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The weather here in Portland could not have been better on Sunday. It was in the low 80s with lots of sunshine and very little humidity. A perfect Maine summer day. Taking advantage of that fact, I decided to catch the ferry out to Peaks Island for some lunch and a little reggae at Jones’s Landing. I’ve heard about the Sunday afternoon reggae from several different people and decided it was time to check it out. I’m glad I did.

The 12:15 PM Sunday ferry to Peaks is packed when the weather is nice, so either take the 11:15 (or the 1:15), or be sure you’re in line at Gate 5 plenty early. I was around back of the pier at about 11:50 and got on just fine. Upon landing there was a long line at the entrance to Jones’s, so I decided to stroll around a bit and grab a beer and a bite to eat at The Inn first. Unfortunately, the cask of Old Thumper was kicked just before I ordered mine (literally–the guy in front of me ordered the last two), but the Shipyard Summer Ale is pretty good this year, so I had that and the turkey BLT instead. A very good sandwich, but a bit pricey at $8.95. I really went in for the cask-conditioned Old Thumper, so watching it get kicked in front of me was very disappointing.

After chatting with some fellow early-afternoon imbibers at the bar, I headed back down to the landing for some music. The place was very busy, but there was no line as it was between ferries, so I got in with no wait. There is a cover charge and, like most places on Peaks Island, they only take cash. Stop at the ATM before you leave the mainland and you won’t have to worry about the lone machine on the island running out of cash. The Landing and the docks surrounding it were a very mellow scene. The band was quite good, even if reggae isn’t my first choice for music. There were lots of 20-somethings hanging out on the deck or on their boats having a drink and enjoying the band. I was happy to be one of them.

I stayed long enough to catch the 3:45 ferry and call it a day. Monday (today) was my first day of work after two weeks off to move, and I didn’t think a hangover would be the best way to start. Overall this was a great time, one that I’ll definitely do again. I went alone this time (She was back in New York for a baby shower); I think it would be more fun with a group, so that’s what I’ll do next time. If you’re into live music and a mellow social scene, I highly recommend checking out the Sunday reggae on Peaks during the summer.

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