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Acadia National Park and The Great Outdoors
Camden Area
Monhegan, Vinalhaven, and Matinicus Islands
The Farnsworth Museum, Wyeth Center & the Arts
Lighthouses and Maritime History
Acadia National Park and The Great Outdoors
Maine is known for its natural areas. Acadia National Park , just 2 hours north of Rockland , offers its visitors the best of mountains, ocean, and shore. Closer to Rockland lies Camden Hills State Park , a truly dramatic range of mountains that overlook Penobscot Bay . The Georges River Highlands Trail system is a watershed-wide trail network supervised by the Georges River Land Trust; the trails wander through privately owned mountains, forests, and bogland. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages Fernald’s Neck Preserve, a delightful tract of forested land right on Megunticook Lake . These and other natural areas make Rockland a natural waypoint for hikers of all skill levels.
Acadia National Park - www.nps.gov/acad/home.htm
Acadia National Park is the jewel of the Maine coast. With over 47,000 acres of land on Mount Desert Island , Isle au Haut , and the Schoodic Peninsula , the park offers something for everyone. There are miles of well-maintained hiking, horse, and bicycle trails, lots of rocky cliffs, and a fine one-way automobile road around the park. Camping is available in the summer.
Camden Hills State Park - www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks
The park is located just two miles north of the town of Camden on Rte. 1. Within the park there are 30 miles of hiking trails, a 107-site camping area, and bathroom facilities. Camden Hills State Park is open from May 15 to October 15 and there is an entry fee.
Georges River Highlands Trail - www.grlt.org
Currently the Georges Highland Path has over 30 miles of hiking trails, extending from the Thomaston town forest through the Oyster River Bog and across Ragged and Bald Mountains . Maps of all these trails are available through the Georges River Land Trust office (594-5166), at local chambers of commerce and at trail heads.
Fernald’s Neck Preserve
Owned by the Nature Conservancy, Fernald’s Neck Preserve has five miles of marked trails through pine forests, freshwater bogs, and along rocky cliffs overlooking Megunticook Lake . To reach the preserve, take Rte. 52 out of Camden , along the lake, and look for the Fernald’s Neck Rd. sign on your left.
Camden Area
The small town of Camden nestles up against the mountains and Penobscot Bay . Once home to leather tanneries and mills, the town has long been a destination point for tourists by land and by sea. Today one can wander through the streets enjoying shopping, restaurants, and the ambiance of a busy summer town. Just be prepared to walk; parking becomes a bit scarce during the season.
Restaurants
Atlantica
1 Bayview Landing, Camden, ME 04843
236-6011
www.atlanticarestaurant.com
Bayview Lobster
1 Sharp’s Wharf
236-2005
Ephemere Café and Wine Bar
51 Bayview St.
236-4451
www.villagesoup.com/ephemerecafe
Francine’s Bistro Cafe
55 Chestnut St, Camden, ME 04843
236-0083
www.francinebistro.com
Petter Ott’s
16 Bayview St.
236-4032
Prism Glass Gallery and Restaurant
297 Commercial St., Rockport, ME 04856
230-0061
www.prismglassgallery.com
Tavern on the Falls
43 Mechanic St.
236-3227
www.camdendiningandevents.com
Waterfront Restaurant
40 Bayview St.
236-3747
www.waterfrontcamden.com
Shopping
Unique One2 Bayview St., Camden, ME 04843
236-8717
www.uniqueone.com
yarns, custom creations, and knitting supplies
The Emporium
31 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
230-2480
Elegant women’s clothing
Maine Gathering
21 Main St.
236-9004
Maine handcrafts
Planet
10 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
236-4410
children’s toys, household items
Reny’s
83 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843
236-9005
THE Maine department store. If you can’t find it at Reny’s, you don’t need it.
Galleries
Center for Furniture Craftsmanship25 Mill St.
Rockport, ME 04856 594-5611
www.woodschool.org
One- and two-week classes during the summer; 3- and 9-month programs in the winter.
Bayview Gallery
33 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
236-4534
www.bayviewgallery.com
Fine art, sculpture, prints
Camden Falls Gallery
21 Main St., Camden, ME 04843
470-7027
www.camdenfallsgallery.com
Maine Cottage furniture, fine art
Center for Maine Contemporary
Art
162 Russell Ave., Rockport, ME 04856
236-2875
www.artsmaine.org
Visual arts center featuring the work of established and emerging contemporary Maine artists.
Outdoors
Merryspring Nature Center
This 50-acre tract is owned and managed by nonprofit organization. Offers classes, hikes, and beautifully maintained perennial, annual, and herb gardens. Take a left onto Conway Road, off Route 1 just past the Hannaford shopping center in Camden.
Maine Sport Outfitters
U.S. Rte. 1, Rockport, ME 04856
236-7120
www.mainesport.com
Outdoor equipment and clothing store. Offers equipment rentals, overnight kayaking trips, and dozens of other adventures.
Culture
Camden Opera House
29 Elm St., Camden, ME. 04843
236-7963
www.camdenoperahouse.com
The 500-seat auditorium, with antique moldings, gilt stenciling, and four private boxes, presents classical and contemporary music and theater.
Bay Chamber Concerts
58 Bayview Street, Camden
236-2823
www.baychamberconcerts.org
Professional classical and jazz concerts on Wednesday nights in Rockland and Thursday nights in Rockport during July and August plus world music and dance throughout the winter.”
Located at the tip of Route 27, Boothbay Harbor explodes with people and boats in the summer. The tiny town finds itself awash with tourists, fishermen, recreational sailors, and local residents during the brief summer months. Boothbay Harbor is a 45-minute drive from Rockland; there’s lots to do and see there so we’ll just give you the high points.
Burnt Island Lighthouse - www.state.me.us/dmr/education/burntisland.htm
Go back in time and visit an 1828 lighthouse and keeper’s house on tiny Burnt Island at the mouth of Boothbay Harbor. Maintained by the state Department of Marine Resources, the ½ day tour of the island is full of history and fun.
Balmy Day cruises -
www.balmydaycruises.com
Pier 8, Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538
633-2284
Boat trips to see puffins, whales, birds, and sunset and evening cruises as well.
Department of Marine Resources
Aquarium
McKown Point Rd., West Boothbay Harbor,
ME
633-9542
Open seven days a week from May to September. This is a great little aquarium. Stocked full of Gulf of Maine species, from tiny shrimp to robust cod, the aquarium is a must see for adults and children alike.
On Board Fabrics
Rte. 27, Edgecomb, ME
882-7536
www.onboardfabrics.com
If you are a fiend for fabric, this place is for you. They have everything, from Balinese block print cottons to exquisite Italian upholstery fabric. Take a full morning to browse.
The Boothbay Opera House
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
633-6855
www.boothbayoperahouse.org
The 1894 Opera House has been completely restored and now hosts music concerts, theater, and local events. Upcoming acts this spring include Kate Shrock and Jonathan Edwards.
Bet’s Fish
There’s no phone number. In fact, there’s
no permanent address. Bet’s Fish is a small mobile restaurant
perched on the corner of Rte. 27 as you come in to Boothbay center.
Bet and her brother co-own an offshore fishing vessel and you better
believe the fish she serves is fresh and the portions are legendary.
Monhegan, Vinalhaven, and Matinicus Islands
If you like to get away from it all, these islands are for you. The year-round communities on each island make their livings from lobstering and boats. During the summer vacationers from around the globe travel by ferry out to these beautiful islands to rest and recreate. For art lovers, Monhegan has long been an artists’ colony as well as a premier site for birders in the spring and fall. Vinalhaven and Matinicus have artists in residence too during the summer. Each island makes a perfect day trip by ferry from Waterman House.
Vinalhaven
The Maine State Ferry Service runs two boats out to the island several times each day between Vinalhaven and Rockland. The ferries carry passengers, cars, bicycles and cargo trucks. Each ferry can take about 16 cars, thus you should always make reservations if you plan to drive on the island. Check the web site for rates and times. www.state.me.us/mdot/opt/ferry/215-vinalhaven.php
Matinicus
Matinicus island is the furthest offshore island in the state. In the winter the ferry runs once a month. In the summer the ferry runs every week or so thus it’s best to check the web site for an up-to-date schedule. For a schedule, visit www.state.me.us/mdot/opt/ferry/215-matinicus.php
Monhegan
To reach Monhegan you can take one of several boats. The private Monhegan Boat Line runs year-round from Port Clyde, at the end of the St. George peninsula. Hardy Boat Cruises run from New Harbor, at the base of the Bristol peninsula. You can spend the day hiking, bird watching, or wandering Monhegan’s much-painted cliffs. Bring your own food and water or make lunch-time reservations at one of the island’s few hotels. Reservations with either line are a must.
Monhegan Boat
Line
P.O. Box 238, Port Clyde, Maine 04855
372-8848
www.monheganboat.com
PO Box 326, New Harbor, ME 04554
677-2026
www.hardyboat.com/monhegan/monhegan.html
Rockland has become the epicenter of the arts in the midcoast region, with fifteen top-notch art galleries, the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center and festivals throughout the summer. Easily walkable, Rockland offers visitors everything from lighthouses to gourmet foods. The area’s maritime heritage is evident at the Atlantic Challenge boatbuilding shop, the windjammers berthed in the spacious harbor, and the new Sharp’s Point complex in the south end. More than 20 restaurants can be found along Main Street and in the historic district as well as numerous bookstores, bike shops, and the restored 1927 Strand Theatre.
Primo
2 South Main St., Rockland
ME 04841
596-0770
www.primorestaurant.com
Gourmet dining; reservations strongly suggested.
Rustica
315 Main St., Rockland
ME 04841
594-0015
www.marketonmain.net
Fine Mediterranean dining with great black and white photos of Italy; reservations suggested.
Conte’s
At the Harbor Park. There’s no phone, there are no tablecloths, and no, they don’t take credit cards. Show up around 5 p.m. for absolutely fresh, well-prepared seafood in a restaurant whose ambiance almost defies description. Wouldn’t know a reservation if they saw one.
Amalfi
Rockland Harbor Park Center
596-0012
www.amalfi-tonight.com
New location for fine northern Italian restaurant; reservations suggested.
Café Miranda
15 Oak St., Rockland ME
04841
594-2034
www.cafemiranda.com
Totally cool food from around the world served in a boisterous restaurant with a wonderful brick oven; reservations strongly suggested.
In Good Company
415 Main St., Rockland
ME 04841
593-9110
The newest addition to the Rockland dining scene, this small wine bar serves a fabulous array of wines, aperitifs, and other viands as well as delicious light dishes.
Miller’s Seafood
38 Fuller Rd. (Eagle Quarry
Rd.), Spruce Head ME 04859
594-7406
Right on the water, Miller’s has wonderful lobsters and clams and that’s it boys. Bring your own booze and watch the sun set on the dock. Closes Labor Day.
Waterman’s Beach Lobster
359 Waterman Beach Road,
South Thomaston ME 04858
596-7819
No, we are not related but we wish we were. Waterman’s Beach Lobster won the James Beard Culinary Award for its famous lobster rolls. You can’t beat the view looking out toward the Mussel Ridge islands.
Dip Net
Port Clyde behind the market
372-6307
Outdoor dining, jazzy seafood served outside overlooking the active fishing harbor.
Rockland Café
441 Main Street
don’t bother to call
Abundant, fresh, homemade seafood & sandwiches and don’t forget the desserts.
The Farnsworth Museum, Wyeth Center & the Arts
If you are interested in artists from Maine, artists who worked in Maine, or artists who took Maine as their topic, then the Farnsworth Museum is for you. Louise Nevelson (a Rockland native), Will Barnet, Marsden Hartley, Neil Welliver, Alan Magee, Edward Hopper, the Farnsworth Museum (www.farnsworthmuseum.org) has them all. In addition, the Wyeth Center offers glimpses of the genius of that family, long associated with Maine. From N.C. Wyeth’s famous illustrations to the somber paintings of Andrew Wyeth to the disturbing and beautiful works of Jamie Wyeth, the Wyeth Center presents a changing array of exhibits and special events throughout the year .
Don’t just stop at the Farnsworth Museum; there’s much more to be seen in Rockland’s 20 privately owned galleries and studios.
Art of the Sea
Route 73, South Thomaston
ME 04858
594-9396
www.artofthesea.com
Fine nautical art, prints, and sculpture
Harbor Square Gallery
374 Main Street, Rockland
ME 04841
594-8700
www.HarborSquareGallery.com
Truly outstanding collection of fine painting, sculpture, glass and jewelry housed in a historic bank building. Excellent collection of Imero Gobbato oil paintings and prints and a new rooftop sculpture garden with views of the harbor..
Art Space
342 Main Street, Rockland ME 04841
594-8784
Arts collective featuring local artists working in diverse media.
The Landings
8 Elm Street, Rockland, Maine 04841
596-9933
Cool white marble and soaring ceilings showcase a changing array of international and national artists working in all media.
Caldbeck Gallery
12 Elm Street, Rockland
ME 04841
594-5935
www.caldbeck.com
Contemporary Maine artists working in all media. Caldbeck Gallery is also exhibits works from the estate of the late William Thon.
Dowling Walsh
357 Main Street
596-0084
www.dowlingwalsh.com
Outstanding collection of maritime art masters plus new New England artists.
Jonathan Frost Gallery
21 Winter Street
Ste 5; 596-0800
Top notch little gallery of Maine & New England artists; professional framing shop also.
Eric Hopkins Studio & Gallery
21 Winter Street, Ste 3
594-1996.
You may catch Eric riding his bicycle around his studio, it’s that big! Hopkin’s famous impressionistic views of the Maine coastline are on display, but his energy has returned to glass blowing which he studied at RISD under the tutelage of Dale Chihuly.
Lighthouses and Maritime History
The Penobscot Bay region is brimming with vestiges of New England’s maritime past – lighthouses, historic homes, traditional sailing vessels, you name it! You can either venture out on your own to explore some of the sights mentioned below or spend your time in one of the area’s fine marine museums.
The Maine Windjammer Association
800-807-9463
www.sailmainecoast.com
The Association represents 14 of the state’s finest windjammers. The bulk of the fleet is berthed in Rockland during the summer months from which the vessels embark on 3- or 6-day sailing adventures in Penobscot Bay.
Penobscot Marine Museum
5 Church St, Searsport, ME
548-2529
Open 9 to 5 from Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekend
www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org
Maine Lighthouse Museum
1 Park Drive
594-3301
www.mainelighthousemuseum.com
Open year round; located in The Gateway Center building.
Maine Maritime Museum
243 Washington St., Bath, ME
443-1316
Open 9:30 to 5 daily year round
www.bathmaine.com
Owls Head Lighthouse
Built in 1825, a 20-foot white brick tower stands on a headland 87 feet above sea level overlooking the entry to Rockland Harbor and Penobscot Bay. On the Owls Head Road off Rte. 73.
Marshall Point Lighthouse
Built and rebuilt in 1832 and 1858 respectively, the 25-foot granite tower sits at the entrance to the St. George river in the small fishing port of Port Clyde. Take Rte. 131 down the St. George peninsula to Port Clyde, turn left onto Marshall Point Road.
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The 18-foot square tower atop a signal house was built between 1888 and 1902. The Rockland Breakwater is on the National Register of Historic Places and is undergoing renovation thanks to the Friends of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse organization. To reach the lighthouse, one must walk the length of the mile-long breakwater.
Waterman House and Gardens
Bed and Bath
Melissa and Judy Waterman, proprietors
33 Grove St., Rockland, Maine 04841
Phone: 207-596-0093
Email: info@watermanhouse.com
Website: www.watermanhouse.com
Copyright © 2005 Waterman House and Garderns
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