Keys to Maine Cottage is a cozy 2 bed-1 bath cottage on a quiet camp road on a private peninsula with a view of Back Bay from the living room and kitchen room! Nestled among balsam, pines, and white birch trees, this cozy retreat offers gorgeous views of the bay where eagles soar and seals visit and is situated so each glorious and breathtaking sunset is yours. This peace-filled getaway is only a few miles from town but feels like a million miles from anywhere.
Keys to Maine’s proximity to the ocean lends gracious views of the water. The main cottage is situated across the camp lane from the water. There is a waterfront fire pit area and picnic table located across the lane as well as a separate guest bunk-house. Enjoy days or evenings at the fire pit reading, drawing, telling stories or just taking in the view. If you have invited a couple of friends for a visit, your extra guests can stay in the bunk-house. Electricity is provided in the bunk-house, but no water or plumbing.
The waterfront fire pit area is an enticing place to read, reflect, or relax with friends and family. Take in the sea breezes and view lobster boats in the distance. Back Bay’s circadian-like tides swing over 14 feet, their ebb and flow a great reminder of the sea’s power and delightful to watch. At low tide, when the mud flats are exposed, local wormers and clammers will venture out for a hard day’s work with skids in tow, a marvel worthy of respect at the Downeaster’s ingenuity.
When the sun leaves Keys to Maine aglow and its orange rays and dappled pinks bounce off her white birches, no one is left wanting. The moon will rise above the bay and thousands of seemingly touchable stars light the inky sky. Moreover, from time to time, the vaporous aurora borealis can be a special visitor.
The main cottage at Keys to Maine offers a queen bed in each of two bedrooms. The bunk-house provides two full sized beds. A fully functional & quaint kitchen with gas stove/oven and full size refrigerator opens to the living room where a large front window affords guests a gorgeous water view of the bay. The two bedrooms in the main cottage and the bunk-house allow two to three couples or a small family to enjoy Keys to Maine’s numerous amenities. (SPECIAL NOTE: the bunk house is not available for the 2025 season.) A comfortable couch and two rocking chairs in the living room are nearly irresistible. The dining area in the kitchen offers water view and can be expanded to seat 4 with ease. Additional seating for two can be found at a small table in the living room. There is a picnic table and a double Adirondak chair next to the fire pit. Additional amenities at Keys of Maine include Internet access, washer, dryer, Smart TV, and microwave.
Should you desire to venture into the village of Milbridge, there is a marvelous breakfast and fantastic Downeast food at the Milbridge House. Offering real blueberry pancakes (August is the Blueberry Festival in Machias 40 mins away) and mouthwatering homemade deserts (Chocolate cream, pumpkin, and lemon meringue pie are just a few) or if you get there after 10:45 fresh off the dock seafood - crab, lobster, and melt in your mouth scallops - are yours for a fair price. Hurry, though - these lovely women go home at 2pm and they are closed Mondays.
Lunch or dinner may be enjoyed at 44 North, directly across the road from the Milbridge House. Local Maine fare, and other yummy options are served here. Or sample some authentic Mexican food at Vazquez Take-Out, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
After you’re sated, walk over to the Milbridge Museum and Gallery just to view the really old days of Milbridge past. Or, ride your bikes to McClellan Park (about 4 miles from town center - Automobile Parking/Entry is free, bathrooms are available and camping has a nominal fee). Once there, you’ll walk through the dark balsam fragrant woods which open suddenly to wide vistas of open ocean and wave after wave of crashing salt sprays on deep pink granite crevices and mighty glacial bedrock.
If you have a craving for a sandy beach, bring your pail and shovel, hop in the car and drive to Corea about 30 minutes south in the town of Gouldsboro. Park along the street at your own risk as there is no real parking, but it’s a short walk to your sand filled destination.
While you are in Corea, check out Chapter Two, a” humbly sophisticated kick ass gallery” (their words but totally true) filled with amazing work from local artists. Rosemary’s rugs are delightful and Garry’s honed taste fills the place with never before seen treasures. PLUS, there is a fantastic used book barn out back where the prices are obscenely low and the eclectic choice makes picking phenomenal fun. (On the lone road into Corea, look up on the pole about midway for the mating-pair osprey nest :-)
When the beach and sand and sun have filled you to the brim, a few miles away the town of Winter Harbor has a sweet old fashioned “five and dime” hardware store. Bring the kids and rediscover what a tiny toy store should be. Games, books, Jacob’s Ladder, and of course kitchenware, hardware, newspapers etc. Next door, there is an antique store and some local artists works in shops across from the public library.
When leaving Gouldsboro, go by way of the Acadia National Park Schoodic Peninsula section. The Schoodic Peninsula is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the sea, it is quintessential Maine and worth the trip. The 10 mile, one-way ring road boasts some of the most painted and photographed ocean views, and is a perfect biking trip as well. Park your vehicle at the Wrinkled Pickle in Birch Harbor and ride to the park’s entrance at the bottom of the hill and enjoy one of the most beautiful rides in America. When you’ve put your bikes back on the rack, go into the Wrinkled Pickle and have a cold one. Check out this hot spot, everything from pool tournaments, horseshoe tournaments, to jazz depending on the night.
Happily exhausted, drive the quiet Route 1 back to Milbridge and Keys to Maine Cottage. Make a note to stop at that little antique place on the right as you’re leaving Gouldsboro. It’s a tiny shop with a gregarious friendly owner and worth a browse of collectibles and vintage used Maine items. Note to self: make room for a wine tasting at The Bartlett Estate Winery, a bit tricky to find but worthy of your time.
Stop at the grocery store/hub of Milbridge - Bayside. Pick up ice, water, and food You can also buy wine, spirits, or beer here. The Bayside has everything (but the breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and cranberry orange muffins are to-die-for).
Now home at Keys to Maine, you’ll find a full size washer and dryer for your salty clothes and towels. There’s a tub and a shower too. Relax. Sit down with a book or draw in the sea air at the fire pit area across the lane. Decide that the smart TV and your favorite Netflix show can wait and watch the stars make their entrance. Enjoy now.
Bring your artistic self and find your muse in this delightful dwelling. We’re so glad to have you as our guests.
Keys to Maine allows well-behaved, small dogs (limit of 2 dogs; one dog 25 lbs or less or 2 dogs with a combined weight of 50 lbs). Sorry, no puppies, cats or other pets. A separate, non-refundable pet fee of $100.00 is charged to all renters bringing dogs.
Absolutely, NO smoking is permitted.
Waterfront bunk house available for an additional fee of $300.00/week (plus tax). Sleeping arrangements for 2 additional guests. (SPECIAL NOTE: the bunk house is not available for the 2025 season.)
A separate cleaning fee of $150.00 is charged on all rentals.
