The Maine Coast Is Waiting For You
Maine is an ideal destination for romantic getaways and family retreats, and thats never been more true when you involve a town as cute as Boothbay Harbor. Of course, there are plenty of things to do in Boothbay Harbor, but beyond that, theres something special about spending summer afternoons on Maines rocky coast.
The charming town of Boothbay Harbor, situated along its namesake harbor, is a spectacular summer destination. One of the most popular things to do in Boothbay Harbor is to take to the water for kayaking, sailing, and yachting. The charming town is also filled to the brim with fantastic boutiques, great restaurants, breweries, and all the fresh seafood you could want. In short, a visit to Boothbay Harbor in the summer is quintessential Maine.
Boothbay Harbor is also a fantastic destination for artists and art lovers. There are great performances at the Lincoln Arts Festival and the Pythian Opera House, along with great art galleries spread throughout the town. With so much inspiring natural beauty, its easy to see why the arts thrive up here.
Visit Monhegan Island This Summer
Visiting Monhegan Island, just off the coast of the mainland, is one of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor. The island is located 10 miles off the coast and is only accessible by ferry. There are no paved roads or cars on the island and a minimal number of shops and other attractions, but that is its appeal.
Monhegan Island is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and leave behind crowded and busy city streets. Its ideal for nature lovers, too, as there are 17 miles of hiking trails to explore out here.
Aside from spending a few contemplative hours walking the trails on Monhegan Island, theres also a beautiful lighthouse to visit. The Monhegan Island Lighthouse was built in 1824 and is still an active beacon today. Views of Boothbay Harbor from the Monhegan Island Lighthouse are exceptional.
To get to Monhegan Island, youll need to take a ferry. Several ferries service Monhegan Island, but the only one leaving from Boothbay Harbor is the Balmy Days II. The trip takes 1.5 hours each way, but its a spectacularly beautiful trip filled with great views and plenty of wildlife viewing. It departs from the Boothbay Harbor at 9:30 am and arrives back at 4:15 pm, which gives you around 3 hours to enjoy Monhegan Island.
With so many incredible things to do in Boothbay Harbor, its time you start planning your trip. Book a room at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in Maine today!
Lionfish Is The Newest Delicacy Of The Caribbean
In the Bahamas, we are all about fresh and the local which is why our diet mainly consists of anything that comes from the sea. The newest member of the party is the invasive Lionfish. The Lionfish flooded the Caribbean waters in the nineties and have been flourishing ever since. With no natural predators, these striped specimens can be found all over the Atlantic waters and are typically found as far north as New York.
But as much as they are a pest, they are delicious the lionfish has become the newest delicacy of the Caribbean. Mild in flavor, the lionfish can be fried, sautéed, or even enjoyed raw, despite their poisonous qualities. During your next visit to Harbour Island, be sure to get a taste of these buttery, heavenly fish, whilst helping the environment one bite at a time!
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Order Conch Fritters At Queen Conch
Just down from the landing dock in Dunmore Town, youll see the wooden terrace of Queen Conch hovering over the bay. This spot is perfect for a sunset snack and all the conch dishes are made in front of you. Favorites include conch ceviche, conch fritters, and cracked conch.
If you get lost, look for the towering mountain of conch shells piled on the left side of the restaurant.
Nothing Beats A Beachfront Condo
Youve traveled all the way to Harbour Island, you deserve a beachfront condo with all the fixingsbecause the best things to do on Harbour Island include relaxing, spa days, and beach views.
Beachfront condos offer privacy, luxury, and above all else, a sense of home. The best way to experience Harbour Island is to wake up every morning to the sound of soft waves and the feel of a cool ocean breeze. If you start every day of your vacation with a view like this, youll be sure to feel the relaxation you need in every step you take on the warm sands of the island.
Enjoy the amenities on Harbor Island that have been curated by the best travel and leisure pros this side of the Mariana Trench the kinds of amenities that only a fantastic Harbour Island resort can provide.
- Private access to Pink Sand Beach
- Poolside access to a sun terrace, Balinese-style loungers, umbrellas, and towels
- Complete spa amenities including massage, skin treatment, manicures, and more
- Boutique shopping and nightlife
We know, this sounds like too much relaxation in one place, how are you going to handle it all? Let the resort staff take care of everything. You just focus on you.
So, one of the best things to do on Harbour Island is find a great beachfront resort. Take in the view, soak up the sun, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing beverage just because you can. A beachfront condo sets the tone for the rest of your stay.
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Hand Off Holiday Responsibilities To The Dunmore
Its time to kick off your shoes and let The Dunmore do all the holiday planning for you. We love holiday traditions as much as the next person, but there really is nothing like letting go of your responsibilities and enjoying your holiday season to the fullest. When you come to Harbour Island for the holidays you can expect exquisite meals, plenty of sunshine, and quality time with your loved ones.
If that is not enough, the Bahamas is chock-full of wonderful island traditions to get you into the holiday spirit. One of our favorite local traditions in the Junkanoo Band. This band has been around for decades blasting their horns and beating their drums to pump everyone up for the holiday season. Spend your holiday season among friends and family this year in a place that is beyond gorgeous relax, unwind and celebrate with the ones you love!
Best Things To Do In Island Harbour Anguilla
Have you ever visited a new place and felt wow about it? For many visitors, it happens at Island Harbour.
Island Harbour may not be as popular as other cities in Anguilla, but dont let that fool you. Island Harbour is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.
You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Island Harbour.
If you have plans to visit Anguilla and are not sure if Island Harbour should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Island Harbour and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.
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Where Should We Hang Out For A Drink
When the restaurants close for the night, people head to the island bars. The hotel staff is local so when they finish their day they join you at the bar. I’ve been known to enjoy a Goombay Smash at Beyond the Reef or Gusty’s Bar with its sandy floor and dated playlist. After Gustys we usually head to Daddys Ds for great music and dancing . The local beer is Kalik and the only way Kalik gets off the island is in tourists luggage so try to enjoy it while youre there.
I think they have been playing the same soundtrack at Gustys for 17 years, but its oddly comforting.
Places To Go In Eleuthera And Harbour Island
Welcome, traveler, to Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it?
Things to Do in Eleuthera and Harbour Island
Youll not be wanting for things to do in Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.
Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Eleuthera and Harbour Island? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
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The Dunmore Beach Hotel
This property is an all time favorite of ours and considered our home away from home when we are on the island. It has a relaxed and charming atmosphere. The staff is welcoming, they serve great cocktails with local rum and a make a delicious conch ceviche. The Dunmore offers several ocean front villas peppered along the beach, as well as two cottages on the bay side of the island where the water can be calmer and a little less windy. The last couple of years its been our preference to stay in the Bayside Cottages. The cottages are known as the Low & High Tide Cottages, and labeled on the map as Point 14. They have a kitchen, share a pool and pool house, and provide views of the yachts in the bay from their expansive decks.
Seek Harbor This Holiday Season In Harbour Island
Although not all of the Bahamas are connected by land, we still know how to throw an excellent party that runs deep with Bahamian tradition. If you are considering spending the holidays in Harbour Island, there are probably a few things you should knowwe take our holidays very seriously! One of our party assets is the local Junkanoo band. This colorful, rhythmic posse will have you dancing the entire night away. Here are a few other ways we love to spread cheer:
You have to try all the local cuisinesfrom black cake to ginger beer your taste buds will be buzzin right into the new year.
Learn what it feels like to kick back and relax on the beach after a holiday well celebrated.
See a winter wonderland from an entirely new perspective, Caribbean style.
Sing with Christmas carolers and sway to the beat of a steel drum band.
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The Clubhouse At The Dunmore Hotel
The Clubhouse restaurant is very romantic with its evening candlelight reflecting off the vintage 1960s collage photographs and pale cinnamon striped booths, and the open-air patio that faces the sea is a treat. The Clubhouse offers dishes which demonstrate a delicate refinement in presentation and taste. And while some may prefer the spot for dinner, it is also a stellar option for lunch. Recommendations include the Fish Carpaccio, Stone Crab Claws, and Caribbean Bouillabaisse.
Shop Local Shop Often
A trip to Harbour Island is best remembered when you bring home traditional Bahamian culture. You can find some of the best boutique stores on the island that offer a true taste of the lifestyle. Shopping is one of the most relaxing things to do on Harbour Island.
Check out some of our concierge-recommended places to shop while you stay on the island.
- Princess Street Gallery: A picture is worth a thousand words, but a painting tells a story. Explore pieces from some of the best local artists and take a snapshot of your time in Harbour Island home with you.
- A and A Hidden Treasures: This family-owned and operated store is filled with beautiful, handmade bags and gifts that make perfect souvenirs for every shopper.
- Shine: If youre looking for fantastic jewelry, then Shine has to be on your agenda. The store features some of the best handmade clothes, jewelry, and accessories all based on the Bahamian style.
- The Sugar Mill Trading Co: Sugar Mill is another fantastic spot for jewelry lovers that have luxury taste. The store is filled with some of the best high-end accessories on Harbor Island.
You can find all sorts of great shopping on Harbour Island so dont limit yourself. Explore, explore, explore. And when in doubt, remember that shopping is one of the easiest and most relaxing things to do on Harbour Island.
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Rent A Golf Cart And Explore Dunmore Town
While locals are allowed to drive cars around the 3.5 by 1.5-mile long island, the best way for tourists to explore the terrain is by golf cart.
With its pastel facade and English colonial houses cloaked in vivid fuchsia bougainvillea, Dunmore Town is the picturesque center of the island. Simply winding through the quaint streets and discovering restaurants, boutiques, and vibrant churches is quite lovely. They town even has a tiny Pigly Wigly grocery store with all the basics.
Bar Hop And Dance The Night Away
Going to bed early is typical, as Harbour Island is known to be quite relaxed. But when the weekend rolls around, everyone heads out to the islands bustling bar scene.
Gustys Bar is the preferred choice for those who like to get started early. Later on, Daddy Ds is the place to be for dancing into the night. Youll find Daddy D himself spinning under flashing disco lights that penetrate into the streets. After your worn out from dancing, meet your fellow partiers at the Vic Hum Club, the oldest bar on the island. This spot tends to draw late-nighters who face off in inebriated ping-pong tournaments and basketball games.
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Le Cap Horn French Restaurant & Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 290 reviews
Since 1985 Abracadabra is a very trendy restaurant, a milestone among residents, visitors and the international yachting world as it offers really everything: their traditional Italian cuisine includes finger licking home-made pasta, freshest seafood, AAA
Reviewed By KatherineW451
Lovely spot, thought out menu and charming service. It was a quiet evening and we werenât terribly hungry but nonetheless werenât made to feel guilty for just having a sharing platter and a bottle of wine. Rest of menu looks impressive and Iâll be back to sample.
Dermalogica Spa Harbour Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
A and A Hidden Treasures is a local souvenir store that specializes in 100% authentically handmade Bahamian crafts. We make our products with straw, coconut and shell. There are souvenirs here at A and A Hidden Treasures for the entire family. We also specialize in custom designs.
Reviewed By SLH888 – Greenville, United States
I wish I had found A& A when I first set out for local goods. These women are not only super talented to their craft, but are also funny, delightful people that you want to do business with. It was an extra special treat to walk into their workroom and get a tour/explanation of the different palms used to weave their bags, hats, rugs and more. Add this shop to your list while visiting Harbour Island/Dunmore Town!
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Why Harbour Island In The Bahamas Is The Perfect Weekend Getaway
Imagine a staged Bahamian island where pastel lemon and sea green colonial houses are sprinkled along a 3.5 x 1.5 mile with tepid turquoise waters and Degas pink sand beaches at dusk. And where your primary means of transportation is a self-driven golf cart. Well, its no movie set. This is Harbour Island or as known to the locals, Briland.
For many years now, the originally British-settled island has been a low-key secret spot for those in the know. And from the likes of Robert De Niro, Helmut Newton, Bob Marley, Mick Jagger, Diane von Furstenberg, and the islands notable India Hicks, it still remains the favorite for many private, fashionable celebrities and socialites considering the high season lasts from November to August. Also, while many of the Caribbean islands were severely damaged by hurricane Irma in 2017, Briland, thankfully, weathered the storm and made it out barely scathed.
But getting there is slightly laborious. Typically it takes 2 flights with the first landing you in either Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Nassau, and the second flight to North Eleutheras minuscule airport. From there, a short taxi ride will bring you to a small landing where locals load your luggage onto a 30-foot motor boat for $5. After a 10-minute water-taxi ride up the Sargasso Sea, you arrive at a wooden dock at Dunmore Town where taxis, or your pre-arranged golf cart, awaits you.
