SOMES HARBOR

44° 21.68’N 068° 19.60’W

4th ed. Cruising Guide page 312

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Charts: 13312, 13318

Chart Kit: 74, 23

Mount Desert region overview chart Somes Sound Chart Chart

THE LITTLE village of Somesville is a quiet backwater at the northwest end of Somes Sound that seems to have changed little since a cooper, Abraham Somes, brought his family here from Gloucester in 1761, starting the first permanent settlement on Mount Desert Island. In its heyday, seven mills, five shipyards, and four blacksmith shops crowded the little town. Attractive old white clapboard homes still line the main street; then there is a gas station, the Masonic Hall, and suddenly there’s the blinking light and you’re out of town.
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Somes Harbor is snug and well protected, open only through the narrow entrance to the south. There is no commercial activity in the harbor, and it is thoroughly restful and charming.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Approaches. Somes Sound is deep and clear almost until you reach the end. Leave nun “6,” marking Myrtle Ledge, to starboard. Then pass through the narrow entrance west of Bar Island, leaving cans “7” to port. Can “9” was removed in a cost-cutting measure.
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Anchorages, Moorings. Anchor north and east of can “9” in 15 to 20 feet of water at low. Holding ground is good. Or somebody might direct you to a vacant mooring. Bar Island breaks the wind and gives Somes Harbor excellent protection.
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Getting Ashore. Take your dinghy in to the float and dock on the west side of the harbor. This private landing is maintained by the nonprofit Somesville Landing Corp. (288-4661) to provide access to the harbor for Somesville residents. They welcome contributions, which are tax deductible.
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For the Boat. There are no facilities in Somes Harbor itself. If you need repairs, try one of the Somes Sound boatyards listed earlier.
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For the Crew. The gravel road leads to Route 102. Turn left to reach the pretty little village of Somesville, with a white-clapboarded library, the Somesville Museum of the MDI Historical Society, and the wonderful Port in a Storm bookstore clustered around an old mill pond.
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If you turn right on Route 102 instead, a half-mile walk will bring you to the One Stop, a gas (and diesel) station and major convenience store with extensive groceries, less extensive vegetables, a liquor store, and a Subway franchise. A pay phone, propane exchange, and Fed Ex and UPS boxes are outside. A bank and the post office are across the street.
COPYRIGHT 2002 DIAMOND PASS PUBLISHING
Things to Do. The free Island Explorer shuttle buses stop here and can take you anywhere on Mount Desert Island. Check at The Port in a Storm Bookstore (244-4114) for stops and times. They often have readings or talks by authors in the evenings. If the tide is high, you can bring your dinghy right to the back of the bookstore.
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People looking for something to do on a rainy day have been known to pack the little library in Somesville. Staffed soley by volunteers, it is open only on Wednesday from 1:00 pm - 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2:00 pm., or the even tinier Somesville Museum next to the millpond.
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If it is sunny, head for a dip in Somes Pond. Cross the street south of Port in a Storm and follow Oak Hill Road for half a mile.
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The Acadia Repertory Theatre (244-7260) produces thrillers, drama, and farce in the Masonic Hall at the south end of town. As of this summer, The Arcady Music Festival is no longer playing regularly at the Somesville Union Meeting House, but the public is welcome to visit the church or attend its services.BROUGHT YOU THIS INFORMATION. BUY THE GUIDE!

Special thanks to C.H. Breedlove for the above corrections.