Midcoast Maine Earns Best Places to Visit from Lonely Planet

For many years, the Midcoast region of Maine was seemingly lost between the well-known tourist destinations of Portland, Kittery and Kennebunkport to the south; and the famous attractions of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor to the north. Not anymore! The Midcoast region has firmly established itself as a distinct destination. Lonely Planet has even named the Midcoast one of the Ten Best in the U.S. Places to visit in 2018. Residents have known for many years everything the region offers and now that the secrets out, here are some of our favorite things:

Nature! Enjoy one of the many trails in the Camden Hills State Park offering views of the Penobscot Bay, or partake in tranquil kayaking on a nearby pond or lake. (Keep your eyes peeled for a loon). If relaxing on the beach is more your style, Reid State Park and Popham Beach State Park are among the best sandy beaches north of Old Orchard Beach.

Primo Restaurant, Rockland, ME

Primo Restaurant, Rockland, ME

Hungry? It is difficult to choose between the many fabulous restaurants featuring fresh local ingredients, but each of the following has the distinction of a James Beard award-nominated chef/owner. Tao Yuan in Brunswick serves up delicious Asian-inspired small plates. Primo in Rockland is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. Suzukis Japanese take on Maine seafood will leave you awed in Rockland. Long Grain in Camden is a hot spot for Thai-inspired comfort street food. Chases Daily in Belfast features vegetarian plates.

Arts & Culture! Some say the small art-centric town of Rockland has eclipsed the larger metropolitan city of Portland as the art capital of Maine. This is due in large part to the Farnsworth Art Museum and their long-standing association with the Wyeth family. Travel a bit further north to the town of Searsport, which retains some fabulous examples of old sea captains homes, and visit the Penobscot Marine Museum or take home a souvenir from the United Farmers Market of Maine, held every Saturday in Belfast.

CIFF at the Camden Opera House, Camden, ME

CIFF at the Camden Opera House, Camden, ME

Planning a trip? Schedule your visit around one of the many events attracting participants throughout the year. The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland just celebrated its 70th season. The Camden International Film Festival (CIFF), in Camden, Rockport and Rockland is a premiere non-fiction film festival. PopTech, this year in Northport, convenes todays top thinkers, innovators and doers in an intimate environment. The National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl, provides fun for all ages with a competitive edge.

Here is a selection of featured luxury properties for sale in the Midcoast.

1 Sea Street | $6,975,000 | 4.36 Acres	260 Bay View | $5,975,000 | 3.23 Acres
Greenlaw Farm | $1,775,000 | 546 Acres	Miles Road | 1,495,000 | 1.20 Acres

For more information on these properties in Midcoast Maine, please contact Terry Sortwell, tsortwell@landvest.com or Joe Sortwell, jsortwell@landvest.com in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.