Discover the very best of Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore Island in a new culinary program that blends science, sustainability, and memorable culinary experiences, demonstrating our commitment to farm-and-sea to table ethos. Taste of Appledore invites you to explore the island’s vibrant ecology and rich history, through hands-on learning with beloved Shoals Marine Lab faculty, and renowned food culture with expert chefs.
Across three days and two nights, participants will engage deeply with the best of what the lab has to offer while enjoying the sense of community that makes Shoals Marine Laboratory so special.
Experience the rustic charm of Appledore Island that makes it such a unique place-based experience for our students. Participants will stay in dormitory style housing with separate shower facilities and eat in community with other participants and SML staff, all while learning about and practicing our sustainable lifestyle as required by the limited island resources.
Program Highlights
Culinary Experiences with Guest Chefs Evan Mallett & Sam Hayward
Two of New England’s most celebrated chefs, who have deep ties to Appledore and the Shoals Marine Lab, Evan Mallett (Black Trumpet—Portsmouth, NH) and Sam Hayward (Fore Street—Portland, ME) will guide you through the edible treasures of Appledore. Engage in cooking demonstrations, island inspired tastings, and discussions on sustainable food sourcing shaped by the Gulf of Maine’ unique ecosystem. Menus planned and inspired by our chefs will be served buffet style in our ocean view dining hall.
Intertidal Exploration with Dr. Gregg Moore
Longtime SML and UNH faculty member Gregg Moore is known for his engaging approach to studying and restoring New England’s dynamic shorelines. With deep expertise in intertidal ecosystems, he brings science to life while leading guests through immersive, tide‑dependent field experiences that reveal the hidden complexity and vibrant life of the rocky shore.
Bird Banding Station Demonstration with Dr. Sara Morris
Visit the island’s active bird banding station with ornithologist and SML Executive Director Sara Morris. Experience real-time research in action as you learn how migratory birds are monitored, studied, and protected.
Fisheries in the Gulf of Maine with Dr. Eugene Won
Join Cornell Researcher and SML Academic Coordinator Eugene Won for a hands-on introduction to island fishing skills and local marine biodiversity. Explore Appledore's nearshore ecosystem and understand how fishing practices intersect with sustainability, science, and food.
Island Flora with John Forti & Evan Mallett
John Forti is a nationally recognized ethnobotanist and author celebrated for reviving traditional skills and cultivating deeper connections between people and plants. Join John and Chef Evan for an immersive natural history walk and foraging session that reveals the botanical and ecological character of the island. Learn the stories behind the plants that thrive in this rugged island environment while foraging ingredients used by our guest chefs.
A Visit to Celia Thaxter’s Historic Garden with the SML Garden Steward Terry Cook
Step into the famed garden of poet Celia Thaxter, lovingly stewarded today as a living piece of island history. With the current Celia Thaxter Island Garden Steward Terry Cook as your guide, experience the cultural legacy and natural beauty that have inspired artists and naturalists for more than a century.
Total Immersion in a Culture of Sustainability
Join the SML Island Engineers to learn about the infrastructure that has allowed the lab to produce almost all its electricity through the capture of green energy, the efforts to conserve and maximize our limited water resources, and other methods to decrease the lab’s ecological impacts.
Star Gazing over Appledore
Join an expert from the UNH Observatory for an evening of stargazing on Appledore Island, where the dark skies over the Gulf of Maine offer stunning views of celestial objects. Participants will learn how to identify stars, planets, and deep‑sky wonders while engaging in hands‑on observation and guided exploration of the night sky.
Experience the Natural Beauty and Serenity of Appledore Island
Participants will also have opportunities to enjoy the landscape, the intertidal communities, the sights and sounds of the ocean waves, and the beauty of the night sky from an offshore island.
Taste of Appledore offers a rare chance to savor the island through multiple lenses—culinary creativity, ecological expertise, and the deep sense of place that defines Shoals Marine Laboratory. Join us for an immersive adventure you’ll never forget.
Sample Itinerary
Sessions are optional, but we encourage you to immerse yourself in what the island has to offer:
DAY ONE – SUNDAY AUGUST 23
11:30 –12:30 Check in at Portsmouth dock
Dinner- Classic Maine lobster dinner
Nocturnal squid fishing from the dock
DAY TWO – MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Visit the Appledore Island Migration Station (Bird Banding)
Breakfast
Participant’s Choice:
Foraging and Natural History tour of Appledore with slow food and garden specialist and chef
Deep dive of the garden with SML’s Garden Steward
Lunch
Participant’s Choice:
Intertidaling with UNH faculty
Fishing trip with Cornell faculty
Sun and weather with UNH astronomer
Fish anatomy, filleting demo and making ceviche with Cornell faculty
Flower arranging SML’s Garden Steward
OR
Exclusive 2-hour hands-on kitchen experience featuring guest chefs Evan Mallett and Sam Hayward - "Kitchen Stage"
Working with local products, practice knife skills, learn to shuck oysters, make sauces to accompany raw oysters, have a private oyster tasting along with the Chefs, and prepare items for everyone to enjoy during the Celia Thaxter Garden Cocktail Social.
Selection at time of registration required along with additional fee of $75 for additional materials and exclusive Shoals Apron.
Maximum of 10 participants
Cocktails & Appetizers in the Celia Thaxter Garden
Dinner
Star gazing and introduction to Astronomy with UNH faculty
DAY THREE – TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Continental breakfast
Visit the Appledore Island Migration Station (Bird Banding)
Brunch
Participants Choice:
Sustainability Tour with SML Engineers
Sea Table & Lab exploration
3:30 Arrival back to Portsmouth dock
(603) 862-5346
Price: $1,050
Price is per person, double-occupancy (shared room with same-gender participant or chosen registered companion.) All-inclusive with: overnight rustic dormitory accommodations, all meals, snacks, and beverages, all program activities (with the exception of the optional Kitchen Stage activity which has an extra charge), and round-trip boat transportation between Portsmouth, NH, and Appledore Island. Space is limited due to our vessel and housing capacities, so reserve your spot soon! This program is open to adults 21 years of age and up.
Participants must bring their own bedding for a twin-sized bed. We suggest a sleeping bag and extra blanket or sheet, as well as a pillow case. Pillows are available. A detailed suggested packing list will be sent to registrants prior to the program.
Single-occupancy rooms may be available for an extra charge of $200.00 ($100 per night), dependent on availability at time of registration.
Island Environment: Appledore Island is a rugged landscape with uneven, slightly steep and rocky paths. Access on/off the island is via a floating dock, a steep ramp, and a set of stairs. Sturdy walking shoes are required. Please review our Safety at Shoals page for any questions about boat safety, island terrain, medical access, or dietary needs.
If a multi-night program is too adventurous, consider a day-trip Celia Thaxter Garden Tour or Appledore Island Walking Tour, with tons of history and natural history information packed into just one afternoon!
Cancellation Policy:
- At least 30 days before departure = 100% refund
- 29-15 days before departure = 50% refund
- Less than 15 days before departure = 0%
SML boats will run rain or shine, so long as the captain deems it safe to travel. Passengers should come prepared with appropriate clothing in the event of rain or high winds (ocean spray). If the captain deems travel unsafe, boats schedules may be impacted until the weather passes. Communications regarding any weather-related delays will come via email from SML's office.