Find the Best Things to Do in Peaks Island
By Mark Pechenik
Portland Local Expert
About Peaks Island
Photo courtesy of Peaks Island House on Casco Bay
A neighborhood district of Portland, Peaks Island enables locals to have the luxury of leaving town without leaving home. Located only 3 miles from downtown Portland, Peaks Island has a long history as a vacation colony for celebrities. Today, visitors and island residents both experience the marvels of this island community.
See & Do
Biking is a great way to explore Peak Island's diverse terrain. Brad’s Island Bike Rentals and Repairs (115 Island Avenue, Peaks Island; 207-766-5631) offers reasonably priced bike rentals. Maine Island Kayak Company (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/peaks-island/attractions/maine-island-kayak-company/) rents kayaks for discovering the natural wonders of the island’s shoreline. Visitors venture into Peaks’ storied history with visits to the Eighth Maine Regiment Memorial (13 Eighth Maine Avenue, Peaks Island, http://www.eighthmaine.com/Pages/default.aspx) and the Fifth Maine Regiment Memorial (45 Seashore Avenue, Peaks Island; 207-766-3330; www.fifthmainemuseum.org).
Eat
Peaks Island offers several options for delicious dining. The Peaks Island House (20 Island Avenue, Peaks Island; 207-766-4400; www.thepeaksislandhouse.com) with its spectacular ocean views facing Casco Bay. The Cockeyed Gull (78 Island Avenue, 207-766-2800, http://www.cockeyedgull.com/) features an outside deck with wonderful views of Portland Harbor. Its diverse menu boasts French and Asian-influenced fare. Finally, the Inn on Peaks Island (33 Island Avenue, 207-766-5100, http://www.innonpeaks.com/) offers casual, comfortable dining in a rustic atmosphere.
Party
Evening entertainment on Peaks Island is available at The Pub at The Inn on Peaks Island (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/peaks-island/nightlife/the-pub-at-the-inn-on-peaks-island/). Several evenings during the week, local musical artists perform at the pub. Most entertainment is in the form of folk guitar duos, solo singers and other small groups. However, these musicians represent some of the best performers in the Portland area.
Shop
Peaks Island Honey Company (32 Evergreen Ledge, Peaks Island) features an honor system where consumers visit the company's wharf display, drop $3.00 into a collection box, and choose their own bottle of this top grade honey! Other top shops include Peaks Island Shellfish Company (http://www.10best.com/destinations/maine/portland/all/shopping/peaks-island-shellfish-company/) with a wide selection of fresh Maine oysters, and Boston-based Wild Nut Farm Market (617-680-9261, www.wildnutfarm@yahoo.com) which features a produce cart near the wharf with organic breads, pastries and free range, organic chicken.