This East Coast Island Is A Hidden Gem For Couples Seeking An Intimate Getaway
When my husband (then-fiance) and I decided to elope in Maine, we knew we wanted the ceremony to take place on Clark Island. The home of a 124-acre preserve, this amazing U.S. island sits just off Maine's Midcoast in Saint George, connected by a causeway with roots in the 1800s. Visitors can only enter the largely undeveloped swathe of wetlands and forests on foot, but the natural wonders and sense of seclusion make the brief trek worth it.
The romantic allure of this place manifests before even stepping onto the island. The waters of the Atlantic fringe both sides of the granite bridge leading to the preserve, acting as a glittering mirror for the sky above. Shades of white and blue streak the surface in the warmer months, giving way to moody silvers and grays when winter sets in. The shadows of the dark tree line beckon you forward.
No matter the season, a sense of quietude and separation settles over those who cross into this wild place. You and your partner may feel like the only two people in the world, making it easy to understand why Maine is an underrated beach wedding destination. Just off the main road, you'll discover a mix of sand and rocky beaches where you can forage for shells, an ideal memento for your trip, or slip into the ocean on hotter days. From there, delve further into the realm of woodland, vernal pools, and salt marshes on hiking trails spanning four miles.
Linger near Clark Island at the Craignair Inn
While visitors cannot stay the night on Clark Island, the Craignair Inn by the Sea sits just on the other side of the causeway. The building has welcomed guests since the mid-1900s; however, its current caretakers, Greg and Lauren Soutiea, took over the property in late 2018. Its secluded location near the water served as part of the draw for the couple. "It's at the end of a dead-end road," Greg told Mainebiz. "You crest a hill and there's a spectacular ocean view out in front of you."
For our elopement, we stayed in the second-floor Cobble Beach Room. Its attached private balcony faces the causeway, allowing guests to share a quiet drink, gaze over the Atlantic, and bask in the beauty of Clark Island (view pictured above). If you'd prefer not to BYOB, upgrade your stay by arranging to have a bottle of Pinot Noir and a pair of commemorative glasses waiting in your room on check-in. Alternatively, you can patronize the on-site Clark Bar and its selection of beers and cocktails in the early evenings.
Craignair Inn's appropriately named The Causeway Restaurant rounds out the experience. The seasonal menu includes a variety of coastal dishes, many of which feature local ingredients. In the colder seasons, book a table by the fire in the Gallery, which features a rotating selection of works from Maine artists. Or you can claim a spot on the deck for more shimmering ocean views year-round.
Indulge in fine food and breathtaking views in Rockland
About a 20-minute drive from Clark Island, Rockland, a little city on Penobscot Bay, boasts a downtown brimming with food, culture, and shopping. Before your arrival, phone in an order for one or more 4-inch signature cakes (we went with the matcha ginger and honey lavender) from Atlantic Baking Company. Throw in some chowder and sandwiches from Clan MacLaren, and you've got the makings of a seaside picnic.
Continue your Rockland culinary exploration by flirting over seafood and cocktails at North Beacon Oyster. Locals filled this raw bar during our visit on a Wednesday in early November, a testament to the quality of its kitchen and bar. The menu changes occasionally, but you can't go wrong with oysters and the cioppino. The latter features mussels, shrimp, squid, haddock, and crab in a tomato-fennel broth, which you can soak up with the included side of fresh bread.
A romantic Maine getaway needs a lighthouse or two. Leave Rockland's Main Street behind in favor of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse (pictured). The attraction waits at the edge of a nearly 1-mile walkway that extends into Rockland Harbor. Depending on the weather, you can watch boats and other vessels sail past or catch a glimpse of seals. Consider stopping by the Owls Head Lighthouse on your return to Clark Island. Both would make excellent spots for a proposal or a cinematic kiss that will leave you eager to plan your next East Coast couples trip.