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COMING INTO ELLSWORTH on Rte 1, the Bucksport Road, you'll see the Big Chicken Barn, Breezy Maples Farm, Country Crafts, Patton Patton Pond Camping, and Out of Town Auto.
 Ellsworth is Hancock County's Shiretown and, curiously, the nation's second largest city, taking a back seat only to Los Angeles. We're talking about square miles here, not population even at the height of tourist season. We're thinking that whoever staked out Ellsworth had serious delusions of grandeur. What evolved is a bit more humble, but a whole lot nicer than any big city. Especially Los Angeles.
There was a time when we regarded Ellsworth as a rather disgreeable place that made people slow down on the way to Bar Harbor. We have come to think differently. Ellsworth is a remarkably nice community with several noteworthy amenities. Included are a state-of-the art YMCA, a nice library, a theatre with frequent live presentations, a prize-winning weekly newspaper, modern cinemas, excellent schools, a classical music station, and, just down the road, a great alternative community radio station. Ellsworth has a full slate of fast-food restaurants and a Super Walmart. Good God I sound like the Chamber of Commerce.
At the Big Chicken Barn there are some hundred thousand old books and 21,000 magazines—the largest assortment in all of New England. Downstairs, 34 dealers provide a vast assortment of antiques and collectibles.
Not far from here is the Breezy Maples Farm, where you can get horseback riding instruction or tack supplies.
Talk about nice—at Country Crafts Maudine Cunningham sells unique Maine crafts on consignment without taking a cut for herself. Her idea is to create good word-of-mouth and to help the crafters, many of whom are elderly folks on limited fixed incomes. The result is great Maine-made crafts at heretofore unheard-of attractive prices.
The Surry Road is to your right.
Back on Rte One, look for the Sunset Motel, Ken's General Repair, Mountain View Auto Sales, D's Motor Sports , a place that does chair caning, and Haffas Farm, Piere Marine & Power Sports, Downeast Refinishing, C&C Machine Shop. Ellsworth RV, Helping Hands Garage, Auto Colony, Springer Gymnastics Center, EZ Self Storage, P.L. Jones Welldrilling, Silks & Tapestries, Twilite Motel, Homestead Motel, Coastal Eye Care, and Court House Gallery.
Haffas Farm began life as Halfass Farm, a name rejected by Ellsworth city fathers as too raunchy to adorn a local roadside sign. To owner Claire Wallace, it was just a play on words; seems that half of her animals are donkeys. That and the fact that the farm is a part-time thing; its operation, she admits, can be a bit halfass. Being an unusually good-natured and accommodating person, however, Claire changed the name. Visitors are welcome to stop by to see her friendly critters.
After a dozen years in the furniture refinishing business, David Conary has opened a gallery at DOWNEAST REFINISHING that can only be described as a unique cross between a new furnture showroom and an antiques shop. Featured are remarkable pieces of furniture he has lovingly restored and refinished.
Approaching Ellsworth on Rte 1-A, the Bangor Road, you'll see a sign directing you to The Telephone Museum.
If you’re at all interested in the history of popular technology, you’ll want to visit The Telephone Museum. Situated in a big graybarn on the Winkumpaugh Road, the museum traces the history of the telephone network from Alexander Graham Bell’s patent in 1876 through the era of switchboard operators and early dial telephones to the more complex electro-mechanical switching systems that preceded today’s digital technology. Exhibits are hands-on—everybody (including kids) are encouraged to operate the old equipment. The people operating the museum have had life-long associations with telephone companies, and are crammed with fascinating information (like how Bell may not really be the telephone’s inventor!). The museum, open July, August, and September, charges admission: $4 for adults, $2 for children.
There is a public beach and snack bar at Green Lake.
Look for a turnoff to the Branch Lake Camping Area,
Back on Rte 1-A, you'll see Annie's Pride Farm and General Store, The Rock & Art Shop, a place that builds canoes, Nice Twice Resale Shop, Bill's Towing, Larry's Mobile Service, Bud Lee, Dewitt's Auto Repair, Phillips Farms of Maine, Maine Coast Baptist Church, and North Winds Stove and Fireplaces.
THE ROCK & ART SHOP does a nice job of combining rocks and minerals and highly creative art. Here is perhaps the finest collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, art, jewelry and natural history objects in Maine. Out back is a well-tended Nature Trail at the end of which is a fascinating Zen Garden.
A right turn onto the Red Bridge Road will take you to Millmark, a company that can sharpen anything with an edge.
Back on Rte 1A, you'll see Atlantic Landscape and Construction, Bonded Auto, Tracy's Karote Studio, Taylor Electric, Moto-Car, ATA Martial Arts, St. Thomas Traditional Anglican Chuch, , Storage Plus, U-Store It, Maine State Police Barracks, a turnoff to the Ellsworth Industrial Park, Card Enterprises, Ellsworth Physical Therapy, Off Road), Brown's Communications, Inc., Wireless Zone, New Land Florist, Deer Run Park, All in the Family Resale Shop, Sunrise Glass, Falls Take-Out, Woodland Studios, Friends & Family Market, Acadia Dental Arts, and Old Whitney House Antiques.
If you're fascinated by unusual automobiles, check out Moto-Car. Terrence Pinkham keeps on hand 40 or 50 special interest cars, ranging form antiques to new limited-production models.
STORAGE P LUS is a new, modern, and exceptionally clean, quality-built, self-storage facility with over 230 self-storage units, including 35 temperature-controlled units. There is outside parking space for 22 vehicles, boats, RV's or any other type of recreational vehicle. The temperature controlled units are both heated and cooled. Padlocks are for sale for our regular units or you may bring your own, and cylinder locks are available for sale for our temperature controlled units.
 CARD ENTERPRISES is a sort of one-stop shop for all things mobile. Owner Jim Card handles motorcycles, snowmobiles, trucks, automobiles, SUV's and ATV's. New and used, foreign and domestic, it doesn't matter. If it has an engine and wheels, you're likely to find it at Card's. (When we were there, he even had a kayak on hand.) The question arises did Jim as a toddler learning to spell his last name get stuck on the first three letters?
The Agassiz Historical Outcrop is where in 1864 professor Louis Agassiz of Harvard College shook up the fundamentalist religious community by concluding that scratches on the smooth rock surface were caused by glaciation, not the Biblical flood of Noah's time. This outcrop is in the National Register of Historical Sites.
Just before the Mill Mall is a Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins. In the Mill Mall is Sylvia's Cafe, the Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic, the Furniture Warehouse and Discount Sleep Shop, the Skowhegan Driving School, Acadia Burial and Cremation Direct, G.M. Pollack and Sons, Hilights Salon & Barber Shop, the Craft Barn, a University of Maine Educational Center, SCORE, U.S. Cellular, Sleepers, Willey's Gun Shop, and a Machias Savings Bank.
In the Mall is a Free Medical Clinic. You do need an appointment. Call 667-7953.
Just beyond the mall is a YMCA and Friend and Friend.
The YMCA is named for the late James Russell Wiggins, publisher of the Ellsworth American and wannabe poet. Wiggins was once managing editor of the Washington Post and ambassador to the U.N. under Lyndon Johnson. He had a seaside home in Brooklin, Maine, at which avid sailor Walter Cronkrite was a frequent visitor.
Back on Rte 1-A, look for Raven Hill Integrated Therapies and Maine Realty.
A right at the fork will take you by April Shears, the Ellsworth Meditation Center, The Upper Cut, Tom's Terrific Tattoos, State Street Market, a small park, the Hancock County Court House, the Ellsworth Historical Society, Ellsworth Public Library, William Ferm, Acadia Realty Group, Holmes Agency, Pyramid Studios, Hale and Hamlin, and the Democratic Party Headquarters.
A left at the fork keeps you on Rte 1-A and takes you by Hewins Travel, Hairbenders, Downeast Osteopathic, Grunta & Chiasson, LLC, Hendricks & Salsbury, BHA, LLC, the Family Floor Store,Kid's Peace, Bay View Physical Therapy, Dr. Paul Albert, Carol A. Coakley, Wool 'n' Ewe LLC, Key Nail & Tanning, JF Ackerman, DMD, and Ellsworth Therapeutic Massage.
WOOL 'N' EWE LLC at 110 Oak Street is an interesting combination of several things. It's an antiques shop, with a nice selection of period pieces. It's a rug hooking shop—the largest year round rug hooking shop in Downeast Maine. And it's a crafts and gift shop, with plenty of interesting items for every pocketbook. Check it out. There's bound to be something you like a lot.
A right onto Church Street will take you by the Acadia Naturopathic Clinic.
If you stay on 1A, at the light look for the S.K. Whiting Pocket Park. A right here will put you on Main Street.
At the junction of Rte 1-A and Main Street, a right turn will take you past Windsor Chairmaker, J.T. Rosborough, a U.S. Post Office, H& R Block, the Bar Harbor Bike Shop, The Mex, the Maine Grind, Harlow Gallery, and Jazzercise,.
Looking for something hot? Just up Main Street, THE MEX has been serving its memorable sauce since 1979. Call 207-667-4494.
A left takes you up Hancock Street. Look for the Old Creamery Antique Mall and Gallagher's Salon.
School Street goes to the right. (Curiously, there is no school on School Street.) Look for Computer Plus and the Union River Gallery.
Union River Gallery promises to provide Ellsworth serious, year-round exposure to fine art and fine crafts. Limited edition prints from renown artists and poster prints are available. The gallery also offers complete custom framing services. Call 207-667-7700.
Back on Main Street, look for Hancock Oil Co., Sugar & Spice Bakeshop, John Edwards Market, Wine Cellar Art Gallery, The Grand Auditorium, the Riverside Cafe, Finn's Irish Pub, Jonathan Edwards Market, Josh the Artist, The Sand Castle, Main Street Auto Care, J. and B. Atlantic.
The Grand Auditorium provides the Downeast region with a wide range of theatrical services - everything from live productions and classic films to special programs for children. The local Gilbert and Sullivan Society performs here. Call 207-667-9500.
 The RIVERSIDE CAFE may not be beside the river exactly (it used to be, but it moved awhile back to its present Main Street location), but we can heartily recommend the food. Yankee Magazine called the Riverside's crab cakes ”New England's Best.”
 Nearby, MAIN STREET AUTO CARE provides a broad range of automotive services, including Transtech, a service that replaces virtually every last drop of your transmission fluid. There's a mechanic on duty here seven days a week.
A left just past Main Street Auto Care will put you on Franklin Street. In the Franklin Street Common, you'll find Alice's Stained Glass Garden Gallery & Creative Arts Center, Solo Hair Studio, and a small park. Nearby is Wild Styles Hair Salon, Ellsworth Photo, Simone's, and the Nail Nook.
Continuing on Main Street, look for the Katsiaficas Agency, the Grasshopper Shop, the Second to None Thrift Shop, Salon & Day Spa, Sealander Architects, Ellsworth Chiropractic, Beal's Gifts, Union River Book & Toy Co., Cleonice, Imagine That Hyposis, Downeast Massage, WBACH Radio, Studio 3, Design Group Collabortive, the Bud Connection, Findings, Hair by Marie, the Wild Card Pottery Studio, The Yoga Place, Traditional Karote, and Frank Pearson Opotician, bangor Daily News, Ruth Foster, Union Trust Bank.
The Grasshopper Shop (Ellsworth, Bangor,Searsport, Camden) is unique for its wide variety, says co-owner Ken Schweikert. On hand are perhaps 1,500 different greeting cards, 2,500 different ear rings, 100 designs for T-shirts. Schweikert says he deals with at least 1,000 vendors.
You can find clothing for men, women and children at Second to None Thrift Shop.
Ellsworth Chiropractic on Main Street is the place to go for a body tune-up. Michelle LaPlante, D.C. offers a wide range of chiropractic and natural treatment options, focused on using the body’s own natural healing abilities.
Across the Street, CLEONICE is an authentic Mediterranean bistro.
At the light, a left onto Water Street will leads you past Lee's Gifts, Coastal Interiors, Pepper's Pub, Jalysa's Closet, Eyes, Mike's Country Store, Eyes, R.F. Jordan, the Clock Infirmary, Jack's Barber Shop, Union River Redemption Center, the Body Shop, Full Circle Printing Solutions, Pioneer Ink, the Dead River Company, Union River Harbor Park, Community Health Counseling Services.
MIKE'S COUNTRY STORE has been in business since 1897, having survived fires and floods and depressions and God knows what else to become one of Maine's oldest continually run businesses. You can get pretty much all of life's essentials here.
Watch for the turn to Indian Point Park.
On the Bayside Road, look for Morgan Bayside Real Estate Agency.
From the light, a right will put you on State Street. Look for Image Gazer Productions, Hale & Hamlin, Holmes Agency, Pyramid Studios, Acadia Realty Group, the Ellsworth Library, the Ellsworth Historical Society, and the Hancock County Court House, State Street Market, Dirigo Montessori School, Tom's Terrific Tattoos, Avon Rep Nancy Morse.
The Congregational Church on State St. is a handsome example of early New England church architecture. Check out the Scandinavian motif on the nearby city hall. Across the street, the Tilsdale house, a classic Federal-style home built in 1817, has been converted into a modern public library.
Locals say the State Street Market takes the best sub sandwiches in town. They also say that Charlie’s Pizza makes the best (and least expensive) pizzas in town. Our advice: Don’t follow the money; follow the locals. Charlie’s delivers anywhere in the area. Call 207/667-3189.
 NANCY MORSE is an active area Avon Representative. She attributes her success to being both reliable and personable. Ms. Morse is also actively engaged in e-commerce with her website nancysgiftsandcrafts.com
Back on Main Street, you'll see the Emmaus Homeless Center, Judy's Dog Grooming, and Rooster Brothers.
A left will put you on South Street. Look for the Lobsterpot Restaurant..
If you're leaving town on Rte 172, the Surry Road, look for the Black House, Ben's Store, Four Seasons Small Engine Repair, Harmon's Upholstery, Common Market Antiques and Books, the Jordean Natural Christmas Tree Farm, and Mitch's Antiques.
The Col. Black Mansion (1824-1828), also called Woodlawn, is a three story, brick Federal country house with a columned por tico and balustrades that was built as a combination home and office by John Black, a young land agent from England. It took three years to build, as the bricks came by sea from Philadelphia and the skilled workmen from Boston. Three generations of the Black family lived in this house, and it remained virtually unchanged throughout their ownership. The estate, with all the original rich furnishings, decorative objects, and historical artifacts, was bequeathed to the public by the grandson of John Black in 1928 and has since been administered by the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations. Located at the rear of the house are a restored country garden and a carriage house filled with interesting old carriages and sleighs. It is open June 1 - Oct. 15, Monday-Saturday, 10-5. Admission.
Route 172, the Surry Road, continues into the Blue Hill Peninsula.
Back at the Junction of 1-A and Main Street, it you turn left onto Main St., you'll pass Harry Jones Real Estate, Emerson Energy Fuels, Angelo's Pizza, the Ellsworth Farmers' Market.
EMERSON ENERGY FUELS is a friendly, family-owned company started in 1998 by Larry and Betsy Emerson. The people of Ellsworth have come to depend upon Larry's reliable service.
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The turnoff to the left goes to Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.
Stay right on the Washington Junction Road and you'll pass Sinclair Builders before you come to The Junction: Gladstone Under the Sun, The Junction Trading Post, and Bucky's Satellite Components, Downeast Graphics, P.M. Painting & Auto Body, and Tracy's Auto Body.
The Washington Junction Road is a fine way to bypass downtown Ellsworth if you're in a hurry to head further Downeast.
SINCLAIR BUILDERS has been building quality homes for over 20 years. All Sinclair modular homes are constructed to meet or exceed federal, state, and local building codes.
THE JUNCTION TRADING POST is a collection of shops featuring crafts and other interesting items. Stock is constantly changing so if you don't find what you want one day, you very well might on the next day or the day after that.
BACK ON HIGH STREET, you’ll pass Windsor Chairmakers, Simon Pierce, Acadia Hearing Center, Sargent Real Estate, the Ellsworth Motel, Habitat for Humanity, Acoustic Energy, Cadillac Mountain Sports,
High Street is Route 3 and the Bar Harbor Road, the road to Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park.
A right on Pine Street across from Cadillac Mountain Sports will take you by Striking Gold Jewelers and down to Atlantic Art Glass.
Atlantic Art Glass at 25 Pine Street in Ellsworth is one of the coolest places we’ve been to for authentic art glass. Their glass blowing operation is open to the public to stop by and view. Ken and Linda the owners are right out straight producing some of the most beautiful and colorful glassware to be found around the Downeast area. They may not have much time to talk , but encourage folks to stop by and shop for a one of a kind creation. Call for days and time open 207-664-0222
Back on High Street, look for Crystal Clear Family Pet Center, Irvings, Mobil, Subway, Denny's, Machias Savings Bank, Gallery at Frenchman's Bay, Comfort Inn, Hair Boutique by Brigitte, Enterprise Car Rental, Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, Richard Parks Furniture, Mainely Music, Town & Country Real Estate, the UPS Store, and the L.L. Bean complex with an L.L. Bean Factory Outlet, Downeast Billiards, Monroe Saltworks, a Key Bank.
Denny's, which is open 24 hours, has free WiFI.
A road to the left goes up to Ellsworth Feed, and Seed.
THE UPS STORE At 216 High Street is the place to go for all your mailing and shipping needs. Besides shipping, you can receive faxes, and packages. They have both black and white and color copy machines as well as a notary service. Wondering how to get stuff back home? Bring it here. They'll pack it and ship it and save you the hassle.
L.L. Bean's Ellsworth Outlet offers returns and seconds at reduced prices as well as first-quality merchandise. (Nationally, factory outlets move around $6 billion worth of merchandise each year. New England has more outlets than any other region of the country.)
Across High Street, look for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Reny's, Martha's Diner, Rumor Had It Salon, Sassy Nails & Spa, Needful Things, Hanf Laundromat, the High Street Barber Shop, a Movie Gallery, a Shaw's Super Market, Ellsworth Video, Curves, a Family Dollar Shop, Wendy's, and the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Information Center.
Stephe n King, who wrote the creepy bestseller "Needful Things" about a curious little shop in a small Maine town, gave John and Jane Tardiff his blessings to use that name. A few years ago, they ran such a shop in Bangor, and now are opening another NEEDFUL THINGS on High Street near Shaw's in Ellsworth. Here John promises he'll handle all kinds of stuff—jewelry, antiques, books, collectibles, even CDs and DVDs; he says he'll buy, sell, or trade pretty much everything on earth. "you won't believe your eyes," he says, echoing Leland Gaunt, the devilish proprietor of Stephen Kings imaginary shop.
The HIGH STREET BARBER SHOP, across from L.L. Bean, is Downeast Maine's premier alternative money source. Examine North America's newest currency, the beautiful "Amero” or the latest issue of the decade old “Liberty Dollar.” Open at 6 a.m. Monday thru Friday. Call 207/460-3135.
ELLSWORTH VIDEO stocks over 14,000 titles, both VHS & DVD. Included are new releases and oldies as well as an outstanding collection of TV Shows. There is a nice selection of mature videos for adults. They're open seven days a week, year round, the sole exceptions being Thanksgiving and Christmas. All rentals are for three days.
Back on Rte One, High Street, look for Key Bank, Merrill Furniture, Jasper's Restaurant & Motel, Hancock Dental, Downeast Finds, Complete Tire, Burger King, Town Auto, the Doghouse & Deli, MrQuick's Oil Lube, Pizza Hut, a UPS Store,and Harmon Tire.
One way or another, you can deal with DOWNEAST FINDS. These guys are flexible as all get out. They buy, sell, consign, barter and trade all kinds of stuff—quality crafts, antiques, stained glass, fishing gear, Nascar, Old bottles, wildlife and nature photography, you name it. They just like to deal!
 COMPLETE TIRE at 204 High Street is a lot more than a tire store. It offers complete underbody and brake repair, exhaust systems, and complete lube jobs. These guys get it done right.
The fresh cut fries at the Doghouse & Deli can constitute a meal by thmselves.
Across from Complete Tire is Foster Street which leads to the Sew & Save Shop, Miele Vacuum Cleaners, Fahringler's Framing, J.C. Milliken Insurance, Bangor Savings Bank, Alternative Auto Electric, Webber Automotive, Jim's Auto Repair, and the Dwight Brown Agency.
Back on High Street, look for Town Auto, McQuick's, MedNow and the Maine Coast Mall. Near the Mall, there is a Ramada Inn and Hannford’s Super Market. In the Mall are Shear Designs Salon, the Glory Christian Book Store, Maine Pet & Aquarium, Computer Essentials, Maine Coast Mall Cinemas, and Green Tea. Hereabouts also is a Coffee Express, Olympic Shoes, and a Fashion Bug. Up front, there's Jack’s Jewelry, Mr. Paperback, Karen's Cafe, Radio Shack, and Gold Star Laundry.
Behind McQuick's is MedNow, a place you can go for immediate medical assistance. Perhaps you'll feel better about getting sick away from home if you realize you can get excellent medical treatment without an appointment. MedNow is open 363 days a year (it's closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) and provides in addition to urgent assistance comprehensive and on-going family and individual health care, including diagnostic x-rays and electrocardiograms. There are even fine laboratory facilities. They welcome medicare and Blue Shield patients, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. They also are members of the Trade Exchange. Call 207-667-4655 for more information.
Hannaford's Super Market has the best beef in town and no-nonsence prices. Marden's sells one-of-a-kind, liquidated stuff at rock bottom prices.Look for the Ramada Inn right next to the Mall. The Inn has it all—indoor tennis court, pool, exercise room, live entertainment in the lounge, full-service restaurant—Pete and Larry's Lounge— everything under one roof!
 COMPUTER ESSENTIALS, with stores in Bangor and Ellsworth, provides Computer Service Centers for small businesses and home users. Services include networking support and an excellent selection of new and used systems along with custom-built computers with whatever components customers choose.
Mr. Paperback is a Maine family business operating throughout the state since 1963. On hand are both hardcover and paperback books. The people here are specialists at special order and hard-to-find titles.
 KAREN'S CAFE serves made-to-order breakfasts and lunches with quality meats, cheese, vegetables, and homemade dressings. All of Karen's baked goods are made fresh daily. Check out her homemade soups and chowders. She treats the regulars magnificently with her meal bucks and coffee club give-aways. There is free WIFI.
Nearby there is a Friendly's Restaurant, a KFC/Taco Bell, and a McDonald's. Across High Street, there is a Walgreens Pharmacy.
Friendly's has free WIFI. The young manager there even let me tap into their elecricity. Nobody serves better hot fudge sundaes.
TAKING THE LEFT FORK you stay on Route One and head toward points Downeast. You'll pass Colortyme Rent to Own, Finelli's Pizza, Goodwill, Acadia Village Resort, Maine Savings Bank, VIP Auto Discount, a Quiznos, Carquest Auto Parts, Primary Health Care Walk-in, the Ellsworth Tennis Center, the Maine Smoke Shop, U.S. Cellular, Lovely Nails and Pedicare, and Sherwin Williams.
At the Acadia Village Resort it is now possible to rent accommodations for short periods of time. There is a lot to like here—bedrooms for the kids, whirlpool baths, VCR’s, a playroom, a fitness room, a pool, tennis indoor or out. Once here you many end up staying put for your entire vacation.
If you stay on Route 1, you'll quickly come upon Eastland Lane which leads up to the Ellsworth Tennis Center, which is a whole lot more than the name implies. Besides tennis, there are racketball and wallyball courts, a complete fitness center, a big childrenâs play area, a juice/espresso bar, and much more)
In the Eastward Plaza, look for Gilman Electric, Lifetime Fitness, Stacy's Stuff, Eastward Bowling Lanes, Eastward Lunch, and Comics Plus.
At EASTWARD LUNC H, Ron and Theresa Whitmore have created a nice place to grab a bite to eat and relax a bit. They serve pizza as well as an appealing selection of reasonably priced hot and cold sandwiches. There are dart boards, pool tables, and video games. They're right next to the Eastward Lanes, so if you're bowling a few frames its a convenient place to re-energize. They're open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday, 12 noon to 8 p.m. Sundays, and closed Tuesdays.
Back on Rte One is Helen's Restaurant, Aarons, Sears, the Bangkok Restaurant, Ellsworth Auto Supply, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts.
Look for the BANGKOK RESTAURANT, which serves authentic Thai food. Owners Pornsavon “Alicia” and Sisouk “Air” Soutthivong are devoted to serving the area's tastiest and healthiest food in a most friendly, relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. All entrees can be prepared mild, medium or spicy—just tell your server your preference.
Look for the turnoff to Home Depot, Global Beverage Warehouse, Union Trust Bank, AT&T, and a Super Walmart..
Back on Rte One, look for Lee Auto Mart, Wayside Market, Morrison Chevrolet, RAC Rental Center, Granville Store, Granville Rental, Broughman Builders, inc., Downeast Kitchen Design, and Glassource.
The Wayside Market is the last outpost for the daily New York Times. East of here you'll have to make do with the Bangor Daily News.
At BROUGHMAN BUILDERS, INC., Mike and Daisy Wight realize that building a new house is among the most important events in a couple's lives. They've been in business for almost 30 years providing top-quality building services. "We understand that finding the perfect general contract can be a strenuous and time-consuming process," Michael says. "We will work closely with you to make the project enjoyable for everyone involved. Working together as a team is how we do business."
 DOWNEAST KITCHEN DESIGN started as a vision to provide people with one-stop shopping for all the finishing touches that make a house a home. The folks here believe that the kitchen is the hub of the home, where many of the best times of our lives are spent with family and friends. To them, the smallest details are major concerns— from furniture-grade cabinet finishes to the flooring, surfaces and lighting.
GLASSOURCE offers an extensive line of glass-related services, including a full line of residential glazing products.
The turnoff onto Rte 184 will take you past East Coast Performance. Keep going and you'll come upon Linscott Marine Service, Pro Auto Center, the Lamoine Kennel, Lamoine General Store, and Christina's Gallery. Look for signs directing you to Acadia Water Sports. This road deadends at the Lamoine State Park, and Lamoine Beach.
If cars excite you, check out the possibilities at EAST COAST PERFORMANCE on the Douglas Highway. Here you'll find all the add-on accessories to make your car or truck something really special.
Lamoine State Park, a 55-acre preserve on Eastern Bay, offers a generous assortment of pleasant campsites, including several overlooking the water. There's a boat launch, a pier for fishing, grassy fields, and picnic tables providing a view of Mount Desert Island.
Back on Route One, look for NAPA Auto Parts, Colwell Diesel, Jordan's Snack Bar, Coastline Homes, and Simon's Hancock Farms and Greenhouses.
 At SIMON'S HANCOCK FARM AND GARDENS, there are 12 Large Greenhouses with hanging baskets, geraniums, perennials, along with a complete line of annual and vegetable plants. All of our fruits and vegetables are grown on our nearby farm.
On your left is the Thorsen Road. Look for White Birches Motel, Restaurant, and Golf, Merrill Bluebrries, and Autobuff Auto Body.
 AUTOBUFF AUTO BODY handles all sorts of car problems, everything from auto body repairing and painting to insurance claims. Among much else they do modern frame straightening, custom paint work, and emergency towing. Bring in your distressed vehicle for a free esimate or call 207/667-3542.
Back on Route One, look for Star Root Specials, Scottie's Bookhouse, Sargent's Manufactured Homes, Car Market, Ashmore's Automotive Repair, Pine Tree Enterprises, Red Line, Maine-Made Gifts and Crafts, Rigg's Rugs.
SCOTTIE'S BOOKS is a really good used book store. Owner Michael Riggs has had a deep and long-lasting love affair with books, and he displays them intriguingly. The store derives its name from Michael’s pet and store mascot, a Scottish Terrier.
At Maine Made Gifts & Crafts, Debby Ciampa takes great pride in the many unique, one-of-a-kind handmade items she handles. Debby consistently underestimates the value of her time; most often her prices are lower than you'll find elsewhere. Right now she is featuring American Girl Size doll clothes.
Look for the Mud Creek Road, where you'll find Kim's Nursery & Boutique and the Iron Slipper Farm.
Back on Route One, you'll come upon Shirley's Gifts, Yarns & Crafts, Collector Shop Antiques, and Wild Mountain Man Ray Murphy, Irving, Viking Lumber, and Tideway Market.
At the Collector's Shop, Fran Warford will provide you her 10 percent dealer's discount on purchases of over $5 if you ask for it.
Just down the road, you'll come to the spot where Ray Murphy, the world's foremost chainsaw sculptor, holds court. Murphy is an immensely talented artist, creating magnificent beasts from raw blocks of wood with his trusty chainsaw. He bills himself as the Wild Mountain  Man, but beneath his rough exterior lies the heart of a poet. He got his start back in his lumberjack days when he impulsively carved a bathtub from a fallen log, much to the merriment of his fellow loggers. They aren't laughing any longer. Ray went on to become famous, taking his art all over the country, racking up well over a million miles on his big bus. He has held crowds spellbound by carving people's initials on wooden belt buckles--while they were wearing them. Robert Ripley featured Ray in his syndicated column after a chainsaw-banishing Ray carved the entire alphabet onto a common lead pencil.
Look for Ranch Road to your right. It leads to Kilkenney Cove and Cottage by the Sea.
We like getting breakfast at the TIDEWAY MA RKET. Our favorite is their biscuits and sausage gravey, but there are several additional tempting offerings. For lunch, Scott's Steak Bomb is always good. Other favorites include the Texas BBQ Pork Sandwich, the Homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich, and, if you're really hungry, the 12-inch Downeast Belly Buster Italian Sandwich. There's also made-from-scratch pizza and fresh chicken tenders. Between bites you can check your e-mail with their free WIFI.
Back on Route One at just past the Tideway Market, a left onto Rte 182 will take you to Franklin. Look for R.E. Thomas, Inc., Franklin Road Auto Sales, the Coastal Recycling Center, Richard's Garage, Hansen Motors, Hancock Cycle & Sled, H.G. Richard's Garage, Misty Mountain Boat Shop, Carpenter Works Builders, Bellows Woodworks, Franklin Memorial Park and Franklin Workshops.
MISTY MOUNTAIN BOAT WORKS on Route 182 in Hancock provides a wide range of services including fiberglass repairs and wooden boat restorations. Owner Gary Leeman usually has some good used boats for sale. How the flatlands shop got the name "Misty Mountain" is a long story Gary will be all to happy to go into.
Franklin Memorial Park displays one of the few remaining galamanders, large-wheeled carts once used for transporting huge slabs of granite.
A left onto Rte 200 will take you through Eastbrook to Waltham. Look for Franklin Husqvarna, DJJ's Live Bait, Tandoor Asian Food and Imports., Shalon Orchard, Winery & B&B, Eastbrook Variety, Dickens Farm, Hometown Fuel, and The Gallery.
 HOMETOWN FUEL in Eastbrook sells heating oil, diesel, and kerosene both residentially and commercially. Its pricing is very competitive. Call 207/565-2746.
Back on Rte 182, look for Golden Acres, Havey Oil, Franklin Town Offices & Recreation Center, Green Dooryard Nursery, Franklin United Methodist Church, Franklin Picnic Area, the Library, Down to Earth Pottery, and Franklin Baptist Church.
Keith Herkotz says he loves to make pots. The pots he makes show his love. You can see them at DOWN TO EARTH POTTERY shops in Blue Hill and Franklin. His fine stoneware pottery is all hand-shaped on the wheel or freeform and fired at 2300 degrees. All pieces are oven/microwave and dishwasher safe, as well as lead-free.
Look for the right turn onto Rte 200, which will lead you to Hog Bay Boat Sorage, Hog Bay Berries, BeattieWood Shade Gardens, Hog Bay Pottery, Fiery Mountain Gallery, Seaside Landscaping, Moosetrack Handweaving, and Spring Woods Gallery.
Rte 200 is a good place to see birds--eagles, hawks, and cormorants.
It's on a road that's off a road that's off the beaten track, but the trek to Fiery Mountain Gallery is worth the effort. Featured is custom metal sculpture, block prints, and wood and iron furniture fashioned by Jeffrey Gagne. You'll especially enjoy his outdoor sculpture garden.
Keep going on Rte. 200 and you'll come to Spring Woods Gallery, Paul and Ann Breeden's place. There are oils, acrylics, and watercolors by the Breedens and a nice assortment of native American pottery, jewelry and instruments.
Back on Rte 182, look for the Franklin Trading Post, Atlantic Self Storage, a U.S. Post Office, Bayview Cemetery, Weyman Billings Memorial Field, Franklin Veterans' Club, Maine Coast Sea Vegetables, Creative Kids, Inc., Maple Knoll Pizza, and Country Hearts Antiques, and Hooper's Used Furniture.
Providing a shortcut to Cherryfield, Rte 182 turns into a wonderfully scenic highway This road winds through some lovely woods and by several appealing ponds including Tunk Lake before reaching a picturesque picnic area.
Ounce for ounce, sea vegetables are higher in vitamins and minerals than any other class of foods, according to the folks at Maine Coast Sea Vegetables in Franklin. They offer four varieties -- alaria, dulse, kelp and laver, all of which are hand-harvested, sun-dried, and packaged without further processing. The idea may seem a bit strange to some of us, but people all over the world have been ingesting seaweeds for centuries. Evidently, they have reaped great nutritional benefits in a highly enjoyable fashion. Maine Coast Sea Vegetable's products can be found in many Downeast stores. Call 207-565-2907.
COUNTRY HEART ANTIQUES, specializing in primitives, country pieces, and kitchen collectibles, is one of Maine's nicest little antique shops. Open seasonally, May thru October, it's a tad out of the way, but well worth the trip.
If you stay on Route 182, you just might come across Catherine. She is easy to recognize; she has no head. Legend has it that if you don't offer her a ride, you'll soon die. There are several veresions of the tale, but most agree that she usually appears on foggy nights in a flowing dress, most often around Catherine's Hill or Fox Pond. Hundreds of people have reported seeing her, including many who had never heard of her. It really seems like strange things are happening here.
Back on Route One, look for Tyke's Performance Edge, Ruth and Wimpy's Kitchen, Debbie's Blueberryware, Dennis J. King Masonry, Country Rose Marketplace, Rubber Roofs of Hancock, Sierra Signs & Designs, Bible Baptist Church, Allen's Auto Repair, Precision Auto Body, Mexican Restaurant, Piper's Auto Body, Chipper's Restaurant, Merchant's Auto Repair, Hancock town line, lobster, Union Congregational Church of Hancock, Hancock Grocery, the Cowgirl Emporium, Artful Treasures, a U.S. Post Office, the Taunton Bay Education Center, and Hancock Self-Storage.
 If you stay on Rte 1, you'll come to RUTH AND WIMPY'S KITCHEN where quite often you can get the area's best deal on a lobster dinner. Here also is Hancock’s foremost celebrity Wilbur the Lobster, the world's biggest lobster sculpture. A few years ago, Roadway Express included Wilbur on its list of the 12 most interesting things to see in the United States. The 20-foot, fiberglass creation has been the subject of countless articles and mentions in tourist-related publications. Kirstie Alley offered Wimpy a blank check for Wilbur, but he turned her down. "That’s our logo," he pointed out.
At DEBBIE'S BLUEBERRY WARE FACTOR OUTLET AND GIFT SHOP, you can find lovely pottery pieces with minor flaws at greatly reduced prices. Debbie is a real person--she's Debbie Butterwick, and she's the artist who designed the copyrighted blueberry motif that adorns the pottery her compa ny produces. What started as a hobby grew into a company that has shipped nationwide for over 35 years. If you like blueberries, you'll love her shop. Here you'll find blueberry soap, blueberry salsa, blueberry napkins,and blueberry jam. The shop is a real factory outlet with genuinely low prices. Recently, they have extended their line of Maine-made gifts. Call 207-422-3145.
With an eye towards blending natural beauty with structural practicality, Dennis J King Masonry, Inc. transforms granite, brick, marble, and fieldstone into dramatic architectural elements.
 Your Sign is often completely responsible for the first impression your company makes. You need to make a good one. With complete professionalism, SIERRA SIGNS AND DESIGNS will put your best foot forward. They do both 2-D and 3-D interior and exterior signs, vinyl graphics and installation, custom vehicle graphics and magnetics, banners, lawn signs and real estate signs. With a Sierra Sign, people will want to get to know you.
 Sharing space with Sierra Signs and Designs, ARTFUL INFUSIONZ creates artful jewelry—fun, one-of-a-kind and custom pieces for all tastes. Company owner Sarah Zylstra specializes in unique designs, drawings, wood burnings, paintings, commercial artwork and more. Call 207/422-3339.
Watch for the right turnoff onto the Point Road to Hancock Point Kayak Tours, Raven Tree Gallery, The Lamp Makers and Crocker House Country Inn.
THE LAMP MAKERS are Sue and Ken Noddin, a semi-retired couple who do everything imaginable with lamps. They design lamps and repair lamps, give lessons so others can do likewise, and sell lamp supplies. Ken does the wiring, Sue the artwork, which includes creating wonderful shades. They've been at it for 25 years. "I am fussy,” Sue admits. “If it wouldn't go in my house, it won't go from us to your house.”
"Maine: An Explorer's Guide" gives the Crocker House Country Inn credit for providing top quality at moderate prices and for having features that are appealing to children. (Near-by is the nation's second smallest post office.)
Back on Route One, look for a small park, Hancock Homes, Pierre Monteux School for Advanced Conductors and Orchestra Players, La Domaine Inn and Restaurant, HILTs Landscaping, the Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse, and Armando's Pizza Takeout.
Hancock has a nice little park with benches, an old gazebo, a pair of cannon, and markers honoring Hancock men who served in all the wars—from the Civil War through the Persian Gulf.
Look for the memorial to Pierre Monteux, who founded the famed Pierre Monteux School for Advanced Conductors and Orchestra Players. During the summer, free concerts are held the last Wednesday of June and each Wednesday of July. Donations are accepted. A free children's concert is held in mid-July. Call 422-3931 for details. Tickets for the regular Sunday concerts are $7. Full symphony orchestra concerts are held the last two Sundays in June and all of July at 5 p.m. ($15 donation) and Chamber concerts those Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ($8 donation).
 LE DOMAINE FRENCH INN AND RESTAURANT offers fine accommodations, excellent French country cuisine, and an award-winning wine cellar. A cozy Provençal ambience greets discerning patrons who return year after year to partake of a menu of French delights, and to select from a wine cellar stocked with choice vintages. This very well could be Maine's best restaurant.
Further on a right turn onto the Eastside Road leads to the Tidal Falls Preserve, the Hancock Baptist Church, Three Pines B&B and Farm, and Gull Rock Pottery.
The stonework made at Gull Rock Pottery is wheel-thrown and hand-decorated. Their view of Mount Desert Island is unsurpassed.
This trek continues in Chapter Onward Eastward.
BACK AT THE MAINE COAST MALL, the right fork puts you on Route 3, the road to Mount Desert Island and most of Acadia National Park. Look for McDonald's, Rite Aide Pharmacy, Goodwill, RAC Rental Center, Ashmore Brothers, Eagle's Lodge Motel, an Agway, Branch Pond Marine, the Ellsworth Car Wash, the Small Animal Clinic, The Palmz Tanning Salon, and the New England Denture Center.
Across the way at the Triangle of Rtes 1 and 3, look for Jerry Jordan Opticians, Cigarette shopper, Burdick Associates Landscape Design, Let's Celebrate Party Supplies, Channel 5, Formal Elegance, Roses R Red's, On Route 3, look for the Birdsacre Sanctuary, Prompto Oil Change, Midas Muffler, China Hill, Acadia Kitchen, Bath, & Flooring, Brown Appliance & Mattress, Luigi's Place, Colonial Inn, and Hillfire Grill.
ROSES R RED'S is a unique gift shop with much Made in Maine merchandise. Shop here for handmade soap, soy candles, beauiful jewelry, handmade wooden pens, hats and mittens made with handspun sheep's wool...AND MUCH MORE!.
Birdsacre Sanctuary, adjacent to the Stanwood Homestead Museum, is a 130-acre home to many species of birds. Often injured birds are brought here for rehabilitation. Open year-round, there are well-marked walking trails. (The museum, which is open mid-June to mid-October and charges a small fee, is a memorial to Cordelia J. Stanwood, ornithologist and author. Here there is an impressive collection of mounted bird specimens.) During the summer, Birdsacre presents a children's story hour that features meeting Ollie, Birdsacre's famous barred owl, a story about Ollie or Ms. Stanwood, a nature trail walk, and refreshments.
At China Hill, you can choose between Szechwan, Hunan, Mandarin, Cantonese, and American entrees.
At LUIGI'S PLACE you'll enjoy authentic Italian cuisine along with fresh seafood and luscious steaks. Open year round for lunch and dinner, Luigi's does catering and serves expresso, cappuccino, fine wine and imported beers. There is free WIFI.
The Colonial Motor Lodge provides 10 percent discounts for Canadians and seniors.
Nearby is the turnoff to Home Depot, Union Trust Bank and Global Beverage Warehouse.
Nobody stocks more varieties of beer and wine than Global Beverage Warehouse. Some 2,400 wines, 1,500 beers. This place may seem like a mega-big-box, cold and impersonal franchise from afar, but it's locally owned and operated.
Back on the Bar Harbor Road, look for Lowes, Darlings, Ellsworth Giant Sub and the Blueberry Hill Dairy Bar, Mobil, Puffin Square with Curtis Family Shoe and G&L Furniture, Pat's Pizza, Evergreen Home Solutions, Remax, Associated Builders, the Christmas Shoppe, Maine Motors, Super Shoes, Crazy Dave's Pit BBQ, a Walmart, Family Bible Church, Coastal Car Care, Acadia Automotive, Mainely Vinyl, Downeast Fishing Gear, Stanley Subaru, Stanley Scooters, Portland Glass, Maine-ly Maine Gifts, Acadia Snack Shop, Timberland Acres RV Park, Wallace Ineriors, Maine's Own Treats, Cannon Factory Outlet, Ice Cream Outlet, Tate's Strawberries, the Great Maine Lumberjack Show, an SPCA, Standard Electric, Acadia Christian School, Volks Golf, Karote, Seacoast Fun Park, Ellsworth Chainsaw, Country Keepsakes, Acadia Gateway Motel, Pectic Seafood, Coastal Builders, Penobscot Cleaning Service, Acadia Clipper Beauty Salon, Trenton Lobster Pound & Real Pit BBQ, Global, Grand Rental Station, and Dublin Gardens , Downeast Eye.
 ELLSWORTH GIANT SUB offers more than 60 varieties of sandwiches, but for you they'll make whatever you like. There's plenty of parking; busses and campers are welcome. They're open Monday thru Saturday year round. After lunch, drop by the Blueberry Hill Dairy Bar next door for dessert..
 David Matz, chef/owner of CRAZY DAVE'S PIT BBQ, uses a secret blend of hand-selected native Maine hardwoods to create a flavorful smoke ring true to the venerable craft of old-school smoking. You can't find better BBQ ribs anywhere. His fancy rig enables him to do mobile catering.
 COASTAL CAR CARE offers complete general repair services, state inspections, air conditioning, oil and filter changes, brake service, battery and charging systems, expert consultation. Two decades of experience. Call 207/667-4450
At the Maine-ly Maine Gift Shop, there is a sale room where items are marked down 50 to 70 percent. While you're there, check out The Old Salty.
 The people at MAINE'S OWN TREATS offer free samples of the most popular of the 26 varieties of jams and jellies they make. This shop is billed as having the state's largest inventory of Maine-made food products. While you're there, you can pick up a free mail order brochure. Call 207-667-8888.
Factory Outlet Cannon carries both first-run and irregular towels, sheets, bedspreads, comforters, etc. at 20 to 60 percent off regular retail. (New England is the factory outlet capital of the world; there are more than 1,200 such establishments.) Beyond here is the Ice Cream Outlet
The Great Maine Lumberjack Show Has nightly performances Mid June to Labor Day Sunday. Timber Tina invites you to come and enjoy The Olympics of the Forest in a fun show the whole family will enjoy. Opening day is June 13th at 7 PM Call 207-667-0067 for more information.
Vokes Golf, mini-golf and nice driving range (where you can hit ball off real turf)
 What's for supper? The TRENTON LOBSTER POUND AND REAL PIT BBQ specializes in locally caught Lobster and, also, award-winning, Texas-style BBQ ribs. Up for something new? Try their grilled lobster! They llightly boil the lobster before slicing it down the middle, brushing it with garlic and lemon butter, and throwing it on the grill to simmer with a garlic saute. Leave room for their famous homemade blueberry pie smuthered with vanilla ice cream. It all adds up to a supper you won't soon forget.
The left turn onto Rte 204, the Lamoine Road, leads down to the Bar Harbor Golf Course and on to Lamoine State Park.
The Bar Harbor Golf Course, an 18-hole, public, championship layout that's tough enough to challenge the finest players. The 600-plus yard 18th hole is an"untouchable"-- from the back tees, nobody has ever reached it in two. Call 207-667-7505
Back on the Bar Harbor Road, look for Coastal Builders, Country Store Antiques, Old Dutch Treat, Calvary Chapel Downeast, Fortune, Inc., Pine Tree Timberframes, Peceful Pack Dog Training, Eastern Painting, Ltd., Acadia World Traders, Kisma Preserve, Romer Farms, J&P Farm Market, Weathervane Factory Outlet, Bar Harbor Biotechnology, Sewing by the Sea, Blacksheep Trading Co., Eagle Arboriculture, Woodshop Cupulas, Hapana Disc Golf, Unique Antiques, Pine State Motors, Bar Harbor Weathervanes, Sunrise Motel, a place offering bi-plane and glider flights, Metal Magic, Heart Works In Home Cae, Harrington's Landscaping, Metal Magic, Larsen's Small Engine Repair, Chair Caning & Weaving, Accounting, Acadia Air Inc., Polar Bear Den at Bear's Lodge, Trenton Lighthouse Restaurant, Tomiki, and the Trenton Marketplace.
Nearby are the The Acadia World Traders carries Downeast Maine’s largest selection of imports from Bali and other Indonesian islands.
Driving past the Kisma Preserve, you may see buffalo grazing in the pasture. The park, which charges an entrance fee, has more than 100 creatures, both local and exotic. It houses what probably is Maine's largest petting zoo. Pony rides are very inexpensive here.
J&P’s Farm Market is much more than fresh veggies. It opens in April with seasonal plants, provides lobster and other goodies throughout the summer, and stays open through the Christmas wreath season. Co-owner Peter Mayo insists he "strives for perfection" in everything he does.
Sewing by the Sea a first-rate fabrics shop.
 "We're not a biker shop," Betsy is quick to point out, although her BLACKSHEEP TRADING CO. stocks lots of stuff, including sheepskins and leatherwear, that bikers like. Many people, she notes, are intimidated by biker shops while there is nothing at all scarey about her place. There is interesting stuff here for the whole family. You never ever know what you'll find. Look for all kinds of vintage posters, old tin advertising signs, genuine Indian moccasins, and wonderful old photos. This is where I bought my cool, outback leather hats. Definitely worth the stop.
Phil Alley’s ACADIA WEATHERVANES AND WOODSHOP CUPOLAS at 749 Bar Harbor Road Rte 3 in Trenton is the original Bar Harbor Cupola and Weathervane factory store in the area. Located on the right side of the road on Rte three Heading towards Bar Harbor, Look for Their Distictive Sign and large level with the road parking lot. Big White Building with a Cupola and Weathervane right on top. 207-667-6331.
A great way to see Acadia National Park is from up above. Acadia Air, Inc. at the Hancock County Airport provides sight-seeing flights at reasonable prices.
Behind the restaurant, TOMIKI does Arctic wildlife paintings, innuit profiles, and Native American art at Polar Bear Den at Bear's Lodge. Tomiki is deeply engaged in an effort to save the polar bear from the ravages of global warming.
Look for the turnoff to the Bayside Road, down which is Judy's Bayside Gallery.
Back on the Bar Harbor Road, look for the Narrows Too Campground, Open Hearth Inn, the Isleview Motel and Cottages, R&R Automotive, the Downeast Lobster Pound, the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Information Center, Trenton Flooring and Furniture, Atlantic Sea Tank, Hancock County Airport, Morris Yachts, Trenton Grange Hall, Lunt's Gateway Lobster Pound, the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, and Thompson Island.
Thompson Island, which separates Mount Desert Island and the mainland, has still another well-stocked information center and a nice picnic area on saltwater.
This trek continues in Chapter MDI.
Questions or comments? Send them along to Captain D.
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