There’s no doubt in our minds that you’ll want to spend time exploring Rockland and beyond.

Here are a few of our favorite places to help inspire your extended vacation.

In Rockland

Rockland is not only home to Ladona but also the center of Maine’s lobster fishery. It boasts a vibrant cultural hub, specialty shops and boutiques, and diversity in culinary destinations.

accommodations

• 250 Main Hotel – small, exclusive boutique hotel

• Camden Premier Inns – 14 distinctive inns located in nearby Camden

• Rockland Harbor Hotel – overlooks the harbor (and our boats!), recently renovated, clean, reasonable, great location

• Samoset Resort – just outside Rockland on the water’s edge, offers golf, tennis, pool, gym, and multiple dining options

• Trade Winds Inn – reasonable rates and a block from our wharf

The following small, independently owned B&Bs are all within walking distance to the Ladona:

• The Granite Inn

• The Berry Manor

• The Limerock Inn

• The Lindsey Guest House

Dining

Rockland has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie’s paradise. There is something for everyone, from the James Beard award-winning Primo to traditional lobster shacks. Here are some of our favorite and unique spots:

• Ada’s Kitchen

• Claws

• In Good Company

• The Landings Restaurant

• North Beacon Oyster

• Primo

• Sammy’s Deluxe

• Rockland Café

• Rustica Cucina Italiana

• Suzuki's Sushi Bar

• Waterworks Restaurant

Shopping

• Archipelago

• Fiore Olive Oils & Vinegars

• fourTWELVE – select designers, stylish accessories, and gifts

• The Wine Seller – wines, cheeses, and gourmet food

Our Favorite Vendors

• Black Dinah Chocolatiers

• Jess's Market – family-owned seafood market

• Bleecker & Greer – the best cheese around

• North Haven Oyster Co.

• Rock City Coffee

• Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery

Museums

• Center for Maine Contemporary Art

• Farnsworth Art Museum – home of the Wyeth Family Maine Collection

• Maine Lighthouse Museum

• Owls Head Transportation Museum

• Project Puffin Visitor Center

• Sail, Power & Steam Museum

A Bit Farther

Use Rockland as your home base to strike out and explore the surrounding area. Just up the road is the storybook village of Camden while the inland hills offer spectacular hiking. Beyond are a few worthy destinations.

Dining

• 40 Paper (Camden, ME)

• Frog & Turtle Gastro Pub (Westbrook, ME)

• Long Grain (Camden, ME)

• 18 Central Oyster (Rockport, ME)

• Nina June (Rockport, ME)

Museums

• Maine Maritime Museum (Bath, ME)

• Penobscot Marine Museum (Searsport, ME)

Day Trips & Islands

We recommend exploring these nearby parks and islands:

• Beach Hill Preserve

• Camden Hills State Park

• Monhegan

• North Haven

• Vinalhaven

• Waterman’s Beach