Venture 12 miles off shore to an island that is barely a square mile in area yet full of fun. The approximately 65 year-round residents of Monhegan Island thrive on fishing and tourism. Visiting requires a full day of adventure but every minute is worth the trip.
Getting There
Book a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride on Balmy Days II. The 65-foot vessel was specially outfitted for trips to the island. No vehicles are allowed on the boat which makes sense since Monhegan is primarily a walking island with no paved roads. You will depart from Pier 8 at 9:30am and return at 4:15pm full of stories of your trip. If the weather cooperates, you can add a boat trip around the island at 2pm to see the spectacular cliffs from the water.
Hiking
Monhegan Associates, Inc. maintains about nine miles of hiking trails on the island. Bring hiking sandals or shoes for the rugged and rocky terrain that leads to unsurpassed views of the Atlantic Ocean from some of the highest cliffs in the entire state. On clear days, those who make the trek are treated to views of Isle of Haut, Matinicus, Criehaven, and Matinicus Rock. Lobster Cove on the southern trip is a great place for spotting shore birds and the remains of the old shipwreck. If you are lucky enough to be there at half-tide, harbor seals frequent the rocky outcroppings. Maps of the trails are available on many of the boats to the island and shops on the island.
The Village
The variety of shops and restaurants is surprising for such a small island. It is also draws artists who visit for the day to gain inspiration from its natural beauty. Some of the artists stay and open up their own studios.
- The Novelty: Visit here for the only pizza on the island. The shop also features sandwiches, wraps, salads, beer, and wine. It is a perfect stop for picking up a picnic lunch before exploring the rest of the island on foot. After a long day of hiking, stop back in for hand-dipped ice cream.
- Monhegan Coffee Roasters: Freshly roasted coffee has been available on the island since 2017. You can find it in many of the establishments on the island. If you get a hankering for the coffee once you get home, they offer free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
- Monhegan Brewing: The family-owned small brewery has an outdoor seating area that is typically open from early May until mid-October. The taproom always features five beers on tap and a variety of cans and bottles. The selection is always changing so no visit is the same. A food truck in on the premises or guests are welcome to bring their own food.
- The Barnacle: The café and gift shop opened in 1997 but the building has overlooked the wharf since the early 1900s. Stop here for home-baked treats, chowder, sandwiches, and salads that you can enjoy on the go or in the café. The Barnacle also partners with La Nef Chocolate to offer their unique creations.
- Monhegan Fish House: Enjoy views of the harbor from the picnic tables on Fish Beach. Fresh local fish, steamed lobsters, crab rolls, chowder and more are served for lunch and dinner here.
- Elva’s Old P.O.: Find a memento of your trip or pick up a gift for a friend of loved one. According to the Monhegan Island Welcome webpage, Elva’s boasts “doo-dads, gew-gaws, trinkets, and trifles.”
- The Black Duck: A café and gift shop next to the post office. It features an eclectic selection of jewelry, pottery, gourmet chocolates, and specialty foods.
- Edison Studio: Originally built in 1940 to be a painting studio with large windows to enhance the northern light, the building has served as a home for many artists over the years. It is now the primary working space for Daphne Pulcifer as well as her son and step-daughter when they are home on the island.
- Lupine Gallery: The gallery is pleased to present the works of over 50 contemporary artists as well as pieces from Monhegan’s rich artistic past. It is open seven days a week in season and also features paint and art supplies and framing services.
- Monhegan Island Studio Map: Many artists in the colony invite guests to visit their studios during certain hours. Check the website for an updated map with hours of operation.
