Community Descriptions
Local Business Directory
Classified Real EstateAds
Calais
Baring
Red Beach
Robbinston
History
Border Town
Lighthouses
Pike Milestones
Calais ('cal-lus), was named for the French city of the same spelling (but decidedly different pronounciation), because it is located across the Saint Croix River from Dover Hill in New Brunswick. (Dover, England lies just across the English Channel from Calais, France.)
The first permanent European settlement here was in 1770, although in 1604, geographer Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua, the Sieur de Mons, established a short-lived settlement 8 miles to the south of the downtown, on St. Croix Island in what is now the village of Red Beach. (See more about this settlement at Red Beach, below.)
A former shipping community, Calais has many historic sites, including historic districts and museum -- the Dr. Job Holmes Cottage -- just south of the downtown on U.S. Route 1.
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Calais shares the border with St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, which is just across the St. Croix River. Two bridges connect these two communities, both just off U.S. Route 1. The Ferry Point Bridge is just through the downtown, and the Mill Town Bridge is a few miles to the north on Route 1.
Situated as it is, Calais is one of the busiest border crossings with Canada. If planning to cross the border to or from Calais, be sure to check the Border Crossing information.
The relationship between these Calais and St. Stephen is so close that they celebrate with a multiple-day International Festival each year. There's a parade across the Ferry Point Bridge, and the mayors of both communities shake hands across the border.
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The tiny Whitlock Mill Lighthouse stands guard along the St. Croix Riverbank, just south of town on U.S. Route 1. It can be viewed and photographed from the nearby state roadside park.
Two other small light towers guard the shore a distance down river, on the New Brunswick side. Due to foliage, they're difficult to spot--Have a passenger watch through the wooded area to the opposite shore for red and white stripes near the water.
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U.S. Route 1 south of Calais is marked every mile for the 12 miles from Robbinston by an historic grey granite mileage marker on the eastern side of the road. (The mile 6 marker is a red granite replacement.) Read more about these markers in the Robbinston information.
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Baring is headquarters for the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, which has 16,000+ acres here (and extending into Calais), plus another 6,665 acre unit in Edmunds Township, between Dennysville and Whiting.
In addition to being a refuge, it also serves as a breeding ground for migratory birds, and is a working classroom for studying and managing the American woodcock.
Just south of Baring on U.S. Route 1, at the junction of the Charlotte Road, there are several artificial nesting platforms that for several years have hosted pairs of osprey and American bald eagles.
The National Wildlife Service offers several nature programs for visitors to participate in each summer.
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What's in a Name?
Cranberries!
St. Croix Island
Red Beach gets its name from the red stone found along the shoreline.
Downeast Maine has revived a cranberry industry, and enterpreneurs in Red Beach are participating. Some newly created cranberry bogs promise to bring back a prosperous and delicious crop to the area.
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St. Croix Island International Historic Site lies just off shore. On that island, Samuel Champlain and Pierre Dugua, the Sieure de Mons, set up a fortified, yet short-lived community of explorers in 1604. This was the first European settlement in America north of St. Augustine, Florida.
An international celebration of the 1604 settlement is planned for 2004. For details, visit www.stecroix2004.org .
The explorers were ill prepared for the difficult winter that year, and primarily due to scurvy, 35 of the 79 men died. In the spring, the survivors, accompanied by a supply ship from France, set out for a more hospitable location, settling at Port Royal, near what is now Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Later, Champlain established what was to become Quebec City, Province of Quebec.
In 1613, in an effort to rid the area of non-English settlers, the remains of the original St. Croix Island settlement were burned by Capt. Samuel Argail of Virginia. Afterward, the original French name was forgotten, then becoming known as Dochet Island.
Two centuries later, St. Croix Island was used during the War of 1812 as neutral ground for meetings between warring British and American officials.
In 1857, the U.S. Coast Guard built the St. Croix River Light on the island, but then burned it down in the late 1960s.
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Setting
History
Pike Milestones
Downeast-est
Mill Cove
The last town on the Maine coast, Robbinston looks out to Passamaquoddy Bay, and over to St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. During the summer, it's not unusual to see sailboats plying the bay.
A pleasant roadside park for picnicking, with a boat launch facility, offers a magnificent view of the mouth of the St. Croix River, as well as Passmaquoddy Bay. On the New Brunswick side of the river, the Canadian Federal Biological Station buildings can be seen next to the shore.
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Robbinston was named for two men, Edward and Nathaniel Robbins, who were granted the land in 1786. The town has significant examples of historic architecture, which you can read more about in the Washington County Historic Sites Inventory.
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Every mile for the 12 miles from Mansion House in Robbinston to the main intersection in downtown Calais, there's a grey granite mileage marker on the river side of the road. (The mile 6 marker is red granite.) James Pike placed these stones there circa 1860-1870, to clock his buggy's speed.
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The town is situated at the confluence of the St. Croix River and Passamaquoddy Bay, making Robbinston the furthest "downeast" that one can travel in Maine.
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To the south of the town lies Mill Cove, which is of geological interest. At low tide, one can walk the shore and view the unusual red, soft, "Perry conglomerate" rock cliffs and beach. Quartz is plentiful, and geodes can sometimes be spotted on the beach. Also, the soft stone and tidal action have formed several unusual "tunnels" in the cliffy shore.
A one-mile walk (one way) from the highway brings the visitor to Pulpit Rock, a solitary, picturesque monolith of stone in the intertidal zone.
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Arts | ||
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The Commons Eastport Naturally Wonderful Goods and Events! The Shop-at-the-Commons features 40 selected artisans with work representing "the earth" theme and are displayed in our beautifully renovated waterfront store. One of Eastport's 29 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Commons also has classroom/meeting space and professional office space for rent. Two glorious two-bedroom summer weekly rental apartments overlook the harbor, Campobello Island, and the pristine nature of downeast Maine. Season: All year. |
51 Water St., PO Box 255 Moose Eastport, ME 04631 USA 207-853-4123 |
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Bicycle Rentals | ||
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Sunrise Canoe & Kayak Tours & Rentals since 1996 Guided kayak tours exploring the native American petroglyphs of Machias Bay. Seal and bald eagle sightings are common. 1/2 day tours are scheduled daily June - Sept and conducted in comfortable, stable, two-person kayaks. Prior experience is not required. Families welcome. Canoe, kayak, and Bike rentals by day or week. Delivery service available. Reservations are recommended. |
RR 1 Box 344A Machias, ME 04654 USA 207- 255-3375 Toll Free from U.S. & Canada: 1-877-980-2300 | |
Boat Rentals -- Canoes | ||
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Sunrise Canoe & Kayak Tours & Rentals since 1996 Guided kayak tours exploring the native American petroglyphs of Machias Bay. Seal and bald eagle sightings are common. 1/2 day tours are scheduled daily June - Sept and conducted in comfortable, stable, two-person kayaks. Prior experience is not required. Families welcome. Canoe, kayak, and Bike rentals by day or week. Delivery service available. Reservations are recommended. |
RR 1 Box 344A Machias, ME 04654 USA 207- 255-3375 Toll Free from U.S. & Canada: 1-877-980-2300 | |
Boat Rentals -- Kayaks | ||
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Sunrise Canoe & Kayak Tours & Rentals since 1996 Guided kayak tours exploring the native American petroglyphs of Machias Bay. Seal and bald eagle sightings are common. 1/2 day tours are scheduled daily June - Sept and conducted in comfortable, stable, two-person kayaks. Prior experience is not required. Families welcome. Canoe, kayak, and Bike rentals by day or week. Delivery service available. Reservations are recommended. |
RR 1 Box 344A Machias, ME 04654 USA 207- 255-3375 Toll Free from U.S. & Canada: 1-877-980-2300 |
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Canoeing | ||
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Sunrise Canoe & Kayak Tours & Rentals since 1996 Guided kayak tours exploring the native American petroglyphs of Machias Bay. Seal and bald eagle sightings are common. 1/2 day tours are scheduled daily June - Sept and conducted in comfortable, stable, two-person kayaks. Prior experience is not required. Families welcome. Canoe, kayak, and Bike rentals by day or week. Delivery service available. Reservations are recommended. |
RR 1 Box 344A Machias, ME 04654 USA 207- 255-3375 Toll Free from U.S. & Canada: 1-877-980-2300 | |
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The Commons Eastport Naturally Wonderful Goods and Events! The Shop-at-the-Commons features 40 selected artisans with work representing "the earth" theme and are displayed in our beautifully renovated waterfront store. One of Eastport's 29 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Commons also has classroom/meeting space and professional office space for rent. Two glorious two-bedroom summer weekly rental apartments overlook the harbor, Campobello Island, and the pristine nature of downeast Maine. Season: All year. |
51 Water St., PO Box 255 Moose Eastport, ME 04631 USA 207-853-4123 | |
Crafts, Arts, & Souvenirs | ||
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The Commons Eastport Naturally Wonderful Goods and Events! The Shop-at-the-Commons features 40 selected artisans with work representing "the earth" theme and are displayed in our beautifully renovated waterfront store. One of Eastport's 29 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Commons also has classroom/meeting space and professional office space for rent. Two glorious two-bedroom summer weekly rental apartments overlook the harbor, Campobello Island, and the pristine nature of downeast Maine. Season: All year. |
51 Water St., PO Box 255 Moose Eastport, ME 04631 USA 207-853-4123 |
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Bernardini's Restaurant The "Ristorante" for excellent Italian Dining in the Saint Croix Valley. For Lunch choose a Delicious Home Made Soup or one of many Salads, Sandwiches or Pasta Dishes. For Dinner we Specialize in Superb Chicken and Veal Entreés. Our Desserts are the Best! Open 11-8 Monday - Saturday AAA Approved |
89 Main St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-2237 | |
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Calais Motor Inn |
293 Main St., US-1 Calais, ME 04619 USA -Or- 293 Main St. Calais, ME 04619 US 207-454-7111 Fax: 207-454-8017 | |
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Heslin's 5 1/2 miles south of Calais, Maine, nestled in 60 acres of shorefront on the tidal St. Croix River. |
US Route 1, RR 1 Box 111 Calais, ME 04619 USA -Or- RR 1 Box 111 Calais, ME 04619 US 207-454-3762 Fax: 207-454-0148 | |
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The Sandwich Man Best Little Sub Shop in Maine! 21 years in business under the same ownership. We bake our own fresh wheat & white bread daily. A dozen varieties of delicious sandwiches! We guarantee the Freshest Sandwiches and the Best Price in the St. Croix Valley. |
206 North St., U.S. Route 1 North Calais, ME 04619 USA -Or- 206 North St. Calais, ME 04619 US 207-454-2460 | |
Food--Restaurants & Cafés with Bar | ||
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Redclyffe Shore Motor Inn & Dining Room Overlooks the Beautiful St. Croix River and the Enchanting Passamaquoddy Bay -- Elegant Dining from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm -- Deluxe Accommodations -- InRoom Coffee Machines, King Size Bed or Double Bed -- Satellite TV -- Ocean View from All Rooms -- AAA Rated --Mobil Travel Guide Star Rated. Season: May - October |
U.S. Route 1, P.O. Box 53 Robbinston, ME 04671 USA 207-454-3270 Fax: 207-454-8723 | |
Food--Restaurants--Delivery | ||
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Calais House of Pizza Pizza & Family Restaurant offering...
...in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Takeout & Delivery also available. |
6 Lowell St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-8200 | |
Food--Restaurants--Italian | ||
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Calais House of Pizza Pizza & Family Restaurant offering...
...in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Takeout & Delivery also available. |
6 Lowell St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-8200 | |
Food--Restaurants--Pizzas | ||
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Calais House of Pizza Pizza & Family Restaurant offering...
...in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Takeout & Delivery also available. |
6 Lowell St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-8200 | |
Food--Restaurants--Subs & Sandwiches | ||
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Calais House of Pizza Pizza & Family Restaurant offering...
...in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Takeout & Delivery also available. |
6 Lowell St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-8200 | |
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The Sandwich Man Best Little Sub Shop in Maine! 21 years in business under the same ownership. We bake our own fresh wheat & white bread daily. A dozen varieties of delicious sandwiches! We guarantee the Freshest Sandwiches and the Best Price in the St. Croix Valley. |
206 North St., U.S. Route 1 North Calais, ME 04619 USA -Or- 206 North St. Calais, ME 04619 US 207-454-2460 | |
Food--Restaurants--Take Outs | ||
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Calais House of Pizza Pizza & Family Restaurant offering...
...in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Takeout & Delivery also available. |
6 Lowell St. Calais, ME 04619 USA 207-454-8200 |
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My Favorite Things "For the Young and Young at Heart"
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