A short 1 hour and 15 minute drive from our place in Arundel Maine is a sleepy fishing village called Bailey Island. It’s a dog friendly spot that’s perfect for a day-trip.
With a population of 400, this small island is located in Casco Bay, a part of the town of Harpswell, Maine. Legend has it that in 1742, Timothy Bailey purchased this island for a pound of tobacco and a gallon of rum from William Black who moved to an adjoining town, Orr’s Island.
Bailey Island is home to the only known cribstone bridge in the world made up of rocks, sand and gravel. The unique design allows tides to flow freely through it and boats to easily navigate its narrow passage.
As you enter Bailey Island, you see “Morse Lobster”. A stone’s throw away from it is “The Nubble”, a bait shack used by Lobster fishermen.
Our aim was to view “The Giant’s Steps”, a rock formation on the edge of the island that looks like a large flight of stairs. On our way there, we stopped at Mackerel Cove, a quaint cove filled with boats, fishermen, and small shops.
A short drive later we reached “The Giant’s Stairs”. Our dog Ziggi enjoyed the short hike to the ocean’s edge.
Our final stop was “Land’s End”, a rocky beach at the tip of the island. From there you can faintly see a lighthouse in the distance.
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WeBeTripping Blog 
Loved this post, it was beautiful!! What year was the island purchased with the rum and tobacco?
Loved receiving your email once again. As wanderlust driven world travelers, we too have learned – due to the pandemic – that we have so much to see and love right here in America as well!!
Stay well and looking forward to your next adventure!
Hi Elaine! Good old Timothy Bailey finagled that purchase with rum and tobacco in 1742 – quite a long time ago! Thanks for the encouragement, it is nice to get back into travel mode again.
We are adding this to our list this fall!!! Thanks for sharing!