FAQ

What is Rockaway?

Rockaway is a historic captain’s estate and former inn on the southern coast of Vinalhaven island. Only a ten-minute walk from town, Rockaway offers sweeping ocean views, private beaches, and backdoor access to 45 acres of coastal trails on the Lanes Island Nature Preserve.

Built by experienced shipbuilders over 150 years ago, Rockaway showcases expert woodworking details throughout its spacious rooms on the main floor, Rockaway’s 42 windows provide, with breathtaking views of the harbor, nearby islands and the Penobscot Bay.  The nine bedrooms are on the second floor have been carefully restored and bathrooms have been updated including a new walk-in shower. The first floor features a spacious living room, a media room, a library, a grand dining room and sunrise and sunset porches for meals and relaxation.

Rockaway has been in our family for almost 50 years, spanning four generations, and we have carefully updated the lighting, plumbing, and safety feature (fire alarms), without compromising the historical integrity of Rockaway’s “bones.”

Who stays at Rockaway?

Rockaway is ideal for family gatherings, extended family reunions and groups of friends celebrating time together.

Is Rockaway good for kids?

Yes, Rockaway is where our five boys and our grandchildren spent their childhood summers and now return each year. Children particularly love exploring the shorelines and tide pools, collecting wildflowers, picking raspberries and spending afternoons in a treehouse in a big Chestnut tree near the shore. Downtown Vinalhaven – a 10-minute walk away – is a safe, secure, friendly community with a penny candy store!

Can we get married at Rockaway or have an event there?

We are currently do not permit guests to host events at Rockaway, however, we can help you find a suitable location elsewhere on Vinalhaven.

How do we get there?

Rockaway is most commonly accessed by ferry. The Maine State Ferry Service runs six passenger/car ferries per day between Rockland and Vinalhaven. Penobscot Island Air offers a 10-minute flight to and from Knox County Regional Airport in Owls Head near Rockland via a small airstrip on Vinalhaven. You can also charter a private boat to Vinalhaven from the mainland towns of Rockland on the Equinox or from Rockport on Harvest Moon.

How many bedrooms and what are they like?

Rockaway’s eight bedrooms are all located on the second floor, offering wonderful views of the outdoors and island-studded ocean panoramas. There is one room with a king bed, three bedrooms with queen beds, and five bedrooms with double beds. All rooms have top-quality cotton sheets, towels, down pillows and duvets. The upstairs bedrooms share the three bathrooms, one with claw-foot tub, two with walk-in showers. A half-bathroom is downstairs and the outdoor shower on the back porch provides one of Rockaway’s best views of nature.

What’s it like living in an old house?

In a word, Rockaway is charming, with Greek Revival architectural details crafted by experienced shipbuilders over 150 years ago. The high ceilings and spacious rooms downstairs, with some original furniture, help create a sense of continuity with the building’s history.

Is there WiFi?

Rockaway has stable WiFi, which is accessible in each bedroom and throughout all common areas.

Is there TV, DVD player and radio?

Yes, Rockaway a large screen TV (42”) in the media room and a TV in the master bedroom (#10). There is a DVD player in the kitchen and four radios on the ground floor.

Is there phone service / landline?

Most mobile providers serve Vinalhaven (Verizon, AT&T). Additionally, Rockaway has a landline that guests may use for domestic calls.

What’s the cancellation policy?

In the event you must cancel your reservation, we will make every effort to re-rent the house. Since we cannot guarantee re-rental, you must assume the risk that no other rental occurs. If you cancel 60 days prior to your arrival and we are able to re-rent the house, we will refund half of your deposit. If we are unable to re-rent the house, your advance deposit is forfeited. If you cancel within 30 days of arrival, the full rental will be forfeited.

When do we check-in / check-out?

All rentals begin at 4 PM on the date of your arrival and end at 9 AM on the day of your departure.

What is the weather like?

In a word, changeable. The prevailing weather during the summer months is influenced by warm breezes from the southwest. Rockaway offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets against cloud-flecked skies. Sometimes warm maritime air condenses over the Gulf of Maine to produce wispy fog effects. Occasionally Maine islanders experience a “thick-o-fog,” when it’s time to curl up with a book or wander through the intimate feel of an enveloping fog outdoors.

What kind of clothing and supplies should I be sure to pack?

It is helpful to dress in layers. Basic gear to consider: sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy footwear, rain coat, umbrella, rubber boots, wind breaker, hat, water shoes, personal toiletries, flashlight/headlamp, cellphone charger.

Are there laundry facilities at Rockaway or on Vinalhaven?

Rockaway has a washer and dryer, which we use sparingly to make sure Rockaway’s well have enough water for the next guests.

Is there heating and air conditioning?

Heating by efficient oil space heaters in the kitchen and media room can take the edge off chilly mornings or damp days. Ocean breezes naturally provide air conditioning.

Where can we shop for provisions on island?

Carver’s Market - produce and general groceries with daily restock from the mainland
Island Spirits - wine and specialty meats, cheeses and beer
Farmers’ Market - on the weekend, a 10 minute walk at the edge of town
Fishermen’s Friend - just the basics convenience store

Where can we eat out on the island?

Dot and Millie’s - the new restaurant in town
Surfside – early breakfast 5 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – where the local lobstermen and islanders eat
Downstreet Market - quiche, baked goods, breakfast and lunch sandwiches
The Sand Bar - a lively local bar scene
Sea’s Bakery - a bakery
Homeport - a breakfast and lunch with ice cream and candy shop
Nebo Lodge – take a trip across Fox Island Thorofare from the north end of Vinalhaven to this farm-to-table restaurant on the neighboring island of North Haven
Calderwood Hall - pizza and sandwiches with a market in back
North Haven Brewery - microbrewery with seating

Where can we rent things on the island?

Tidewater Motel - rents kayaks and bikes
Vinalhaven Cars for Rent - new!
North Haven Boat Rentals - boats and bikes from Brown’s Boatyard on North Haven

What are some other attractions on Vinalhaven?

New Era Gallery - between Carver’s Market and Salt Restaurant – always interesting, showing the work of talented island artists
Marston House - next to Camden national Bank building beautiful antiques
Vinalhaven Historical Society - wonderful local history collections, open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM, located on the hill overlooking the harbor