Visitor Information
Our Suggestions in Jonesport
1. Take the Norton Tours trip to Machias Seal Island (June thru mid-August). One of the best seabird excursions in the world. Thousands of puffins, arctic terns, razorbil auks. Reservations needed: 207 497-5933.
2. Tour the local waters with Capt. Laura Fish of Coastal Cruises. Scenic boat trip around the islands, lighthouses, beaches and salmon farms. Or visit the surprising underwater world with Capt. Harry Fish at Dive Downeast. 207 598-7473
3. Explore the Nature Conservancy on Great Wass. Five miles of trails open onto stunning views of the islands of Eastern Bay.
4. Drive, bike or hike along Mason's Bay Road. Enjoy open views of the bay and numerous islands. At "the washout" you can pull off the road and, at low tide, walk out to Bar Island to picnic or explore. Be careful to watch the tide so as to come back without wet feet. Enjoy a quiet, sandy beach and, for the polar bear, a dip in the ocean. Your hosts can tell you about special, secret spots where you can picnic and enjoy a beatiful vista all to yourself.
5. Admire the flowers. The bright sunshine and moist fog of coastal Maine create vividly colorful blooms. There are many private gardens in Jonesport and Beals.
6. Explore the side streets of Jonesport. Offers views of Moosabec Reach, lobster boats and the downeast scene of lobster traps piled at colorful wharves. Great photo and art opportunities. Visit the waterside lobster markets. There are four in Jonesport, another two on Beals Island. Get there as the day's haul is brought in.
7. Examine the exquisite stained glass windows in the Congregational Church. Created by the George Spence studio of Boston in the early 1900's, in the Tiffany style. Considered to be among the finest stained glass in America, this workmanship is not duplicated today.
8. Drive across the Jonesport/Beals bridge for a striking panoramic view on both sides. The U.S. Coast Guard station sits at the foot of the bridge. Drive around the colorful fishing village of Beals Island.
9. Browse for that special treasure:
In Town
On Mason's Bay
10. Visit the Peabody Memorial Library. Tues-Wed-Thurs-Sat rotating exhibit of works by local artists and photographers in the new wing. A vast Heritage Center database with photographs and video interviews is maintained by the Jonesport Historical Society on two computers.
11. Visit the Maine Central Model Railroad. 380 railroad cars traverse 3,000 feet of track that wind through 900 sq. ft. of hand-built miniature replicas of local towns and scenery. Run by Buz and Helen Beal, 207 497-2255. Featured on NBC News, Bangor.
12. Visit a clam hatchery and shellfish research lab at the Downeast Institute. Call ahead at 207 497-5769.
13. Vist the Maine Coast Sardine Museum. It documents the industry which sustained the livlihood of much of the people along the Maine coast through the mid 20th century. The exhibit includes original fishing and packing equipment and displays of the entire process.
14. Spend some quiet time sitting at the water's edge in our yard. You'll be surrounded by wild beach roses, lupine and the sound of gulls. Our Sawyer Square neighborhood, on the cove, provides space for a little evening walk among the Victorian houses and out on the pier viewing the moored lobster boats. Foggy nights are a special treat - the distant sound of a lighthouse horn, the shrouded boats, the muted lights, are the essence of maritime Maine.
15. Enjoy the sky sights. "Sunrise" County has the earliest dawn in the nation. For early risers, the sky is ablaze with magnificent, changing colors. Western views of gorgeous sunsets offer great photographic opportunities. At night, the sky is black, clear and filled with stars. If you'r lucky, you may catch a meteor shower or an awesome display of Northern Lights. You can reserve a private sky-watch night by telescope with a local astronomy buff.
16. Come visit on the 4th of July. A multi-day celebration with pancake breakfasts, a lobster bake, competitive events, beauty contests, house decoration prizes, pipers and floats on parade, fireworks, and the highlight event - the famous race for "the fastest lobster boat in the world."
17. Come visit in autumn. The Fall countryside takes on a new appearance with our beautiful New England foliage, sapphire blue sea, pine green islands, pink granite shorelines, blueberry barrens turned fiery red, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The air is clear and crisp, and nature walks are wonderful at this time.
18. Get goose bumps. For those who like the idea of a visit from the ghost of Charles Mansfield (owner, builder, resident and merchant of our abode, 1855-1940), we've had one guest report. For those who dislike that, it's only been one report in 14 years.
19. Take advantage of nearby attractions:
To learn more about what Maine has to offer, visit the
Maine Tourism Association
or the Maine Office of Tourism
It is necessary to show a Passport or the new Passport Card to cross the border in either direction. Information about this requirement, and application forms, are available from the U.S. Passport Services and your Post Office.