Last weekend it was so beautiful out, the HH and I hopped in the car and went for a drive. We ended up at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine and my oh my was it ever beautiful. If you’re planning to visit the great state of Maine at some point, be sure and put the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine on your list!
It would be the perfect backdrop to enjoy a picnic lunch and explore the lighthouse museum during the summer months when it’s open.
The upkeep and restoration of the lighthouse and park are funded solely by visitor donations {$3 is the suggested amount per visit}.
The lighthouse is actually owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is licensed to the American Lighthouse Foundation. Friends of Pemaquid Point {which is one of the 21 chapters of the Foundation} operates the lighthouse. Friends of Pemaquid Point member docents open the lighthouse for tours from mid-May to mid-October.
What a beauty!
“The lighthouse was commissioned in 1827 by President John Quincy Adams and built that year. Because of poor workmanship (salt water was used in the mortar mix), the lighthouse began to crumble and was replaced in 1835. The second contract for the construction stipulated that only fresh water be used. Keeper Isaac Dunham oversaw the construction and wrote in a letter to the US Lighthouse Establishment that the agreement was upheld and the work went well.”
“The original light was an Argand-Lewis parabolic reflector, lit with candles and with a visibility of 2 miles (3.2 km). Augustin Fresnel invented a superior way of focusing light in the early 1850s and most lighthouses in the US were converted to the Fresnel Lens, with Pemaquid Point receiving a fourth order Fresnel in 1856. The lens is one of only six Fresnel lenses still in service in Maine.[4] The keeper’s house was built in 1857.” ~Wikipedia
There’s even a coin operated view finder so you can get a better look at Monhegan Island from the shore. It’s about 10 miles out from the lighthouse but it’s easy to spot on a clear day {I didn’t get a picture of Monhegan, but did get a few of the beautiful coastline}.
Have I told you how much I LOVE living in Maine?
There is SO MUCH to do and see here. I feel like I haven’t even touched the tip of the iceberg yet.
Wishing you all the best on this beautiful February morning,
~Mavis
Lisa Rostocki says
One of my favorite places in Maine the lighthouse and grounds are absolutely beautiful any time of year. Glad you got to visit it and enjoyed it!
Karen says
Fantastic!! Enjoy every day! So different than how you used to live.
Look what I found on your website link, ha ha, needs updating for sure: I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids, and a flock of pet chickens.
Kari says
I love this! Maine is super high on my travel wish list. For now I get to live vicariously through you. Thanks for the wonderful pictures.
Jeanine says
I have been there…it was beautiful! We also had lunch at the small gift shop/snack bar. We really enjoyed the tour. The fisherman’s museum was quaint and you were able to go up into the lighthouse; Very narrow steps! Go back in the summer!
Sue says
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
Mavis, you have found your paradise.
I find myself reading everything I can on Maine, one place I haven’t visited.
Have to say we are having beautiful blue skies here in Alabama and in the 70 temp wise.
Kris R says
Thank you for this post! So beautiful.
Blowing snow in Eastern Oregon today. I KNOW spring must be just around the corner.
Kyrie-Inn Blue says
been there! scattered a dear friend’s ashes there in 2011. there’s a fab lobster shack there also, but no idea what the name was and guessing it may have been closed for the season/plague. nice beds and breakfasts there as well if you’re feeling like staying over a night!
Val Cloutier says
The Seagull Restaurant and Gift Shop burnt down in the fall of 2020, but they are rebuilding. My guess is that they will be reopening by Memorial Day 2022…
Carolina Cooper says
I hope you put the Monhegan Island light house/museum on your list for summer. Whether you are a day tripper, or stay overnight, you won’t regret it!!! If you come in early June or late September, there are not a lot of people from “away” (not from Maine, aka tourists). Monhegan has a one room school house, tiny library, post office, general store, high cliffs (Black Head and White Head) and in Cathedral Woods you can admire the fairy houses—or build you own. I think you and the HH would love it—and getting there on the boat is half the fun–especially from Port Clyde.
Nancy says
Pemaquid Point and the whole New Harbor area is wonderful. The Lobster Pound in New Harbor would be right up your alley. Once they’re running again, the Hardy Boat tours that take you out to see puffins and the nearby coast are well worth doing, especially the sunset boat. And the little restaurant next to the lighthouse serves the best breakfasts ever!
Val Cloutier says
Nancy- the Seagull Restaurant & Gift Shop burnt down in October 2020, but they are rebuilding and hope to be open by Memorial Day 2022.
Betta from daVille says
There is an art gallery with all local artists on the grounds as well (only open during summer).
Did you go to the local grocery in New Harbor (Reilly’s)? I think you would like it, and the woopie pies that they sell are the bomb!
Mavis Butterfield says
Now, I didn’t see it. I’ll have to put it in my list for when Mrs. HB comes to visit.
Paul Leeman says
One of the most beautiful places on earth. To be clear, the lighthouse park, including grounds and the keepers house is property of the Town of Bristol, and is managed by the Bristol Parks and Recreation. The coast guard only owns the tower, which the town hopes to obtain one day.
Pam Natole says
We live in central Maine but this is our favorite coastal destination! We have rented the “lighthouse keepers” apartment 2 different times for short stays, amazing views from up there!
Anne Marie Heffernan says
Been going there since the early 50’s. Mother started going in the 30’s and started taking us as kids. Lots of great memories there.
Marina says
It’s a beautiful lighthouse with the best views regardless of the seasons. I live 15 min away. My husband and I go there with a thermos with coffee to catch the spectacular sunrise. We got married here and our wishes is to have our ashes spread in the beautiful waters that surround this Maine jewel. I was told that the back of the Maine quarter ($.25) is actually Pemaquid Point.