Maine lobster festival

Hello,

I am planning to go to the lobster festival this year. I was planning to fly to Boston, meet up with friends and drive up to the festival. Anyone know how long is the drive? Should I make it a day trip or stay over the weekend? If I stay for the weekend, where else can I visit? Finally, any recommendations on where to stay? Thanks a bunch!

Maine lobster festival

The drive to Rockland from Boston takes around 4 hours (depending on traffic of course). So I would definitely stay the weekend. It is Interstate driving for the first 2 1/2 hours or so, then Rt. 1 which ranges from 4 lanes in places to 2 lanes in places.

Camden is close to Rockland and is very scenic. From Camden (or Rockland for that matter) you can get out on the water----there are sailboats that go out day-cruises, or you can take the ferry to Vinalhaven or North Haven islands. Both of these are beautiful for walking around---Vinalhaven in particular has loads of walking trails and preserves, and Carver%26#39;s Harbor there is still a classic Maine fishing village.

In the alternative, consider going to the festival and returning to Portland to stay the night. Portland is about two hours from Boston, so roughly half way. Portland has museums, a vibrant working waterfront, great restaurants, nearby beaches and lighthouses, islands to explore from the frequent ferry service, the Old Port area, and much more.

I%26#39;m not familiar enough with the Rockland area lodging to offer a suggestion---hope someone else can help you out on that! Enjoy your stay!

Maine lobster festival

I%26#39;m from Rockland and work for two of the local historic windjammers here. Definately stay for the weekend. You will only spend a day or so at the Festival but there is lots to see in the area. You can do some shopping, do a day sail (my favorite it the Bugeye Schooner Jenny Norman for a day sail - for a longer trip you want the Schooner Timberwind or Schooner J%26amp;E Riggin). There is also the Maine Lighthouse Museum here in town as well as the Farnsworth Art Museum.

As far as places to stay...for B%26amp;B%26#39;s any of the Historic Inns of Rockland are great. Hotels....a little bit north- between Rockland and Camden are my favorites. The Island View Inn and Glen Cove Inn and Suites. I would also recommend staying in the Portland area on your way back so you are only 2 hrs back to Boston.

Hope this helps.

Fair winds and blue skies!

PS I%26#39;m a native Texan myself....Tyler!

I spend my time between Nova Scotia and Maine, and whenever I%26#39;m in the mid-coast area I always try to stay at the Berry Manor Inn in Rockland (one of the Historic Inns). It is first rate and I have never been disappointed. Except for my last visit when I decided to stay in Camden because the Berry Manor Inn was closed. Not that my choice of lodging, or town, was bad. I just didn%26#39;t like it as much as Rockland. If the Berry Manor is booked, check out the Limerock Inn (another one of the Historic Inns). I%26#39;ve never stayed there, but it looks just as wonderful.

And, if you haven%26#39;t made your reservations for the lobster festival weekend yet, do so today!!! It%26#39;s a very popular weekend and things do tend to book up. Enjoy.