SAMMY'S DELUXE If you are spending any time around Rockland before or after the wedding, this Eastern European inspired, contemporary restaurant is exceptional. LUCE SPIRITS Herbal spirits and cocktails in downtown Rockland—specializing in gin and aquavit. CLAWS You can get delicious lobster all around the Maine coast, but if you’re staying around Rockland, head to Claws, just outside the edge of town.
AMES KNOB A delightful little walk/hike up to a high point on the island with a beautiful view. Great spot for a little picnic too. MULLEN HEAD STATE PARK Bike or walk here to explore some lovely trails and beaches.
If you’re spending time in Portland, or just passing through, there is some excellent food. Tandem Coffee and Bakery has great coffee and makes unbelievable baked goods—cookies, pie, biscuits—truly everything is spectacular. Speckled Axe also brews very good coffee. The gingerbread at Standard Baking Co. is worth a stop. Izakaya Minato is delicious contemporary Japanese food. Mr.Tuna is great for casual sushi. Central Provisions is a bit fancier, but never dissapoints. There are a ton of other great options—lots of breweries, bakeries, and restaurants to explore. If you need any outdoor gear for this or other adventures, the LL Bean flagship campus in Freeport (25 minutes north of Portland) is huge—and it’s open 24 hours a day.
Marlee’s fam lives in Kittery, ME which is on the route between Boston and Rockland. If you’re looking for a stop-off, Lil’s Cafe makes next-level crullers, the Dram cocktail bar is wonderful, and Morrison’s Lobster pier consistently serves our favorite lobster in the state. After eating at Morrison’s, walk across the bridge to Portsmouth, NH—stroll through Prescott Park and get some ice cream at Annabelle’s. Chauncey Creek lobster, out on Kittery Point, is also a really fun setting to enjoy some lobster on the water. After eating at Chauncey Creek, take a walk at Seapoint Beach.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, Acadia National Park is full of beautiful hikes and possibly the most beautiful coastline that Maine has. It’s a great place to ride a bike and eat popovers on the Jordan Pond. If you have a few days, drive further up the coast to the Schoodic Peninsula for a more remote, stunning section of the Acadia park. If you are heading to the area and would like to do some hiking let us know and we’ll send you more detailed recommendations.
We really fell in love with Maine at Seawall Beach—a sort of hidden beach, a two-mile hike through Morse mountain nature reserves (it’s more of a small hill than a mountain). This beach is glittery and magical. To start the walk, put “Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach, Phippsburg” into Google Maps and it will take you to the small parking lot. If the parking lot is full or you’d prefer not to walk, head next door to Popham Beach instead. It’s a state park with bathrooms and a parking lot and is almost as beautiful as Seawall Beach. Bath is also a lovely town nearby.