PLAN YOUR STAY... everything you need for a seamless creative journey

Everything You Need for a Seamless Creative Journey

pond at Searsport shores with blooming lotus

A comfortable place to settle in and focus on the work

Choosing the right place to lay your head:

Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

Our first recommendation

This is where most Makers Guild of Maine events are held, and staying here keeps you right in the middle of things. Campsites and cabins are within walking distance of the studios, the beach, the gardens, and the trails. It’s comfortable, welcoming, and makes the whole experience feel easy.

When you register for your retreat, you can choose:

a free tent site in the meadow, or
a site with water and electricity as part of a package

If you’d like an oceanfront site or a cabin, register without housing and then contact the campground directly to arrange that.
relax@campocean.com

Fiber College has set aside enough sites so everyone will have a good place to land.

The Yardarm Motel

A comfortable, non-camping option

The Yardarm is a family-owned motel with 18 renovated rooms of varying sizes. Owner Wes has set these rooms aside for our group.

When you register, you can select the Yardarm as your lodging option. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s about five miles from Fiber College and is a good choice if camping isn’t your thing. The Concord Trailway bus stops right across the street, and ride sharing is easy if you’d rather leave your car at home.

Fireside Inn & Suites, Belfast

Simple comfort with a view

This option is just a few minutes away. Every room looks out over Penobscot Bay, and amenities include an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna.

A block of rooms has been reserved for retreat attendees and will appear as an option when you register.

Other Nearby Options

If you’re drawn to an old captain’s inn, a small B&B, or a private rental tucked away on a side street, there are plenty of choices nearby. A quick search will turn up good options.

Because the retreat is right on Route 1, driving in and out each day is straightforward.

If you’d like help choosing, we’re always happy to talk it through with you.

Take me to the registration page so that I can see the prices

I'd like to look at the daily schedule

Getting to Searsport Maine

Getting Here

We’re located between Searsport and Belfast, right on Coastal Route 1.

If you’re arriving by bus, Concord Trailways stops about a mile up the road. With a bit of advance notice, we’re happy to pick you up at the Searsport Bus Stop.

If you’re staying at the Yardarm Motel, the Concord Trailways bus stops directly across the street. Ride sharing from there is simple if you’d prefer not to drive.

Arriving by Air

Bangor International Airport is about 45 minutes north
Portland International Jetport is about 2 hours south

Another option is to fly into Logan International Airport in Boston, rent a car, and drive up. It’s a beautiful route along the coast, and we’re always glad to suggest towns and villages worth stopping in along the way.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking for all Makers Guild of Maine events is free.

All of our buildings and venues are handicapped accessible, and accessible parking is available close to each location.

All other parking is within about a five-minute walk, along gravel roads and through open fields.

If you need help at any point, just let us know. We’re always glad to help make things easier.

Comfortable, practical shoes will make things easier. You’ll be walking on gravel roads, garden paths, wooded trails, and along the cobblestone beach.

What to wear

This is a good moment to reach for the handmade pieces in your closet. Fiber College is a chance to be comfortable, feel like yourself, and enjoy being outside regardless of the weather.

Of course, Maine weather has a mind of its own. Locals like to say, “If you don’t like it, wait a minute.” Packing layers makes everything easier. Think clothing you can add or take off during the day, and include a light windbreaker just in case.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes and a work apron matter. You’ll be glad you brought them. Rain gear is always a good idea, even if the forecast looks friendly.

Dress here is casual. Letting your personality show is encouraged.

Let me look at the workshops please

Pet Policy

If you’re staying at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, pets are welcome in line with the campground’s policies. Up to two dogs may join us in classroom spaces, as long as they are quiet and well behaved. Before you register, please check in with us to be sure there’s room for your companion. Service dogs always take priority.