Congratulations - You are about to discover Downeast Maine - the way vacations should be! Now Downeast Maine isn't for everyone. If you like big cities, crowds of people, stifling heat and heavy traffic - you will not find them here. Instead Downeast Maine provides a relaxing area to enjoy abundant scenery from rocky coasts and picturesque villages to rivers and lakes and the glacial topography of the open blueberry barrens, marshes and bogs. Downeast Maine is a great place to view wildlife - on land, by boat and the birds of the air. Downeast Maine offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts from walking, hiking, climbing and swimming to kayaking, snowmobiling, biking and cross-country skiing, as well as being a great area for hunting and fishing. Oh, there are also a number of picturesque golf courses that are extremely reasonably priced and, you guessed it, not crowded.

Downeast Maine is not just about natural beauty and outdoor adventures. This region has a long history and historic (and prehistoric) sites abound from the first French settlement in the New World at St. Croix Island interpreted by the National Park Service at their park near Calais and part of the exhibits at the Downeast Heritage Center, to the first naval battle of the American Revolution which took place near Machias. There are museums and historic houses reflecting the lumber industry, the fishing industries from sardines to salmon, the blueberry industry, and, of course, lighthouses.

Downeast Maine also provides opportunities for some interesting shopping. This is a good area to explore for antiques, used books and "yard-sales," and you never know what you'll find at the local discount stores. You might even find that exotic spice in the local hardware store or fine Darjeeling tea in an antique store. Here in Downeast Maine you just never know what you'll find where - until you look.

Just about every town in Downeast Maine has a parade, celebration or festival in the summer, from Cherryfield's Celebration Days on the weekend before July 4th to the Machias Blueberry festival in late August. There are hidden treasures to be found everywhere - from chainsaw carvers to artist's studios, a winery and a bell foundry, tea rooms, lobster pounds and mouthwatering blueberry pies - and best of all, all the above can be experienced during day trips from the Englishman's B&B in Cherryfield.

A variety of day trips are possible from our B&B.

Heading south: Acadia National park on Mt. Desert Island is about 50 minutes drive. Spend a day at Bar Harbor shopping and eating or hopping onto one of the many boat excursions, like whale watching. Or just drive, stop, hike and take in views.

Just about 25 minutes south of us, following Rte. 1 and turning off on Rte. 186, a day visiting Schoodic Point, a beautiful but less-visited part of Acadia National Park , is a favorite choice of our guests. Before or after enjoying Schoodic, visit small harbor towns like Prospect Harbor , Corea, Birch Harbor and Winter Harbor . A drive down Grindstone neck in Winter Harbor is a peek at how the “Other Half” lives in the summer season.

A few day ventures further south along the coast could take you to see the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge + Observatory near Bucksport, the historic town of Castine , and the whole Blue Hill peninsula. Let us give you tips on laces to stop.

Heading north: there is the Jonesport-Beals Island peninsula for experiencing a typical Maine lobstering community. A little further north off Rte. 1, there is Roque Bluffs State Park with a beach - a less common feature Downeast than our miles of rocky coastline. For those who do like rocks, the beach for you is near the end of the Machiasport Rd. , access from Machias. It’s called Jasper Beach , and is completely covered with lovely polished stones formed by the water over time.

The county town of Machias, just 40 minutes north of us, is a good place to grab lunch and perhaps visit the Burnham Tavern historic house dating from the 18^th C. Heading further north on Rte. 1, you could choose to follow the coast from East Machias, through Cutler to Lubec, and there visit the West Quoddy Lighthouse and meander the dock and downtown. If you left early enough you could cross the border bridge to Campobello Island and see FDR’s summer home.

If you choose not to head for Lubec, stay on Rte. 1 north through Whiting, Pembroke and Perry until you find the turnoff for Eastport, Rte 190. The drive will take you through a Passamaquoddy township and the water views of Cobscook Bay approaching Eastport are well worth the trip. When in town a must-see is the Raye’s Mustard Mil and shop, and then have lunch, watch harbor activities and get a view of the Old Sow whirlpool or take a boat excursion.

Another trip further north on Rte.1 could take you to the border town of Calais and St. Croix Island Historic Site, then crossing over to New Brunswick one could visit Chocolate Town – St. Stephen’s, New Brunswick and lovely St. Andrews . Driving directly to the border from our B&B, taking Rte. 9, would get you there within 1.5 hours. You’ll see a number of blueberry barrens along the way.

For our Special Interest guests

Birders: We have local birding information and a good contact person for more specific birding tips. The shoulder months – April/May and September – are better for birders than middle of summer months. Bald eagles along our stretch of the Narraguagus River are best seen, along with ospreys, in the month of May. Numerous eagles can be seen from our deck and nearby North Bridge .

Geologists/Geographers: Our County is the easternmost point of land in the United States and visitors who want to claim having reached the easternmost city and town can drive to Eastport and Lubec respectively. Of course if one wishes to head even further east and experience another time zone, head into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia .

A new map and guide to the Ice Age and geologically related features of our Downeast region was published in  2006 by the University of Maine and is available free (we have copies for our guests). It allows travelers to drive and walk to 46 key points along our indented coastline and refer back to the numbered “mammoth symbol” to read the full descriptions of the glacial feature. More than a map, this is a well-illustrated and colorful guide and pamphlet containing chronologies, a glossary, with current and historic photos. And completely free! Printed on coated paper, it will become a valuable reference for use by geology students and interested tourists alike.

Antique Buyers and Browsers: Maine is a treasure, and it’s full of treasures for “antiquers.” From the 18t C to the turn of the century, traditional New Englanders tended not to throw out anything that could be used again. Hence, a wide-range of affordable items from houses and barns are available at our numerous antique dealers. We can direct you to all our favorite dealers near us and have guides to lead you to antique shops and “malls” further down the coast as well. It’s yet another way to experience our Old New England American past and sightsee as well while driving the coastal routes.

Artists/Writers: Maine is visually stunning and has been an inspiration to artists and writers for decades. Not only visually but mentally our landscapes and lack of busy urban areas are rejuvenating as they impart a sense of relaxation and reflection. Stop by local galleries and see how other artists have interpreted the Maine landscape. We have guides to local clusters of galleries. Also consider spending a multi-night stay in our Carriage House with a view of our swiftly flowing river for your own inspirational getaway. It’s a self-contained cottage and perfect for a “retreat”.

Hikers/Brisk Walkers: Our own little river town of Cherryfield is a walking town. With two bridges across the Narraguagus River , one can enjoy a troll or brisk walk down one side and up the other for about a mile-and-a-quarter circuit. Likely you’ll have to stop a few times to enjoy the river views and appreciate a grand old house or two. We can also direct you to a woodland trail that follows the river bank away towards the bay, and the quiet town park and dam area at the end of Stillwater road. You may spot eagles along our river depending upon the season. For more rugged and coastal hikes, we will make available guides and direction to hiking trails at Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge, the Custer Bold Coast , Schoodic Point trails, and the West Quoddy Head coastal and bog trails. Most trails are manageable for the casual hiker, though there may be some areas of rock-clambering. Bring cameras and binoculars.

American History and Colonial Life/Architecturally interested visitors: Our coastline was settled by Europeans in the pre-revolutionary years of the 19^th C, but most existing historic houses date post-Revolution. The Machias area retains the pre-revolutionary Burnham Tavern (1770) and Fort O’Brien State Historic Site (1775). Several towns boast Federal-style colonial homes, but the grandest one to visit is found in Ellsworth (Woodlawn-The Colonel Black House) and the most lovingly reserved Federal House in Washington County that is open for summer tours is the Ruggles House in Columbia Falls (1818). Our town of Cherryfield is like an architectural parade of home styles starting in the late 18^th C. with our own Federal-style Bed and breakfast, and the General Alexander Campbell house on Rte. 1, and continuing through the 19^th C. with our Historic District of 542 existing private residences. Examples of the following period styles can be seen from a walking/driving tour: Federal, Colonial Revival, Greek revival, Second Empire , Italianate and Queen Anne. Pamphlet guides to our Historic District are always available to our guests, and can also be obtained from the Cherryfield-Narraguagus Historical Society Museum , now situated on River Rd. , in the Old Narraguagus River Inn (mid- 20^th C.).

Fourteen Day Trips. Now remember, you are on vacation so we start each day with our wonderful breakfast served in the keeping room, and we will make sure you have all the information you need to enjoy your day's excursion.

Daytrip #1: The ocean and fishing villages. Schoodic and Winter Harbor.

Daytrip #2: Local History: Cherryfield; Milbridge and Columbia Falls. Museums, Historic Houses and the Barrens.

Daytrip#3: Scenic byways and the "big" town of Ellsworth. Rt 182 and Rt 1. The Black House, antiques and art galleries - and shopping (LL Bean outlet and Mardens)

Daytrip#4: Machias, Machiasport and Jasper Beach. The Burnham Tavern, Gates House Museum. Stop at Wild Blueberry Land on the way back - it may be touristy, but you'll love the blueberry pie!

Daytrip#5: Lubec, easternmost point in USA, and Campobello - summer home of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, now an international park. West Quoddy Lighthouse; scenic walks along the coast; an interpreted ":bog" walk; great chocolates; great fun.

Daytrip#6: Eastport, the waterfront, great tides, the Old Sow whirlpool and the Passamaquoddy Don't miss Rayes's Mustard Mill.

Daytrip#7: Puffin boat  tour from Jonesport (6 AM breakfast!); explore Jonesport and Beals Island - or take the only Whale Watching trip in the area with Robertson Sea Tours in Milbridge (advanced reservations required).

Daytrip#8: Bar Harbor and whale watch tour. We'll give you a map of the back way to Bar Harbor from here! - or take the ferry from Winter Harbor.

Daytrip#9: Explore Acadia National Park and Mt. Desert. Pack a picnic.

Daytrip#10: Just 1 hour to Bangor - spend the day in a real town! We'll help you plan your visit around your specific interests!

Daytrip#11: Just 1 hour south to explore Blue Hill and check out some antique shops on the way.

Daytrip#12: Just over 1 hour north to Calais, the Downeast Heritage Museum and into Canada if you wish.

Daytrip#13: Relax by the beach, swim and picnic in Roque Bluffs State Park ; 9 holes of golf in the afternoon.

Daytrip#14: Learn to  kayak or go kayaking or go hiking for the day - so many places to choose.

Andrew Wyeth - Art lovers who wish to reawaken their appreciation of the art of the Andrew Wyeth (who passed away in 2008) may wish to visit the Maine coast and the landscapes and structures that inspired this great American painter. First stop should be the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland to view the Wyeth works and ask about the areas along the mid-coast that featured in his paintings. We are  a 1-1/2-hr drive from Rockland, so on your way to us take in the coastal views and charming harbor towns like Belfast, eventually reaching our unspoiled coast and the small, working waterfront towns of Downeast Maine. Be inspired by the rocky coast and weathered buildings nestled in this picturesque environment looking much as Wyeth first saw the mid-coast region. We welcome all artists and art lovers to experience the beauty of true Downeast Maine.