Bailey Island, Maine
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This lovely island is located on the coast of Maine about 15 miles south of Brunswick, Maine
at the southern most end of Route 24. It is part of the Town of Harpswell. The island is almost 3 miles long and less than one mile wide.
It is located about 50 miles from Portland, Maine.
History of Bailey Island
Farmers and fishermen settled the island in earlier days. It is not
farmed much now although many fishermen still work live and work on the
island. Many lobstermen still make a living on this island. In
the late 1880's, with the advent of steamships, visitors would come from
Portland for weekend trips. The island also saw its share of summer
residents from more distant places such as Boston and New York. As a
result, many boarding houses and cottages were built.
The island has seen some name changes throughout time. The Abenaki
Indians called the island Newwaggin. The first known settler was a man
named Will Black and he lived on the island for many years. He
eventually gained title to the island and the name of Will's Island came to
be. He lost claim to the island to a man called Timothy Bailey (and
his wife Hannah) through some illegal manipulation of the law on the part of
the Bailey's. The island then became know as Bailey's Island and then
later Bailey Island.
Also see http://community.curtislibrary.com/hhs/history/townhist.htm.
Places to See on or near Bailey Island
Mackerel Cove. A nice view whether from the top of the hill on
Route 24 or in the public parking spot at the head of the cove. Not
many yachts here - just working fishing vessels. (see picture at
right).
Land's End Gift Shop Southern most tip of Route 24, (207) 833-2313
www.landsendgifts.com
This store is found at the very end of Bailey Island. This is a fairly
large gift shop with all sorts of goodies to take home for souvenirs.
The fudge is especially good and reasonably priced. There is a good
view of the ocean and offshore islands, ample parking (unless it is the
height of the tourist season), and a small beach to sit on.
Bronze Fisherman's Statue. Located at the southern most tip of the
island. A Bailey Island fisherman was immortalized in bronze as a
dedication to all men who make their living from the sea. (see photo
at right).
Cribstone Bridge. This unique bridge was built in the 1920's and
joined Orr's Island and Bailey Island - spanning Will's Gut. It was
made of granite stone slabs quarried in Yarmouth and Pownal, Maine. It
is the only bridge like it in the world and is now a historical site.
A newer bridge has since replaced it. (see the picture at right).
Jaquish Island. Named for an earlier settler who led men from Maine
in the French and Indian War. It is now home to a single dwelling.
Can be seen off the southern tip of Bailey Island. (see picture at
right).
Little Harbor. Located on the southeastern shoreline of Bailey
Island. Hard to get to as it is on a small side road coming off Route
24. A very nice cove to visit. Waves crashing into the cliffs
provide a lovely view. There is an inn here that looks like a nice
place to stay.
Lowell's Cove. Located on the western edge of Bailey Island.
The Giants Stairs Trail. Located on the eastern shoreline. Take
Route 24, go east on Washington Avenue. Parking at the Episcopal
Chapel is limited and prohibited on Sunday mornings. From there walk
down Ocean Street to the end to find the entrance to the trail. For
more information on this lovely ocean side walking path visit
Giant's Stairs Trail on
Bailey Island.
Cedar Beach. This is the nicest beach on Bailey Island but with
extremely difficult access for the public. Just a few nice houses get
to enjoy the easy access; for everyone else it is a struggle. Take
Robin Hood Road east off Route 24 and follow to the juncture of Robin Hood
Road and Cedar Beach Road. At this point you need to park your auto on
the right hand side of the road before the juncture and then walk walk down
Cedar Beach Road to get to a small marked path that will take you to the
beach.
Things to Do on Bailey Island
Casco Bay Lines Nature Cruise. Takes place at noon-time. Runs from end of July to Labor Day.
Tevake - Sailing Charters Garrison Cove Road, Bailey Island, Maine (207) 833-5531, Cell (207) 841-9125
Art Galleries and Studios in Harpswell and on Harpswell Islands by the Harpswell Business Association http://www.harpswellmaine.org/studios.html
List of Things to Do - By Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine
Community Events Calendar by the Harpswell Anchor
How to Get to Bailey Island
From I-285 take the Topsham exit. Continue on to Route 1. Take the first exit at Cooks Corner. Take Route 24 South. It is
about 13 miles to Bailey Island. You will pass over Great Island and Orr's Island.
Maps of Bailey Island
Map of Harpswell Including Bailey Island by the Harpswell Business Association http://www.harpswellmaine.org/hba_imagemap.html
Map of Harpswell, Maine by Harpswell Festival http://www.harpswellfestival.org/directions/directions.htm
Google Map of Bailey Island http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=Bailey+Island,+ME
Casco Bay Chart by BoatMaine.US http://www.boatmaine.us/casco-chart-large.aspx
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Map of conserved land In Harpswell, Maine
Map of Midcoast Maine by MaineGuide.com
Websites with Info on Bailey Island
Wikipedia Page on Bailey Island http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey_Island_(Maine)
Harpswell, Maine Business Association http://www.harpswellmaine.org/index.html
Town of Harpswell's Official Website http://www.harpswell.maine.gov
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust www.harpswelllandtrust.org
Harpswell Historical Society www.harpswellhistorical.org/
Aerial View of Bailey's Island. Taken from a remotely radio-controlled plane. The view was filmed in the summer of 2013; altitude is at various levels up
to 2,000 feet. Flight starts from Stover Point, Harpswell, ME. http://youtu.be/DDYItq8LdEw
Places to Stay - Lodging
Bailey Island Cottage "Bold Oceanfront with Breathtaking Views" Bailey Island, Maine (207) 883-6873 A fantastic little cabin with very private location feet from the rocky
shore of Bailey Island. Very neat and newly renovated. Perfect for a quiet getaway trip for a couple.
Bailey Island Motel Route 24, Box 4, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-2886
Cook's Island View Motel 2041 Harpswell Islands Road, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-7780 www.cooksislandmotel.com
Driftwood Inn & Cottages End of Washington Avenue, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-5461
Fantastic view of Little Harbor on the east coast of Bailey Island. Has a restaurant. No alcohol served; bring your own booze (BYOB). Within walking distance of the Giant's Stairs Trail.
Johnson Cottages & Efficiencies 2331 Harpswell Island Road, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-6053 www.johnsoncottages.com
Bailey Island Lodging Guide www.southcoastmaine.worldweb.com/BaileyIsland/WheretoStay/
Lodging on Bailey Island www.baileyisland.com/Rentals_Bailey.htm
Log Cabin Island Inn P.O. Box 410, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-5546 This appears to be a nice hotel. Very woodsy with moose heads all
around the interior. There is a small bar and restaurant (guest only). Rooms appear to be very nice but are pricy.
Bed and Breakfast on Bailey Island www.lanierbb.com/bailey-island-maine-bed-breakfast.html
Sea Escape Cottages and Charters 23 Sea Escape Lane, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-5531 www.seaescapecottages.com
Your Island Connection 7 Aaron's Way, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-7779 www.mainerentals.com
Places to Eat - Dining
Cook's Lobster House 68 Garrison Cove Road, Bailey Island, ME 04003 www.cookslobster.com This restaurant is located at the northern tip of Bailey Island. Great
views, good service, lots of seating, great menu, sells alcohol, but is a little pricy.
"BIGS" - Bailey Island General Store (207) 833-2400
Books About Bailey Island
Bailey Island: Memories, Pictures and Lore by Nancy Orr Johnson Jensen. Mayhaven Publishing, Mahomet, IL, 2003.
Bailey Island Business Directory
Bob Waddle - Marine Contractor "Piers, ramps, floats" 473 Mountain Road, Harpswell, ME 04079 (207) 837-0715
Custom Carpentry Services Ralph H. Black, Jr. - Builder P.O. Box 4, Bailey Island, Maine 04003 (207) 833-6480
Rob Williams Real Estate www.baileyisland.com

Buoy House on Mackerel Cove of Bailey Island, Maine
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