PORTS OF CALL - Canada / New England
Rockland, Maine
The small town of Rockland is in a part of the Maine coast world famous for its mountainous and rocky shore with hundreds of harbors and inlets, and for some of the best cruising waters anywhere for sailing and boating. Rockland can give you an entrancing look at the simple life - local residents are proud of being coastal Mainers, and have a strong sense of place and of history. Strike up a conversation on the dockside, or along the historic Main Street, and get a sense of what makes Maine so special.
Don't Miss
For an in depth look at Rockland’s maritime history, don’t miss the Maine Lighthouse Museum, home of the most important collection of lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia in the United States. There is also an excellent art museum in town – the Farnsworth displays many of the great names in 18th- and 19th-century American art history, and, most notably, is home to the Wyeth Center, which exclusively features works of Andrew, N.C. and Jamie Wyeth - America's first family of art.
Sporting Adventures
The best way to discover Rockland is on foot, via the Rockland Harbor Trail, a public footpath of more than four miles along the historic waterfront of Rockland Harbor. Take a close-up look at the working waterfront with its busy fishing and lobster boats, sailboats, and the nation's largest schooner fleet, enjoy vistas across rocky headlands and sparkling ocean, and stroll out to the majestic lighthouse.
Penobscot Bay offers many diversions - spend a day fishing with one of our Maine Guides or head to the Rockland Breakwater to cast a line. Cruise on a majestic windjammer on a voyage of adventure and beauty by the day or week. Go on a sea kayaking or canoe adventure. There are all sorts of day cruises available to view the islands, flocks of puffins, seals and lighthouses. Granite shorelines and hidden beaches dotted with spectacular rock formations and shimmering tidal pools await you. Ferries will transport you to the islands of Vinalhaven, North Haven or Monhegan. Each has a special flavor and is worth exploring. Smaller islands, including Matinicus, are reached by charter boats or by air. Lighthouses abound. Some are only visible from the water or by air. Others are readily accessible. The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the end of the mile-long granite breakwater - a lovely walk on a summer day.
Inland you'll find clear lakes in which to swim, venerable coastal mountains to climb and parks for picnicking. Hike on the foot trail of the Georges Highland Path, which will take you through the hills and mountains of the Georges River watershed. Or take a scenic drive on the Georges River Scenic Byway as it winds its way from the inland town of Liberty to the beautiful coastal village of Port Clyde. Be sure to stop at a local lobster pound and enjoy fresh boiled lobster and steamed clams right on the working wharf. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Shopping for Bargains
Landscaped sidewalks, ocean breezes and a host of shops, galleries and restaurants within easy walking distance conspire to make your shopping experience in downtown Rockland truly memorable. Rockland's charming, historic shopping district has a mix of upscale stores, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and business services. The harbor and waterfront are within blocks of the downtown area and free parking is plentiful. The Maine State Ferry Service terminal, with service to several Penobscot Bay islands, is within walking distance of downtown. Rockland also features many museums whose works focus on the region's beauty and traditions. Downtown Rockland offers tourists and residents year-round shopping, dining and entertainment in a setting whose beauty is unforgettable.
Local Flavours
This is the Lobster Capital of the World. Thousands of lobsters are shipped from here each year. Our world-famous Maine Lobster Festival takes place each year in early August,. You’ll enjoy the sight of lobstermen in colorful wooden lobster boats pulling their traps as they’ve done for over a century. This is the Real Maine.
Currency
The official currency of the United States is the U.S. Dollar (USD).