What's there on Monhegan Island anyway?
I figured I couldn't continue ranting about the labors of housekeeping or my all-encompassing social life without touching on the obvious topic of Monhegan Island itself. It also struck me that many of you (like myself prior to May 29) don't have an accurate image in mind of what the place looks like or the businesses it entails. So allow me to take you on a categorized virtual tour of Monhegan!
Food/Drink
First up (and in no particular order) we have the Island Inn, or their dining room rather. With its ideal location right on the water and impossible-to-miss structure, the Island Inn is a popular spot for a served, sit-down lunch or dinner.
The Barnacle is next on the docket, plus it's also "next" in real life as it's located just to the right of the Island Inn by the main docks. The Barnacle serves local coffee with a wide range of espresso, hot, and iced beverages alongside a few pastries, sandwiches, soups, and sweets. They even sell Monhegan’s only local chocolate products from a small business called La Nef!
When looking for fresh, local seafood, The Fish House is the place to be. The place is a no-frills operation serving up everything from shrimp tacos to fish sandwiches, classic lobster rolls, and just about any other bread/seafood combo you could imagine. For $25 a lobster roll though, you might as well just start setting your own traps.
The Novelty is owned by The Monhegan House, and while we aren't yet serving up pizza, we do have some delish ice cream, wine and beer for day-trippers and locals looking for a treat. I live on the second floor of the building, but haven't succumbed to any late-night ice cream cravings down below just yet (though I’m sure that day is approaching).
Monhegan Brewing Company (I know, very original name) is the only place on the island to purchase truly local alcohol, and the ambiance is fantastic. With just five beers on rotation at all times (a stout, a sour, a pale, an IPA, and a seltzer), there's something for everyone without the difficult decision-making that comes with too may options.
The Monhegan House (no bias here) serves breakfast to guests only, but our dinner menu is open to the public! The food is well-prepared by some seasoned chefs who I now call my coworkers, and the nightly special is always in daily rotation. You know it’s good food when your bosses eat it too—so it’s got the entire staff’s stamp of approval.
Now this one is perhaps the tiniest eatery on the island.The Bait Bag, which is technically a mini food truck that only serves at the brewery, has some yummy treats to go along with a full pour. They sell bahn mi and po-boy style sandwiches along with fried pickles and signature tater tots which I'm told are to die for.
The Trailing Yew is an interesting spot to hit because while they're most known for housing and temporary artist stays, they have an excellent baking reputation and a full lunch and dinner menu which also offers take-out. Plus, the Trailing Yew is the only place on the island to grab a smoothie, but at $8.50 a pop, you might hold out for their pastries or fresh bread instead.
Shopping
Whether you're looking for an avocado or a case of room temp Red Stripe, the Monhegan Store is a one-stop-shop that has it all. From your favorite candy bars and ice cream pints to four-packs of craft Maine beer (some of them are actually refrigerated), the Monhegan Store is a must for an overnight stay.
The Black Duck actually falls under two categories seeing as it doubles as an artisanal gift shop and a cute little cafe. I haven't stopped in myself, but I've heard the jewelry is adorable and the chai lattes are devine––not to mention the sweet cat that hangs out around the storefront.
If you show up to Monhegan missing a few art supplies or simply must snag a gorgeous painting to bring back with you, Lupine Gallery is your best option. They offer a huge selection of local artists' work, and regularly maintain stock for art materials such as paints, brushes, canvases and more.
For the more traditional souvenir-gatherers, Elva's Old P.O. has potential for some interesting finds and relatively inexpensive knick-knacks. Not to mention the homemade donuts that are apparently sold here.
Tourism
For those interested in outdoor activities that don't include hiking or bird-watching, Monhegan Kayak Rentals is the perfect opportunity for a stop. Run by a super sweet couple who have been living and visiting the island for ages, the shop is set right on Fish Beach for easy access to the water and exquisite views of Manana Island.
Monhegan Lighthouse and Museum is a perhaps one of the most photographed, painted, and sketched locations around and once you visit, you'll understand why. Located at the top of a steep hill, the lighthouse overlooks the entirety of the island, offering a bird's eye view of, well everything.
Housing
The Island Inn.
The Monhegan House.
The Shining Sails Bed & Breakfast.
The Trailing Yew.
Education
The Monhegan School is a one-room schoolhouse offering a high-quality (and I'm sure one-of-a-kind) academic experience for students of all ages and levels. I've recently become acquainted with the school teacher who is a lovely human with the perfect temperament for teaching a range of learners despite the setbacks put in place by covid this past year.
Any artist colony simply wouldn't be complete with a vast collection of literature which is where the Monhegan Public Library comes in handy! Offering free wifi and an ancient, but appreciated card catalog system only––the library is a routine stop for locals who enjoy a good book.
Other
While it doesn't necessarily feel like an uber-religious place, the island wouldn't be the same without Monhegan Church (again with these incredibly unique names!). Not only does it offer services every Sunday, it also serves as a central meeting place for various artistic, theatrical, and musical events throughout the year.
Lastly of course, we couldn't possibly have a year-round community on Monhegan Island without a post office. Serving as a lifeline for those who live here and the supplies they want/need, the post office may not be an exciting stop for tourists, but it's a lifestyle for Monheganers.
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