Rockland & Rockport

Rockland is a picturesque coastal town founded in 1854 that prospered from shipbuilding and lime quarries alongside a robust fishing industry.

Today, Rockland is a tourist destination with unique shops, boutiques, fine dining, breweries and art galleries nestled in a historic downtown. There are nearly a dozen boat tour operators that offer sailing adventures and excursions while the Maine Ferry Service offers regularly scheduled trips to nearby coastal islands, Vinalhaven and New Haven where visitors can view the joys of island living. Rockland is often referred to as the “Lobster Capital of the World” as it hosts the annual Maine Lobster Festival, a celebration honoring the town’s primary export. At the five-day festival each August, over 25,000 pounds of the crustacean is consumed. Attendees also enjoy road races, a huge parade, arts and crafts, entertainment and the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation. The North Atlantic Blues Festival is held at the Public Landing overlooking the harbor. The two-day blues music festival is considered one of the most prestigious on the East Coast.

Must See: Visit any time after Thanksgiving through Christmas to see a Christmas Tree made out of 155 lobster traps, 2,500 hundred lights and 100 lobster buoys. At 39 feet tall it is claimed to be the world’s largest lobster trap tree. The tree is lit during the annual Festival of Lights.

Rockport is known for being a cultural and artistic town with a large community of local artists as well as a destination for creative professionals from around the world.

TThe Rockport Opera house, constructed in 1891, can seat up to 400 and offers music, dance, plays, and other activities year-round. The Opera House is also home of the renowned Bay Chamber Concerts. Rockport Marine Park is a popular spot with harbor views, picnic areas, and short paths for walking. It has a replica of a locomotive used in transporting the prosperous lime production back in the town’s early history.

For visitors wanting to take in some nature, a visit to Beech Hill Reserve is a must. Its 295 acres include the summit of Beech Hill.

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