We love to stay off the beaten path and in special locations when traveling. Many times the place we lay our head at night is the best part of the adventure. From a treehouse in Washington to a zen retreat above California’s Muir Beach and a restored barn in Connecticut, we’ve stayed in some unusual places. This June, we celebrated our wedding anniversary with an overnight stay at a working lighthouse in Maine.

As keepers for the night we were able to enjoy the 1890, spark plug lighthouse in all her glory. Getting inside was a part of the adventure with a somewhat challenging climb from a boat.

Once aboard Goose Rocks Lighthouse, our host and lighthouse restorer, Christopher, gave us a tour of the facilities including beautifully and historically decorated living room, three bedrooms, decks with amazing views and the pinnacle red light room. The light operates automatically, as would the fog horn should visibility be affected. Thankfully during our stay it was not.

Christopher also showed us the solar panels that provided enough power to charge our phones and operate some lights, where to find drinking water and the composting toilet. While no running water was on site, we were comfortable and look forward to a stay when the desalination water treatment system is up and running.

Once Christopher departed, we were on our own except for the jelly fish exposed at low tide, visiting puffins, seagulls and occasional lobsterman checking his traps.

The experience was breathtaking, especially the unexpected gift of this sunset.