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Cool Getaway: Penobscot Bay, Maine

Cool Getaway: Penobscot Bay, Maine
June 2011
Maine’s gleaming Midcoast offers a Rockwellian summer respite with its lineup of breezy fishing villages, bustling harbors, towering lighthouses, and simple coastal comforts


THE INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE
Stylish Perch
Soak in cottage comfort at this lush retreat overlooking the bay and distant islands. Stay in the luxurious pool-house suites and dine at The Edge, with its sublime cuisine and ocean views. $325/night. Lincolnville, (207) 236-0945, www.innatoceansedge.com

PRIMO
Vintage Vittles
Savor seasonal delicacies at award-winning chef Melissa Kelly’s restaurant in a restored Victorian home. The new antipasti bar upstairs gets raves for its own menu and the fun of watching chefs preparing creations at the counter. $9-$42. Rockland, (207) 596-0770, www.primorestaurant.com

CAPTAIN JACK LOBSTER BOAT ADVENTURE
Go Deep for Dinner
Head out with this salty crew for a one-hour tour to learn about this Maine staple. Watch as the day’s catch is hauled to the surface and look for seals and porpoises. $25. Rockland, (207) 542-6852, www.captainjacklobstertours.com

Belfast Town Galleries & Shops
Summer Evening Strolls
Galleries, shops, and old sea captain homes coexist in this historic seaside town with picturesque architecture. Art aficionados will love the eclectic galleries along High and Main streets well-stocked with unique works from local artists. Friday, June 4th marks the beginning of the Belfast Art Walk season. www.belfastmaine.org

THE PEMAQUID POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Photographic Highlight
Venture to the tip of the scenic Pemaquid peninsula to see one of the state’s most classic, well-preserved lighthouses. Striking layered granite formations at its base are fascinating to look at and fun to climb on, but watch for sudden waves. Inside the keeper’s house, tour a museum where you can see a rare Fresnel lens up close. Open in season (Mother’s Day to Columbus Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $2. Pemaquid Point, Bristol, The Fishermen’s Museum (207) 677-2494, www.lighthouse.cc/pemaquid

SALT WATER FARM
A Culinary Dream
Tour the expansive gardens of this working seaside farm; take one of the workshops (set up a chef’s garden or craft the perfect Maine blueberry pie); or drop in for the Sunday Suppers, four-course communal feasts with ever-changing themes highlighting the best of the harvest. Be sure to bring wine to share with new friends. Sunday Suppers,$65; classes, $75+; workshops, $425. Lincolnville, (207) 230-0966, www.saltwaterfarm.com

CAMDEN HARBOUR INN
Luxe Cottage Living
Dutch proprietors with an eye for design recently renovated this landmark mansion that’s just a five-minute walk from town. Hilltop vantage points offer panoramic views of sailboats in the harbor, Mount Baddie, and the Evergreen Islands. From $199 (June), $350 (July & August). Camden, (800) 236-4266,
www.camdenharbourinn.com

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