 About the Area
The truly amazing thing about Midcoast Maine is that it provides access to most anything anyone could possibly want to see or do.
From lighthouses to world famous festivals. Walk a quiet beach in the morning and eat at an award-winning restaurant at night. Watch puffins nest, pull lobster traps and then, wander through a nationally-recognized art museum.
Listen to world class jazz and blues musicians, skip a stone in the water, watch the fog roll in and then, compete in a lobster eating contest.
Kayak or sail, bike or take the trolley, shop in unique boutiques, go to a parade, race in a 5K, take a ride on an historic schooner, watch fireworks over the harbor.
Sit on your deck and read; have a real family dinner at the water's edge, watch the tide come in and the sun go down on a perfect day.
Chances are, if you want to do it, you can do it in Midcoast Maine!
"Courtney and I had a wonderful time in Rockland this summer. We really were impressed with the rentals you arranged and the excellent customer service you provided. Our stay on Broad Street gave us the opportunity to explore Rockland with its welcoming residents, spectacular restaurants, and great art scene."
The Midcoast, also known as the Penobscot Bay area, is world-renowned for its picturesque views, a wealth of outdoor activities — from hiking to sailing, blueberry picking to beachcombing — as well as famous artists colonies, quaint villages, bustling cities and dozens of accessible islands.
This is an area steeped in history — you will find working fishing villages, some that remain largely untouched by modernity, where lobster boats head out to haul traps as the sun rises.  Places where small, simple things are still the way of the world. Native American shell middens are scattered about, antique boats continue to navigate the waters and the very things that made this area unique hundreds of years ago are still at play today.
Yet, just down the road, you will find bustling main streets lined with galleries, restaurants headed by world-famous chefs, shops with wares from fine wines to hand-made crafts from island residents, day spas, classic pubs, book stores and fine art studios. Our cities, towns and villages are alive with culture and rich with learning opportunities for those of all ages.
As we cherish our ties to the past and we embrace the future, we find a perfect meeting place between the old and the new.
"The thing about photos on the Internet is that most of the time what you see is NOT what you get. After trying out several of Fletcher's rentals, I can say that the houses are actually better than the photos, and the photos to begin with are pretty good!"
What to Know About Maine
Maine is a great place to get away from it all.
It sure feels like home, but here are a few things we think you should know...
Cell phones: Although coverage is getting better, there are some places where cell phones don't get reception. Chances are you will have service, but just in case, make sure you leave the number of the house you are renting with those who may need to get in touch with you.
Weather: If you have heard it once, you've heard it a hundred times: if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. It can be hot in Rockland and cool in Port Clyde so make sure to pack a variety of clothes — from a bathing suit to a sweater for cool evenings. (Check out the current local weather and tides in Midcoast Maine and Penobscot Bay.
Bugs: A lot of people ask us if we have mosquitoes... we sure do. But they aren't huge and they don't ruin a vacation. Bring some DEET-free repellant and you will be fine; usually, you won't even notice them.
Dogs: We love dogs around here, but not all beaches allow them. Make sure to look for signs stating if dogs are allowed and always have them on a leash. And if they, well, leave behind anything, please pick it up. Not a fun surprise when you are building a sandcastle.
 TV: Not all houses have cable or satellite television — some still rely on a good old fashioned roof top antenna. If TV is really important, please be sure to let us know. And with satellite television, if it's foggy, reception can get a little spotty.
Raccoons and other annoyances: You probably have them too, but raccoons can make you regret last night's lobster dinner. No one wants to pick up old, smelly shells that have been cast out onto the lawn by these cute, but curious and disastrously messy, little guys. Rocks on the top of cans don't work — make sure to secure the trash in bins, garages, etc.
Perfect Maine Days
When: Saturday Morning in July
Where: Tenants Harbor
What: Kayaking and the Afternoon at the Beach
 Wake up early and head over to Granite Gardens for some hot coffee and a bagel sandwich. Head down to Port Clyde Kayaks and do the morning tour with Cody. You'll see great islands, Wyeth's house, and if you're lucky enough you'll catch a porpoise or two. Whether you're a beginner or experienced kayaker, you'll have a great time. After that workout, you'll be ready for a good lunch at the Dip Net. Enjoy the sunny patio and have a cold local beer and a basket of fish and mussels. After lunch drive up to Drift Inn Beach and relax for a few hours. Back in Rockland, enjoy some sushi and udon soup at Suzuki Sushi — this place rivals any big-city Japanese eatery.
When: Thursday Morning in June
Where: Rockland
What: Lobstah Dinner
 You have this great kitchen that is calling to be used! Head over to the
Rockland Farmers Market, in Harbor Park, on Thursday morning. Take a large bag because you'll need it. Pick up some fresh vegetables, cheese, eggs, bread, and hand made chocolates. Everything is so fresh and colorful. Drive over to
Jess's Market and pickup some fresh fish and lobstah. Now you'll have everything you'll need for a wonder Maine dinner tonight (almost). Swing by
The Wine Seller and grab a few bottles of wine. Now, you have everything for a great meal. Relax and enjoy the fresh, cool Maine air!! Ahh...
When: Thursday Night In Rockland
Where: Rockland
What: Day of Arts
 One great thing about Maine is art. There are so many fabulous artists and craftsman. You can find everything from paintings, photography, furniture, blankets, and sculptures. Check out the bulletin boards at Rock City Coffee for local events. Start off your day by driving over to Belfast and have some breakfast at Chase's Daily. Wow, what a great breakfast — the tacos are fabulous. Check out the local shops and galleries. Head back towards Camden and you'll see many great finds along the way. Check out the Swan's Island blankets; their hand-woven blankets are made from local wool. Also stop in at the Windsor Chairmakers, where you'll find beautiful handmade furniture. Pretty amazing — especially after you tour their workshop and see firsthand the quality that goes into these pieces. On your way into Camden, grab some lunch to go at the Camden Deli. Take the scenic route over to Rockport and find a quiet spot to have lunch and watch the boats. After lunch, check out Rockport Village. If you love photography, check out Timothy Whelan's bookstore. Go home and rest. About 6pm head out to the Rockland Art Walk. There are dozen galleries that stay open with their latest exhibits. Now it's time for a relaxing dinner on the patio at Café Miranda. Kerry, chef and owner, is an artist with food! You'll find so many creative dishes. Amazing!
When: Anytime
Where: Rockland
What: Shawn and Courtney's Do it Top 10!
10. Kayaking in Port Clyde
9. Breakfast at Moody's Diner, with a stop at Schoolhouse Farms on your way back
8. Scenic drive in Rockport
7. Outlook and Hiking on Beech Hill
6. Dinner at Primo, Suzuki Sushi, Francine, Café Miranda, In Good Company
5. Ferry to Vinalhaven. Take some bikes!
4. Show at the Strand Theatre
3. Live music at Rock City Coffee on a Saturday night
2. Dorman's Dairy Dream
1. Go to Maine and enjoy!!!
Suzanne's (Fletcher's Mom and her Grandfather Firp) Perfect Maine Day:
 Grab a Thermos of coffee on a Sunday morning and head out early to the Weskeag River Preserve off Buttermilk Lane in So. Thomaston for a couple hours of bird watching on the incoming tide. Travel to Thomaston and check out the brunch at the Thomaston Café.
Walk around Thomaston enjoying the Museum in the Streets. Head back to South Thomaston for an award winning lobster roll at Waterman's Beach Lobster. Take Route 73 all the way into Rockland and sip a glass of wine while enjoying a live performance from the balcony of the Strand.
Sam's Perfect Day in Maine (with David and Russell)
 My perfect day on Midcoast Maine would include an early morning round of golf at either the Rockland Golf Club (RGC) or the Samoset Resort. I would recommend the RGC for beginners and someone with a smaller budget. RGC is a 6000 yard course with green fees around $50. RGC has a very forgiving layout and very walkable for those who want to incorporate exercise into their vacation week. For those who want to enjoy the panoramic views of Penobscot Bay or play a more challenging course, I would recommend the Samoset Resort. The Samoset is a 6600 yard Championship Golf Course with green fees in the $125 range. Both are an excellent value for the product you receive.
After golf, I would recommend a seafood lunch at the Landings Restaurant or 'Road House' type food at the Trackside Restaurant in Rockland. The Landings sits on the ocean and within a few minutes walk from Main Street. The Trackside is a new restaurant located within minutes of Main Street that sits on the old train tracks of Rockland. The Trackside is more family oriented and specializes in steaks, pulled pork/beef brisket and family style food like pot roast and meatloaf.
Following lunch, I would take a relaxing walk on the Rockland Breakwater, which is situated off the Samoset Resort or head to Lucia Beach in Owls Head to enjoy the sea breeze.
To cap off my ideal Maine day, I would visit the Café Miranda which is located on Oak Street in downtown Rockland. The off the wall menu includes approximately 30 different appetizers and 30 different entrees. The menu includes almost anything you would ever think of eating.
Melanie's Perfect Maine Day (her Husband Erik and son Elliott agree):
 My perfect day in Maine starts in early June so you can still catch a glimpse of the lupines' blooms. Starting with a great breakfast at the Thomaston Café, it's easy to get up early! Then, I head over to the grocery store and farmer's market to get some goodies for the dinnertime cook-out at Birch Point State Park. Since it's early in the season, you can still get a great spot for a cookout right on the rocky ledge. Of course, I stop by the Market Basket for some great wine and desserts. Once that's settled, I love to catch up on some shopping. Antiques Marketplace in Rockland is a favorite, you can browse comfortably and always find a good deal on Wyeth prints. If it's a lazy Saturday, I head down to the Dip Net in Port Clyde for a grilled haddock salad for lunch. Coupled with an ice-cold gin & tonic and a to-die-for view, you can't beat it! Late afternoon, it's time to head for the beach! Pack up dinner, and a short drive will take you to Birch Point State Park in Owls Head. I would spend the afternoon combing the large sandy beach, walking the wooded trails along the shore, and then setting up a fine picnic dinner with some great linens that I bought from the Grasshopper Shop earlier that day. While you dine by the sea, you will enjoy wonderful sunset hues over the Penobscot Bay islands. Bring a jacket, the cool evening sea breeze will be joining you later in the evening.
Lauren's Perfect Maine Day:
 Begin the day with coffee and a bagel from Hole in the Wall in Rockland. Then head to the Rockland Public Library & check out a book by Maine author Elisabeth Ogilvie. Take the book to Lucia Beach (a.k.a. Birch Point State Park) & spend a leisurely day on the rocky coast. At lunchtime, I would head to the Owls Head General Store & have a veggie Italian sandwich. Most other people will be there for "Maine's Best Burger." (Featured in the June 2009 issue of the Food Network Magazine.) After lunch, I'd venture back to town & visit Stone Studio, located at 17 Talbot Avenue in Rockland, to browse Lynne Stone's gallery of contemporary folk art. In the early evening, I'd head down the peninsula to Tenants Harbor for dinner at the East Wind Inn. I'd make sure to arrive before sunset, so I could enjoy the view of the harbor while sipping cocktails on the porch.
And not to be missed:
Rheal Day Spa
Super Fly Charters
Schooner J&E Riggin
Farnsworth Art Museum
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Marshall Point Lighthouse
Monhegan Island
Thomaston 4th of July Celebration
Maine Boats and Harbors Show
Maine Lobster Festival
North Atlantic Blues Festival
Common Ground Country Fair
Union Fair
Fairs, Celebrations and Things to Do
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P.O. Box 40, Rockland, ME 04841 • Ph. 207.596.6295 • fletcher@summermaine.com
See our properties featured in: Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Gourmet, Getaways Magazine and Organic Style.
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