Blue Hill Area Guide

The Blue Hill Public Library offers a wealth of opportunities for the Blue Hill community including exhibits, lectures, films, various displays, discussion groups, chess and knitting groups, and community meetings. The space is one of the centers of the town with its variety of events, relaxed atmosphere and the splendid reading room that has 2 fireplaces creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the chilly months.

Check out the library’s upcoming events >

Library Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm; Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm

Starting as a landscape company Mainescape Garden Shop grew their offerings to include a garden shop, an organic produce and baked goods store, a specialty dog food store, and a mail order store selling beautiful Christmas wreaths and centerpieces. The property itself is a gorgeous piece of work with various rooms to get lost in and discover their latest items. You’ll be amazed at what you can find, from blueberry pies, to pottery, to seeds and flowers, to dog food and dog toys, to handmade rugs, to garden tools, to local produce, and even tasty sandwiches. One of the true gems of the Blue Hill Peninsula.

The park has picnic tables for having a relaxing lunch, swings and climbing gyms for kids, a swimming pool and a large rock that is great for sun bathing or just chilling while reading a book or taking it all in.

Blue Hill Heritage Trust’s goal is to protect the land and water resources of the Blue Hill Peninsula and to foster the recreational, economic, and quality-of-life benefits of conservation. By advancing this vital connection between healthy land and healthy communities, the Trust strives to be fully involved in peninsula communities through strong collaborations with their partners and municipalities. The trust hosts events and programs all year long and manages trails and roads all over the Blue Hill Peninsula.

Humblebee Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating.

You’ll find seafood dishes here. This restaurant guarantees you perfectly cooked lobster rolls, fried fish, and steamed mussels. It’s a pleasant experience to order good sundaes and tasty blueberry pie. Great coffee or delicious milkshakes are among the most popular drinks

The cozy atmosphere of this place makes visitors feel relaxed and have a nice time. The cheerful staff welcomes guests all year round. Spectacular service is a strong point that plays a great role in the success of this spot. From the guests’ viewpoint, prices are affordable.

The Blue Hill Historical Society is located in the historic Holt House (1815), a National Register of Historic Places site. This historic home and carriage household a varied collection of antique furniture, costumes, toys, and tools. The archives contain documents about families, businesses, and towns.

Opens: Tuesdays and Fridays 1:00pm – 4:00pmSaturdays 11:00am – 2:00pm or by appointment.

If you are looking for a Wood Fire Flavors, Craft Beers, Local Food, Specialty Cocktails, and Live Music.  Come and visit this place.

If you want sandwiches, breakfast pizza coffee and donuts in the morning.  At lunch they have hot, cold sandwiches, fried finger foods and pizzas made fresh daily and ready to go. No lines, no waiting. Come and visit this place.

The Post Office Trail in Blue Hill is 2.1 miles long with a total elevation gain of 295 feet and offers hikers an “out-and-back” adventure. It is considered one of the easier routes to experience and takes most people around 55 minutes to complete.

It is a popular trail for running and hiking and, during the winter, a great place for snowshoeing. While it is a busier trail, if you visit during the day, you can find some quiet and secluded areas for a bit of peace and relaxation. This trail is open throughout the year, and leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the outdoor area.

Be sure to check the weather before you head out to ensure you are caught by an unexpected storm.

There’s no better way to experience all that the Blue Hill area has to offer than to take a hike in or around the area. You’re in luck because there are multiple trails you can enjoy. Some of the most popular options are found here.

The Osgood Trail

About a mile long, this trail takes you to the summit and takes an average hiker 35 to 45 minutes to complete. It’s a great trail for beginners, and the trail is mostly wooded with loose rock. There are some ledges and exposed roots, as well as stone stairs, so take note of this before heading down it.

The Becton Trail

For a bit of a longer trek through the woods, you can try the two-mile Becton Trail. It takes you through a softwood forest where pine and spruce trees create a canopy, providing shade for most of the hike. If you are a beginner when it comes to hiking, try one of the other options on the list since some challenging parts are best suited to someone who has more experience. You will enjoy views of Great Pond Mountain and Toddy Pond as you get close to the summit.

The Hayes Trail

The Hayes Trail offers a challenge for hikers who want to “see what they are made of.” It runs for about a mile and starts in an open field. On your mile walk, you will climb a stone stairway, ascend through a grove of beautiful oak, spruce, and fir trees, and enjoy amazing views to the south.

You can park at the Hayes and Osgood trailheads, which are located on Mountain Road. There’s also parking for the Becton trailhead on Turkey Farm Road, which is located in Blue Hill.

Peter’s Brook and its branches drain into the uplands of the eastern portion of the Blue Hill village. Peter’s Cove is a part of Blue Hill Bay. There is an entire trail system that offers you over five miles of hiking trails that will take you to different points on Peter’s Brook. At one location you will see a breathtaking waterfall and in other places granite quarries. The trailhead for Peter’s Brook is found on the other side of the street and across the water from the AB Herrick Memorial Landing. You can find the trailhead for Penny’s Preserve about 0.25 miles down East Blue Hill Road as you head away from the town.

If you want to see the natural side of Blue Hill, this is a great place to do so

The Heart of Blue Hill Trail System includes Parker Point to South Street, Kaiser, and Murphy trails. Here you will find plenty of scenic and accessible trails that help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and see what’s off the beaten path. You will find a wooded path with a crushed gravel path on the Murphy Trail, making it the ideal option for strollers and those with limited mobility.

Each of these trails offers a great way to get some exercise and see the natural side of Blue Hills.

KSEA or the Kollegewidgwok Sailing Education Association is a non-profit sailing school that provides classes for anyone in the Blue Hill area. Every summer, you can attend classes for beginning or advanced sailing. There are classes for both adults and children, too. The organization also offers any visiting yachtsmen access to trash receptacles, pump-out service, water, ice, fuel, and guest moorings.

Kneisel Hall is known around the globe and has students from all over the world. The faculty here are all accomplished musicians from throughout the United States. They offer twice a week performances and concerts in a small hall in the area.  The concerts are just a short walk of the Blue Hill Inn, making them the perfect activity for those who are staying here.

Many of the concerts are sold out well in advance. Because of this, it’s smart to make pre-season reservations and the Inn staff will purchase tickets on your behalf if you request this.

If you want to see a unique side of Blue Hill, then scheduling sightseeing, nature, lighthouse, seabird, or Tour of the Somes Sound with Acadian Boat Tours is a must. You can also plan family-friendly fishing trips, and private family charters, and have an opportunity to explore the exciting and unique wildlife population in the area, all while offering the picturesque scenery provided by the coastal area of Maine.

During these tours, you will have the opportunity to see the vintage homes in Bar Harbor, views of lighthouses – old and new – and so much more. Also, thanks to the on-staff naturalists, you can learn about all the wildlife you see along the way. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that your entire family will enjoy.

Acadian Boat Tours is located at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel.

At The Activity Shop, you can rent paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks on a daily or weekly basis based on your plans. You can find both single or tandem kayaks and have your rental delivered to your location.

Here you can also schedule self-guided tours on the Blue Hill Harbor. During your tour, you get to visit several harbor islands that are only visible during high tide. Due to the popularity of these rentals, it’s recommended that you make a reservation.

Hours of Operation: Friday to Tuesday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or by making an appointment. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Harken back to your childhood by planning to attend the Blue Hill Fair, hosted right in the town of Blue Hill. This is the setting for a childhood favorite, “Charlotte’s Web,” which is a book written by Brooklin native E.B. White.

Hosted around Labor Day each year, the fair offers some of the most exciting exhibits, attractions, and entertainment in the area. Each year, the fair draws thousands of residents and visitors to see what it’s all about. Some of the most talked about attractions and events include the Demolition Derby, Sheep Dog Trials, and livestock exhibits.

Established in the 1870s, the Farmhouse Inn is a family-owned and operated bed and breakfast nestled in Blue Hill Maine. When you stay at the Inn, you have 48 acres to explore just at the base of the beautiful Blue Hill Mountain. It is also just located three miles from the center of Blue Hill Bay and Blue Hill village.

The Inn has five queen guest rooms, all with private baths, three junior suites all with private baths, and one large king suite that provides guests a private entrance. When you stay here, you are almost guaranteed to find a guest room that meets your needs.

The Farmhouse Inn is also the home of Rioux Catering, which is a full-service catering company and offers service for both on-and off-site events.

The understated feel of this 11-room historic inn offers visitors a real look at what this region has to offer. The Inn sits on two acres in the center of the Blue Hill area, just a block from the head of the Blue Hill Bay.

The Inn itself was originally constructed in 1830 and features a perennial garden, a small grove of fruit trees, cozy hammocks, outdoor seating areas, and Heritage elm trees. It’s within walking distance of many restaurants and shopping venues. Thanks to the Inn’s dedication to eco-tourism, it has been awarded the Environmental Leader award from the state of Maine and the designation of a Green Leader by Trip Advisor.

If you are planning an adventure to Maine and want to find the perfect accommodations in the Blue Hill area, Main Rentals & Real Estate has what you are searching for. Operated by friendly and knowledgeable professionals, the team at Maine Rentals & Real Estate not only knows the area well, but they also know how to help you find the perfect accommodations.

No matter if you are searching for a quaint cottage on the water or an Airbnb that can host your entire family, you can count on the Main Rentals & Real Estate Team to help you find it.

Tradewinds Marketplace is a unique, full-service grocery store that offers visitors an exciting shopping experience. If you never enjoyed shopping for groceries, you will now.

After the Market experienced quite a few expansion projects, has almost doubled in size, which gave the owners the opportunity to offer many new products. The market takes pride in offering specialty products that are produced by local suppliers, as well as from around the world. At the Tradewinds Marketplace, you will find all types of Hannaford Brand products and you will find the same or even better brand pricing than in bigger metropolitan areas.

Store Hours: Sunday – Saturday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

The Blue Hill Co-op is a grocery store that’s cooperatively owned and specializes in selling organic and local foods. Currently, the Co-Op employs over 60 full- and part-time workers and is owned by more than 2,100 individuals. Everyone is welcome to shop here and through the years, it’s become a food hub for the entire area.

You can find a huge selection of items that are all sourced with quality, responsible sourcing, and sustainability in mind. While shopping here, you will find all types of specialty foods for all types of dietary needs including FODMAP, keto, gluten-free, and plant-based or vegan foods. The Co-op is proud to support the organic and local food system.

During your visit to the Co-op, you can also dine at the restaurant where you can enjoy classic Maine dishes for lunch and dinner. There is always wine and beer on-tap. Other items available to order include falafels, kebabs, burgers, panini, and smoothies, all that are made to order. You can dine inside or on the patio.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

If you want a unique shopping experience, then visiting the Blue Hill Wine Shop is a must. Here you can find all types of unique and even oddball wines at every price point, which means even if you are on a budget, you can still get something to take home. You can also find all types of cheeses, cured meats, pates, and a huge assortment of grocery items.

Other items you can buy here to take back home include coffees, teas, tobacco products, ciders, beers, and unique items that make great souvenirs.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday

Blue Hill Books is a quaint, independent bookstore that looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. The store is open throughout the year and offers guests a modest selection of magazines, stationary, and books.

You can find all types of books here, including those from both mainstream and independent presses and publishers. If you love books, this is a must-see on your visit to the Blue Hill area.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The coffee you can purchase at the rustic Bucklyn Coffee is roasted on the coast of Maine and with their stated goal of bringing out the “best in the beans” they truly deliver as many claim it to be the best coffee in the area hands down. There’s no seating so it’a pick up and go type of place and the parking can be a bit challenging out front so it’s recommended to park down the street and wander up to the shop along your way. The homemade syrup and sticky buns get rave reviews as well.

You can also buy their roasts on the Bucklyn Coffee website.

Do you want to experience amazing pizza in a quaint restaurant situated in the heart of Blue Hill? If so, Yannis Pizza delivers – literally.

This restaurant provides a huge selection of toppings and options so you can satisfy your pizza craving.

Open every Tuesday – Saturday 11 am-8 pm.

Barncastle is a unique destination in Blue Hill offering guests access to five rooms, with the suites being appointed with king-size beds, television, and an en-suite bathroom. On weekdays, visitors can also dine at the on-site pub after 4 PM. Here you can enjoy some of the best, eastern-style comfort food along with craft cocktails and all types of Maine ciders and beers available on-tap.

There’s also a live music venue on-site, which stays booked. You can plan your own events here, but dates fill quickly so it’s best to call well in advance to ensure you get the date you want.

The Shaw Institute is a scientific research organization that was originally founded in 1990. The mission of this 503(C ) 3 organization is to find and expose environmental health threats via innovative science. The Institute also works to form strategic partnerships with the purpose of improving ecological and human health.

Along with learning about ecological health and preservation, you can also schedule a boat tour while visiting. You can cruise in the 12-passenger lobster boat on Blue Hill Bay. The excursions are all hands-on and designed for people of all ages. They are both fun and informative.

If you want authentic Thai cuisine in the middle of the New England, then Siam Sky is a great destination. With a relaxing setting and authentic, culturally accurate music, you can enjoy your favorite Thai dishes while in Blue Hill.

You can order from an array of amazing recipes that include special ingredients from experienced chefs who can recreate authentic Thai cuisine. You can dine indoors or on the patio during good weather. If you want your food available when you arrive, order or call online.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

The restaurant offers amazing food and serves a selection of dishes from soups and salads to locally sourced fisherman’s platters and more. This is the perfect location for a family meal, lunch with co-workers or just to watch the weekly game.

Hours of Operation: 11 AM to Close Everyday

When you visit The Nor’Easter, you’ll find a comfortable environment and staff that’s ready to provide visitors with the tastiest and freshest food available.

You can enjoy breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM with lunch and dinner served each day from 11:30 AM until 8:00 PM. You can also visit the specialty market, where you can purchase fresh seafood, locally made products, and other types of branded merchandise.

Hours of Operation: Open Daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

At Sandy’s Blue Hill Café, you can enjoy house-roasted espresso and coffee, fresh-baked goods, and local favorites for breakfast and lunch. You can also order craft beers, cocktails, and wine during your visit.

The Café itself has a comfortable, laid-back environment and is located in a renovated historic building in the downtown area of Blue Hill. Along with amazing food, you can also enjoy live music while you dine, which is available on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended if you plan to come for one of the live music performances.

Hours of Operation: Thursday to Monday 8:00 AM to Lunch Close (By 3 PM daily); Open some Fridays for lunch or dinner concerts.

Located right in the seaside village of Blue Hill, this restaurant has quickly earned a reputation as a destination for anyone who wants a fine dining experience. Featuring cozy fireplaces and intimate tables, the dining rooms are described by many guests as being some of the most romantic in the area.

The food is all locally sourced American dishes with an impressive wine list that’s all served in the 1823-era farmhouse. When you visit this restaurant, you will immediately feel at home and comfortable thanks to the atmosphere the owners have created.

For reservations, call (207) 374-2119. You can also book online via the restaurant’s website.

Hours of operation: 5:30 to 9:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday

If you want to experience a space with dynamic and engaging artwork, then the Cynthia Winings Gallery in Blue Hill should be a must-see on your to-do list when visiting the area. The artwork is displayed in a building that was once a barn and there are two full floors of amazing artwork for you to see. You can tour a sculpture garden outside and plenty of pieces described as “new and enticing” by visitors.

The Blue Hill Bay Gallery is a fine arts gallery in Blue Hill, Maine that contains unique and impressive artwork you won’t see elsewhere.

The artwork is displayed in an 1820s-era brick building and during the gallery tours you can see works by emerging and nationally recognized artists in many different mediums. All the work is focused on capturing the beauty and uniqueness of the New England region. The display is constantly changing as new artwork is displayed and accessible throughout the year. Every month, there are new contemporary paintings featuring Maine’s landscape, along with a permanent collection of various 19th and 20th-century works.

The hours of operation are 10am-4pm Tues-Sat from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and then only on weekends after that.

At Handworks Gallery, you will find a huge collection of Maine and local art, jewelry, and contemporary crafts. Originally founded in 1975, the gallery offers an array of art from emerging artists, with new work being added throughout the year.

Here you can find unique gifts that are meaningful and thoughtful, along with all types of items for your own home. You can visit the area from May to December or shop online.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Jonathan Fisher was the very first settled Congregational minister of Blue Hill. He was also a surveyor, mathematician, scientist, farmer, artist, and writer of poetry and prose. Today, the Jonathan Fisher House contains plenty of historic relevance from Fisher’s life. You can see his original artwork, hand-made furniture, and surveying instruments from the era.

You can visit after 3:30 PM and enjoy all the historic location offers. Many people visit during the summer months when the weather is nice; however, it’s open year-round.