Summer Adventures in Rockland, Maine: Archipelago, The Farnsworth, Gelato and more!

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It's summer, and a wonderful time for a drive through gorgeous Maine towns-- Boothbay, Camden, Belfast and many more.

I'm privileged to be able to show my work in several wonderful galleries and shops throughout Maine. I'd like to share with you a few of my favorite towns on Maine's coast  and spotlight the shops that carry my work. I hope you'll stop in!

This week the focus is Rockland, Maine, located in the Midcoast region between Belfast and Brunswick. Rockland, with its lively and vibrant art scene, is a must-visit town whether you live in Maine or visit for the summer.

Here's why you should visit Rockland!

Rockland, Maine

Things to do: Visit the nationally recognized Farnsworth Art Museum; get a gelato at Lulu's Ice Cream and Gelato shack; take a morning walk around the historic Rockland Breakwater Light, attend a lively First Friday Artwalk.
 
Find my work at: Archipelago

Rockland is really fun in the summertime. It's a big art town, with the famous Farnsworth Museum, showing generations of Wyeths, and galleries lining the main street. It has a number of fun, affordable eateries, so you're never more than a few steps away from a relaxed, fun place to get a bite to eat. And it was recently named one of the two "coolest small towns in America" by Budget Travel!

Rockland also has some of the liveliest artwalks in Maine! Participating galleries of Arts in Rockland (AIR) hold receptions on each first Friday, May through December. Twenty-three galleries, in addition to the Farnsworth, participate each month. Friday, July 5 is the date for the next Walk.

I recommend Lulu's Ice Cream and Gelato shack for a fun late-night treat (look for the colorful gelato shack on Oak Street, between Main and Union.) The ice cream is made is Maine and it's out of this world!


In Rockland, you can find my work at Archipelago, located centrally at 386 Main Street in Rockland. The establishment, which is part gallery, part store, carries a beautifully curated selection of artwork and fine crafts--from housewares to clothing to paper goods-- from Maine. ❉

Kickoff to a Great Summer: What To Do and See in Maine

Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer Proper in Maine, and I thought I'd take the chance to point out a few things to do in Maine that are especially fun or noteworthy! Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, and check out all Maine has to offer this summer!

The town of Gardiner's Ride Into Summer Parade on Saturday, May 25, is "a wicked tasty way to kick-off the summer season in Maine"! This event includes a motorcycle and bicycle parade, a local pizza contest, live tunes and Maine's biggest fireworks display. 

On Monday, May 27, Memorial Day, towns across Maine will host parades and honor veterans. Memorial services will be held across the state. For a list of the parades and memorial services taking place all across Maine, click here.

In the Downeast/Acadia region, daily birdwatching tours will be taking place from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27 as part of the 10th Annual Downeast Spring Birding Festival. The area is one of the important bird areas in the US. The Festival offers birders self-guided explorations as well as guided hikes, boat tours (including a puffin trip to Machias Seal Island), and presentations led by area experts. See more here.

The Piscataquis Heritage Hot Air Balloon Festival (the very first!) takes place May 31 through June 2! Check out their website for a full schedule of events, which will include music, artisans and crafters, demonstrations, and kid activities. The full schedule of balloon lift-offs and other fun stuff is found here.

Wherever (or whenever, if you're a part-time Mainer!) you are in Maine, make sure you make time to visit a farmer's market. If you're planning a BBQ, it's exactly where you want to go to pick up fresh produce, even fresh cuts of beef, pork, or chicken. Visit the mainefarmersmarkets.org website for a listing of farmer's markets in Maine!

"Starfish" earrings in pink (See more whimsical
beach-inspired earrings on my website.)

And of course, whether you live in Maine or will be coming here this Memorial Day weekend, I hope you'll support local artisans, craftspeople, farmers and businesses. Thank you for shopping local, sending your money back into the economy and building a more vibrant local economy!

The gallery in which I am a member artist, SevenArts Gallery, in Ellsworth, is open Monday - Saturday and will be open Memorial Day. I have a great selection of new, exciting jewelry for the Summer season. Please stop by! ❉