Minor Municipalities in Maine and beauty

One of the joys of exploring Maine is finding the hidden treasures that are tucked away in its small towns. Whether you are enjoying the scenery of the expansive coast or making your way through the richly forested mountains, you will find communities that welcome tourists. Small towns along the coast attract tourists for their rich maritime history and beauty, and many artists live or summer in these communities. Craft shops and galleries are abundant. Inland, visitors will find seemingly limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Some of the smaller ski towns are an excellent option for families with kids just learning, and there are even more places to find cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing. Small towns also provide access to some of the best hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail. For ideas on the places to visit in this scenic state, see our list of the best small towns in Maine.

The seaside town of Rockland is located almost halfway up Maine’s coast, about 80 miles north of Portland and a two-hour drive from Boston. Historic downtown Rockland has a great Main Street with shops, restaurants, and galleries that feature local artists and artisans.

Anyone visiting Rockland should allow time to see the Maine Windjammer Fleet, a collection of historic sailing ships that call this port home. In addition to sightseeing cruises and multi-day sailing trips, the fleet gathers each July for a grand parade as the fleet sails along the Rockland Breakwater.

One of Rockland’s top attractions is the Farnsworth Art Museum, located downtown in a historic 19th-century building. It is home to over 10,000 works of art, including a large number of works by Jamie, Andrew, and N.C. Wyeth. Collections include paintings, sculpture, and a variety of other media. Another good museum in Rockland is the Maine Lighthouse Museum, which has a collection of artifacts from a variety of New England lighthouses including an impressive number of Fresnel lenses. Adjacent to this museum is the Maine Discovery Center, which has more exhibits and information about the area. The Coastal Children’s Museum is a great place for families to visit. Families and couples looking for a historic but laid-back experience in one of Maine’s historic coastal inns will love Old Granite Inn. It’s centrally located by the ferry port with great views of the harbor, and is within a short walk to plenty of dining and shopping downtown. Those looking for a modern place to stay in Rockland will enjoy the 250 Main Hotel, a boutique luxury experience. Family rooms and suites are available, as are rooms with private balconies and ocean views.

Camden is a postcard-worthy coastal town located on Penobscot Bay, a little over two hours from Boston by car. Its picturesque harbor is particularly lovely thanks to the Maine Windjammer Fleet whose beautiful sailing ships dock here when they are not sailing or in port at neighboring Rockland. Camden’s upscale downtown area is full of restaurants, galleries, and shops, making this an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring and shopping. During the summer months, there are also frequent cultural events and performances. Camden has a beautiful beach, but its best-known natural attraction is Camden Hills State Park. The park has more than 30 miles of hiking trails, including the trail to Maiden’s Cliff, which has stunning views of Megunticook Lake below. To get an excellent view without the hiking, there is also an auto road that goes to the top of Mount Battie, with views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding mountains. The park also has a family-friendly campground, picnic areas, and a nice freshwater beach at Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake.

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