Pilgrim’s Inn
Maine’s coast is a treasure trove of relics from the past that continue to awe and inspire people. Many of these landmarks are lighthouses, forts, and even the infrastructure of a particular town. For Deer Isle, located on the western end of Downeast, one of the historical points of the area is a building that sits just off of Main Street as one heads to the lower section of Deer Isle.
Pilgrim’s Inn is an absolutely gorgeous four-story building painted in a rich red with black window trim. The Inn itself dates back as far as the 1790s, when it was originally a family home for the people who constructed it. The building has been used for slightly different purposes throughout its 230 years on the island, but at its core it has been a place for travelers to stay since the late 19th century.
The current owners, Scott Hall and Nicole Neder, purchased the Inn in 2017. They were looking for a change of pace, and decided that the best place to be is where they would go if they were on vacation! Moving to gorgeous Deer Isle, Scott and Nicole purchased the building and have operated it since.
Though the inn has had some updates over the years, Scott and Nicole have honored its history by keeping the aesthetic grounded in the 18th century. The rooms are beautifully rustic yet modern at the same time. All of them have excellent views of the water, giving guests the perfect Maine lodging experience.
In addition to cozy rooms, the Inn also has cottages if you and a few others would like space entirely separate from the other rooms! Each of the cottages has a small kitchenette available for use, and around the buildings are accessibility features that allow for easy access.
Other amenities available on-site are a bar for guests complete with local beers, wine, and liquors, homemade cookies and Maine-roasted coffees, tea, and breakfast is included in the room rate. Be sure to try out Scott’s own homemade ice cream as well! The Inn even uses bath products that support honeybee populations!
With the pandemic, Nicole and Scott stress the importance of being adaptable and express that their location is the perfect place to get away from it all. “We have found that during COVID, we check all the boxes for desirable locations. Fresh air and open space makes a world of difference,” Nicole stated.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the Inn has seen a significant drop in the number of guests arriving to stay. “We hope that people are looking forward to 2021, a promising vaccine, and can feel more comfortable planning ahead for their travel,” Nicole optimistically said. The coronavirus has taken a toll on many small businesses in Maine and across the country, but everyone is looking forward to next year for some relief, Nicole and Scott included.
Check out the Pilgrim’s Inn on their website here!
~Written by Aaron Stymiest