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called. From the small wonders on
L
ITTLE
D
IAMOND
I
SLAND
to the sprawling
community on 25-square-mile
C
HEBEAGUE
I
SLAND
, this region
encompasses a wide variety of beaches,
towns, scenic vistas, and charming sea-
side homes. With literally hundreds of
islands to choose from, it’s not always
easy to pick your destination.
Fortunately, ferry services narrow down
the options significantly.
P
EAKS
I
SLAND
,
Little Diamond Island,
G
REAT
D
IAMOND
I
SLAND
,
L
ONG
I
SLAND
, Chebeague
Island,
C
LIFF
I
SLAND
, and
B
AILEY
I
SLAND
are all on the Casco Bay route,
though it is possible to access other is-
lands through private boats and shuttle
services. For a truly special dining experi-
ence, make a reservation and grab a ferry
to the Inn at Peaks Island, Chebeague
Island Inn, or Diamond’s Edge on Great
Diamond Island. Enjoy fresh seafood
surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic
as the sun sets over Portland—what could
be better?
If your calendar allows a little flexibility,
plan on visiting during one of the Casco
Bay Islands’ wonderful events. In the
summer, visitors flock to Chebeague for
the annual Chebeague Chebang festival,
a Fourth of July celebration complete
with live music, lawn games, and loads
of food. Book a stay at the beautifully
restored 1920s Chebeague Island Inn and
enjoy the sunset, cocktails, and ocean
breezes from the wraparound porch.
For a more rustic experience, head to
Cliff Island, where the roads are dirt and
cars are rare. Like all the Casco Bay
Islands, bicycling is very popular here,
and this diminutive landmass is easily
explored on two wheels. If you find your-
self craving a lobster BLT after all that
pedaling, you can sate your appetite at
the seaside market.
Chances are good that you’ll find
Portland’s island communities so
charming that you want to extend your
stay past one day. Fortunately, there are
numerous inns, B&Bs, hotels, and house
rentals. Whether you want an outdoor
adventure, complete with a campfire, or
you are looking for old-world charm, the
Casco Bay Islands are set to deliver a rare
and memorable experience.
This is classic Maine.
There are few places better suited to
enjoy the quintessential pleasures of
lobsters and lighthouses than
C
APE
E
LIZABETH
and the neighboring com-
munity of
S
CARBOROUGH
. While the
state offers many other attractions, it’s
impossible to deny the persistent draw
of these buttery crustaceans and regal
structures. Cliché? No way.
Known throughout the state as premium
places to live, both Cape Elizabeth and
Scarborough are safe, peaceful commu-
nities for their year-round residents. Yet
you don’t have to hold a moose-marked
license to enjoy the quaint homes and
quiet streets. Visitors to the area will
be struck by the calm beauty of Cape
Elizabeth’s rolling hills and Colonial-style
homes. Scarborough, once known as
“Owascoag,” or the “place of much grass,”
holds a similar appeal. Gentle marshes
turn slowly into sandy beaches, and
boardwalks provide a place to slow down
and enjoy the scenery. Scarborough
Beach State Park and Crescent Beach
State Park are both great places to spend
an afternoon, and unlike much of Maine’s
coastline, these beaches are covered in
soft, comfortable sand. And while we
can’t claim the water is warm, at 60 de-
grees and over, the Scarborough shore-
line is a nice place to take a refreshing
dip on hot summer days.
Slightly more famous than its southern
neighbor, Cape Elizabeth is an affluent
area filled with rich history and striking
scenery. Take a horseback riding lesson,
pick your own strawberries, or just spend
a day at the beach—this lovely little town
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Photo: Robert Witkowski
Photo: Chris Lawrence
Continued on page 73