ROCKLAND

Rockland sits on the western shore of Penobscot Bay and has earned the unofficial title of Maine's art capital. What was once a working-class cannery and fishing town now supports a concentrated downtown of galleries, museums, and the historic Strand Theatre, while still maintaining its active waterfront.

The Strand Theatre, a 1923 Egyptian Revival building on the National Register of Historic Places, functions as a multi-use venue for independent cinema, live concerts, comedy, and HD broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre of London. Main Street's two dozen galleries and the Farnsworth Art Museum anchor the visual arts scene. Monthly First Friday Art Walks run year-round.

Rockland balances working waterfront grit with serious cultural investment. You can watch lobster boats unload in the morning and attend a concert at the Strand that evening. The town draws a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors without feeling overly polished.

Tip: Main Street is one-way northbound with galleries tucked into alcoves and side streets. First Friday Art Walks (May through October especially) are the best way to experience the full scene.

Neighborhoods: Main Street • Downtown • Waterfront