BY SARAH WALKER CARON
On a warm, overcast Saturday morning, my kids and I wound our way along the Blue Hill Peninsula, exploring this wooded coastal land. Known for its lighthouses, timeless villages, and working waterfront, the collection of towns and islands are set apart from the summer rush of other Maine coastal areas. And it’s here that writers like E.B. White have found inspiration. We liked it so much, we returned the following weekend.
Despite its secluded feel, the Blue Hill Peninsula is home to so many excellent options for enjoying a meal or a snack.
Tinder Hearth
1452 Coastal Road in Brooksville
One of my personal favorites is a former farmhouse/barn turned bakery and restaurant known for its feats of yeast. During the summer, Tinder Hearth serves pastries like croissants and scones along with breakfast sandwiches and coffee drinks on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the restored barn when the bakery is open between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. If you happen to be there in the off-season, the brunch menu is a bit more extensive. There’s also pizza in the evenings, a sought-after event. This summer, Tinder Hearth plans to open four nights a week for pizza beginning June 11. Reservations are required and open on Monday each week. Guests for pizza sit at the tables scattered in the yard.
Tinderhearth.com
El El Frijoles
41 Caterpillar Road in Sargentville
In nearby Sargentville, El El Frijoles is cooking up flavorful tacos, burritos, and more from a spot that looks more barn than restaurant. But once you step inside, you see your mistake. There’s a flurry of activity behind the counter as orders are filled and slipped outside to a waiting table for hungry patrons to retrieve. The menu has a range of options for fillings from classics like carne asada and roasted vegetables to spicy lobster. On the day of our visit, there was also a crab quesadilla special that sounded divine. You’ll be eating outside at this eatery at tables set up across the yard, which can accommodate a variety of party sizes. It’s a peaceful setting.
Elelfrijoles.com
Strong’s Public House & Patio
7 Rope Ferry Road in Sedgwick
Interested in the brewery scene? The Blue Hill Peninsula has that too. For more than 10 years, Strong Brewing Company has been brewing beers on the Blue Hill Peninsula. Now the brewery, located just a few miles from the roundabout in Blue Hill, is expanding as Strong’s Public House & Patio, serving up big slices of pizza, sandwiches, and more to enjoy with the beers. With seating outside and in a pavilion, the vibe is laid back and casual. This is a place to enjoy a beer or two with friends while eating. And in case you are wondering: one big, bready slice of Pizza a Taglio is pretty filling.
Strongsofmaine.com
Aragosta at Goose Cove
300 Goose Cove Road in Deer Isle
If you are looking for fine dining, the Blue Hill Peninsula has several notable options. Aragosta at Goose Cove is an oceanfront restaurant serving a tasting menu during two seatings on Monday through Friday during the summer and an a la carte menu on Sundays. Yes, they are closed on Saturday. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the seasonal ingredients available and the flavors of the coastal region. The tasting menu starts at $75 per person and reservations are required.
Aragostamaine.com
Arborvine
33 Tenney Hill Road in Blue Hill
Or head into Blue Hill for Arborvine, a fine dining restaurant serving an a la carte menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The frequently changing menu features local oysters, creative salads, and interesting entrees like Roasted Halibut with Lemon Butter Crumb served with black garlic polenta, sauteed leeks, saffron, and tomato beurre blanc.
Arborvine.com
Stonington Ice Cream Company
66 Main Street in Stonington
Looking for a sweet treat? Head to the coast where you can enjoy ice cream while musing about all the writers this area of Maine has inspired. Stonington Ice Cream Company is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, serving 16 flavors of ice cream (as well as a small selection of food including lobster rolls). Pick up a cone from the window and stroll along the harbor. It’s a beautiful view.
Stoningtonicecreamcompany.com
Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop
1276 Surry Road in Surry
Also popular: Pugnuts Ice Cream Shop, which serves a variety of flavors of gelato, ice cream, and sorbet, and often comes up as a fan favorite. From coffee crunch to lavender honey, Maine blueberry to oak with bourbon, you’ll find both classics and the unexpected here.
Pugnuts.com
