Rockland Main Street:

Recorded in the National Register of Historic Places, the Main Street exhibits different architectural styles, including Mansard, Italianate, Greek Revival and Colonial Revival. Free tours are available from Rockland Share the Pride. 207-594-5814

Breakwater Lighthouse and Marie H. Reed Memorial Park:

It took 18 years to build the Rockland Breakwater, which is the narrow granite barrier that protects Rockland Harbor from easterly storms. It's been there for 105 years. These days, the breakwater is full of people, walking along the granite slabs which stretch 4.346 feet to the Lighthouse. That's 1.7 miles there and back. Always pay attention to where your feet are. Certainly stop and admire the amazing ocean views, and all the vessels, from ferries to schooners. At low tide you can see starfish in the water.

Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center:
16 Museum St, Rockland

A museum dedicated to artists who, at one time or another in their careers, have painted in Maine. Works by Nevelson, Lane, Homer, Bellows, Hopper, Avery, Porter, Prendergast and Kent are among these artists represented. The Wyeth Center houses three generations of Wyeth family art. Another component of the museum is the Olson House in Cushing. Open year round. www.farnsworthmuseum.org

Harbor Park and Public Landing in Rockland:
Samoset Road, off Waldo Avenue

Benches to admire the view of the harbor are here, as well as boat cruises and buoys and piers with schooners at the end of them. Special events, such as the Lobster Festival take place here too. Further on is a lovely board walk that leads to Snow Marine Park. The view of this grand harbor is wonderful. Always something to see. Harbors are so entertaining.

Owl's Head Light State Park:
Located four miles off Route 73

The park is managed by the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Coast Guard. The lighthouse was built in 1852 on a 100' granite promontory above Penobscot Bay. Picnic tables and shore access. 207-941-4014

Islands of Penobscot Bay:

Penobscot Bay is 30 miles long and 30 miles wide, the largest bay in Maine. There are five large islands here, including Vinalhaven, North Haven, Isleboro, Deer Isle and Isle au Haut. The ferry from Rockland travels to North Haven, Vinalhaven and Matinicus. The trip to North Haven and Vinalhaven takes approximately one hour; to Matinicus, it is over two hours. Boats leave from both New Harbour and Port Clyde for Monhegan. A State Ferry leaves from Lincolnville Beach for Isleboro.

Maine State Ferry Schedules can be found at www.state.me.us/mdot/opt/ferry/maine-ferry-service.php.

Monhegan Boat Line (from Port Clyde) Tel: 207 372 8848. Hardy Boats (from New Harbour) Tel: 207 677 2026.

Owls Head Transportation Museum:

Route 73, Owls Head, 3 miles south of Rockland Amazingly, here you will find a world class collection of bi-planes from WWI, antiques autos, antique trucks, antique engines and motorcycles. Unexpected and highly entertaining are the special events, when the engines are run and the airplanes are flown and owners of antique and unusual cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and airplanes converge at Owls Head. Open all year. 207-594-4418

Maine Lighthouse Museum and Chamber of Commerce:

New opened in its new location on Park Drive, this museum houses the largest collection of lighthouse lenses and artifacts in the United States. In the same building as the Rockland-Thomaston Chamber of Commerce. Helpful staff and lots to read and digest about the area.

Island Institute and Archipelago:

Located on Main Street, this non-profit organization which conducts programs on marine research and community development, has a shop on the first floor, selling more than 200 Maine artists. Full of photographs and books and lovely things.

Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum:
Marshall Point Road, Port Clyde

Dramatic and one of the most photographed places, Marshall Point Lighthouse is worth a visit. THere is a museum in the keeper's house. 207-372-6450

Camden Hills State Park and Mount Battie:
2 miles north of Camden village on Route 1

You can drive or hike to the top of Mount Battie, and at the top enjoy the most amazing view of Camden Harbor, the islands and Penobscot Bay and inland lakes and rivers. There are 5,500 acres of park, providing 30 miles of trails with access from five trail heads. Mt. Megunticook, highest of the Camden Hills offers a moderate climb by foot trail. Rock climbing is very popular in the park. There is a camping and picnic area. The auto road is open from May 1 to October 3. 207-236-3109

Georges Highland Path:

There is challenging hiking here, in this watershed from Camden to Thomaston, to the summirts of Bald and Ragged Mountains. But there are easier walks up Spruce and Pleasant Mountain, too, and through the Oyster River Bog. Maps are available at the Georges River Land Trust Office, 328 Main Street, Rockland. 207-594-5166

Vesper Hill Children's Chapel:
Chapel Road, off Calderwood Lane, Rockport

A non-denominational chapel located on a rocky ledge overlooking the ocean. A favorite place to get married. The walk to it along a dirt road beside the water is lovely as well.

Merryspring Park:
Route 1 Camden

There are more than 60 acres of garden and nature preserve here, including an arboretum, woodlands, and gazebo. Open year round. 207-236-2239