Summer & Fall: If a trip to one of Maine’s islands is on your agenda for the summer then you may want to consider one of the midcoast islands located in Penobscot Bay. Access to all these year round islands are made easy with a ferry service. The first island to consider is Vinalhaven, the largest of Maine’s islands located 15 miles off the mainland. The best way to get there is by ferry out of Rockland. The island is visitor friendly with lot to do. There are places and places to eat and shop. The island has some great places to explore but, the best find is the spring fed granite quarries. The hike to them is easy and the swimming is incredible. If you are looking for another great island to visit then head toward Port Clyde and hop on the ferry to Monhegan, artist, poetry and absolute beauty await you on this island. When you arrive you will see immediately why Jamie Wyeth was so inspired to paint the landscape. The coastline is amazing and with over 17 miles of hiking trails there is plenty to see. Make sure that you take a special trip through Cathedral Woods so you can spot the fairy houses. These fairy houses have been around for generations and are fun to spot during your hike. Maybe it’s just quiet from the hustle of everyday life that you are yearning for. Head down the coast to Lincolnville and take the two mile ferry ride to Islesboro. Noted as one of the “most exclusive summer resorts”, Islesboro is like stepping back into time during the turn of the century with Victorian Inns with expanding open porches filled with rocking chairs and wicker settees. You can bike on the island and there are some great small, private beaches which are the perfect setting for enjoying the surf and a great book. Whatever type of island vacation you are looking for you can find it on one of Maine’s islands.