Area Information

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Welcome to Midcoast Maine

The Rockland-Thomaston area is situated in the heart of Mid-Coast Maine on the western perimeter of beautiful Penobscot Bay. Rockland (population: 7,609) is the county seat of Knox County. It is the commercial and administrative center of the county and serves a year-round area population of about 41,200. During the summer, the area population increases by about 20% and also experiences a heavy influx of tourists.

Rockland is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World" and is the site of the world famous Maine Lobster Festival in early August. Rockland is also the leading Windjammer (Schooner) port in the nation, and is becoming increasingly known for its annual Schooner Days/North Atlantic Blues Festival in early July (first weekend after the 4th of July). Rockland Harbor, defined by its nearly mile long breakwater and lighthouse, is one of the best and largest harbors in the northeastern United States. A major section of downtown Rockland has been designated as a National Historic District, and the city was selected as the "50th Best Small Town in America" in 1995. According to the Bangor Daily News, "Maine leads the nation for the percentage of vacations". Adding to the tourist draw to the area was the opening of the Wyeth Art Center.

Other communities in the surrounding area, each with its own character and charm, include the towns of Thomaston (population 3,748) and Warren (population 3,794), both on the St. George River; the coastal peninsula towns of Owls Head (population 1,601), South Thomaston (including Spruce Head population 1,416), St. George (including Tenants Harbor, Martinsville, Clark Island and Port Clyd with a population 2,580), Cushing (population 1,289)and Friendship (population 1,204); and the island communities of Monhegan (population 75), Matinicus (population 51), North Haven (population 332) and Vinalhaven (population 1,322). To Rockland's immediate north are the coastal towns of Rockport (population 3,300) and Camden (population 5,341), and a few miles to its west are the inland hill and lake towns of Knox County -- Hope, Union, Appleton and Washington.

The area has a diversified, year-round economy ranging from agriculture and food processing to the manufacture of snow plows, tools, electronic components, furniture, hydraulic systems, cement (currently New England's only cement plant), apparel, rope, ocean products, and carrageenan (as food additive and bio-products) from seaweed to name only a few of the most prominent types of manufactured products. Both commercial boats and recreational yachts are built and repaired in the local area. The area's fishing industry, still a significant part of the local economy, is led by lobstering. Knox County, and especially the Rockland-Thomaston area, is the richest lobster producing area in the world. Although geographically one of the state's smallest counties, more than a third of the lobster catch of Maine is landed in its harbors. The area is also a key location for second largest fresh sea products in value -- sea urchins for the overseas market. Other shellfish and finfish are also important to the local economy, although less so than in previous decades.

The area is also a growing destination for tourism. It has a wide variety of scenic places, accessible lighthouses, beaches (both fresh and salt water), and cultural and popular attractions, as well as varied accommodations ranging from classic inns and B&Bs to motor inns and a major resort hotel. There are also a large number of restaurants and casual eateries, including dining on fresh caught lobster right on the wharf. Interesting stores, shops and galleries are abundant, as are delightful side trips throughout the area, including excursions to several islands in Penobscot Bay and off the St. George Peninsula.

Penobscot Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-562-2529

Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce at 1-207-236-4404