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About Islesboro
Dark Harbor/Islesboro. A simple way of life for over 200 years. A summer haven of choice for those able to travel anywhere in the world for more than 100 years. Three miles of some of the world's finest sailing grounds away from the hustle and bustle of the Maine coast. A summer estate, with a graceful porch full of wicker, overlooking sailboats gathering in the Bay. An elegant Victorian welcoming travellers for two unforgettable months. Woods that haven't been touched in several generations. Two general stores where the shopkeepers know nearly everyone and service is essential. At the turn of another century, our current property inventory will allow you to be the baron of your own oceanfront estate or the owner of an historic island home. But when you come, be prepared for a community that has seen very few changes over the years. Oh yes, the Island does allow motorcars now, but for the most part the community of old is one of the last ones...
... That Has Not Gone By ...
"One summer in Dark Harbor is worth a dozen summers abroad." - Charles Dana Gibson, America's most famous turn of the century illustrator.
Welcome to Islesboro
Islesboro is a year-round island community, three miles out to sea by a state operated and subsidized ferry from Lincolnville Beach. The year-round population of about 600 swells to a figure several times that in summer, a time when visitors experience some of the finest weather conditions in the United States.
The island remains largely unchanged from the turn of the century days of a grand, but informal, resort community. DownEast Magazine has called the Dark Harbor area "one of America's most exclusive summer resorts." The fabled exclusivity exists because of our separation from the mainland, but, in truth, we are one of the friendliest places around. The island has not been commercialized. There are few shops and limited fine dining.
"I've often thought if someone coming to visit America for the first time, I'd send them to Rockport (Maine) ... 30 minutes from Islesboro Island, where there's a great Victorian inn called Dark Harbor House, a gracious place with no phones, and fireplaces in all the rooms." Charles Kuralt, CBS News commenting in May 30, 1992 TV Guide
The island offers plenty of boating activity, with some of the best sailing waters in the world. Other activities are the same as found in other rural settings with all of the advantages of living in a self-contained community. There are many cultural opportunities, art shows and musical and educational programs, especially in the summer through active local groups. The dramatic mansion schoolhouse and its gymnasium are the centers of off-season activity. Away from the hustle and bustle of Route 1, Islesboro is a true coastal community!