WHAT TO DO IN CASTINE

Castine's natural beauty and resources offer numerous opportunities for recreation and activities. We have listed some popular activities below and would be happy to help you pre-arrange any of these.

Antiques

Maine is a favorite destination for bargain hunters and fine antique collectors alike. Visit nearby towns to look for treasures in Blue Hill, Ellsworth, Surry, Sedgewick, Sargentville, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle or Stonington.

Arts

There is a full schedule of visiting artists, authors, and musical performances virtually every week. We would be happy to provide you with information and schedules. There is also a full program of classical music performances at nearby Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School and Festival in Blue Hill.

Biking

Experience the breathtaking coast line surrounding Castine while pedaling back country roads. We are a regular overnight stop for bike groups, but you can rent your own bike for exploring by contacting Karen at (207) 866-3506 or visiting www.castinekayak.com. We can arrange a picnic lunch and outline many day trips ranging from easy to strenuous. And, of course, the world famous bike trails at Acadia National Park are an easy drive away.

Gardens

We can point you to some of the more interesting, local, and close-by gardens including the Thuya Garden in Northeast Harbor.

Golf

The Castine Golf Club boasts a challenging and beautifully maintained 9-hole par 35 course. It is one of the oldest resort courses in New England, founded originally in 1897. Acclaimed Scottish golf course designer Willie Park Jr. laid out the nine holes, which offer stunning views of Castine Harbor and Blue Hill. The Golf Club offers lessons by Pro Shawn Dennis and special programs for youth. Call 207-326-8844 for a schedule of events, or to book a lesson with the Pro. Equipment is available for rent, and there are NO TEE times. Golf carts are also available.

Health Clubs/Fitness

If you're not tired from your activities, we can provide information on nearby, full-service gyms, including the fully-equipped, local college. Take advantage of the Inn's sauna and showers after your work out. Ask the Front Desk for more details.

Hiking

Almost half of the Castine Peninsula is “forever preserved” in the Witherle Woods. The Woods encompasses hiking trails, historic sites, and spectacular views of the water from seaside cliffs. Generously donated by local families, the Witherle Woods is maintained by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. There are multiple day hikes close by, including the Backshore Beach, the Henderson Wildlife area, and the stunning Holbrook Island Sanctuary. And within a one hour drive, there are spectacular hiking areas including Blue Hill, Long Pond and the world famous trails at the Acadia National Park.

History

• Castine Historical Society - Did you know Castine was the site of one of the worst-ever American naval disasters? Or that one of the officers court martialed in the wake of the debacle was none other than Paul Revere? Visit the Castine Historical Society's exhibit space to explore this and other chapters in the rich past of this extraordinary peninsula, which over the centuries has attracted Native American, French, Dutch, British and Colonial traders, settlers and warriors. The summer exhibition for 2011, “History and Hearsay--Tales of Castine Houses,” spotlights the stories of over a dozen of the town's houses. Located in the Abbott School on the town square, the Castine Historical Society is open from July 1 through Labor Day. Visiting hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (207) 326-4118, e-mail pres@castinehistoricalsociety.org or visit the Society online at www.castinehistoricalsociety.org.

• Wilson Museum - The museum exhibits pre-historic artifacts; 19th century carpenter's tools, farm and home equipment; ship models and local historic items. On the museum grounds are the pre-Revolutionary John Perkins House, a 19th century house, and blacksmith shop. Visit the Wilson Museum website for more information and hours.
• Fort Madison -- Only the grass bunkers still exist from this fort built at the beginning of the 19th century, but its location at the mouth of the harbor makes it a great place to watch boats coming and going from the bay and to enjoy a picnic lunch.
• Fort George - Built by the British during the American Revolution, this three-acre soil fort provided safety for British ships and loyalists in the area.

Kayaking

The Bagaduce River Watershed is a paradise for kayakers, both experienced and novice alike (national sporting companies often use it for their excursions). Many of our guests decide to include a half-day or full-day kayak trip in their itineraries to explore the many islands, coves, beaches, and waterways of the area. There is also a night-guided trip to see phosphorescence in the harbor! Bring your own kayak, or contact Karen by phone at (207) 866-3506 or email: castinekayak@gmail.com for more details.

Massages

The Inn can arrange massage services for you at reasonable rates. Please ask the front desk for details.

Sailing & Boating

The Castine Harbor, with its centuries-old maritime history, is a major stop on Maine coastal excursions. There are several ways to enjoy the water.

• Sailing Lessons & Visiting Yachts - The Castine Yacht Club, overlooking pristine Castine Harbor and the Bagaduce River, offers members and their guests a broad range of activities. Five moorings are available for visiting yachts with access to showers (Donation is requested). The Sailing Master has a nine week Junior and Adult Sailing Program open to all levels of sailing ability. Summer activities include a Speakers Program, racing events, regattas, weekly kayak tours, and an annual lobster stew dinner. Visit the Castine Yacht Club website or call 207-326-9231 for information on activities or an appointment with the Sailing Master. In addition, private lessons can be arranged on several types of sailboats.

Sunbathing and Swimming

The local Backshore Beach is a lovely stretch of rocks, sand and shells at the edge of Wadsworth Cove - a perfect spot for a bracing ocean swim, a picnic lunch, a nap in the sun or a walk around to Elephant Rock at low tide. Kayaks and canoes can be easily launched here and it's a favorite place among windsurfers. Sunsets are spectacular. Just across the road is Castine's swimming pool -- really more of a swimming “hole” than a pool. It is tidally fed, mud-bottomed, and slightly warmer than the ocean, deep enough to swim in but not too deep, and a great spot for kids with rubber rafts and inner tubes.

Tennis

The Castine Golf Club offers four Har-Tru tennis courts open to the public. USPTA Pro Adrians Zguns has clinics and lessons available for all ages and skill levels at reasonable rates. Whites are not necessary. Also, check out the children's schedule. Call 207-326-9548 to make a court reservation, or to book a lesson with the Pro.

ABOUT THE INN

ROOMS & RATES

EXPLORATIONS
  Castine
  Deer Isle/Stonington
  Blue Hill
  Mt. Desert Island
  Ellsworth/Points East
  Bucksport to Belfast
  Camden to Rockland

CASTINE ACTIVITIES

THE GARDEN

GETTING HERE

CONTACT US

RESERVATIONS

HOME PAGE