Summer Stay at the Chebeague Island Inn
Summer Stay at the Chebeague Island Inn
📍 Chebeague Island, Maine
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There’s a certain magic about traveling to an island… An island that feels close enough to reach without too much effort, yet remote enough to feel like you’ve slipped into another world. That’s exactly what drew us to the Chebeague Island Inn for a late-summer escape. Set just off the coast of Maine, the Inn embodies the timeless, New England charm you’d expect to find in a Nancy Meyers film: clapboard architecture, sweeping porches with wicker furniture, hydrangeas spilling over stone walls, and the kind of quiet where the loudest sound is the clink of ice against a glass of rum punch. Our trip wasn’t just about a weekend away, it was a chance to experience a slice of coastal living that has been welcoming guests for a century.
A Century of History
The Chebeague Island Inn is celebrating its 100th anniversary, a milestone that underscores not just its longevity but its enduring appeal. Originally built in the 1920s, the Inn has been a fixture of Maine’s hospitality scene for generations, offering travelers a classic seaside retreat long before “boutique hotel” was a buzzword. Unlike many properties that modernize beyond recognition, the Chebeague Island Inn has preserved its soul. Walking through the lobby feels like stepping into a bygone era, where you can imagine generations before us checking in with trunks instead of suitcases, preparing for long summer stays.
Over the decades, the Inn has been carefully restored and reimagined while maintaining its character. The wide-planked wooden floors creak in the most charming way, and the large windows frame views of Casco Bay that seem unchanged by time. It is both nostalgic and refreshing, reminding guests of a slower pace of life where conversation and connection took precedence over constant distraction. Celebrating its 100th year, the Inn stands as both a living piece of history and a vibrant retreat for modern travelers, proof that true style and hospitality never really go out of fashion.
How to Get There
Part of what makes Chebeague Island so special is that getting there feels like an adventure. The journey begins on the mainland, where you hitch a busied before board the ferry at Cousins Island for a short but scenic 15-minute ride across Casco Bay. For those who love the water, this stretch is its own treat: the air whipping through your hair, seagulls trailing the boat, and sailboats dotting the horizon like pieces of a painting. It’s just long enough to make you feel that you’re truly “getting away,” but short enough to be convenient even with luggage or little ones in tow.
Traveling with a child, we found the ferry experience surprisingly smooth. Brennan loved the motion of the boat, and we enjoyed the way the water seemed to erase the stress of getting out the door. By the time we reached the island dock, we were already in a different mindset: slowed down, more present, and eager to explore. The Inn itself is just a quick walk from the ferry landing, tucked into its own picturesque corner of the island, with wide lawns that slope gently toward the sea. The hotel’s van will be ready to pick you up, making the last leg of your journey even shorter.
What to Do
Despite its peaceful pace, Chebeague Island offers plenty to do for travelers who like to mix rest with activity. The Inn’s lawn is a hub, especially in the afternoons when guests gather for lawn games. Adirondack chairs line the grassy slopes, inviting you to linger with a glass of rosé or simply watch the ferries glide by.
For those who want to explore, biking is a popular way to see the island, you can borrow bikes from the inn or bring your own on the ferry. The rolling terrain offers both scenic outlooks and easy detours to the shoreline. Golfers will delight in the nine-hole Chebeague Island Golf Club, one of the oldest in Maine, where the course meanders along the water with breathtaking views.
Nature lovers can spend their days beachcombing or walking along the island’s trails, and families will love hunting for shells or watching the tides change. We also recommend a visit to the Chebeague Island Historical Society, which gives insight into the island’s maritime heritage and strong sense of community. No matter how you spend your day, there’s an unspoken agreement on the island: everything happens at your own pace, and relaxation is built into the rhythm of daily life.
Our Room
Our room at the Chebeague Island Inn perfectly captured the Inn’s aesthetic: simple, timeless, and undeniably welcoming. Instead of overly modern fixtures or high-tech amenities, the design embraced its coastal New England roots. Crisp white linens, light wooden furniture, and soft, muted tones reflected the sea and sky outside our windows. The décor leaned toward understatement, but that was exactly the point. The room invited us to slow down, rest, and focus on the view just beyond the glass. Definitely worth noting, you won’t find TVs or air-conditioning in these historic rooms. We thought it completely added to the charm of the inn.
Each morning, sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. At night, the quiet was absolute, broken only by the sound of the breeze. It’s rare to stay in a place that feels both elegant and homey, but the Chebeague Island Inn struck that balance beautifully. Brennan loved exploring the corners of the room, and we appreciated the thoughtful touches that made the space family-friendly while still feeling like a romantic retreat.
The Food
One of the highlights of our stay was the dining experience. The Inn’s restaurant is deeply committed to seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, showcasing the best of Maine’s produce and seafood. Breakfasts were a particular joy: freshly baked pastries, strong coffee, and delicious quiche. There’s nothing like sipping coffee while the morning fog lifts over the water.
Dinner was an event in itself, with menus that changed to reflect what was freshest that day. We savored each bite of steak and frites, mussel caught straight from the bay, and vegetables sourced from nearby farms. The wine list was thoughtful, balancing familiar favorites with interesting discoveries. And the dessert, a slice of the blueberry pie, was unforgettable, a sweet nod to Maine’s most beloved berry.
Meals at the Inn weren’t just about food; they were about atmosphere. Dining on the porch as the sun set was an experience I’ll carry with me long after our stay. The golden light, the laughter of other guests, and the sense of being part of something timeless made every meal feel special.
Our stay at the Chebeague Island Inn was more than just a getaway, it was a return to a simpler, slower way of living that feels increasingly rare. From its century-old history to the unspoiled beauty of the island, everything about our experience invited us to pause, breathe, and savor the moment. The Inn strikes a perfect balance: luxurious without being pretentious, historic without feeling outdated, and peaceful without ever being dull.
For anyone looking to capture the essence of a true New England island retreat, the Chebeague Island Inn is a destination worth experiencing. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a family trip, or simply craving a quiet escape, it offers the kind of memories that linger long after you’ve left its shores. As we boarded the ferry back to the mainland, I knew this wouldn’t be our last visit. The Chebeague Island Inn has a way of drawing you back, like the tide, like the promise of another perfect sunset over Casco Bay.
Love from Maine,
Katie
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