Northeast Harbor is a tight, very protected harbor, providing easy access to the east side of MDI. Southwest Harbor, in comparison, is quite rolly, with swells from the ocean and large wakes from boats.
The town does not offer as much as SW Harbor, but the parklands, trails, and gardens located close by make a stop in NE Harbor a must.
The city operated marina has few docks, but many moorings interspersed with commercial and private moorings. Moorings are the preferred system in Maine for "parking" a boat due to deep water and the fact that floating docks have to be removed from the water in the winter.
For access to the town and the island, the marina has a designated dinghy dock.
One that is always overfilled with some dinghies that seemingly never move. But, it is your access to land.
The main attraction in NE Harbor is the closeness to Asticou Landing, Asitcou Terraces, Thuya Lodge, and the Thuya Gardens. This 140 acre property was the summer home of Joseph Curtis from 1880 until 1928. Curtis was a landscape architect and used his talents and skills in creating a place of immense beauty.
When Curtis died, he gave the property to a foundation to manage and make accessible to residents and visitors. Charles Savage, a local landscape designer, was appointed trustee, serving for 37 years. Savage continued to enhance the gardens and developed a large collection of botanical references that are displayed in the house. The talents of these two men continue to bring beauty and joy to visitors.
Asticou Landing is on the opposite side of the harbor from town and is still maintained, making for a nice landing for dinghies. A walk up the ramp, across the street, brings waterborne visitors to the beginning of the Asticou Terraces. Large blocks of granite create a staircase up the side of Elliot Mountain and to the plateau where the house and gardens are set.
Thuya Lodge is rustic in architecture with natural wood walls and ceiling. The original furnishings remain in the home, adding to the historical accuracy. The biggest change is the addition of hundreds of volumes of botanical books.
The entrance to the gardens, behind the lodge, is guarded by a most ornate gate.
Thuya Gardens consist of large areas shaped by evergreens and beds full of flowering plants.
Exiting one of the back gates, the path leads to trails continuing up Elliot Mountain, across the mountain ridge, to Jordan Pond.
Looking north over Jordon Pond with the twin mountains, known as the Bubbles, standing in the background. So many more hiking trails beckon.
