For years, I had heard people talking about what a cool city of Rockland, in Maine was, and I thought it was similar to other cities of Maine like Portland or Bar Harbor. But it is only when I stop there during my Maine Coast road trip that I was finally able to discover what brings out Rockland and why it is at least a visit to the weekend. To start, there are a lot of fun things to do in Rockland me, but what makes it such a good place to visit is the artistic atmosphere of the city.
Since then, I have returned to Rockland before my Maine Windjammer cruise and I now put Rockland on my list of favorite places in Maine. Midcoast Maine has always been a jewel hidden for me, with all these kilometers of curved coastline through pretty ports, hidden coves and charming fishing villages, its peninsulas tipped with picturesque headlights. I can see why this region inspires artists and those who appreciate their work!
Things to do in Rockland Maine
Do not jump with this gem of Midcoast on the way to the National Park or the port of Bar! You will want to give him his due, so plan to stay for the weekend to get to all the funny things to do in Rockland and its surroundings.
Visit an art museum (or two!)
Rockland is known as Maine’s Art City and is home to many art galleries and two main art museums. THE Farnsworth Art Museum focuses on American art, especially those who have links with Maine. With more than 15,000 works of art in his collection, including the largest public collections of works by the sculptor Louise Nevelson, and works by NC, Jamie and Andrew Wyeth. The collection also includes one of Robert Indiana’s famous love sculptures.
You can browse the collection in just over an hour, but a ticket gives you the right to come back throughout the day (even if it is only to enjoy the museum’s own bathrooms.) If you have time to enjoy more art, also plan a visit to Center for contemporary art of Maine. Since its location in glass and corrugated metal in downtown Rockland, CMCA is the main contemporary artistic organization of the state of Maine.
Shopping in downtown Rockland
If you like shops, you are lucky in Rockland. Rockland has been appointed a national community on the main street for its revitalized historic city center in the city center. In addition to Maine’s staples such as sea bags, you will find antiquities, outdoor outfitters, gift shops, clothing shops and bookstores. Stop for a taste of Maine de Bixby & Co. chocolate chocolate chocolate and have the chance to see the chocolate make from the store’s observation room.
Clothing options take place from high -end fashionable fashionable fashion in shops like girls, the off -center shop and my favorite barefoot in denim. There are also a number of art galleries in the city center of Rockland to explore, such as the Eric Hopkins, Stanhope and Spencer gallery, and the Gautschi Center, which offers art courses and workshops.
Walk along the Rockland Breakwater
Located just outside the city, Rockland Breakwater covers 7/8 from Mile in the Rockland port. In the end, the Rockland Breakwater lighthouse is. If you are ready to walk, there is a small parking lot at the Bise-Lames. After a short path along the water, you can cross the rocky gear, simply keep an eye on your feet and look at your step, especially if it is windy or wet.
The currency lighthouse is attached to the house of a goalkeeper and is open for visits when volunteers are available. If it is not open, there is a bench to rest and enjoy the view before resuming the return. The lighthouse was built in 1902, after the creation of the breakwater to protect the city from storms.
See a lighthouse
If you like headlights, the Rockland Breakwater lighthouse is not the only one to see nearby. The head of the head of the owlWhich was rebuilt in 1952, is located just outside the city of Owls Head State Park on a hill over the water. The former Light Guardian house is now an interpretation center led by the American Lighthouse Foundation.
Just 30 minutes south of Rockland, you can visit the Marshall Point lighthouse. Built in 1832, the Marshall Point lighting station was connected to the continent by a long wooden gateway. If you want to make a day trip, you can take a ferry in Port Clyde near the island of Monhegan, or jump on a cruise with the monhegan boat line to watch the puffs, the headlights or the sunsets. Port Clyde Kayaks also offers guided tours of kayak or paddleboarding, as well as rentals.
About an hour to the south, on the way to Boothbay Harbor, you can also stop at Pemaquid Point lighthouse in Bristol. Maintained by the Bristol parks and leisure department, there is a small entry price to the park. For limited times, people over 46 inches can even climb the lighthouse tower.
Project Puffin Visitor Center
The Puffin Visitor Center project, operated by Audubon Project Puffin, organizes free scientific programs and offers fun interactive exhibitions. The reception center also offers a 20 -minute film “Project Puffin” on the effort to bring the Prucks of the Atlantic to the Côte du Maine, as well as exhibitions on these adorable sea birds.
Have a good meal
My surprise and my joy on Rockland continued with regard to the Rockland food scene. For gastronomy, make a reservation in Primo, located just outside the city center, which serves Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Dinner in the comfortable Victorian house is perfect for a romantic evening.
For breakfast, take a coffee at Rock City Coffee and a pastry at Atlantic Baking Company. To try a local craft beer, opt for lunch and a pint (or a flight) at Rock Harbor Brewing. For lobster rolls, try the claws, a seasonal seafood cabin.
Explore Rockland Street Art
Rockland’s art is not only contained in museums or galleries. Wandering in the streets, you will see the many murals and sculptures that brighten up the streets of Rockland, adding to its reputation as a city of art.
Maine lobster festival
If you timed your visit for early August, you can join the pleasure at Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland. Located in Rockland Harbor Park, where you can find the farmer market at other times of the year, you can taste everything, lobster rolls with lobster mac’n, lobster bisque, risotto balls stuffed with lobster and lobster third parties. The festival also offers live entertainment, a cooking competition, a parade, a road race and other forms of pleasure (and adults) such as the Steins and Vines tasting event.
A day excursion to Camden
If you have a few days in Rockland, plan to make a day trip to Camden nearby. It only takes 15 minutes to get to the charming city center. Park near the Camden public library to enjoy beautiful views of the port from the lawn in front of the library. Take the time to explore shops and stores along Main Street. The smiling cow gift shop offers a large selection of products and gifts made in Maine. There are also superb home product stores, wool / wool stores and outdoor outfitters.
Stop and enjoy a local beer in Sea Dog Brewing Co., enjoy a meal with a view at the Waterfront restaurant or take a picnic in Fresh and Go. After exploring the city, head to Camden Hills State Park. You will want to drive or hike at the top of Mont Battie. If you have more time, you can also hike on the girl’s cliff trail with a view of Lake Megunticook, or take the Megutino Ocean Lookout path.
A day excursion to Vinalhaven
Another excellent travel option of a day of Rockland is to take the ferry in Vinalhaven. There are a few places for cars, but it is best to rent a bicycle in one of the continent’s outfits and explore on two wheels. This island was once the largest granite producer in Maine and is still a dynamic fishing community. Many artists have also found inspiration on Vinalhaven.
Today, residents and visitors like to swim in careers, in particular Lawson’s career and Booth’s career. You can also take advantage of hiking in one of the many parks and public land on the island, offering beautiful views on the rocky coast of Vinalhaven. For lunch, get one of the best lobster rollers in Maine to the Greet Eats catering truck near the ferry.
Where to stay in Rockland, in Maine
The best place to stay in Rockland, Maine is the 250 Main hotel. This artistic and shop hotel is located on Main Street just in front of the port and at a distance from the main Rockland attractions. Modern aesthetics is a surprising discovery for the Maine coast. There are 26 rooms, many of which offer views of the port, all with industrial decoration.
250 Offer main offers to customers Access to its roof terrace, perfect for enjoying a sunset. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, some offering small balconies to admire.
As much as I loved all my stays along the Maine Coast, the charming artistic scene of the city center and Dynamics of Rockland really makes a gem on the Midcoast of Maine.
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Tamara Gruber is the founder and publisher of We3Travel. Former director of marketing and travel advisor, Tamara is a award -winning and expert travel writer recognized in family trips. Tamara is a member of Satw, Natja, Ifwtwa and Adventure Travel Trade Association, and headquarters to the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimeTofly.com and the co-host of the Mavens Travel Podcast Podcast.