Around Maine’s Midcoast
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Maine Lobster Festival
Museums & Cultural Sites
Farnsworth Art Museum
The Farnsworth Art Museum is recognized nationally for its 15,000 works of art, beautifully curated and displayed in 20,000 square feet of gallery space. Stroll among the sculptures of Louise Nevelson before checking out the Wyeth Center and the Gamble Center for Education; it’s an ideal way to spend an afternoon in mid-coastal Maine.
16 Museum St, Rockland, ME 04841
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
The Center for Maine Contemporary Art is the leading contemporary art museum in Maine. Designed by internationally-known architect, Toshiko Mori, the striking, glass-enclosed space features the work of artists connected to Maine.
21 Winter St, Rockland, ME 04841
Owl’s Head Transportation Museum
The Owls Head Transportation Museum located in Owls Head is home to an operating collection of antique aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, motorcycles and engines. The museum hosts a variety of special events that include vintage car rallies, antique airplane shows and free Model T rides.
117 Museum St, Owls Head, ME 04854
Parks, Trails, and Landmarks
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
Watch the breakwater at work during a visit to the Rockland Lighthouse, which was built in the late 1800s as a way to keep damaging storms at bay from the waterfront. We particularly like mornings here, when you can get in a refreshing workout while marveling at the sights.
Parking is located at the end of Samoset Road, Rockland, ME 04841
Beech Hill Preserve
The Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport consists of 295 protected acres with two easy trails with views of the Bay and mountains. Beech Nut, built in 1914, is a stone hut on top of the hill. The preserve is managed for bird habitat and organic blueberries.
316 Beech Hill Road, Rockport, ME 04856
Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park
You can hike to the summit of Mount Battie on a moderate 1 or 2-mile trail or drive your car to the top for a fee. Once there, you will be rewarded with inspiring 360-degree panoramic views overlooking Penobscot Bay. Admire the scenery from down below or climb to the top of Mount Battie’s iconic stone tower to soak it all in. Do yourself a favor and pack yourself a picnic, you’re going to want to stick around a while for this one. Visit the Camden Hills State Park website to learn more.
Maiden’s Cliff & Megunticook Lake
Overlooking the sparkling Megunticook Lake in Camden Hills State Park, Maiden’s Cliff is marked by a white cross memorializing the life of an 11-year-old girl who tumbled from the rocks in 1864. It takes 45 minutes to reach the top of the 800-foot cliff, where you can enjoy the overlook from safe, level ground.
Maiden Cliff Trailhead, 321-415 Turnpike Dr, Camden, ME 04843
Owls Head State Park
Bring a picnic to settle in among the groves of this state park, a locals’ favorite for its views of Rockland and fun, rocky beach. You can also check out another lighthouse here; the 30-foot structure is closed to the public but open to plenty of Instagram-worthy photography.
186 Lighthouse Rd, Owls Head, ME 04854
Shopping
The towns and villages in the Midcoast offer some of the best shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts. We highly recommend spending a few hours meandering through the shops in Camden or Rockland. Here you will find antiques, crafts, clothing, jewelry, art, outdoor apparel and gear, sweet treats, and more.
Bixby Chocolate
All Bixby products are manufactured in a 125-year-old former ice plant located on a working marina in Rockland. Bixby Chocolate’s innovations include producing its own chocolate straight from the cocoa bean for several new bean-to-bar chocolate bars, and its newly created chocolate bonbons, chocolate nibs and chocolate-covered coffee beans.
1 Sea St Pl, Rockland, ME 04841
Archipelago
Run by the Island Institute, this inviting shop showcases an array of fine creations by Maine artists and artisans. On display are wooden goods, jewelry, soaps, books, housewares, clothing, fine art, and more.
386 Main St, Rockland, ME, 04841
The Smiling Cow
A local mainstay that has been in business since 1940. This landmark gift shop is a must for visitors to the area with everything from catchy graphic t-shirts to unique home goods.
41 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Maine Sport Outfitters
Long-standing retailer of outdoor apparel, equipment, and footwear, with bikes and kayaks for rent.
115 Commercial St, Rockport, ME 04856
July 30 to August 3, 2025
The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine! This annual seafood festival takes place during the first weekend of August, from Wednesday through Sunday.
Various locations in Rockland, Maine