Maine’s MidCoast is rich in stunning seascapes dotted with lighthouses and quiet coves. It’s where you’ll find Rockland, a traditional New England coastal town. It’s the sort of place where red, white and blue flags blow in the summer breeze and children still sell lemonade from stands.
Life here moves at a pace set by wind, weather and tides, just as it has for centuries. The panoramic harbor is brimming with lobster boats and a fleet of historic Windjammers. Step into a store and chances are, it’s been owned by the same family for generations.
As you explore the area, you’ll find the neighboring towns of Camden and Rockport to be equally authentic, so there’s plenty of throwback variety within a stretch of just a few miles.
Rockland is paradise when the weather is warm, but indoor activities, a ski area and a delicious winter food festival equal frosty fun when the temperature drops.
Add the majestic Samoset resort to the mix and you’ll understand why Rockland is a family vacation jackpot.
1/11 View Antique Vehicles at Owls Head Transportation Museum
Enjoy viewing over 150 antique autos, vintage aircrafts, motorcycles and bicycles at this cavernous museum. These well-preserved vehicles display an impressive level of craftsmanship that recall a bygone era. Frequent demonstrations, including air shows with soaring antique aircrafts flying high in the sky, are a treat.
2/11 Sail on the Penobscot Bay
Board a Maine Windjammer in Camden or Rockland and get a birds-eye view of the rugged coastline teeming with wildlife. These traditional tall ships are powered by harnessing the force of the wind. Most allow passengers to raise the sails or take a turn at steering, so it’s very engaging. Numerous ships offer cruises that last a few hours, an excellent way to determine if your family is ready for a multi-night adventure at the sea.
3/11 Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum
Lighthouses are intertwined with Maine’s seafaring identity and this museum shines a light on this venerable tradition. The collection is rich in artifacts including a lauded collection of Fresnel lenses. Exhibits with a focus on the personal lives of the lighthouse keepers and their children really stand out.
4/11 Feast at the Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland is the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world and its annual Maine Lobster Festival celebrates the state’s favorite crustacean. It takes place over five days each summer and includes feasting on fresh seafood, a parade, live music and arts and crafts. The Maine Sea Goddess Coronation and the Great International Lobster Crate Race, where contestants jump from crate to crate and risk falling into the chilly Atlantic Ocean, are don’t-miss events.
5/11 Learn About Conservation Efforts at Project Puffin Visitor Center
Learn about the conservation efforts surrounding these adorable seabirds. A century ago, Maine’s puffin population was nearly extinct but the Audubon Society’s efforts have successfully increased the population. Watch the informative video, tinker with the hands-on exhibits and browse the gift shop. Docents are on hand to answer questions.
6/11 Appreciate Art at the Farnsworth Art Museum
Painters have been drawn to the Penobscot Bay for generations and the Farnsworth offers the opportunity to view art related to the region. Paintings of iconic Maine activities, such a blueberry picking and sailing, hold kid-appeal. The education department presents engaging hands-on workshops for children of all ages.
7/11 Explore a Remote Island
Catch a glimpse of a dwindling lifestyle and visit one of the islands that support small year-round communities. Rockland’s ferry terminal is the departure point for several islands, including Vinalhaven and North Haven. Sparsely inhabited except in summer when the tourists descend, they are a delight to explore.
8/11 Feast on Flaky Crust at Pies on Parade
Maine sweetest event takes place in the dead of winter, one weekend in late January. Pies on Parade is a celebration of all things pie. Local restaurants and businesses bake and serve dozens of delicious offerings, including time-honored favorites like blueberry and lemon meringue. Savory interpretations, such as chicken potpie and Shepard’s pie, are plentiful. One ticket buys you a recyclable fork and all the pie you can eat, with proceeds going to support a local food bank.
9/11 Ski the Camden Snow Bowl and Hike Camden Hills State Park
Just up the road in Camden, the Snow Bowl is a little mountain offering easy downhill skiing with a view of the sea. In summer, head to Camden Hills State Park and hike in the jet green woods or climb Mount Battie.
10/11 Buy a Book at the Owl & Turtle Bookshop
In the heart of Camden’s vibrant downtown, this bookstore’s children’s section is a winner. It leans local with many Maine-centric titles penned by authors connected to the area. Frequent readings and book singings geared to children are a plus.
11/11 Stay at Samoset
Samoset is a timeless oceanfront resort in nearby Rockport. It’s the sort of place where guests gather around the fire circle for a nightly snack of s’mores after a friendly game of beanbag toss or a dip in the zero-entry pool. Activities, including croquet, watermelon socials and pickle ball, hark back to a time when life was just a tad simpler. Play a round of golf on the stunning 18-hole course with spectacular views of the Atlantic. Stroll down the massive granite stone path of the Rockland Breakwater out to the lighthouse.
The Samoset Kids Club is a seasonal drop-off program, Monday-Saturday. It strives to incorporate the natural environment into daily programming. Kite flying, lobster buoy painting and nature walks are just some of the possible activities. The kids club is included in the resort fee.
The resort’s delectable dining options are varied, with fresh, seasonal fare the unifying factor. Pizza, cooked in a brick oven at a scorching 600 degrees, is mouth-watering.
All guest accommodations include private outdoor space. Rooms have been recently renovated and offer a relaxed coastal ambiance combined with modern amenities such as flat screen televisions and Internet that works like a charm.
The resort is pet-friendly, so bring the pooch.
By Allison Tibaldi