| Things to do in the area |
What to do in Rockland, Owls Head, Camden, Rockport ...neighboring towns with so much to offer!Rockland is a Premiere Vacation DestinationToday, Rockland Maine is a vibrant and thriving coastal Maine town fueled by boat cruises and excursions, retail shopping, fine dining, art museums, and local festivals. When people first arrive to Rockland they will not only be exposed to the long-standing coastal landscape that has defined this region for thousands of years, but also will come into contact with beautiful historical buildings that were constructed as people began to populate the town. One essential part of a summer Rockland vacation is a large fleet of tall-masted schooners called "windjammers," a type of merchant sailing ship used in the 19th to 20th century, clearly recognizable through their large masts and sails. These windjammers represent the legacy of Captain Frank Swift who started the leisure cruise schooner business in the nearby town of Camden during the 1940s. Today, visitors can reserve these windjammers for an extended cruise with friends and family and explore the breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay. The historic Main Street of Rockland is filled with unique and eclectic shops ranging from specialty food items, nautical decorations, clothing and gift boutiques, art galleries, home goods, and children’s stores. Shopping is a large source of revenue for Rockland, and is a loved activity of tourists and guests. In addition to award winning restaurants, Rockland Maine is also known for its deep commitment and access to culture.
Farnsworth Art MuseumRockland, Maine would not be complete without The Farnsworth Art Museum. As one of the most prized establishments in Rockland, The Farnsworth Art Museum has 20,000 square feet of gallery space filled to the brim with a nationally recognized collection of American art. The museum features some of the best works of American artists of the 18th and 19th century including Gilbert Stuart, Maurice Prendergast, Frank Benson, Eastman Johnson, Thomas Sully, Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, and Fitz Henry Lane. It also highlights the work of local Maine artists that have achieved national recognition. If you are planning a visit to Rockland and this museum, you can be rest assured that all of this art is available for viewing year round since they are permanent collections. The Farnsworth Art Museum is also the host of the nation's second largest collection of work by famous sculptor, Louise Nevelson, and has created and opened four new galleries dedicated solely to contemporary art. In your visit to this museum, it is also important to stop by the Farnsworth Art Museum Library located on the Rockland main campus. This is an educational and beautiful spot to visit. Finally, in completing this complex, there are two historic buildings to see, the Farnsworth Homestead and the Olson House. Camden and Camden HarborWhile there are many things to do in Rockland during your stay, you should certainly plan a day trip to visit and explore Camden, Maine. Just eight miles away and right up the road from Rockland, Camden is known as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast.” When you envision a small New England seaside village, you are picturing Camden even if you don’t know it. Camden is a small town right on the sea with a bustling harbor and community, especially in the summer months. Camden today is an eclectic mix of modern-day stores and restaurants but still holds onto the 19th century architecture look and feel that makes it unique. Many people love to visit Camden for the day and explore the downtown area, putting shopping as a top priority. This area is filled with local shops, high-end boutiques, and specialty stores like the Planet, the Emporium, Margo Moore, the Admiral's Buttons, House of Logan, the Ducktrap Bay Trading Company and many others. Each store brings something new to the local marketplace, offering guests and locals an assortment of gifts, accessories, and/or specialty crafts. There is no need to drive your car to each of these locations; the beauty of this town is almost everything can be explored on foot at your own leisurely pace. Beyond its shopping options, Camden boasts a wealth of galleries and restaurants with plenty of New England dishes to enjoy in your visit.
Rockport, Maine Because of its beauty, wealth of activities and dining options, it is very easy to stay put in Rockland. However, it is important to explore other nearby towns in Midcoast Maine during your trip. Just up the road from Rockland is Rockport and this small harbor village (with a population of 3,209 people) is worth the drive. Robert Thorndike first settled this town in 1769. During the 19th century, the primary industries for Rockport were shipbuilding, lime production, and ice exportation. By 1882, Rockport became one of the leading lime producers in the country, producing this product throughout the year. The town also became known for its “Lily Pond Ice” exportation in which 50,000 tons of clear ice were harvested each year and then distributed to different countries around the world. People say that the ice was so clear you could still read a newspaper under a thick slab of it.Rockport was originally part of Camden, Maine (a nearby town) and known as Goose River, but it officially separated itself in early 1981 over a heated dispute over bridge construction costs. This was known as “The Bridge Question.” In this transition, Rockport maintained half its original population as well as the lime and ice exportation industries. In 1907, a fire destroyed most of the lime sheds and ice houses. Since neither industry was rebuilt, Rockport experienced a local economic decline. Today, if you are on the waterfront or at Rockport Marine Harbor Park, you can still see some remnants of the old lime kilns.
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