Cohills Inn - A Summer Adventure
The thermometer reads 14 degrees and a thin sheet of ice covers the ground. Chicago is blanketed with more than a foot of snow, and folks in New England have as much as 4 feet of packed powder at their doorsteps. With the harsh winter blanketing much of the of the United States, it is time to begin thinking about your 2011 summer vacation. If your goal is to find a unique place, one where you can both relax and enjoy adventure, then you might want to consider Cohill's Inn situated on the most north eastern part of the states, Lubec Maine.
Lubec, a quaint, somewhat eclectic hamlet is located on the border of U.S and Canada, surrounded on 3 sides by water. The cold seas from the Atlantic push on one side, while the huge tides of the Bay of Fundy push on another. The ebb and flow of these powerful waters rush by Lubec twice a day in the Lubec narrows, rapidly moving up and out of the majestic Canadian Maritimes. The history of Lubec is traditional for this part of the country, it was once a booming fishing and canning destination that over time has slowly re-defined itself into a vintage tourist location for those seeking something off the overcrowded beaten path of traditional Maine destinations.
Cohill's Inn sits at the doorstep of all this action, atop a small knoll overlooking the Lubec narrows and the entrance to the Canadian maritimes. From the dining room and Irish Pub you can sit and watch the powerful forces of this moving water rush in and out daily, the seals playing in the powerful eddy lines and the gulls and eagles cruising for dinner. The small fishing community and summer sailers moor their boats right at the edge of the water and the town of Eastport sits within easy view.
The inn, owned and run by Jack and Ellen provides all the essentials for a relaxing and adventurous vacation. The inn not only provides stellar accommodations, but the food is fantastic and the Guiness is the best in town. Using Cohills as your home base you have access to world class Kayaking of all levels. With the water virtually at your doorstep, you can explore the calm waters of the maritimes, test your fast water skills in the 8 knt current found in the narrows, or work your way out to the Atlantic and the amazing bold coast of Maine. The bold coast is some of the the roughest shore line found in Maine with towering cliffs and huge rock formations that are only exposed at the bottom of a 18 foot tide.
If you are into other activities, the cycling possibilities are limitless. Crossing the narrows onto Campobello Island (be sure and bring your ID), provides you the opportunity to step back into time and tour one of the more interesting pieces of US/Canadian history. Campobello has a rich a storied history as a fishing village and a summer resort for the rich. Made famous by the Roosevelt family, the island now offers visitors a chance to tour the home where President Roosevelt spent his summers; visit the West Quoddy Head Light house, where finback whales are right in sight; and hop on a boat for a great whale watching experience. You also have direct access to boat services that will take you and your bike to places such as Eastport, St. Michael, and Grand Manan, all of which provide for excellent adventure touring opportunities.
Hikers have almost instant access to the hiking paths that have been constructed along the edge of the Bold Coast, the rugged, wind swept coast where the Atlantic meets the shore. Here, where sea and land meet you find 9.8 miles of winding path that lead you from the famed Quoddy Head light house to the small fishing village of Culter, home to one of the largest antenae farms in the world. For those interested in camping or backpacking, the trail offers the ability to hike in, stay at designated camp sites and then hike back out, providing you with a wonderful opportunity to get in a single night of primitive camping If you are in need of an even bigger hiking or biking fix, you are only a short drive from the 100 mile wilderness area, the end point of the Appalachian Trail or the more popular and much more visited, Acadia National Park.
Nature lovers have access to shore lines that are home to migrating birds and whale lovers can hop on a boat right at the town dock and head out for the time of their life. The Bay of Fundy waters are home to the endangered Wright Whale and the second largest whale in existence, the Finback. Tour boats almost guarantee multiple close encounters with the slow moving Finback, providing you with an up close and personal encounter with some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Photography lovers will find the entire area a rich palette in which they can hone their skills, with several professionals conducting week long workshops all throughout the summer months.
After a long day of activity, returning to the Inn you will be greeted with warm smiles, bowls of peanuts, a great pour of Guinness and some of the best Sheppard pie you have ever tasted. Jack and Ellen are sure to make you feel warm and welcome and when the weather is right, a relaxing sit on the new outdoor deck that overlooks the narrows is a great place to kick back, soak in the energy of the water, and reflect on your amazing day and the beauty and simplicity of this little hamlet in the north.
You can learn more about Cohill's Inn at their website, www.cohillsinn.com and the town of Lubec at www.visistlubec.com and all the 2011 BiCentennial celebration plans. More images of the region can be viewed here.