Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Rockland, Maine
Year Listed: 2010
Lobsters and Lighthouses
Lobster is king in Rockland – from the harbor where visitors can watch a lobsterman dock to the world-famous Maine Lobster Festival, which occurs in August every year. Locals and visitors can shop and enjoy a bounty of local cuisines in a setting one block from the harbor on Rockland's historic Main Street. Home to art galleries and a number of major events, the town hosts visitors with the North American Blues Festival in July, which includes two days of Grammy Award-winning music on the harbor, and the Maine Boats Homes & Harbors Show in August.
Art and Museums
Rockland is celebrated as one of the finest cultural centers on the east coast. The Farnsworth Art Museum houses a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America's greatest artists including the work of three generations of the Wyeth family, and champions the Maine art scene and creative economy while over 20 galleries echo the long history of artists in the city. Museum-goers will be delighted with the variety of unique exhibitions and collections in Rockland, one featuring the world's largest showcase of lighthouse artifacts. The Island Institute educates visitors on the region's maritime past and present and three historic lighthouses are located within a short distance of the city. Museum-goers will be delighted with the variety of unique exhibitions and collections in Rockland including the Maine Lighthouse Museum featuring the world's largest showcase of lighthouse artifacts. The Island Institute protects and educates visitors on the region's island life, lore and fishing industry. Three historic lighthouses are located within a short distance of the Rockland all open for visitors tours. Lighthouse and Puffin interpretive centers are located on Main Street.
Going Green in Rockland
Rockland is perfect for walking and strolling.Visitors can take in much town on foot, experiencing the harbor and the historic buildings and homes. The local businesses sustain one another by frequently partnering to provide visitors and locals with a broader experience of the bounty the town has to offer, and local restaurants and schooner fleets pride themselves on shopping locally at the farmers market.
Preservation is green. Learn more.
Don't Miss:
To plan your trip and learn more about Rockland, visit Rockland Main Street, Inc.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by dirsima at: February 28, 2010
we had a great stay in rockland !
Submitted by Diana at: February 27, 2010
Rockland located on the coast of Maine Beautiful! Plenty to do
Submitted by Judy at: February 27, 2010
Great idea!
Submitted by Toots at: February 27, 2010
One of the most beautiful places I have visited...
Submitted by Diana at: February 25, 2010
love Rockland
Submitted by Shirl & Earl at: February 24, 2010
Maine..the life should be..
Submitted by radar at: February 24, 2010
Gotta see the Breakwater & Lighthouse...
Submitted by Porche at: February 24, 2010
Best town in Maine!!!..
Submitted by Susan at: February 24, 2010
I spent a week in Rockland a few years ago and loved it. Even though it was winter, it was still a beautiful place to visit. The shops and restaurants were wonderful. And the coastline was magnificent. I stayed at the Limerock Inn B&B and Frank and PJ were the ultimate hosts!
Submitted by Peg at: February 24, 2010
We went on the Victory Chimes and stayed at the Berry Manor Inn. I had never been to Maine and we both just loved our windjammer trip and our stay at the Inn. Hope to go back soon.
Submitted by CHRISTY at: February 24, 2010
I LOVE MAINE
Submitted by rock town girl at: February 23, 2010
I love to walk downtown to the shops, and eating at the Brass Compass or at Bricks. People are friendly. You have to walk the breakwater its the best!
Submitted by A Rockland Native at: February 22, 2010
I suggest a boat ride to see the coast, anytime of year. I believe you haven't seen Maine until you look at our beautiful shoreline!!!
Submitted by blondie at: February 18, 2010
I have lived here all of my 64 years I have watched all the changes for the better over these years. I will never we have the best that life has to offer right here why go elsewhere. Life the way it should be
Submitted by Swill at: February 18, 2010
Great hometown values!!!
Submitted by Lawreston Distinctive Views at: February 17, 2010
I have watched Rockland grow from a "Friday the fish boats are in" fish smelling gathering place in Knox county to a world class center for art, culture, dining, and accommodations. Throughout several decades it leaders have succeeded in making Rockland a leading place to visit.
Submitted by syl at: February 17, 2010
Rockland is the epitome of the quaint harbor town. The sounds from the harbor, the beautiful scenery, delicious & fresh seafood, quaint shops and welcoming hosts/hostesses make it a place I keep wanting to return to.
Submitted by mamajude at: February 17, 2010
was there just recently and loved it!
Submitted by VAL at: February 17, 2010
ONE CANNOT GO TO THE MAINE COAST WITHOUT GOING TO ROCKLAND...YEAR ROUND, THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO...GREAT RESTAURANTS, ANTIQUE SHOPS, OF COURSE THE MUSEUM AND LOTS OF GREAT ARTISANS... OH, AND THE BEST LOBSTAH IN THE WORLD...TAKE THE TRAIN ONCE THE SNOW IS OFF THE GROUND FROM BRUNSWICK TO ROCKLAND AND SEE THE MID-COAST FROM A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. LOVE ROCKLAND!!!
Submitted by Pat at: February 17, 2010
Walk the Breakwater out to the lighthouse at the end...enjoy a wide variety of great food at wonderful restaurants...drive down the peninsula and take the ferry to Monhegan Island...enjoy Penobscot Bay by boat...hot dogs at Wassa's and ice cream at Dorman's...fall to sleep with the sound of a foghorn on misty evenings...watch the seals follow the herring boats as they enter the harbor...art, music, food, fun, boating, beauty, great people...Rockland has it all!!!