Town Parks

Vinalhaven is home to several lovely parks and conservation areas, some are close to town, others are farther afield.

Grimes Park is the peninsula adjacent to the ferry landing. Owned by the American legion Post, it has several picnic tables, and is a great spot to wait for the ferry or enjoy a sunset.

Armbrust Hill is behind the Medical Center, accessed from Atlantic Avenue. In addition to several short trails, the park also houses the Owen Webster memorial Playground which has swings, a slide and Jungle Gym. The late Betty Roberts did most of the landscaping of the park and donated it to the Town. Trails lead you through a natural amphitheater, or up to Trolley Cliff for a magnificent view of the harbor.

Follow Atlantic Avenue to its end, crossing the bridge over Indian Creek, to reach the Lane's Island Preserve entrance on the left. Owned by the Nature Conservancy and under the stewardship of the town, the preserve has wonderful views of the bay, field, bluffs and moors. There are several picnic tables near the field.

Lawsons Quarry, a mile out of town on the North Haven Road, and Booths Quarry, a mile and a half out the Pequot Road, are abandoned granite quarries, filled with spring water. They are great places to swim or sunbathe. Please be aware that there is no lifeguard on duty. Help keep the quarries clean: no soap and no pets under any circumstances.

Sunset Rock, on City Point in Dog Town, offers a short walk along the shore and, after a steep climb up the granite ledge, a wonderful view of Hurricane Sound, particularly, as you might imagine, at Sunset.

Several miles out on the North Haven Road the serious hiker will find several large blocks of conserved acres boasting interesting trails that lead to and through lovely vistas. These natural areas are the Middle Mountain Town Park and the Perry Creek Preserve which includes the Indian ladder/Fox Rocks Trails, the Perry Creek Conservation area and the Saltonstall Reservation.

The Polly Cove Preserve on Calderwood neck is a short but worthwhile walk along the head of Carver Cove with unusual views northeast and access to a cobble beach.

The Huber Preserve is about half way along the Round the Island Road and is a great walk to the southern shore of Seal Bay.

The Basin Preserve Trial leads around Long Pond to the shore of the Basin, a uniquely beautiful inland salt-waterway.

On the left, just before Lawson's Quarry, the Isle au Haut Mt. Road leads to 17 acres of granite outcrop and scrub Pine and views of the southern bay.

Narrows Town Park provides views of the Eastern Bay and downeast to Mr. Desert Island.

When visiting our parks, please:

    * No soap or pets in the quarries.
    * Keep your dog on leash or under voice control at all times. Clean up after him.
    * Stay on the marked trails.
    * Leave no trace: what you carry in, carry out.
    * Foot traffic only! No bikes or motorized vehicles.

Restaurants
64 Main                      Main Street-best food in town                                    863-4464
The Haven                   Main Street-also a great meal                                    863-4969
Harbor Gawker             Main Street-great lobster rolls and fried food                863-9365
Pizza Pit                      Main Street-not just pizza                                       863-4311           
Surfside                       Harbor Wharf-Great Breakfast                                    863-2767
ArcCafe                        Ambrust Hill-Amazing coffee and best pastries            863-4191

Fresh Local Food
Watch for fresh fish and baked goods being sold in town parking lot!!