Spring is Coming!

 Another long, cold, Maine winter is coming to an end.  And what a strange one it has been.  Unseasonably warm for a few days; then below freezing the next few.  Almost like being on a roller coaster.  Some hearty souls have ventured forth to warmer climes undaunted by that unseen enemy, covid-19, still in our midst.  Others have hunkered down at home.  Luckily, there hasn’t been much snow on the coast but the wind and ice have been fearful at times.

   Peaks may seem quiet but there are many activities that continue throughout the winter.  Weekly concerts by island musicians.  Peaks Island Radio programs.  The book club and knitting group continue to meet.  The library and community center are open.  And Lisa and Ellen are again serving up hot meals at lunchtime at the Café.   

   We are already taking reservations for tours which resume on May 1st.  A good sign that people are planning their summer excursions.  Yet the rising cost of gasoline may deter some from driving to Portland. 

   This year we’re making a few changes in our tour offerings.  We’ll no longer offer a walking tour of the WWII Military Reservation for groups.  Instead, we will offer tours of that area via golfcart for up to 5 people by prior reservation only.  Our regular tours will remain by reservation.

   To schedule a tour email peaksislandtours@yahoo.com or text to 207-653-2549.

A Strange Time on Peaks

Peaks Island has been an unusually quiet place these past few months. With that invisible enemy - covid 19 - lurking about, most people have been staying home, riding the ferries only when necessary. The school, library, churches, and businesses shuttered. Only Hannigan’s Market has remained open with limited hours.

With the arrival of summer things are looking up. The Peaks Cafe and Cockeyed Gull are open for takeout. Take a Peak gift shop and Downfront ice cream shop are open limited hours. The usual round of fairs, concerts, community meals and lectures that support our non-profit organizations have been canceled. But new activities that meet covid restrictions are being put in place.

Best of all summer residents are slowly returning for the season even though they must self quarantine for 14 days in their cottages. Social distancing and face masks are required for all (residents and day visitors). Anyone arriving at the ferry terminal with no mask may request one at the ticket counter free of charge.

Let’s hope this pandemic subsides soon and all of us can return to some sort of normal.

Celebrate the Holidays !

The holiday season is in full swing on Peaks Island. The opening event was a well-attended community Thanksgiving dinner. This annual activity was sponsored by Brackett Memorial and St. Christopher’s Churches, the Lions Club, and Randall MacVane American Legion Post. The meal, as always, was prepared and served by volunteers. Coming up in December are the Jingle Bell Fair and Loretta Voyer Craft Fair as well as the not-to-be-missed holiday concert. Island children will delight in the lighting of the community Christmas tree adjacent to the ferry landing where they are treated to hot cocoa and cookies provided by the Peaks Cafe. Next comes the Parade of Lights. Dozens of boats, including the ferries, bedecked with lights aglow peruse the harbor. A sight to behold! The celebrations conclude with evenings of wassailing at St. Christopher’s and community caroling. The holiday season on Peaks is joyful and fun-filled, making many memories to warm us during the long, cold winter that lies ahead.

Winter on a Maine Island

Our tour carts have been put to bed for a much deserved winter rest.  Many of our tour guides are in warmer climes for an all too brief vacation.  Others are enjoying the beauty of a Maine island winter.  And there is plenty to do during the colder months.  A short ferry ride to Portland brings us to theatres, movies, and great restaurants.  On-island there are community suppers, trivia night and burgers and football at the American Legion.  Skating and ice hockey are in full swing on island ponds.  With little snow so far, people are taking their daily walks or bike rides on those sunny, windless days.

At Peaks Island Tours we are busy planning for a busy season in 2019.  We’ve ordered a new 8 passenger golf cart.  Our schedule is being revised to include a fourth daily tour in July and August.  Reservations are coming in for both group and individual tours.

Our entire staff thanks you for your support of our efforts to share our unique community and lifestyle with you.  We look forward to serving you again in 2019.

                                                          Kim, Candace, Val, Pete, Jeff, Jon, Fred and Dan