Things To Do
Helen's Restaurant
Helen's shares a parking lot with the Machias River Inn, so you can't miss it. Their food is classic and well-executed and their pie is delicious!
Dunkin'
What can we say? It's Dunks! If you're stopping there on the way to our home, Marshall would like a large iced coffee with almond milk and caramel swirl. And remember to tip the nice folks at Dunks!
Roque Bluffs State Park
Roque Bluffs State Park is a quintessential Downeast Maine beach. You may not want to swim, but take a stroll to the tidepools at either end and you will understand what T.S. Eliot wrote about in that one part of Four Quartets.
Pleasant River Drive-In
Pretty good ice cream and solid food. This is where we overheard someone say "That's the couple that bought the gothic house up on the hill." In reference to us. So, a real small-town experience!
Wild Blueberry Land
Wild blueberries are a vital part of the economy of Downeast Maine. This weird little museum gives a glimpse into the history of this crop and why this area is perfect for growing blueberries. The pies are mid - Helen's is better.
Downeast Sunrise Trail Atv/multi Use Recreation
This off-road recreational rail trail runs from Ellsworth to Calais - including directly through our property! You can bike from Machias to our home in about one hour on the trail, and are welcome to do so if you want to! You can also ride ATVs or horses on the trail. Or go classic - a leisurely walk to take in the sites.
Acadia National Park
We have to mention the "crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast." Acadia National Park is about a 90 minute drive from our home and frequently reviewed as one of the best US National Parks. You won't see the lupines (they bloom in the spring) but you will still have plenty to enjoy. Please note that the park requires an entry pass, and some parts require reservations made online prior to arrival. Check the website for more information.
Lubec
Lubec is the Easternmost point in the United States. If you're an early riser, head up there before sunrise to be among the first in the US to greet the new day! You can also cross into Canada from Lubec - in fact, Campobello Island, where you will end up, can only be reached by road from the bridge in Lubec...so Canadians have to cross into the US in order to drive to Campobello Island. Lubec has restaurants, breweries, a lighthouse, apparently a good pizza place...everything you hope for from a small coastal town in Maine. It's a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Ellsworth
As much as we consider Ellsworth to be the "city," it actually made a 2017 list of Strong Towns meant for small towns. So it's not huge, but it's bigger than Machias and has a fun little downtown area. Marshall is a fan of 86 This! which sells various wraps. Kayla enjoys Riverside Cafe for their classic diner food. Both enjoyed Airline Brewing Company's beer and food.
Stoned Leprechaun LLC
Cannabis is not for everyone, but if it's for you, this recreational dispensary has everything you could want and a friendly, helpful staff. Most of the other dispensaries in the area are medical only, and the only other recreational one around is honestly kind of sketchy.