The Island Country Club on Deer Island is 21 miles east of Rockport but a full 2-hour drive up and around, while Bar Harbor is 1 1/2 hours.

The layout is a 9-hole relic from the past, an original Wayne Stiles design from the 1920s, but renovated by Ross Forbes. There's an unpretentious clubhouse and facilities, and carts are available, but why not take the time to walk this special parkland layout? There are no tee times here, just an ancient spiral where balls are dropped on others waiting to play. While only a par 34, 2,400-yard layout from the members' tees, it's a test as it moves over hilly birch, spruce, and pine tree-lined fairways with the wind off nearby Penobscot Bay always in play. All of the small, entertaining greens are well-defended with sand bunkers, as is the occasional fairway, and OB lurks along a few holes on the way. It's a step back in time to play, an experience not to be missed, and a great value.