Sunday, January 11, 2015

In and Around Owls Head Light





English majors may be bothered by the lack of an apostrophe in the name of this beautiful hamlet, but they'll find little else to criticize. Chris and I first visited Owls Head on a rainy day in August of 2013. It's about  4 miles south of Rockland, ME where our vacation rental, Elijah H. Hall House, is located.

The Owls Head Post Office
We were enchanted by the design of the Owls Head Post office and the vacation rental property located above it. We did not stop in next door at the Owls Head General Store on that first trip.  Big mistake!
 
Only later did we learn about the "Seven Napkin Burger" served there. The Food Network voted it the best hamburger in Maine. The burger is delicious and is aptly named although I think five was
the maximum number of napkins we used while eating it.

In summer, the General Store is often crowded with burger aficionados. Our suggestion: phone ahead (207) 596-6038, pick up your order, and eat it in
the picnic area at Owls Head Light.

The lighthouse, constructed in 1826, is worth the undulating trek from the parking area to see it. There are quite a few stairs to climb to get to the top.  But as seen in the photo below, the view is spectacular. Also worth visiting is the gift shop located in the light keeper's home.
 
Spectacular Scenery Surrounds the Lighthouse


During our visit we watched a multitude of sailboats gracefully tacking across the cove at the mouth of Rockland Harbor. Lobster boats from the nearby Owls Head Lobster Company can be seen headed out to sea or bringing in their daily catch. 

The area is great for bird watching. We've watched loons bobbing on the water and heard their distinctive cries. Bald eagles and osprey also inhabit the area.

On the path to the lighthouse, signs lead way to a public beach popular with sea kayakers.  It's great for beach combing as well.


Mary Merriman's Grave

Just before the parking lot at the lighthouse is a small family cemetery. It's easy to miss, but provides a sobering reminder of how difficult life could be in the 1800's. Mary Merriman is buried there. She died in 1876 at just six years and 16 days of age.

Lichens and moss cover many of the tombstones. Some are cracked, others knocked over. But a family's history unfolds as you look at the names and the dates of the departed and see the familial relationships of those buried here.  



There are so many thing to love about Owls Head including beautiful scenery, history, and great food. It's a must see on your Mid Coast Maine Adventure!

Owls Head Lobster Company
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