Pilgrim's Inn

Overlooking picturesque Northwest Harbor and our tranquil mill pond, Pilgrim's Inn on Deer Isle is the perfect place to experience Downeast Maine at its best. Built in 1793, our historic post and beam Maine inn welcomes you with an ambiance and warmth of a bygone era. Lovingly restored and meticulously maintained, Pilgrim's Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Select Registry of Inns.

Deer Isle in Penobscot Bay offers you the very best of coastal Maine. Rocky coastline, quiet coves, and beautiful views greet visitors at every turn. As a guest at Pilgrim’s Inn you can explore nearby nature trails, take kayaking excursions to surrounding islands, travel to Isle au Haut and Acadia National Park, or take classes at the world renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. We are also a perfect base for taking scenic drives along the coast and exploring the beautiful towns of the Blue Hill Peninsula.

Twelve rooms and three cottages offer you a range of lodging options to best meet your needs. Rooms in our main building have views of either Northwest Harbor across the road, or our large and tranquil mill pond. All rooms feature luxurious linens, private baths, and your choice of king, queen, or double beds. Television and local phone service is available to guests in the library and game room. Wireless internet access is available for those who bring their own laptops. Our cottages offer kitchenettes and are ideal for families with children, couples traveling together, or guests traveling with pets.

The inn serves a gourmet breakfast each morning, and its popular restaurant the Whale's Rib Tavern serves up delicious tavern food in its historic barn and tap room. Pilgrim’s Inn is also a perfect place for a seaside wedding, family reunion, or small business retreat.

"Pilgrim's Inn is recognized as a part of the Historical and Cultural Heritage of our nation, and
should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give
a sense of orientation to the American people." - National Register of Historic Places

Deer Isle can be reached by airplane from Boston, Bar Harbor, Portland, Bangor, and then by car. Car rentals are available at the Airports.

Driving from Boston:
Interstate 95 (N) to Augusta
Take Route 3 (E) to Belfast
Take Route 1 (N) to Route 15 (S), which travels to Deer Isle down the Blue Hill Peninsula.
You will cross a large green suspension bridge onto Little Deer Isle.
0.9 miles further you will begin to cross a causeway onto Deer Isle.

After you arrive on Deer Isle
Drive another 4 miles to Deer Isle Village.
Turn Right just before the Maine Photography Gallery (building with a dark green awning) onto Main Street.
Pilgrim's Inn is 0.1 miles on the left, opposite the harbor.

Pilgrim’s Inn offers the perfect setting for your wedding, family reunion, business meeting or special event. Our beautiful property is tucked away by the sea, yet is easily accessible by private car or contracted transportation. The historic ambiance of our charming property will make your gathering truly memorable. Our inn rooms and cottages will provide your guests with beautiful and comfortable accommodations, and our restaurant can prepare a wide range of food from a country-style barbecue to a beautifully prepared and artfully presented buffet or plated dinner. Please call us at 207-348-6615 or 888-778-7505 to discuss your event.
 

Weddings

What could be more romantic than getting married on the grounds of a beautiful 1700’s seaside inn that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Imagine the experience of a sunrise or sunset ceremony on the rustic shores of Penobscot Bay and Northwest Harbor. Our rustic and historic cedar-shake barn will be transformed into what The Discerning Traveler called “one of the most romantic places in New England.” Please call us to discuss how we can make your wedding a truly wonderful experience for you and your guests.
 

Family Gatherings

With all the demands on our lives these days, finding time to spend with family is more and more challenging. Let us take care of the details of your food and lodging, while you focus on what matters -- time spent with your loved ones. Our charming inn and picturesque location will provide a relaxing and memorable experience for all the members of your family, and local activities from hiking, kayaking and sailing, to theater, art galleries and scenic drives will be sure to offer something for everyone in your family to enjoy.

Deer Isle in Penobscot Bay offers you the very best of coastal Maine. Rocky coastline, quiet coves, and beautiful views greet visitors at every turn. As a guest at Pilgrim’s Inn you can explore nearby nature trails, take kayaking excursions to surrounding islands with licensed guides, travel to Isle au Haut and Acadia National Park, visit our numerous art galleries, or take classes at the world renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. We are also a perfect base for taking scenic drives along the coast and exploring the beautiful towns of the Blue Hill Peninsula. Deer Isle and the Blue Hill Peninsula also have many local annual events for you to experience. Plan your trip around some of these uniquely Maine events.

Hiking

For many people who love the outdoors, Deer Isle is the perfect place to visit. Hiking trails and nature preserves offer visitors a great way to experience the island. Visit the Island Heritage Trust for more information.

Kayaking, Fishing and Chartered Boat Tours

Kayaking along the coast of Deer Isle is an experience not to be missed! Over 60 islands offer unlimited opportunity to explore, making Deer Isle one of the hottest kayaking destinations along the Atlantic coast. Old Quarry Adventures offers guided kayaking trips for any level, or rent kayaks to explore the islands on your own. Their afternoon eco-tour aboard a lobster boat is also one of our favorites. In addition, Old Quarry Adventures offers boat and bike trips to Isle au Haut, along with sailboat rentals. We also recommend taking a private, customized tour with Guided Island Tours in a chartered fishing boat with licensed guide Captain Walt Reed. Sailing the waters of Penobscot Bay is an unforgettable experience. Long considered some of the best sailing in the world, Penobscot Bay has attracted sailors to this region for centuries. We highly recommend a chartered tour with Captain LeCain Smith aboard the Perelandra, a 17 ton steel hulled sailboat. For calm sailing in picturesque Blue Hill Bay aboard the fifty two foot Adelaide, contact Sand Dollar Sailing in Blue Hill. For family oriented marine field trips in Brooklin, contact the Marine Environmental Research Institute. For freshwater inland fishing and beginning fly fishing instruction, Dave’s Guide Service offers guided trips on Deer Isle and the surrounding area from May - October.

Acadia National Park & Isle au Haut

A visit to Downeast Maine would not be complete without a trip to Acadia National Park. Located just over an hour from Pilgrim’s Inn, the park encompasses 47,000 acres of coastal shoreline, granite-topped mountains, wooded areas, bogs and spectacular scenery. The park offers something for everyone from rigorous hikes to scenic drives or educational tours. For official information about the park, please visit the National Park Service Website.

Isle au Haute, part of Acadia National Park, is reached by boat from Stonington on Deer Isle, just 6 miles from Pilgrim’s Inn. The island is a great place to explore on mountain bikes or by foot and makes for a memorable day trip. The island can be reached daily by boat from Stonington, go to Isle au Haut Boat Services for more information.

Stonington

Named for the granite industry that made it famous, Stonington is also home to the most productive lobster fishing port along the Maine coast. No trip to Deer Isle would be complete without visiting this picturesque port and tasting a Deer Isle lobster! Visit the Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce Website for more information about local events and activities in Stonington.
Artists, Art Galleries and Haystack

Our picturesque island has been a draw for visual artists for decades, resulting in dozens of artist galleries for you to visit. In addition, the world renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts is located just a few miles from the Inn. To learn more about the artists and galleries on Deer Isle, go to Deer Isle Artists Association Website. To learn more about Haystack Mountain School of Crafts go to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts Website.

For a guide to the arts, dining and other attractions on the Blue Hill Peninsula and the islands, please visit the Arts Guide Website

Music, Film, Theater & Dance

Deer Isle is a vibrant community offering a range of cultural activities to visitors and residents alike. The Stonington Opera House now offers the community a diversity of programs from a summer jazz festival and annual radio variety show, to “Shakespeare in Stonington” to dance workshops and films. Visit Opera House Arts for current listings.

Just 25 minutes from Deer Isle is the famous Kneisel Hall, known for being the “cradle of chamber music teaching in America”. Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill features outstanding chamber music concerts all summer long. Go to the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School and Festival Website for more information.

Tennis & Golf

Deer Isle has a country club with a 9 hole golf course and three tennis courts which are open to the public. After a round of golf or a game of tennis, have lunch at the Fairway Cafe and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this island gem. Find out more on the Island Country Club Website.

Blue Hill Peninsula

Exploring the Blue Hill peninsula and visiting the towns of Blue Hill and Castine, or taking a scenic drive through Brooklin, Brooksville, Sedgwick and Penobscot, stopping along the way at shops and old time general stores is a wonderful way to fill your day. Visit the Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Website for more information.

Blue Hill is well known for its country fair, held on Labor Day weekend each year. The fair draws thousands of people and features antique tractor pulls, well known musicians, carnival rides, and much more. Go to the Blue Hill Fair Website for more information.

Breakfast

Morning is our favorite time of day at Pilgrim’s Inn. There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed Maine roasted coffee, warm blueberry muffins, or the irresistible smell of crispy applewood smoked bacon wafting through the air. Coffee is delivered to your floor by 7 AM and breakfast, which is included in your room and cottage rate, is served in our main dining room from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM.

Each morning you’ll be treated to our hot entrée of the day such as Maine blueberry pancakes; Eggs Benedict served over fresh slices of tomato and spinach; a fluffy omelet with Vermont cheddar cheese and sourdough toast, or cinnamon French toast with Maine maple syrup and savory breakfast sausage. We alternate our entrée daily between a sweet and savory offering.

We know that for many people, having a light healthy breakfast is how you prefer to start the day, so we also offer a breakfast buffet featuring hard boiled eggs; lowfat organic yogurt, fresh fruit salad, whole grain toast and locally made jam, Pilgrim’sInn granola and other cereals, and of course orange and grapefruit juices.

Whatever your preference, we promise you will start the day off right!
The Pilgrim’s Inn is located in quiet Coastal Maine

Dinner at the Whale’s Rib Tavern

End your day with a relaxing meal at our restaurant, the Whale’s Rib Tavern. The rustic ambiance of our historic barn, our cozy tap room, and intimate bar create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We utilize fresh local ingredients and Maine made products, and our menu offers a range of food and prices to suit many tastes and palates. You’ll also find a thoughtful wine list, a full bar, and microbrews from Maine. Reservations are appreciated and attire is casual. Our restaurant has seasonal hours and is open on specific days. Please call 207-348-5222 for more information.

Below is a sampling of our menu.

Appetizers
Grilled ½ artichoke with spinach dip. 7
Blue Hill rope raised mussels in butter & cream, roasted garlic, fried leeks. 9
Country pate made with duck, dried cherries and pistachios, served with bitter orange marmalade. 8
Mixed Fry with calamari, shrimp, seasonal vegetables, seasoning. 7
Local Deer Isle clams - the “regular” way. 9

Entrees
10 oz house-ground burger, hand-cut fries, coleslaw. 12
Pan roasted chicken breast, parmesan polenta, roasted tomato & pepper. 17
Grilled 14 oz pork chop, fried apple & onion jam, fried sage spaetzle, roasted brussel sprouts. 22
Stonington boiled 1½ lb lobster, buttered new potatoes, coleslaw. 28
Crispy eggplant, fresh mozzarella & asiago, pasta, roasted garlic marinara, truffle oil. 16
Spicy seafood stew with mahogany clams, calamari, grilled ½ lobster, smoked paprika butter. 22
16 oz grilled ribeye, tomato ragout, horseradish crème fraiche, chimichurri. 24
Seared halibut, lobster pea risotto, tomato romesco. 22
Beer battered fish & chips, hand-cut fries, coleslaw. 15

Desserts
Blueberry bread pudding with brandy cream sauce. 6
Boca Negra 6
Seasonal fruit crisp. 6
Special of the day.