Quaint Maine Island Draws Art and Nature Lovers

The wild, windswept, rocky coast of Maine calls to vacationers seeking peace and relaxation. Its raw natural beauty also provides plenty of subject matter for artists who seek their inspiration in nature. If you're enjoying Maine's idyllic summer or planning to take in Maine's dazzling fall foliage, consider visiting the eccentric art community on picturesque Monhegan Island.

It's easy to plan a day trip from your Rockport or Rockland timeshare. The ferry trip from Port Clyde to tiny Monhegan Island 10 miles off the mid-Maine coast will take you through a wonderland of frolicking sealife for a thoroughly pleasant day in the quaint art community. If you paint, bring your brushes. (Best place to buy art supplies: the Lupine Gallery near the ferry dock.) Every turn is filled with picturesque scenes -- craggy cliffs, surf washed rocks, tall blue lupines, weatherworn lighthouse, a host of waterfowl -- awaiting your brush.

"There is something intangible in the culture of Monhegan that makes it completely unique," said painter Elizabeth Torak of Pawlet, Vermont. "It really feels like an artists' paradise. People don't disturb you when you are working; it seems that people see a working artist as simply another part of the landscape."

Just one square mile in size, Monhegan is a panorama of rock, sea and forest that lures nature lovers and artists alike. Home of a primitive fishing village and 70% a dedicated nature preserve, there are no roads on the island, just footpaths connecting the town, so wear your walking shoes and pack light. Also bring a flashlight to light your way as you'll find no streetlights on Monhegan.

What you will find is about two dozen delightful informal art studios and galleries. There is a wonderful variety of art to enjoy (and purchase) and a host of interesting local artists always ready for a nice chat. Studio hours are posted on community bulletin boards on the main path and by the post office. The island gained notoriety when landscape painter Rockwell Kent (1882-1971) moved there in 1905 and immortalized the rugged landscape, capturing the moods of the every-changing light on the sea. Among the artists who have flocked to Monhegan Island over the years are George Bellows, Kate Cheney Chappell, Robert Henri, Don Stone and threee generations of Wyeths.

Monhegan Island is a quiet place. Your cell phone won't work, there's no place to plug in a laptop, you won't find the NY Times or a Starbucks on the corner, and you have to pack out your own trash. You will find peace, quiet, gorgeous scenery, delightful easy walking trails, wonderful art and friendly, interesting people. For creature comforts there is a quaint lodge and an inn where you can get a bite or even a bed if you've booked ahead (rooms are very limited). Make sure you stop by the Novelty snack shop for a taste of the local delicacy: mocha whoopie pie. Click here for more information.

Getting there: The closest ferry is the Monhegan Boat Line (207-372-8848) which casts off from Port Clyde at the tip of St. George peninsula. Cars are left in the ferry lot as Monhegan has no roads. A round trip fare will run about $30. Be sure to make advance reservations as ferry space is limited. You'll find ferry schedules and information on nature excursions on the boat line's website. Muscongus Bay off the mid-coast of Maine is home to puffins, harbor seals, porpoises and minke whales.

You'll find a wide selection of timeshare resort properties to call home during your Maine vacation. Click here to view a complete list of timeshare resort properties in Maine.