Tidewater Inn

The Tidewater Motel is the most readily available lodging option on Vinalhaven. Built upon a bridge spanning Carvers Harbor and Carver’s Pond, the motel is a bit run down but ideally located, right in the middle of town and near the dock where all the ferries come and go.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I actually had a couple pictures of this place, but one was date-stamped and revealed my last visit was fourteen years ago! So the place may be more run down or significantly upgraded – you can check it out and let me know the latest. Even though the Tidewater was a bit tattered it should be noted that the sea and winter make it difficult to keep anything sparkling around these parts.

The hotel is a family run operation and we found the service very personal. One of the best ways to enjoy Vinalhaven is striking out on bike and they rented us a pair of two-wheelers for next to nothing. The laid-back vibe of the Tidewater is right in step with the atmosphere everywhere else on this charming island. And how often do you get to claim that you spent the night on a bridge?