Quiet coves, granite outcroppings, lupine fields, glistening waters & pristine winter snow make a visit to Deer Isle, any time of year, an enriching experience. Reachable by bridge, Deer Isle still retains the flavor of New England life in the 1950’s: rural, neighborly, and safe. A cluster of small communities with almost 3,000 residents comprise the year round population. Lobstering is the mainst
ay of the economy although the diversity of the Island’s businesses draws many visitors from off Island. Internationally renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has brought a plethora of artists and artisans to the Island, many of whom have chosen to live here permanently. Galleries and studios dot the island. We have two performing arts facilities—the Stonington Opera House and the Reach Performing Arts Center. The Opera House provides numerous productions throughout the year. The Reach is a state-of-the-art facility built on the high school campus. The schools, churches and community organizations on Deer Isle play a central role in bringing the community together. Public suppers, festivals, craft fairs, boat races, school sports events and workshops all contribute to a strong sense of community and island pride. A wide variety of accommodations are available from inns to campgrounds. Restaurants, espresso bars, antique shops, libraries, gift shops, book stores and galleries all offer a rich selection of places to visit, to browse and, of course, to Buy Local. The Island Heritage Trust and the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society provide glimpses into the history of the people who first inhabited the Island. We are a small island with an impressive Medical and Dental center. Deer Isle is a paradise for photographers, birders, boaters, artists, naturalists and anyone who loves the outdoors. We are fortunate to have twelve very diverse nature conservancies, many donated by generous residents. Several other conservancies are located on neighboring islands, including Acadia with park land on Isle au Haut. The mixture of spruce-covered islands, quiet coves, granite outcroppings, fields of Lupine, windjammers, glistening waters and pristine winter snow make a visit to Deer Isle, at any time of year, an enriching experience. Be sure to stop by the Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce Welcome & Information Center on Little Deer Isle. We are open from mid-May to mid-October seven days a week.
