meat. You can eat on the little attached deck or cross the street and sit and eat on the bench next to the statue of the granite worker in Stonington Village. Great place for lunch.
7. Opera House Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By paintergurl - High Point, North Carolina
The 2014 summer season so far at the Opera House has been incredibly entertaining. From Shakespeare + Zombies to a moving film about the final days of a local artist, OHA captures the best that Maine theatre, music, and arts has to offer.
8. Water's Edge Wines
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Serving lunch & small plates, wine and beer by the glass or bottle. 2nd floor seating, outdoor seating. Stop in for a fine selection of great wine, beer, artisanal cheese. Fresh brewed coffee, in-house baked bagels and bread, smoked seafood, select cuts of beef, lamb, and pork, along with other gourmet delights. Wine tastings & wine dinners.
Reviewed By BobxxxxCindy - North Palm Beach, Florida
Water's Edge Wines has a great and ever changing selection of wines. Tastings are held on many summer Friday evenings. Friendly and informative owners also offer gourmet cheeses, bagels, other baked goods, sandwiches etc. Wines are priced to fit any budget. Location near the harbor and the Isle de Haut Ferry terminal offers easy access to boaters. In a 40 mile radius one of the few places, other than a grocery store, to shop for wine . Micro brew beers are also offered.
9. Marlinespike Chandlery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By LakePolan - Huntington, West Virginia
We have been visiting Deer Isle for the past 5 years, and we always find the time to visit Marlinspike Chandlery. It's a tiny place, tucked away in Stonington Harbor with a rather unique selection of merchandise. Chandlery refers to provisioning traditional sailing ships. Marlinspike is a tool for making rope. This shop contains a selection of merchandise including antique marine bric a brac and very fine knot work and jewelry. Like all great retail establishments his shop reflects the singular vision of its proprietor, Tim Miller, and what a vision it is. I highly recommend it.
10. The Turtle Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Elise D - Mendham, NJ
The Turtle Gallery is a destination for art lovers from Portland to Bar Harbor. The owner, Elena Kubler, has a discerning eye. The quality of the works is distinguished. The works are very reasonably priced. The curating of shows displays the works well. The sculpture gardens are particularly noteworthy. The gallery will ship purchases, so travelers, don't worry about whether it will fit in your trunk. We treasure the things that we have bought from the Turtle Gallery.
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