VISITING: ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Campobello is primarily a working island rather than a resort, although many summer homes dot the nooks and crannies of the shoreline, hidden from the main roads. Most homes lean toward modest rather than extravagant. It's not Bar Harbor, Hyannis or Hilton Head.

There are no nightclubs, no theaters, no McDonald's, no miniature golf and no crowds. The nearest traffic lights are 100 miles south and 50 miles north.

With just a few basic restaurants, a coffee shop and a Provincial 9-hole golf course, there aren't many places to spend money.

As of 2022 we have Starlink satellite internet which is a massive improvement over our old DSL landline. Cell service has also improved in recent years. We have a TV with limited offerings, for those so inclined. Otherwise, books, conversation, naps and meal events are good things.

THE ISLAND DOES OFFER...

A quiet that can be deafening at night, interrupted only by the gentle surf at nearby Galley's Beach, or perhaps the sound of a distant foghorn.

An intoxicating smell ("The Smell") indigenous to coastal Maine and the Maritimes that is a blend of spruce, fir, moss, saltwater and seaweed. It's not always present, but when it is, take a deep sniff and you'll feel any lingering tension ooze out of your pores.

Sunny days that are brilliant but cool. Morning temps (high 50s F, typically) usually require heavy socks and a sweatshirt. Layers come off as the day warms (low 80s is a hot day), then get put back on toward evening.

Rainy days or foggy mornings that in reasonable doses can have their own particular charm. The fireplace and coffeepot are on, books, blankets and perhaps a guitar come out, email is caught up on and community crosswords emerge.

THE FINE PRINT...

A few ground rules are in order to ensure a fun and enjoyable visit for all.

Relax. That's why you came here. Kick off your shoes and make yourself at home.
Help yourself to anything in the fridge or pantry; no need to ask or wait for us to offer. There's also a small beer fridge in the laundry room.
Do what you want, when/if you want. Some people want active, others sedentary. We will accompany if possible, but Peter has to work here as well. We will guide and direct as we can.
We practice natural rising. Go to bed when you want, get up when you want. We typically turn in fairly early (10-ish) because the sun rises early here. Peter and the dogs get up very early; Patty less so. The coffee pot should be on; if not, please make some.
Food and drink are a big part of any visit. As the best place to eat in the area is our kitchen 🙂 we usually eat at home. Please let us know about any food concerns (nuts, milk, gluten-free, veggie, etc.) ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Please bring some appy-type food with you, and anything special you like and/or need. The IGA in Lubec has basics; the Hannaford in Machias is better. There's a nice wine/cheese/craft beer shop (The French Cellar) in Machias as well.
Alcoholic beverages are expensive and limited on the island, so please bring some with you. There is a daily limit at the border of one 750ml of hard liquor - or - two 750ml bottles of wine - or - one case of beer per person, per day. We obviously have some, but if you like chardonnay or bad beer, you might want to bring your own. 🙂 Maine beers are suggested (Baxter, Shipyard, Geary's, etc) for local flavor.
We appreciate reasonable help with meals and/or clearing the table, although the kitchen doesn't accommodate more than two or three people at a time. Peter likes to take charge of dishwashing. If you have something you'd like to make, or are great on the grill, have at it (please).
Be aware that noise travels readily in the house due to the amount of hardwood and tile flooring, and the open stairway and overlook from the upstairs landing into the kitchen... particularly in the morning. So please tread lightly, speak softly and close doors gently until everyone is up and at 'em.
Back to #1. Relax and enjoy your time here!