Social Activities

Take your pick of curated activities to enjoy by land or sea. From sea kayaking to culinary walking tours, there’s something for everyone. Please note, registration for social activities is included with conference registration. Wait lists may be used when activities fill up.

Welcome Reception at Cellardoor Winery

Connect over local food and wine pairings while enjoying music offered by DJ Jim under the Pavilion at Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, Maine. Devour fresh oysters, delicious small plates and fabulous wines as you meet the chefs and winemakers from the area that have come together to create this memorable culinary experience. Sample various wines made at Cellardoor and learn about suggested food pairings as you delight in the many flavorful tastings Maine has to offer.

Schooner Appledore II Windjammer Cruise

Departing from Bay View Landing in Camden Harbor, Schooner Appledore sails past Curtis Island Light, an impressive lighthouse dating from 1836, and into Penobscot Bay. While aboard you can help raise the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or sit back and relax while enjoying the views of Mount Battie and the picturesque coastline dotted with many historic inns and elegant summer mansions only visible from the water. A selection of cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks are available to accompany your deli-style lunch during your sailing cruise.  

Know before you go: Government-issued IDs required for alcoholic beverages. Light jacket, hat and sunscreen recommended. Waiver required. 

Rockland Culinary Tour

Enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of historic downtown Rockland when you join us for a mouthwatering walking tour through this charming coastal town. On this fun-filled, 3-hour lunchtime walk, we’ll take you through the town’s rich culinary past and present. You’ll savor a variety of local favorites, hear quirky tales and learn a lot from your local guide about Maine’s Midcoastal and Rockland’s food scene.

Know before you go: Light jacket and comfortable shoes recommended. Waiver required.

Farewell Dinner

As we say farewell to friends old and new, prepare your taste buds for a lobster bake feast that highlights all the local flavors of Maine. New England clam chowder, Maine mussels, lobsters and corn on the cob, along with delectable desserts are just a few items on the menu sure to delight. Live entertainment, featuring the Cavemen, will end our final evening together with upbeat music everyone will enjoy.

Owl’s Head Transportation Museum

Home to a world-class operating collection, the Owls Head Transportation Museum (OHTM) features more than 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, engines and more. Unlike many museums, the OHTM collection is primarily operational, offering you a spectacular and rare experience that could even include a ride in a vintage automobile. A deli-style lunch will be served in the Café during your visit.

Owl’s Head Lighthouse – Keepers House Museum and Gift Shop

Owls Head Lighthouse sits majestically atop an 80-foot bluff overlooking Penobscot Bay, near the entrance to Rockland Harbor along Midcoast Maine. Once atop the lighthouse, you’ll have the chance to admire the gorgeous fourth-order Fresnel lens that dates back to 1856. This lens is one of the few remaining in use in Maine and allows light to be seen for over 16 miles. From your vantage point, you’ll be captivated by the panoramic views of the bay, islands and marine traffic, including Maine’s elegant windjammer fleet. You can also explore the Keeper’s House Museum and gift shop or take a stroll down the path that leads to a small rocky beach with a view of the lighthouse and the pine-covered cliffs on which it stands.

Camden Harbor Cruise

Relax aboard the Lively Lady or the Periwinkle (Maine lobster boats) and get a close-up look at the Maine coast as the boats glide past majestic lighthouses, seaside mansions, world-famous windjammers, and visiting yachts. Don’t forget your camera, as you may see seals, porpoises, osprey, and bald eagles while aboard. This is an ideal trip for families, and you are encouraged to help haul up lobster traps and discover what’s inside.

Know before you go: There is a short walk from the passenger drop-off location at Village Green to the Camden Public Landing. Unless it’s really hot, you’ll want a jacket or sweatshirt for morning trips. Bring sunglasses, sunblock and wear a hat if you like. Soft-soled shoes, sneakers or sandals are recommended.

A Morning in Maine Sailing Trip

This is a classic coastal day trip aboard a Maine Ketch. You will have a close-up of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and sail along the beautiful coastline, watching for seals, porpoises, bald eagles as well as Maine’s historic Windjammer fleet. During each trip that sets sail, all are welcome to lend a hand!

Know before you go: Please bring your own water, suntan lotion, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, windbreaker, hat, and a big smile. Children must be 18+ pounds to be able to properly wear a life vest.

Maine Sport Outfitter Kayaking Tour

We’ll begin our kayaking adventure at Steamboat Landing, where we’ll get geared up and go over the paddle school. From there, we’ll launch our tandem kayaks from beautiful downtown Camden and enter the heart of West Penobscot Bay. Paddlers will circumnavigate Curtis Island and its working lighthouse, glide alongside cruising yachts and historic schooners, and take in beautiful views of the Camden Hills and the islands of the bay. Our enthusiastic guides will share information about the local history and ecology of the area while pointing out Maine wildlife found in the water and the air.

Know before you go:  Please bring your own water and sunblock.  Minimum age is 10 years old.  Waiver and releases required.

Stargazing/Dark Night Talk

Relax and unwind on the lawn as Shawn Laatsch, Director of the University of Maine’s Versant Power Astronomy Center, provides a guided tour of the night sky at the Samoset Resort. With the use of a green laser pointer, Shawn can easily direct viewers’ attention to featured stars, constellations, and visible planets. A telescope will also be used to show you a variety of objects, including visible planets, a star cluster, nebula, galaxies and more. If you bring your own binoculars, the program will end with a binocular tour utilizing a method called star hopping, leading to a deeper look into the night sky.

Know before you go: Recommended light jacket, bug spray and binoculars if you have them.