Rockland Maine and Environs

[The Cynical Chef]

The family & I are planning a mid summer visit to Rockland, Owls Head, Portland and such. Naturally we would like to steer clear of the Howard Johnson alumni run clam houses and would prefer gently steamed just caught lobsters with Vermont butter, Melissa Kelly's inventive cuisine and a place to stay that will provide us with a charming coastal Maine experience (haunted is OK!) without bleeding my wallet dry. Any and all suggestions appreciated. The kids are 9 & 10 and at times (immediately after breakfast and just after supper) can be very well behaved.

Definitely planning a trip to the Owls Head airshow and a sailing excursion on a fast schooner as well as lots of clam, shrimp and sauce tartar.

So should I bring my own oyster knife and will it be blueberry season in early July?

[Holly Moore]

Alas, I believe blueberry season starts in August. Will let a downeaster comment on fresh clams and oysters.

Drop by the New England portion of my site. I've spent a lot of eatin' time in Maine. Waterman's is my favorite for steamed lobster; mighty fine pie too. Reds for lobster rolls (who woulda guessed?) and Allison's in Kennebunkport for fried clams. You have to get a fried fish sandwich from Bet's in Boothbay. One should feed the family. The Lobsterman's Coop in Boothbay is also good for lobster in the rough, and Mabel's in Kennebunkport for a fancier lobster and the risk of bumping into the Bush clan.

[ghostrider]

Sadly, you likely won't even be there during the local corn season. OTOH, it being Maine, you may well stumble into the peak of strawberry season.

This website is useful for zeroing in on farm stands, farmers' markets and more.

[orangeman747]

I go to Maine every summer to a place called Sullivan, about an hour from Bar Harbor. I find that as far as eating you can tell a lot from looking at the place (ie. what's a bad run down lobster shack, what's a good one, what's fancy)... however one great place near sullivan (near ellsworth if you know where that is) is Tidal Falls restaurant. It is probably the most beautiful setting around. The tables are outside and the food is quite good, it overlooks a lighthouse and bay with seals. I would HIGHLY recommend it if you are in the area.

Blueberries are mostly in august.

have fun!

[JeanneCake]

Miller's is fantastic for lobster, it's just past Owl's Head in Spruce Head, close to where you are going to be. Check it out here: http://millerslobster.com

[Gifted Gourmet]

Before you go, John, do take a look at the glorious Maine photographs by our own Varmint ... Vacation in Maine, A few food tidbits from the Varmints...

[OwnReward]

I go to Maine every summer to a place called Sullivan, about an hour from Bar Harbor. I find that as far as eating you can tell a lot from looking at the place (ie. what's a  bad run down lobster shack, what's a good one, what's fancy)... however one great place near sullivan (near ellsworth if you know where that is) is Tidal Falls restaurant. It is probably the most beautiful setting around. The tables are outside and the food is quite good, it overlooks a lighthouse and bay with seals. I would HIGHLY recommend it if you are in the area.

Blueberries are mostly in august.

have fun!

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Tidal Falls can be good, but a bit hard to find the first time. I think it is technically in Hancock. If you are in the vicinity, though, Sullivan Harbor Farms on Rt 1 for smoked salmon is a must.

Also in Hancock are The Crocker House Inn and Le Domaine. Both have been around for years. Not sure of the food these days, but they used to be well received...

[johnnyd]

Welcome John.

July is my favorite month here. Very laid back, good weather, astonishing scenery... I could go on, but check out my foodblog: dining downeast for a look around Cape Elizabeth and Casco Bay near Portland. The cabin you see in it rented for $3k/month - that's typical. Let me know if you have trouble finding a rental or PM me on offered locations if you want. Do it soon.

I don't go anywhere without my favorite oyster knife, but there are some good ones here if you decide to leave yours at home. Then you can check out Mook Sea Farm, an oyster aquacultural specialist, smack on the Damariscotta river:

Mook Sea Farm, Inc

Bill Mook

321 State Route 129

Walpole, ME 04573

Ph 207-586-1456

It's about two thirds of the way to Rockland from Portland, and not far off route one, the main drag. I haven't been there in ages, but it's not too hard to find. Don't be put off by the lack of commercial adornment - they are wholesalers - but they are happy to sell you a half bushel at about a buck apiece.

The third week of July the town of Yarmouth hosts a Clam Festival that lasts three days and features bands, parades, local crafts and, of course, major fried clam action. It's a good time. Also check out the Best Fried Clams thread although it encompasses all of New England.