Places: Rockland, Maine
The scoop…
Looking for an authentic small coastal Maine city experience on the beautiful Penobscot Bay? A place where you can still find some magical grit along with the glowing, growing art, food, music and coastal scene? Well, right in the heart of mid-coast Maine lies the beautifully imperfect jewel of Rockland. A micropolitan area with a rich woven history from shipbuilding and lime production to granite and marble quarrying, to herring packing factories of old to the still rich and vibrant commercial fishing industry. Once a fishing mecca it is now also known as the art capital of Maine and is host to a diverse and abundant art center that fills Rockland’s museums and galleries.
Start your morning on Main Street and visit Rockland’s sweet employee owned Rock City Coffee Cafe, or cross the street to visit the Atlantic Baking Company, sit, relax and plan your Rockland day while you have a coffee and some great sweets and savory’s. Maybe start with a visit to The Farnsworth Museum /The Wyeth Center and The Center for Maine Contemporary Art. Treat yourself and leisurely dive into a rich, arty adventure in the small seacoast town of Rockland. If your visiting on a first Friday of the month during the summer/fall season join in on Rockland’s First Friday Art Walk’s in the evening.
Include a stop at the beautifully revived Strand Theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Strand is a multi-use venue hosting live music, documentaries, independent movies, educational events and Conferences.
Shop for artisanal chocolate at Maine’s first bean-to-bar chocolate factory “Bixby $ Co” founded in 2011 by Kate McAleer in Rockland. You will be swept away by the experience. Bixby’s is known for their artisanal chocolates using only natural, organic and ethically sourced ingredients like Maine blueberries and sea salt.
In season attend one of many summer weekend festivals including the two big daddies of them all, The Maine Lobster Festival and The North Atlantic Blues Festival. Enjoy beautiful harbor walks, and biking on the Rockland Harbor Trail as well as boating, fishing and sailing on Penobscot Bay. Take a walk out along the stone breakwater surrounded by the sea ending at the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse where you can climb to the top of the lantern and linger to enjoy the harbor scene. You will be treated to beautiful views of islands, seabirds, working lobster boats and grand old Schooners. The Lighthouse was established in 1902, and now fully automated it continues to serve as a navigational aid and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Then of course it goes without saying that Rockland is also host to many exciting food venues of fresh, creative and locally sourced fare as well as our much loved traditional fried seafood and chips that can set you up for a feeding frenzy on any given day. A great simple resource and reliable go-to for local eating, including making reservations is https://camdenrockland.com/where-to-eat
In summary, the scoop here is that the little city of Rockland, Maine has morphed into a wonderfully diverse getaway for folks of all ages and mindsets. For me, best of all it has somehow magically maintained a beautiful hometown crusty core. Put Rockland on your go to list, and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.
Another great destination!
Ada’s Kitchen
A corner Main Street Bistro featuring Italian fare. It is sunny, bright, warm, casual and comfortable. The staff are welcoming and the food is great. If you are a fan of homemade pizzas, pasta, locally sourced salads and great cocktails this is for you. Here is where you will get the best darn martini in Rockland. Ada’s a local favorite.
Located in the south end of Main Street this farm to table restaurant is contained in a quintessential two story New England house. Just behind it you will find a beautifully crafted post and beam event structure called, 0km, and just up the hill from that there is a rustic and beautifully designed Barn that is used for special events. The Primo farm includes 2 greenhouses, ~3 acres of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and grazing farm animals. Primo’s innovative menu follows the vegetable harvest and locally seasonal sourced options. The food is creatively prepared with great love, by the award winning Chef/Owner Melissa Kelly, who is the inspiration and heartbeat of this remarkable farm to table eating experience.
Wasses Hot Dogs
Oh my goodness! The King of Dogs, Wasses Rockland Hot Dog station is located on North Main Street in a parking lot. This is the best darn hot dog I have ever eaten, says me. Fried dogs, fried onions lots of toppings to choose from as well as fries, chips, sodas and sweets. This is hot dog heaven!
North Beacon Oyster
A little bit of heaven for all you oyster and seafood lovers. Beautiful fresh briny, glistening, locally sourced oysters and seafood from our well loved seacoast. You choose, mix and match and eat to your hearts content in this warm and welcoming Main Street Bistro. Other delicious options are available for you landlubbers including daily specials, all lovingly brought to you by Chef/Owner Mike Mastronardi. Great bar and shining staff!
