Scenery, serenity the Maine draws on Monhegan

MONHEGAN ISLAND, Maine (CNN) -- Ten miles off the rugged coast of Maine lies an island that has attracted tourists, artists, nature lovers and writers for generations.

Natural beauty, serenity and isolation are the source of Monhegan Island's enduring appeal.

"To me it's like a different world. You just come here and it's, I don't know, it's just really healing and cleansing. It's wonderful," said tourist Amanda McKeen.

To get there, you must travel about an hour by boat, and no visitors' cars are allowed. Ferries shuttle day-trippers and hotel guests back and forth from the mainland.

There are a few hotels and restaurants where tourists can relax and eat, and on the one, main gravel road, you can find stores that sell souvenirs and groceries.

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Seventeen miles of hiking trails wind around the island, providing magnificent views.

The quaint village hasn't changed all that much since the first European settlers set foot on Monhegan. Full-time residents still make their living fishing the waters around the island, primarily for lobster, and as you walk through the village, signs of fishing life dot the scenic harbor. Buoys, nets and lobster traps line the unpaved roads.

Protecting a way of life

Monhegan residents -- fewer than 100 live there year-round -- are fiercely protective of their island and have worked hard to maintain its character.

One frequent visitor to Monhegan who made sure the island would not drastically change was inventor Thomas Edison's son, Theodore. He loved it so much, he purchased most of it and set it aside for future preservation.

Artists from around the world come to Monhegan to capture the natural beauty of the island

"He strongly felt that he didn't want to do anything that was going to upset the island residents," local Sherman Stanley said. "He was thinking of just preserving a section of the island so that people could come here and enjoy it."

Artists from around the world have painted Monhegan, capturing the sheer cliffs overlooking the turbulent ocean waters, the tranquil wooded trailheads meandering through the island interior and the lives of island residents. Monhegan inspired some of the nation's greatest painters, including George Wesley Bellows, Robert Henri, illustrator Rockwell Kent and Andrew Wyeth.

"These people come because it has a certain magic quality, a quality of spirit," said painter and resident Elena Jahn.

To tourist Dan McKeen, Monhegan means peacefulness.

"It just gives you the opportunity to quiet down, do some hiking, listen to the ocean, you know, hang out with the family," he explained. "Beautiful sunrises, beautiful sunsets. I highly recommend it."