JONESPORT- Traditionally known as a fishing community, Jonesport lies along one of the last undeveloped coastlines in New England. The 12-mile peninsula looping off U.S. Rt. #1, is situated between the Bar Harbor-Acadia National Park Region and the renown Campobello Island, home of the Roosevelt Cottage. Surrounded by popular tourist stops, Jonesport is not to be confused with the usual summer crowds and long lines of traffic.

While the town does not boast of outlet malls and amusement parks, visitors are left with a lasting impression of hard-working Downeasters and what their hidden community has to offer.

Tucked between homes and businesses you will discover a variety of downeast traditions. The way of life here is flavored by the locals and those “from away”. Dotting the shoreline are boat building shops, wharves, and a public access marina. At every turn you can catch a glimpse of the Moosabec Reach, hear the sound of lobster boats and smell the fresh salt air! If you desire to explore by sea your options are plenty. Kayak rentals are available as well as charter boats and guided tours. Maybe even by chance, a local fisherman could be convinced to have you aboard for the day.

On land, walk the nature trails of the 1,579 acre Great Wass Island Nature Conservancy. Visit the model railroad exhibit or the award-winning decoy gallery. Find just what you’ve been looking for at one of the antique shops or buy flowers and gifts at the local florist. Fresh baked goods and garden produce can be found at the farmer’s market located in the center of town. The public library offers you the chance to relax with a book by your favorite author. Stops at the post office, local banks and coffee shops are sure ways to make new acquaintances, hear the downeast accent, and get the latest weather forecast.

If you are planning more than a day trip, choose a site at the public campground, rent a private cottage or make arrangements for lodging at one of the local bed and breakfasts. Satisfy your appetite with a variety of fresh seafood, takeout orders, or have dinner at a fine dining restaurant.

Once experienced, you will be captured by the warmth of the community and the beauty that nature has designed. It is likely that Jonesport will once again be your destination for a memorable day or vacation. And who knows, perhaps it will be your “home-away-from-home” or someday even be HOME itself.

 

Year 'round population, now well-leavened with out-of-state romantics, is about 1,500 with perhaps another 2-3,000 visitors "from away" arriving in the summer season to laze along the tide lines and dine on the toothsome crustaceans of local fame. Winter temperatures and snowfall are moderate along the coast and summer climate is ideal by all standards.

The township's land area, 2 square miles or so, is a peninsula into the Gulf of Maine and has a town road along its perimeter which loops down from U.S. Rte. 1 and offers the most appealing blue-water scenes at every turn. Most residences lie along this road, Rt. #187, either on the shore or on the island side which is more often than not undeveloped woodlands and berry lands, home to beaver, bear, deer, moose, bald eagle, partridge, woodcock, and other native friends.

A part of Washington County, Jonesport Township is some 15 miles from county seat Machias, (Match-i-as), hub of area business, with shopping, restaurants, Downeast Community Hospital, town library, the University of Maine at Machias, and a lively mix of students, tradesman, transients, and just folks. Famed Campobello Island is a short distance away, and the Canadian border at Calais/St. Stephen, Gateway to the Maritime Provinces, is less than an hour's drive.

Once experienced, the community's charm, sense of freedom and the friendly warmth of the hard-working Downeasters leave a lasting impression. Many who visit return to stay.

Jonesport Realty can assist you with pre-qualifying for your home or land purchase and guide you through the bank financing procedure. Click the links above for the latest in local bank mortgage rates.