Bailey Island, Maine

Off the coast of Maine numerous scenic peninsulas stretch out into the northern Atlantic waters of Casco Bay. Among them, and easily accessible from Coastal Route 1 at Cooks Corner, is Bailey Island, Maine - one of Maine's great vacation spots.

Just north of Brunswick, and south of Topsham, Route 24 takes you on a 13 mile drive through heavily-wooded Great Island, down to Orr's Island, and across the Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge...

...with a dead-end at Land's End, an incredibly peaceful outpost of sand, sea and rock formations.

Although often referred to as Baileys Island, Maine, the island's proper name is Bailey Island.

Attractions in Bailey Island, Maine

Although total tranquility awaits you on Bailey Island, Maine, there are interesting things to do and see on this two and a half mile long - and one half mile wide - strip of land.

For starters...

As you cross the Bailey Island Bridge you may notice something a bit unusual. This historic civil engineering landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is said to be the only bridge in the world built as a cribstone bridge. The "cribbing" of the granite slabs placed one on top of another, and secured only by the paved surface, allows for the ebb and flow of tides and for minimal current disruption.

July, 2009...
I just returned from another visit to Bailey Island, Maine. Instead of passing over the Bailey Island Cribstone Bridge, traffic was being directed over an alternative bridge. The Town of Harpswell, Maine told me this is only temporary while changes are made to make the other bridge "better".

Then...

At its end, Route 24 turns into a dirt parking lot, with a stunning view of shimmering water, tree topped islands and...

...the barren Halfway Rock, a mid-point between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small and home to the Halfway Rock Lighthouse.

Built in the late 1800's all that remains on the lighthouse grounds today is the original 76 foot tower. Although Halfway Rock Light is not open to the public it can be viewed telescopically from a rocky vantage point at Land's End.

Just north of Land's End, on this predominately rocky coast, are the Giant Stairs Bailey Island, also known as the Giant Staircase and the Giant Steps. The rocks offer incredible panoramic views of the Casco Bay horizon, often dotted with billowing sails, and closer to shore are the lobstermen, motoring along while pulling their traps.

Despite the rocks, it is easy to find quiet sandy alcoves, suitable for sunbathing or taking a nap in the gentle salt air breezes.

If you would like a Maine souvenir or gift, the appropriately named Land's End Gift Shop will not disappoint. Filled with nautical paraphernalia, artwork, novelty food items, ceramic ware, photography, books, stained glass, handmade jewelry, stuffed animals, games and toys - many of which are Maine made - the store is a wonderful place to browse.

For a view of Bailey Island, Maine from a different perspective...

Sea Escape Charters will show you Casco Bay from aboard their private fishing charter boat and sightseeing charter boat, the Sea Escape Too, or will welcome you on a Casco Bay sailing cruise aboard the Tevake.

To reserve a Bailey Island boat charter, contact Donna or Les McNelly at Sea Escape Cottages and Charters at 207-833-5531 or 207-841-9124.

Or...

Depart Bailey Island from Cook's Landing at noon aboard the Casco Bay Lines and take a 1 hour 45 minute cruise through Potts Harbor, past Eagle Island and Haskell Island with a glimpse of Mackerel Cove - one of the prettiest spots in Bailey Island, Maine.

Will you be staying in Portland, Freeport or Rockland? These places also offer cruises that either make a stop at Bailey Island, or sail into its nearby waters.

On your way to, or on your way from Bailey Island...

Great Island's Cundy's Harbor, a tiny New England fishing village makes a great side trip and won't take up much of your time.

Unless, of course, you can't resist browsing through the truly unique selection of goods at Hawkes Lobster Gifts, or...

...get seduced by the smell of fried seafood drifting from Holbrooks Lobster Wharf and Grille.

You may also be interested in:
Cooks Lobster House, Maine Coastal Vacations, Maine Tourist Attractions

Bailey Island, Maine Hotels and Rentals

You won't find large hotels in Bailey Island, Maine, nor fancy resorts. Instead, when you are looking for places to stay, the accommodations at the Bailey Island hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cottages and cabins are more likely to reflect the quaint, rustic setting and natural beauty of which they are part of.

For instance...

The Log Cabin, An Island Inn "designed with the sunset in mind", and built as its name suggests - log cabin style, has nine uniquely styled rooms offering enviable views across the Bay, and on clear days, 90 miles west to Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

Situated on a hill, overlooking Harpswell Sound and Peninsula, is the turn of the century, restored sea captain's home, The Captain York House. From the porch of this B&B "watch the lobster men haul in their catch, the sail boats cruise the sound on their way to the Atlantic, and the picturesque sunsets."

The Bailey Island Motel, "by the water's edge" and with a private dock, takes pride in offering "clean, comfortable smoke free rooms", many with ocean views, and "down home friendly service".

Continuously operating for over 100 years, and the oldest Bailey Island inn...

The Driftwood Inn is known for "its unexcelled ocean front location". This three acre property also offers housekeeping cottages and a salt water swimming pool.

Families are easily accommodated in the penthouse, suites, and one and two bedroom cottages at the Sea Escape Cottages, which also offers sightseeing and fishing charters as well as sailing cruises.

And...

Scattered throughout the island are a number of other unique vacation rentals, many of which are affordable for those watching their vacation budget.

Restaurants Bailey Island, Maine

Wonderful Maine seafood - fresh from local fishing boats - and other culinary delicacies are easily found in Bailey Island, Maine.

As you cross the Bailey Island Bridge, on the right hand side and surrounded on three sides by water, is the ever popular Cook's Lobster House. With an inviting deck and ample seating, both inside and out, the restaurant offers unobstructed views across a glistening bay and a wide selection of fresh seafood and traditional favorites.

My favorites when I eat at Cooks Lobster House are their clam chowder, made with a very light, almost sweet broth - and WHOLE clams, not chopped clams - and a generous size lobster roll which on request they prepare for me with butter (my favorite), rather than mayonnaise.

The Giant Stairs Seafood Grille on Harpswell Road, next to the Post Office, is another area favorite, offering eat-in and take-out.

And, just on the other side of the Cribstone Bridge, on Orr's Island, is...

...the outdoor Salt Cod Cafe. Visit by land or by sea, for breakfast and lunch. Eat at tables on the wharf or underneath awnings, on shore. If you've come by car be sure not to leave Orr's Island without a stop at the Island Candy Company, your family will love you for it!

Will you be a guest at the Log Cabin or the Driftwood Inn?

If so, you will have nightly dinner choices. Not a guest? The Driftwood Inn's dining room is open to the public, but you will need to check with the property directly as to their reservation policy.

Enjoy your visit!

If you have a Bailey Island, ME business or a favorite place in Bailey Island, Maine, please let me know and I'll be happy to include it here!