Rockland, ME

Address:Rockland, Maine

Ocean loving tourists will be charmed by the history-filled and picturesque town of Rockland, Maine. The Rockland area is the entry point to the scenic Penobscot Bay, where you may spot sightings of wildlife such as bald eagles, puffins, deer, moose, and harbor seals. Since the 1850's Rockland has been a hub of commercial activity, with success in shipbuilding, lime processing, granite quarrying, and commercial fishing and lobstering. Rockland is also well known as the Lobster Capital of the World, and is home to the country's largest windjammer fleet. Furthermore, Rockland is famous for its great sailing and boat cruises. Although only 8,000 residents live in Rockland, the town is always full of tourists.

Visitors can learn about Rockland's rich history at the town's museums and attractions. The Conway Homestead is an 18th century restored farmhouse with an old blacksmith shop and sugar house, open to the public. The Cramer Museum features period costumes, paintings, documents, and regional memorabilia. At the Farnsworth Art Museum, visitors can tour the preserved Greek-Revival style home with Victorian furniture. We recommend you stop by the Rockland Breakwater Light, an 18-foot square tower atop a fog signal house at the end of a granite pier, which visitors love to photograph. If you arrive in summer, you may be lucky enough to take part in a wide array of festivals in Rockland, including the North Atlantic Blues Festival, the Maine Lobster Festival and the Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show.

Shopping at Rockland can be found at the modern shopping centers, or on the historic Main Street, featuring many examples of Italianate, Mansard, Greek revival, and Colonial Revival architecture. Shopping options include souvenir shops, galleries, hobby shops, sporting goods stores, pottery, jewelry, and more.

Rockland is a great place to get home baked goods, and fresh seafood. For fresh bread, stop by Atlantic Baking Company, or Tim Hortons. Other popular restaurants and coffee shops include Amalfi, Café Miranda, The Black Bull Tavern, and Brass Compass Café. For fresh local fish, eat at Catch of the Day, or Waterworks Restaurant. For dessert, visit the Thorndike Creamery for a delicious homemade ice cream.

The lodging options in Rockland are very charming, with great locations by the ocean. The Captain Lindsey House offers spacious rooms filled with 1800s era artifacts. The Berry Manor Inn is a well rated B&B with an historic Victorian atmosphere. Other worthwhile options include the Lakeshore Inn, a former farmhouse overlooking Chickawaukee Lake, the LimeRock Inn, built in the 1890s, the Old Granite Inn, a grand home built of local granite, and the Waterman House & Gardens, another historical Victorian style house. Motel and hotel options include the Birchwood Motel, Bay Breezes Cottages and Motel, and the Cedar Crest Motel. If you prefer camping by the sea, check out the Megunticook Campground by the Sea.

Rockland is only four hours northeast of Boston, and less than two hours from nearby Portland. It can be reached off Interstate 295, or Route 1, where there is often less traffic. The nearest airports are found in Bangor and Portland, where tourists can find transportation directly to Rockland. . Air service to area islands is provided by Penobscot Island Air, located at the Knox County Regional Airport. Bus service is also available directly to Rockland from Boston. However, if you are a true ocean lover, then you will arrive by boat, and dock in the Rockland Harbor!