Local Recommendations
A running list of some of our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy all that Midcoast Maine has to offer.
Food & Drink
Coffee & Breakfast
Camden
Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner's
Usually busy, always delicious.
Zoot Coffee
Open early, every day!
Rockport
Seafolk
Amazing coffee and a beautiful view of the Rockport harbor.
Freyas
Delicious crepes and gelato in a sweet spot overlooking the harbor.
Rockland
Cafe Grazie
One of our absolute favorites. Don’t skip the maple cornbread scones or the olive oil cake.
& beyond
Spark Bagel— Northport
Sourdough bagels, coffee and more!
The Only Doughnut — Belfast
Delicious potato doughnuts in an incredible variety of flavors.
Lunch & Dinner
Camden
Long Grain
Incredible Thai food! Make a reservation in advance, especially during the summer.
Blue Barren
Great for lunch overlooking the Camden Harbor (and an easy spot with little kids).
Salf Wharf
Delicious food and drinks. The rooftop patio is dog-friendly!
Rockport
Bleeker & Greer
Bakery, cafe, grocery, deli, wine and beer! Great for lunch.
Nina June
Mediterranean food in a delghtfully intimate setting.
18 Central
A cozy spot for oysters, seafood, and excellent cocktails.
Rockland
Primo
Farm-to-table and incredible dishes. Reservations recommended for dinner, or visit on a Sunday during the summer for 0km. Arrive early to walk through the gardens!
& beyond
St. George Pizza— Warren
The best pizza and soft serve ice cream. Reservations recommended in the summer.
McLoons Lobster Shack — Spruce Head
A quintessential Maine lobster shack (you should go at least once)!
Alna Store— Alna
A bit of a drive to this sweet little restaurant and bar. Reservations recommended.
Toddy Pond Farm — Monroe
Worth the drive north for pizza and live music in a beautiful farm setting. Reservations required.
Shopping
Camden
Jessie Tobias Design
A curated boutique of hand-picked, artisan-made home décor, fashion, and jewelry from Maine-based designers.
Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe
A cozy independent bookshop right downtown on Bayview St, paired with a coffee and bakery counter — good for a browse-and-linger stop.
Serendipity Fine Consignment
Our friend Margaret’s lovely consignment store with the best selection!
Stone Soup Books
A gem of a bookstore! Take cash and be prepared to browse for hours!
Rockport
Barnswallow Books
Curated, off-the-beaten-path titles (plus kids' books) in a restored 170-year-old barn in Rockport Harbor Village — they also host author talks and live music. They have a second location just down the street next to 18 Central.
Rockland
Curator
An amazing consignment shop with men's and women's clothing.
Little Fox
Children's consignment and vintage.
Arctic Tern Books
A cozy independent bookshop pairing thoughtfully chosen books with small-batch, artisanal goods (more sanctuary than shop).
Groceries
There are Hannafords located in both Rockland and Camden. These are a few of our favorite smaller grocery stores and co-ops.
French & Brawn — Camden
Dooryard Farm and Farmstand — Camden
Camden Farmer’s Market — Camden (seasonal)
Good Tern Co-op — Rockland
Beth’s Farm Market — Warren
Rising Tide Co-Op — Damariscotta
Morse’s Sauerkraut — Waldoboro
Belfast Community Co-op — Belfast
Things to Do with Little Ones
A running list of our favorite ways to entertain the toddler-and-under crowd in Midcoast Maine — beaches, parks, museums, and a few things that'll wear them out before nap time!
Storytime & Library Programs
Camden
Camden Public Library
Booktime for Babies (Wed) and Preschool Storytime (Thu & Fri, 10am)
Rockland
Rockland Public Library
Rockin' Storytime (Tue & Wed, 10:30am) and Baby Time (Thu, 10:30am)
Parks & Beaches
Camden
Laite Memorial Beach
A great beach a half mile from downtown, with swings, a grassy hill for running around, and picnic tables. No lifeguard.
Barrett's Cove
Shallow, calm freshwater with a sandy beach, diving float, and free parking — a nice alternative to the ocean on a hot day.
Rockport
Goodie’s Beach in Rockport Harbor
Our top pick for toddlers: a quiet, sandy beach and harbor views all in one spot. Plus, an easy walk to Seafolk and Freyas for treats!
& beyond
Crescent Beach— Owls Head
A quiet, sheltered cove with calm water, great for little waders. Lots of fun little tide pools to explore at low tide. No facilities on-site, so plan accordingly.
Clark Island Preserve — St. George
Easy, flat trails lead to a protected sandy beach for wading, plus a swimmable quarry pool if you stick to the main dirt road. Parking is limited, so go early.
Museums & Rainy Days
Rockland
CMCA (Center for Maine Contemporary Art)
Camden
The Clubhouse
A sensory play studio for infants through preschoolers — screen-free, and a nice spot to let toddlers loose while you sit down for a minute. Reservations required.
Walks & Farms
Camden
Erickson Fields Preserve
Flat, easy trails through fields and forest — good for a pre-nap wobble.
Rockport
Beech Hill Preserve
Use the Beech Hill Road entrance for the carriage trail — a gentle, stroller-friendly walk up to 360-degree views (and blueberries in season).
& beyond
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens — Boothbay
A bit of a drive, but the children's garden makes it worth it. Searching for the trolls is so much fun!
On the Water
Camden
Camden Harbor Cruises
The Eco-Tour on the Lively Lady (2 hrs) is great for littles — seal-watching plus a lobster trap haul to see what's on the ocean floor.