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In truth, "Hamish" is based upon, structurally, one of the many tiny country towns scattered about the whole of Texas. The community is close-knit, where families have not moved for generations and where outsiders and the locals that did not conform were ostracized. In appearance, however, Hamish takes cues from Campobello Island in New Brunswick territory, off the coast of Maine.
View from New Brunswick bridge
"Lighthouse Island" AKA East Qhoddy Lighthouse
"The Barn" or Roosevelt Cottage
To the left is the "Overlook"
Another view of the "Overlook"
Each picture opens up in the same window - click the back button to return to the blog. For more pictures, go here, which links to Campobello's tourism web site. There you'll find links, information on its founding, how to get there, and so much more. Check it out!
Places of Interest
Hamish High School - home of the Bull...Moose, that is. Their ultimate rivals are the Calais Blue Devils (of Calais, ME), Machias Bulldogs (of Machias, ME), and the Shead Tigers (of Eastport, ME). HHS also operates a weekday boating school, held after hours at the docks.
Side Street Brewery - founded in 1952 in the location of the old post office by lifelong resident Margaret Blanche. SSB brews their own coffees and teas, and all pastries and goodies are homemade family recipes passed down through the Blanche family.
Ruby's Cantina and Inn - hole-in-the-wall bar, restaurant, and inn, frequented by locals year-round. Ruby's Cantina is infamous for its clam chowder and cheese biscuits, as well as its very own blueberry wine and seasonal ales. Designed more for comfort than beauty, Ruby's is filled with mismatched stools, worn-in booths, and reclining chairs by the large stone fireplace, all of which are centered around the bar/kitchen where all the action takes place.
Lighthouse Island - the notorious lighthouse and its keeper's inn are old Hamish history. The lighthouse keepers mysteriously vanished after a storm in October 1902, leaving no trace. Police reports from the investigation state that "they left behind their boots and lamps...their dinner on the table was left untouched." The inn and lighthouse are now a museum.
Other Places of Interest
- Abel's Chocolates
- Confectionery store owned and operated by Abel Pitcher. Number one source for cakes and chocolates!
- The Inn at Hamish
- The oldest inn in town, founded in 1805, was once the home of sea captain S.A. Shaw, who sailed the HMS Colt that carried 75 of the 300 original founders of Hamish, ME. After serious renovations, The Inn was opened in 1963 for business. Owned and operated by the Petit family.
- Camden's Bikes
- Owned by two biking enthusiasts (and twin sisters) Camden and Holly Rivers. Notorious for quick fixes and cheap costs.
- Camden's Auto Repair and Garage
- Operated by Fane Le Blanc and the Rivers' sisters, come in for cheap repairs and great service! While waiting for your repair, check out the Garage, where the Rivers' completed and yet-to-be-finished car and motorcycle projects are on display!
- The Narrows Bank and Trust
- Hamish Crafts and Things
- Want to remember your time in Hamish? Then you want to go here for gifts and goodies to take back home.
- Wicks and Suds
- Manhattan transplant Georgie Howe's "Wicks and Suds" is filled to the ceiling with homemade soaps, lotions, and candles. She may be located near the docks, but she has the best-smelling shop around!
- Greg's Locks and Bolts
- Gregory Coates' family owned and operated business is the place to go for all your security and technical needs.
- Greg's Hardware
- Greg Holt's Hardware Store is the place to go for all your household project and item needs. Greg is also the town's custom cabinet and tile expert.
- Town of Hamish Post Office
- Hamish Cove Whaling and Coastal Tours
- Explore the sights of Hamish Cove, the Narrows, the Bay of Bundy, and much more! Located at the docks, just look for our sign. Year round tours and daily ferries to all nearby localities.
- Slobbery Kisses Pet Emporium
- Go here for all your pets needs. Ask for Louise Shay for pet grooming at the front desk. Located on Main Street.
- Wriggling Seal Gallery
- Fine examples of painting and photo journalism from local Hamish residents. Workshops can be booked through the gallery, ask for Jeanine for further details and availability.
- Kiki's Grocery
- Rugged Country Realty
- Coastal Flowers & Gifts Shoppe
- Whale and Spear Tavern
- Whale and Spear was the town's very first tavern. Dating back to the American Revolution, the tavern has been carefully restored back to its original state. Tours are by appointment only and can be booked through the Hamish Chamber of Commerce website.
- Narrow Tales
- Narrow Tales is the town's official bookstore. If you can't find what you need on the shelves, don't worry. Just ask for owners Mildred or Joe Finch and they'll place your order in a jiffy!
