Things To Do Near Surry, Ellsworth, and Hancock, Maine

While the big draw near our properties is typically Acadia and Bar Harbor on Mt. Desert Island, there’s a lot more to the area. As a part of our effort to provide you with a local’s insights into our neck of Maine, we’ll make some suggestions for great activities and opportunities close to your beautiful vacation rental that won’t be swamped with the crowds of Bar Harbor.

Things To Do In And Near Surry, ME

Nature Hikes and Beaches

Surry is a quiet, small community located between Ellsworth and Blue Hill, ME. There are quite a few things to do in town in nature, from visiting the beautiful Newbury Neck Beach to hiking the Surry forest or Carter Nature Preserve.  If you don’t mind beading South to Blue Hill, there’s a pretty extensive network of trails maintained by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust. There’s also the local favorite beach, Newbury Neck Beach in Surry.  It’s a stony beach, great for walks, a picnic, or to let the kids swim for an afternoon. 

If there’s anything you need during your stay, there’s also the Surry General Store with an eclectic and broad selection of wares from chainsaws to kitchen pans to playing cards.  It’s not a grocery, but their interesting selection might make for an entertaining browse.

Things To Do In And Near Ellsworth, ME

Hiking and Parks

Ellsworth has a few good hiking options. Specifically, the Indian Point Trail is an easy hiking trail for the whole family with a picnic area at the end for a delightful couple of hours in nature with the family.  THere’s also a Frenchman Bay preserve in Ellsworth, Jordan Homestead Preserve.  This offers more hiking and conserved natural space to enjoy.  For a more tamed green space, consider visiting the Ellsworth Harbor Park, a small park right on the water by Ellsworth’s marina.

Activities and Museums

There are quite a few more things to do in Ellsworth and nearby Trenton than in some of the smaller towns nearby.  Perhaps the most Maine feature is Timber Tina Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show, which runs all summer long.  It’s fun and entertainment for the whole family with a Maine twist.

If you want to be more active, there’s a full 18-hole disc golf course nearby called Acadia Disc Golf and a large indoor rock climbing facility called Volta Rock Climbing.  This latter option also has classes in rock climbing and yoga, a great place to take the kids on a rainy day!

For a quieter outing, consider the Woodlawn Museum & Gardens.  Their house tours and gardens offer a classy and enjoyable afternoon excursion in the summer.

Shopping Near Ellsworth, ME

Discover a unique shopping experience in Ellsworth, offering a mix of antiques, collectibles, art, and more! With various shops to explore, you’ll find treasures to take home.

  • Old Creamery Antique Mall: A family-owned and operated antique mall in Ellsworth, offering a personal touch and a wide range of antiques.
  • 1A Relics: Explore 80+ vendors across 4 levels, showcasing antiques, collectibles, and more for every occasion.
  • SevenArts: A cooperative gallery featuring local artists, including works in pastels, watercolor, mixed media jewelry, and woodwork.
  • Atlantic Art Glass: Visit Ken and Linda Perrin’s glassblowing studio and gallery, where you’ll find original contemporary glasswork for sale.
  • The Dream Catcher: A 3-story antiques and collectibles group shop with over 80 vendors, located in the historic H.C. Austin Building.
  • Acadia Crossing: The largest open-air shopping center in the Downeast region, featuring a Home Depot, Walmart Supercenter, and more.

Things To Do In And Near Hancock, ME

Hikes, Beaches, and Cold Smoked Salmon

Hancock is where the Frenchman Bay Conservancy is based, and one of their crowning projects, Tidal Falls, is just down the street from our Seven Bells Cottage Property. If you’re in the mood for a beach, Carter’s Beach is a local favorite, with a great walking trail and a nice beach for sunbathing or swimming.

Want some of the best, freshest salmon lox around? Sullivan Harbor Farm sells cold-smoked salmon raised domestically.  It’s a great stop to stock up on lox for breakfast bagels.