Discover Surry

Scroll to find information about the following: hiking, biking & water sports, art galleries, live music and delicious food.

Breathtaking Hiking Adventures

Beat the Crowds: Insider Tips / For the most enjoyable hiking experience in Acadia National Park, timing is everything. To maximize your adventure and minimize crowds, consider these strategic approaches:

Explore trails during early morning hours
Plan your hikes on weekdays
Avoid peak weekend times
Prepare for varying weather conditions

Bar Harbor's Must-Do Trails

The Bar Harbor area ~ 50 minute drive ~ offers an exceptional array of hiking experiences that cater to various skill levels. Each trail presents its own unique charm and challenge:

Acadia Mountain Trail: A moderate hike with panoramic views perfect for experienced hikers
Parkman Mountain: Challenging ascent with sweeping landscape vistas
Great Head Trail: Coastal cliff hiking with dramatic ocean perspectives
Ocean Path to Fabri Cliffs: Scenic coastal walk featuring spectacular rock formations

The "Quiet Side" Trails: Southwest and Northeast Harbor

Southwest Harbor Gems ~ 50-minute drive

Flying Mountain Trail represents a hidden gem in the Southwest Harbor area. This short, manageable hike offers a spectacular overlook of Somes Sound and includes a refreshing swimming spot at the cove.

Key highlights include:

Less than 2-mile trail
Stunning Somes Sound views
Swimming opportunity in a pristine cove
Proximity to Hunters Beach
Recommended post-hike lunch at Milk & Honey

Northeast Harbor Exploring ~ 55-minute drive

The Little Long Pond Trail provides an incredibly flexible hiking experience with multiple route options. Hikers can choose between the Jordan Stream Trail or the Carriage Path, which extends all the way to Jordan Pond.

Trail features:

Multiple route options
Opportunities for swimming and wading
Customizable hike lengths
Nearby attractions including Asticou Inn
Beautiful Thula Gardens for post-hike relaxation

Beyond Acadia: Hidden Local Trails

Unique Regional Trails

Each local area offers its own distinctive hiking experience:

Brooklin's Harriman Point ~ 45-minute drive: A 4-mile loop with mossy woodland and shoreline views of Eggemoggin Reach
Deer Isle's Tennis Harbor Trail ~ 55-minute drive: Near the charming Nervous Nellies Jams and Jellies
Stonington's Barr Island Trail ~ 50-minute drive: Stunning scenery (note: not dog-friendly)
Blue Hill's Peters Cove Trail ~ 20-minute drive: Features a lovely waterfall perfect for swimming

Alternative Trail Systems

For those seeking less crowded paths, explore:

Essential Hiking Preparation Insider tips:

Bring ample water and snacks
Wear appropriate hiking shoes
Check current weather conditions
Carry a detailed trail map
Respect wildlife and practice leave-no-trace principles

Local Hiking Resources

Local Visitor Centers
Local Heritage Trust Offices
Contact your host, Dee!

Cycling & Water Adventures

Cycling Routes: Pedal Through Paradise

Newbury Neck Cycling Adventure

Loop past Carrying Place Beach
Turn onto Morgan Bay Road
Visit Carter Nature Preserve
Explore East Blue Hill
Stop at Curtis Cove Beach
End with ice cream at Pugnuts in Surry Village

Acadia Region Cycling

Schoodic Peninsula: Gentle 11-mile workout
Acadia National Park Carriage Trails: World-renowned cycling experience
- Extensive network of car-free paths
- Stunning landscape views
- Suitable for all skill levels

Water Sports and Coastal Exploration

Local Beaches

Curtis Cove Beach
Carrying Place Beach
Hunters Beach
Multiple access points along the peninsula

Swimming Opportunities

Natural swimming spots in hiking trail coves
Little Long Pond
Somes Sound
Numerous coastal inlet swimming locations

Coastal Considerations

Tides change completely every 6 hours
Water temperatures vary
Expect 50-degree nights and 80+ degree days
Wind and rain can arrive suddenly

Equipment and Preparation

Many local rentals available
Bring layers
Check local weather forecasts
Consider water temperature when planning activities

Nearby Rental and Guidance

Local outdoor outfitters
Visitor centers
Your host can provide specific recommendations

Safety Tips

Always check tide schedules
Be aware of local marine conditions
Bring appropriate safety gear
Consider local guided tours for unfamiliar areas

Best Times for Water Activities

Mid-summer (July-August) for warmest conditions
Early mornings for calmest waters
Weekdays for fewer crowds

Coastal Maine's Creative Scene

Art Galleries: A Coastal Canvas

The Blue Hill Peninsula boasts an incredible array of art galleries, each offering a unique glimpse into the region's creative spirit. Explore these must-visit art destinations:

Surry ~ 5 minute drive: Margret Baldwin's Little Gallery on Morgan Bay Road
Blue Hill ~ 20 minute drive:
- Cynthia Winnings Gallery
- Heidi Daub's Studio (call ahead to arrange a visit)
- Handworks Gallery
- Jud Hartman Gallery
- Blue Hill Bay Gallery
Ellsworth ~ 15 minute drive:
- Courthouse Gallery
- John Edwards Wine Cellar Art Gallery
Deer Isle ~ 20 minute drive:
- Nervous Nellies Gallery
- Turtle Gallery
Other Notable Galleries:
- Rockport's Farnsworth Museum
- Northeast Harbor's Artemis Gallery
- Brooklin's Handmade Papers Gallery
- Winter Harbor's Little Gallery

Live Music: Rhythms of Coastal Maine

The region comes alive with music during the summer months, offering diverse performances for every taste:

Blue Hill Musical Highlights

Kneisel Hall: One of America's oldest chamber music summer schools
- Friday night concerts
- Sunday afternoon performances
Flash in the Pan Steel Drums
- Weekly waterfront park concerts and dances every Monday night
Local Town Hall: Regular dances and live music events

Regional Music Venues

Surry: Opera Barn hosting frequent concerts
Stonington: International Jazz Festival in August
Winter Harbor: Schoodic Arts summer performances
Hancock: Monteux Conducting School weekly classical concerts
Bar Harbor:
- Regular Rock and Roll performances
- Contra dances
- Criterion and Grand venues for live music

Performance Venues

Blue Hill Library and other public libraries
Opera House in Stonington
The Grand in Ellsworth
Reel Pizza and Criterion in Bar Harbor

Tips for Art and Music Enthusiasts

Check local papers for event schedules
Arrive early for popular performances
Support local artists and musicians
Be flexible with timing, as summer events can be spontaneous

Local Resources

Ellsworth American (award-winning local newspaper)
Blue Hill Weekly Packet
Deer Isle Island Advantages

Culinary Delights

Blue Hill Peninsula Dining Guide

Blue Hill Restaurants

Barncastle: German-inspired high-end pub food, under new management
Arborvine: Fine dining establishment
Brew Pub: Located behind Arborvine, offers oysters and drinks
FishNet: Basic and delicious fish, lobster, and burgers
Wine Shop: Offers coffee, great wines, cheeses, breads, Italian staples
Marlintini's: Comfort food lunch and dinner, open 7 days
Sandy's Café: Good lunch spot
Harbor Café: Breakfast and lunch
Humblebee: Excellent breakfast sandwiches (5:30 am to 2 pm) and dinner on Fridays
Blue Hill Inn: Occasional special meals

Brooklin Culinary Highlights

Brooklin Inn: Our favorite! Locally sourced, mostly organic ingredients
The Lookout: Amazing location with good food
Brooklin Candy: Fresh baked goods, international goods
Brooklin General Store: Under new ownership, promising

Ellsworth Dining Scene

Serendib: Mediterranean cuisine
Finnelli's & Zeppa's: NY-style pizza
86 This: Excellent burritos
Finns: Irish pub with great Mac and Cheese
The Riverside: Comfort family food
Provender: Locally sourced food in a lovely historical interior
Jordan's: Picnic outside, basic fried fish
Jonathon Edwards: Great wines and baked goods
The Bangkok: Thai Food
Fogtown Brewery: Wood-fired pizza and brew
Airline Brewery: English pub style

Other Local Dining Gems

Surry:
- Perry's: Excellent fresh seafood
- Bay Market: Basic food options
- Pugnuts: Best ice cream in Maine
Southwest Harbor:
- Quietside Snacks food trailer
- Little Notch Bakery
- Seafolk Sourdough bakery
Stonington:
- Harbor Café: Lunch and early dinner (try the huge lobster omelette)
- Stoncutter: Basic good seafood on the dock
- Fin & Fern: Homemade pasta
- Aragosta: Best restaurant (nearly impossible to get a reservation)