| Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast of | | | | purposes. In 1858 Fort Georges was constructed and |
| Maine and you may expect to find ocean as far as | | | | armed for the Civil War, Spanish American War, and |
| the eye can see. Instead seemingly endless islands dot | | | | was used to store submarine mines during WWI. |
| the seascape. Sometimes called the calendar islands, | | | | Many opportunities await those looking to enjoy the |
| there is rumored to be an island in the bay for every | | | | islands for their less historical characteristics. |
| day of the year. | | | | Chebeague is the largest of the Casco Bay islands, |
| Stretching from Cape Elizabeth to Cape Small these | | | | and one of the few with a year round population. Ferry |
| islands with their rocky shores and rustic way of life | | | | service takes visitors from Portland or nearby Cousin's |
| define the stereotypical New England coastline. Mostly | | | | Island to the perfect setting for an adventuresome hike |
| uninhabited, they provide a serene escape from | | | | or leisurely bike ride. You can finish the day off with a |
| everyday life. Their natural beauty and their sheer | | | | delicious dinner or nights rest at the breath taking |
| numbers create a place one could visit every day and | | | | Chebeague Inn. Great Diamond Island also offers an |
| still never have completely explored. With an island for | | | | exceptional dining experience at the Diamond's Edge |
| every day of the year there is more than enough | | | | restaurant in Diamond's Cove. Peaks and Long islands |
| shelter from the wind to allow everything from large | | | | both present dining opportunities to their guests and |
| fishing vessels to solo kayaks to roam the bay. While | | | | their proximity to Portland makes them popular tourist |
| sandy beaches are few and far between here, the | | | | attractions. |
| rock strewn shores and miles of nature trails can | | | | If you are looking for a little less populated destination |
| supply a continual source of enjoyment. | | | | then you have literally hundreds of choices. You can |
| If you know where to look the Casco Bay islands will | | | | relax on the beaches of Sand Island, watch the seals |
| also provide a glimpse of Maine maritime history. Being | | | | bask on the rocks of French Island, or setup a |
| located on the eastern most part of the country, these | | | | picturesque camping site on one of the Gosling islands. |
| islands served their time during World War II as bases | | | | Many of these smaller islands will require you to |
| and look outs for German U-Boats. Great towers and | | | | provide your own transportation, but kayak, canoe, sail, |
| forts still remain on Jewel Island, and while mostly | | | | and motor boat rentals all provide easy access. |
| converted to homes now, the military buildings on | | | | Whether you are looking for fine dining, a historical |
| Great Diamond Island are hard to miss. During the war | | | | stroll, or a relaxing day on the beach Casco Bay |
| anti-submarine nets and mines were deployed at | | | | offers something for every visitor and an island for |
| many harbor entrances and the islands took on a front | | | | every day of the year. |
| line role. Even before WWII Casco Bay held military | | | | |