THE TIDEWATER
an inn like no other
The Tidewater was built by Pat and Bud Crossman, grandparents of Sarah, the current manager, almost 50 years ago in the site of a former grist mill. Perched on a bridge, the tide raced beneath the building on its way to Carver's Pond on the other side of the road. Twelve hours later, it rushes back out. The result? A steady peaceful burble to an almost thundering roar taking place just beneath your room as the tide races from place to place. As Sarah's Dad, Phil, says,
"Twice a day, all the water in the Atlantic heads for the Tidewater. Why? Come see for yourself."
Every room has its own private bath. In your room, you will find crisp white sheets on your comfortable bed, a restful and relaxing color scheme, free (though limited depending on demand and weather) wifi, and a Smart TV. There is a fan in your room, to supplement the ocean breeze from the rooms that enjoy private balconies .
Several of our rooms ARE pet-friendly. Please call us with your dates and we can let you know which available rooms allow furry friends.
OUR SERVICES
The Gathering Place
The heart of the Tidewater, The Gathering Place is a communal space where breakfast is served from 6-10:30 each morning from Memorial Day to Indigenous People's Day. It is also a space to enjoy the game and book library as well as home to a collection of toys for our younger guests.
The Patio
​
Throughout the summer, the patio morphs into many things: join us for a lobster feed, a wine tasting, occasional live music, or just a quiet contemplation of the adjacent turbines, once used to power the grist mill.
​
Packages
​
The Tidewater can arrange everything to make your visit spectacular: summer camps, babysitters, nights out on the town, dinner reservations, boat rides, kayaking, hiking, visits to North Haven, just to name a few.
​
Shuttle
​
We are happy to pick you up at the ferry, drop you off, or bring you to one of our favorite nearby hikes. Both swimming quarries are also on our route, as is the Basin, where we recommend visiting to kayak or canoe while visiting with the seals that frequent that spot!
Breakfast
Freshly brewed coffee, tea, hard boiled eggs, blueberry muffin bread, an assortment of fruit, yogurt, English muffins, bagels, and condiments will greet you each morning in the Gathering Place Memorial Day to Indigenous People's Day from 6-10:30.
Lobster Dinners
When in Maine, eat lobster! On Monday evenings, we host lobster bakes for our guests. Reservations are required and include a full lobster dinner (one lobster, cole slaw, corn, a baked potato, butter, and homemade pie) served in the Gathering Place or on our patio.
GALLERY
THINGS TO DO
Eats
From food trucks to fine dining to farm suppers, there is something for everyone between the islands of Vinalhaven and North Haven. Getting to our sister island is a bit of an adventure but always worth a visit. For more information about offerings, visit our "Where to Eat page here.
Hiking
The Vinalhaven Land Trust is a true treasure of Vinalhaven. This organization tirelessly protects wild areas for us all to enjoy for future generations. We're happy to suggest some favorites to explore during your stay. Make sure to check out their app, which provides all kinds of helpful info: VHtrails on the app store.
Flea Market
Held each Saturday morning from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the flea is an event not to be missed. From fresh produce to souvenirs to refreshments to art to all manner of treasures. You never know what you'll find at the flea!
Kayaking
Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board from the Tidewater to experience another side of Vinalhaven. We'll drop you and your boats off at the location of your choice (we recommend the Basin or Mill River). Swim, picnic, watch the seals, relax, and renew.
Swimming
​
One of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day is to jump off a granite cliff into the crystal clear water at one of the two public swimming quarries on Vinalhaven. Each is only about a mile or so away from the Tidewater.
So much more...
​
Vinalhaven has something for everyone; from shopping and eating to relaxation and adventures, we can't think of any reason NOT to make Vinalhaven the place for your next vacation. We look forward to seeing you then!
GUEST REVIEW
Sarah Crossman has spent most of her adult professional life in the service industry, both on Vinalhaven and elsewhere. Sarah’s family has owned and operated The Tidewater for nearly 50 years so when her Dad, Phil, started thinking about retirement, Sarah jumped at the chance to learn the ropes. Born on the island, and raised in Connecticut, she worked by her Dad’s side for several years before taking over in October of 2018. She loves food, travel, and connecting with new people..
Sarah has two children , two cats, and one small, neurotic dog. She and the staff of The Tidewater look forward to welcoming you to Vinalhaven.