Matthew’s Island Preserve – Eastport, Maine

Matthew’s Island Preserve off the coast of Eastport, Maine in Cobscook Bay protects a 14 acre island and its surrounding water. The island is accessible at low tide and is surrounded by mud flats during this time. We used to camp on the bay when we were kids and once attempted to cross the mud flat to the island which resulted in a very muddy journey sinking up to our knees in spots. We did not realize at the time that there was an easier route from this parking area. There is a small hiking trail on the island. I hope that one day this will become part of the Bold Coast National Seashore if or when it is rewarded with that declaration.

Cony Park – Eastport, Maine

Cony Park, located adjacent to Shackford Head State Park, in Eastport boasts beautiful views of Cobscook Bay, a large pavilion with picnic tables and 3 horseshoe pits. A porta-potty is provided during the summer months. The park can be used for picnics, gatherings and other get togethers. There is also a hand carry boat launch and some historic markers.

Historical placards commemorating Civil War ships on Cony Beach

Part of the Bold Coast which is a potential National Seashore designee

Salmon farms can be viewed offshore

Adjacent to Shackford Head State Park

Old shipyard just outside entrance to park

North Christian Church – Eastport, Maine

My mother was not religious but as a child growing up Eastport during the 1920s she attended this Baptist church. The North Church was built in 1819 for the Free Will Baptist Society. In 1916, during the 100th anniversary of the organization of the church society, a series of stained glass memorial windows created by the Boston studio glass firm of Spence, Bell & Company were installed in the main sanctuary and balcony spaces. For photographs and descriptions of the windows, click here: stained glass windows. With the waning of religion in the 21st century the church became abandoned, thankfully it is currently being repurposed as a function hall and hopefully will be fully restored.

Jonesboro Historic Landmarks Park – Jonesboro, Maine

This small park on US Route 1 in Jonesboro has several historic markers, a small picnic area and a pleasant view of the Chandler River. The park is just a few hundred meters north of Hassey’s Riverside Park.

A green has several historic markers

Military memorial for WW I, WWII and Korea war veterans

Pleasant views of the river

Canopied picnic table available

Hassey’s Riverside Park – Jonesboro, Maine

Schoppee’s Garage was founded circa 1928 by Harrison (Hassey) Schoppee, Schoppee’s Garage was originally on the south side of the Chandler River. When he learned that construction of a new bridge would realign US Route 1 through his business, Hassey floated the garage downriver to his home on Beaver Brook. Once the new bridge was completed, he floated the garage upriver to the north side, now home of Hassey’s Riverside Park located in Jonesboro, Maine.