Fodor's Maine Coast by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides [Fodor’s Travel Guides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2023-03-21T00:00:00+00:00

Tenants Harbor and Port Clyde

Tenants Harbor is 10 miles south of Thomaston; Port Clyde is 5 miles south of Tenants Harbor.

The road down the St. George Peninsula from Thomaston meanders alongside the St. George River past meadows, farmhouses, and artists’ studios (usually open to visitors in the summer). This is where generations of the Wyeth family of artists have summered for the past century, capturing the unspoiled scenery in their work.

Tenants Harbor is a quintessential coastal village tucked into the eastern edge of the serenely scenic peninsula. The town’s harbor is filled with lobster boats, and its streets are flanked by clapboard houses, a church, and a general store. It’s a favorite with artists, and galleries and studios welcome visitors.

In addition to being a busy lobstering harbor, Port Clyde, at the very tip of the peninsula, is home to Monhegan Boat Line’s Elizabeth Ann and Laura B, which carry passengers—and the mail—to and from the island. Of the three Mid-Coast spots where you can catch a boat to Monhegan Island, it’s the only one offering year-round service.

Turn off the main road to visit Marshall Point Light at the eastern entrance to the harbor. The views of the bay are lovely, and there’s a small museum in the keeper’s house.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

From U.S. 1 at the eastern end of Thomaston, turn onto Route 131, and head down the St. George Peninsula to Tenants Harbor and continue all the way to Port Clyde at the tip.

s Sights

HMarshall Point Lighthouse

LIGHTHOUSE | FAMILY | About a mile from Port Clyde’s town landing (turn off Route 131 at the sign), this 31-foot, granite and brick lighthouse has been in operation since it was erected in 1858 to replace an earlier tower whose beacon was fueled by lard. It is perhaps best known as the spot where Tom Hanks, aka Forrest Gump, concluded the eastern end of his very long cross-country run in the 1994 film adaptation of the book by the same name. As you walk out on the short footbridge to the light, resist the urge to shout, “Run, Forrest, Run!” There’s also a small museum and gift shop, housed in the 1895 lightkeepers’ house. Exhibits focus on local granite quarrying and lobstering as well as the lighthouse. The serene grounds have a few picnic tables and offer beautiful views of the sea; it’s a perfect spot for watching pleasure and fishing vessels cruise in and out of Port Clyde harbor. EMarshall Point Rd., Port Clyde P207/372–6450 wwww.marshallpoint.org.

HWhitehead Light Station

LIGHTHOUSE | The secluded 70-acre Whitehead Island, located in the western mouth of West Penobscot Bay, is home to this lighthouse, which was commissioned in 1803 and rebuilt in 1852 and which continues as a beacon for boaters. The seven-bedroom keeper’s house can be rented on a weekly basis June through October, or adults can attend one of the onsite programs that are offered. Rates include transportation to the island in a light station boat. EWhitehead Island, Tenants Harbor P207/200–7957 wwww.whiteheadlightstation.org.

r Restaurants

The Black Harpoon

$ | AMERICAN | FAMILY | Just off Route 131, this family-friendly eatery is a community favorite.

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