How to Visit Maine's Casco Bay Island
Casco Bay Island is a picturesque smattering of islands near Portland, Maine. There are about 365 islands in the cluster. While they are not all accessible, spending a few days poking around the major islands will give you a sense of serene New England charm. Here are a few tips on how to visit Maine's Casco Islands.
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Instructions
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Travel to Portland, Maine. If you are driving, Route 95 travels right through it. If you are flying, you can take a flight to Boston and catch the Amtrak train north to Portland or you can take a Greyhound bus, which travels there as well. Portland does have a sizable airport. Most flights route to Boston first and then end in Maine. Check out expedia or priceline for great deals on travel.
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Check out Casco Bay Lines ferry service. This is the main transportation between all of the major islands in Casco Bay. At cascobaylines.com you can check on sailing schedules, passenger fares, and even lobster bakes that they have right on board the boat.
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Go to the major islands of Casco Bay. Each island is like its very own treasure with its own personality. The major islands are Chebeague, Great Diamond, Peaks, Long and Cliff Island. (Casco Bay Lines services all of these islands.) It's probably best to do no more than two islands in a day, as with ferry travel time you want to leave yourselves enough time to get lost in the New England landscape.
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Arrange for lodging at one of the many island hotels. While not all of the islands have lodging, guest favorites include the Chebeague Inn on Chebeague Island and Peak's Island House on Peaks Island. Peaks Island also has cabins that you can rent. These places are open from Memorial Day to about Columbus Day. Be sure to book early as space is limited and it goes fast.
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Attend the local events. Every island tries to capitalize on the tourism over the summer, but Peak's Island really takes it to the next level. Throughout the summer, they hold everything from a chili cook-off to their annual Peeksfest which is full of arts, music, native foods and more. For additional info, check out peaksislandmaine.com.
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