Every summer, Philip and I head up to Rockland in mid-coast Maine to visit my bonus mother. After my sister and I left our hometown, she moved up to Maine to work for their state government, and has been there ever since. She usually comes down to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving, so we try to head up there over the summer for a long weekend.
Rockland, Camden, Thomaston. These are the main areas we hang out in. But we also take a day in Boothbay. Each of the towns has their own feel: Rockland is known as a bit of an artist colony, Camden is home to a Shakespeare festival each summer, and Thomaston is known for its harbor…and for being where Shawshank Redemption was based.
For us, since we base ourselves in Rockland, we always start our weekend by going to Archer’s on the Pier for dinner. I’m a sucker for seared scallops, and I swear that Archer’s has the best. It doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty darn close to bonus mom’s house and that the views can’t be beat.
If you’re wandering around Rockland during the summer, be sure to check out the Farnsworth Art Museum. They currently have a mural project expected to last through 2027 which is incredible. Unfortunately, the homestead and the Olsen house are both closed this season for refurbishment, but they are supposed to be back open in 2026. If you need a snack after the museum, hit up Bixby Chocolate, a local women-owned chocolatier whose products are all created in a former ice plant by the marina. I’m also partial to her because she went to NYU like me.
Also worth a visit is the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ve noticed that I really like lighthouses. I think it’s just because I grew up in New England. It’s in my blood or something. I’m just required to find them fascinating. Also near Rockland in Owl’s Head is the Owl’s Head Lighthouse. That lighthouse has a Keeper’s Museum which is adorable. I’ll level with you guys…the museum is a room next to the gift shop. But it’s cute. The lighthouse itself is worth a visit though!
When you’ve finished wandering around Rockland, head up to Camden. Many of the old schooners summer in Camden harbor, so it’s a great place to take a boat tour. In particular, Schooner Appledore does coastal tours on their fast tall ships. Then wander downtown and check out The Owl and Turtle Bookshop. Because, like lighthouses, I can’t resist a good locally owned bookstore.
If you’re up for heading down the coast, you can get some puffin tours out of Boothbay. Also in Boothbay are the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. They are HUGE. They make Tower Hill look like the baby sister. And, to top it all off, they have some of Thomas Dambo‘s Giant Troll installation. The ones at the gardens are the “Guardians of the Seeds.”
Places to stay:
* Rockland Harbor Hotel
* 250 Main Hotel
* Camden Windward House
Places to eat:
* Archer’s on the Pier
* Rock City Coffee
* Home Kitchen Cafe (where I had some AMAZING huevos rancheros)
Happy Travels!
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