By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
The thriving commercial port of Rockland, Maine has a lot to offer. The small town boasts a large fishing fleet and a proud year-round population that gives Rockland vibrancy and charm.
Main Street is a window into the city's sociocultural diversity, with a jumble of diners, bohemian cafes and high-end restaurants alongside galleries, old-fashioned storefronts and one of the state's best art museums, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA).
Here are our favorite things to do in Rockland, Maine.
Climb Mount Battie
Over one Labor Day weekend, I climbed up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. Utilizing the Mount Megunticook Trail, I went up Mount Battie first, and then up to Ocean Lookout.
Upon my arrival at the top, I was immediately rewarded when I overheard a child yell "HEY YOU GUYS!" in the slothy Goonies voice over one of the cliffs.
Take Pictures Downtown
Bright skies, vibrant colors. This is Rockland, Maine.
Read More: A Day In Rockland, Maine [City Pics]
Drop By Camden, Maine
Camden, Maine. It’s either the real life Stars Hollow or the real life Camden, Maine. Think boutique shops, lots of pretty sailboats, and super shiny shop windows warning not to even think about bringing a drink in there.
I drove through here on my way to Mount Battie, and stopped for a vintage car show happening downtown. I spent the rest of the afternoon checking out Zoot Coffee, listening to an adolescent joyfully play the accordion, and wandering through the neighborhoods.
I imagine it would be lovely on a quiet day, but it was super hot and crowded the afternoon I visited. There wasn’t a split second to get a photo without a person blurrily enjoying an ice cream cone or a car whizzing in front of you.
And it took me thirty minutes to find a place to park.
Walk To Breakwater Lighthouse
The Breakwater Lighthouse is one of my favorite things in Rockland. You can walk out on the rocky pier, which reminded me a lot of the large rocks you can walk on in Reykjavik's harbor.
You can also slip and get your leg caught in between rocks there, too.
Stay off your phone, people.
(That means you, head phoned purple haired vixen who walked way way too close behind me on the way out.)
I sat and watched the boats pass for awhile.
Read More: Afternoon Pics Of The Breakwater Lighthouse
Check Out Choice Vintage Cars
While you're in Rockland, check to see if there's a vintage car show happening in Camden. The small town is the perfect backdrop for vintage cars (although I must warn you, it will be busy.)
They also have sailboats on display.
Read More: Choice Vintage Cars In Camden, Maine
Explore Small Harbours
Sometimes I wander off, and end up somewhere I may or may not be allowed to be.
I went for a drive one afternoon in Rockland, and parked besides this harbor. The colorful buoys hypnotized me, so it’s not my fault. On the way back, I listened to classic music and whizzed through the backroads.
It was a good afternoon.
Travel Essays
Sono Solo
I am in a cocoon of softness, nestled in my duvet and a thick blanket. Something stirs, and I open my eyes.
I can only see the silhouette of a man. He’s sitting in the driver’s seat of my SUV, hot steam bellowing out of what looks like a stainless steel travel mug. He takes a sip.
Read More: Sono Solo [Travel Essays]
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