The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland has been one of the biggest summer events in the state since the first festival in 1947. The original Camden-Rockport Lobster Festival lasted for a day and has evolved into an exciting five-day event. The annual festival features live entertainment, handcrafts, a road race and fun walk, a parade, and plenty of lobster. One of the big events of the festival is the Maine Sea Goddess Pageant and Coronation. Contestants are from the Midcoast Maine region, and the winner represents the state for a year. When you’re traveling north to the Maine Lobster Festival, here are some places to explore on your road trip.
Kittery
Kittery, located along Route 1, is famous for outlet stores that offer shoppers huge savings on designer brands. When you shop at the outlets, you can save 60 percent over department store prices. If you’re traveling with a group of 15 or more people, you’re eligible for a savings booklet.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a small community of fewer than 4,000 residents and is a favorite stop for tourists. The historic Dock Square and Lower Village is the place to go on a whale watching cruise. The village is filled with gift shops and restaurants. Visit more shops and art galleries at Cape Porpoise or visit the Goat Island Lighthouse. If you’re seeking some quiet time, visit Goose Rocks Beach. You can stroll on the beach or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the islands.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is one of the top vacation resorts in Maine. Visitors from New England and Canada visit the beach each summer to enjoy its seven miles of coastline and activities all year. Ocean Park has some of the prettiest scenery at the beach. The buildings there are on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Orchard Beach has more than 40 restaurants with ocean views featuring Maine seafood and international dishes. If you’re staying overnight, the beach has a lively nightlife scene with live music.
Portland’s Old Port
The Old Port of Portland is an historic district with 19th-century structures and piers. Its brick buildings have been converted into bars, restaurants, and shops, and make up the center of nightlife in Portland. The architecture from the 1900s complements the old cobblestone streets and gives the district its New England charm. Most of the area is on the Register of Historic Places and is known as the Portland Waterfront Historic District.
Portland Head Light
The Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the country. A museum is housed in the area that was once the quarters of the lighthouse keeper. Panoramic views of the ocean can be seen while walking to the historic fort or enjoying the ocean breeze. Shop for Maine souvenirs in the lighthouse gift shop.
The Maine Lobster Festival takes place the first weekend of August. Events begin on Wednesday and run through Sunday. This is your chance to feast on delicious Maine lobster for a good cause: proceeds from the event benefit local charities.
Sources:
http://thekitteryoutlets.com
http://kennebunkport.org
http://oldorchardbeachmaine.com
