Goodbye summer. It’s time to ‘treat yo self‘
Some local tips to restore the body and mind after a busy summer season
Sept. 15, 2026
By Jessi Hardy
The rush of a Maine summer is a beautiful blur, but for those who call this peninsula home, the real magic often begins when the tourists head south. As the air turns crisp and the roads quiet down, the chance to breathe, reset, and embrace the slow-paced luxury of the off-season arrives.
The Rising Tide sought out some quiet corners and local treasures to help make these cooler months a bit more restorative. Here are some “treat yo self” ideas for those still here for the duration.
Longtime employee of Second Edition, Tammy Astbury, greets everyone with a smile. She sorts through dropped-off clothing. Photo by Jessi Hardy.
Second Edition
Tucked right next to the Eggemoggin Country Store and off Caterpillar Hill Road in Sargentville, Second Edition sells second-edition quality resale clothing, where you can “treat yo self” to a new fall wardrobe.
Celebrating 28 years of serving the peninsula, owner Sandy Woodward said: “We are so thankful for all of our customers who have made it happen.”
This hidden gem is only open three days a week, from Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closes at 2 on Saturday. To see updates on their available stock, visit their Facebook.
Blue Hill Books
There is a particular kind of quiet that descends on the peninsula in the off-season, one paired well with the rustle of a turning page. For those afternoons when you want to escape into a new world, head to Blue Hill Books.
This community staple, tucked away on Pleasant Street since 1986, provides a warm welcome on chilly days. Whether hunting for the latest release, browsing for a hidden gem from a local author, or just needing a fresh notebook to journal, it’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with your imagination.
Annie’s Creations
Annie’s Creation operates out of a 10-by-16-foot shed. Photo by Jessi Hardy.
There’s something satisfying about hearty, made-from-scratch food in the fall. If you find yourself on Little Deer Isle, follow your nose to Annie’s Creations. What started as a simple 10-by-16-foot shed three years ago has grown into a beloved takeaway spot.
Driven by a lifelong love of pizza, Annie Rodriguez, owner of Annie’s Creations, loves to experiment with flavors—pairing classic offerings with playful creations like her best-selling Italian sandwich pizza and inventive touches like dill pickles or maraschino cherries.
Beyond her signature pies, a small cooler stays continuously stocked with cold drinks, fresh-baked goods, and rotating grab-and-go dishes like lasagna and chili.
“I've been told that my passion for the craft comes through in the food, as I always want everything that leaves my shop to bring a smile to someone's face when they taste it,” Rodriguez said.
Trails and land trusts
The Meadow Brook-Mill Stream Trail, protected by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, in Brooksville. Photo by Jessi Hardy.
As summer – and the humidity– fade, the peninsula’s trails become a quiet escape. To really experience the landscape, look to the local land trusts. Blue Hill Heritage Trust offers a stunning network of trails on the peninsula.
If exploring closer to Deer Isle and Stonington, Island Heritage Trust’s trails make for a perfect afternoon reset with a beautiful shoreline and the possibilities of spotting local wildlife
Restorative Massage
Taking a nap at Restorative Massage is okay. Photo courtesy of Nikki Jaffray
Nikki Jaffray is a local massage therapist with a background in nursing. Her new business, Restorative Massage, creates a space where genuine care is the foundation of every session.
“I often have people come in, and they fall asleep on the table, and that’s honestly the biggest compliment I can get because I know that they trust me and that they’ve gotten into a place where their body is completely relaxed,” Jaffray said.
Restorative Massage, which opened in June, is a way to treat both body and mind.
[Full disclosure: Jaffray is married to Rising Tide board member Curtis Jaffray]
Brooklin Candy Company
A variety of candy from Brooklin Candy Company. Photo courtesy of Brooklin Candy Company.
If your restorative approach calls for something a little sweeter, take a drive to the outskirts of Brooklin Village to visit the Brooklin Candy Company. Here, one can get a taste of something close to home, or of something from much further away.
The shop owner, Blossom Kravitz, said, “There’s candy from all over the world really — locally made candies and chocolates, things from the rest of the US too, but then also Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America.”
The shop boasts other supplies as well.
“If you’re feeling witchy, there’s a decent selection of tarot and affirmation cards, and other loads of crystals, incense, and other spiritual items across the globe,” Kravitz said.
The Rising Tide team hopes you enjoyed your Maine summer. Now take a breath, enjoy some quiet time, and “treat yo self.”
