Dear Reader, You have in front of you the first edition of Village Soup's "101 Things To Do in Midcoast Maine." Whether you're a local, or someone just visiting, we hope this little guide will help you discover a person or place you didn't know before.

We'd like to know what you think. You can send your feedback, event information — or photos from your trip — to me at jill@villagesoup.com. If you'd like to advertise in a future edition, e-mail sales@villagesoup.com.

Happy trails.
Jill Lang, editorial director
VillageSoup



1. May 28: David Bromberg in concert, 8 p.m. at the Camden Opera House. For more information, call 374-3579.

2. May 29: Benefit Day Sail on Schooner Isaac H. Evans for the Friends of the Rockland Public Library. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch included). Sail rain or shine. For more information, contact Capt. Brenda Walker at 594-7956 or e-mail evans@midcoast.com.

3. The Rockland Public Library is a beautiful building, and the library just celebrated its 100th birthday. Visit this city institution on Union Street or on the web at www.rocklandlibrary.org.

4. May 30: Fiddleheads & 4x4s & Emergency Vehicles with Antique Aeroplane Show. Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head. Four wheel drive vehicles, emergency vehicles and antique autos of all makes are invited to kick off the season. Fiddlehead feast and music. For more information, contact the Owls Head Transportation Museum at 594-4418. E-mail: info@owlshead.org.

5. The lighthouse in Owls Head is a fun place to visit. How many Knox County lighthouses can you name?

6. The folks at the Shore Village Museum—Maine's lighthouse museum, and more—have the answer. Visit them on Limerock Street. Call 594-0311 for more information.

7. May 31: Memorial Day Parade. Rockland. Starts at 9:30 a.m. at Shore Village Museum on Limerock Street in Rockland, proceeding down Union, Park and Main streets.

8. May 31: Memorial Day Parade. Thomaston. Starts at 11 a.m. at the Thomaston Fire Station.

9. May 31: Memorial Day events. Appleton: First service, 10 a.m., Miller Yard, Burketville. Second service: 11:15 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery.

10. May 31: Memorial Day parade. Camden. Starts at 9:30 a.m. down Elm Street through the village.

11. May 31: Memorial Day parade. Rockport. Starts at 11 a.m. at the post office, winds through the village to Amesbury Hill Cemetery.

12. May 31: Memorial Day parade. Lincolnville Center. Starts at 1 p.m. at the fire station, travels to the town office for brief ceremony.

13. May 31: Memorial Day parade. Union: 11 a.m. starting at Union Fire Station, ending on the Union Common.

14. Memorial Day is a great day for a bike ride. Rent a bike from Bikesenjava in Rockland, go for a ride, and afterward enjoy a cup of the best coffee in town. For information call 596-1004.

15. Memorial Day is also a great day for bird watching: Head to Fernald's Neck in Camden for some of the area's best. Take Route 52 from Route 1, across the line into Lincolnville and watch for a left turn just past the Youngtown Inn.

16. Need a book to read on the beach? The best bookstore for new books is the Owl & Turtle in Camden, according to VillageSoup readers. The best used book store? Second Read in Rockland. We'll bet both stores have works by Pulitzer prize-winner Richard Russo of Camden, voted best local author.

17. Don't forget the Maine Lobster Festival starts Aug. 4. Check their web site for ticket sales for the evening entertainment events. mainelobsterfestival.com.

18. June 1 is National Doughnut Day. Celebrate with Midcoast-made donuts at the Willow Bake Shoppe in Rockland. For directions, call 596-0564.

19. Did you know that June is National Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month? Celebrate by heading to a Farmer's Market. In Camden, head to Colcord Avenue Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, with a Wednesday evening market, opening at 4:30 p.m., during the summer months. In Rockland, head to the public landing, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

20. June 2: Fine Arts Night at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport. For more information, call 236-7800 ext. 294.

21. June 4: Rockland's 150th Anniversary as an incorporated city. Many special events have been planned as well as sesquicentennial themes for the festivals taking place during Rockland's busy summer season. For more information, contact the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce at 596-0376 or e-mail info@therealmaine.com.

22. Visit a slice of old-time Rockland. Goodnow's Pharmacy, voted best in the county, has a soda fountain, just like in the old days. For information or directions, call 594-5131.

23. June 4 and 5: Relay for Life in Knox County. Teams of 10 to 12 people take turns walking a track for 18 hours. Starts 6 p.m. on June 4; ends noon on June 5. To benefit the American Cancer Society. Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport. For more information, call 989-0332.

24. After the relay, your feet could use some pampering. Camden Massage Therapy, 691-5140, was voted best massage therapist in Knox County.

25. Need more than a massage? Pamper your mind, body and soul at Nordstrom Skin Care Studio, Main Street in Rockland. For information, call 594-5077.

26. Shave and a haircut? VillageSoup readers chose the Jones Brothers in Camden as their favorite barbershop. You can find them upstairs (they have no phone), above French & Brawn Marketplace near the corner of Elm and Mechanic streets.

27. June 4: Art opening at the Downtown Gallery in Washington. Aartvark — Tracking the Past Six Months. Runs through July 4; opening is from 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery is open Friday from noon to 5 and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 845-2201.

28. June 5: Plant and food sale at the Owls Head Community Building, held by the Owls Head Garden Club, from 9 a.m. to noon. The community building is across from the airport on Ash Point Drive. For more information, contact Dottie Liberty at 596-6032 or e-mail libertyd@midcoast.com.

29. June 5: Annual lawn & plant sale at Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool. 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, Union Street in Camden across from the transfer station.

30. June 5: Enjoy a public supper the first Saturday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the John Street United Methodist Church in Camden. Homemade cooking served family-style, friendly, fast, and hot. The favorite feature of the evening is the pastor's weekly joke. Adults $6, Kids $3. For more information, call 236-4829.

31. June 5 to July 11: At Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, the Biennial Juried Exhibition. An opening reception is June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. Works by more than 80 artists representing all visual arts mediums in this 23rd Juried Exhibition. The exhibit is open to all visual, new media, and craft artists who are year-round or seasonal residents of Maine. For more information, call 236-2875 or visit www.artsmaine.org.

32. June 6: An Edward Hopper exhibit opens at the Farnsworth Art Museum. This exhibition documents the city of Rockland's contribution to an important series of work by one of America's greatest artists. Edward Hopper visited the city only once, but the visit proved to be, in the words of Hopper scholar, Gail Levin, "especially prolific." Hopper's images of Rockland are now dispersed to museum and private collections throughout the United States. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view a selection of these works as a group. Through Sept. 26. For more information call 596-6457.

33. Want to make your own art? Head over to Rockport Blueprint on Main Street in Camden to find all the tools you need to paint the beautiful coast of Maine.

34. June 6: Camden 10K Road Race, starts at Peter Ott's on Bayview Street at 9 a.m. For more information, call 236-7120 or e-mail sarah@mainesport.com.

35. June 8: Tuesday Talks at Merryspring. A different speaker each week. Bring a brown bag lunch and learn about horticulture, nature, photography and art. At noon, Tuesdays through Aug. 31. Merryspring Nature Park, Conway Road, Camden. For more information, call 236-2239.

36. June 9: is part of National "Take a Kid Fishing Week." Remember that to fish in fresh water in Maine, you need a license. Check with your local town office, or maine.gov/ifw for more information.

37. June 10: Bridge, anyone? The Camden Duplicate Bridge Club plays at the Anderson Inn at Quarry Hill in Camden Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. ACBL sanctioned, Masterpoints awarded and partners guaranteed. For more information, call Phil Brown at 230-2454. All are welcome.

38. June 11 to June 17 is National Little League Baseball Week. Next time you see some kids playing, stop and root for both teams.

39. June 12: Jonatha Brooke in a Benefit Concert for New Hope For Women, 7 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House. Brooke is a former member of the duo Story. Opening will be Bob Stuart, Marty Nestor and Lizzie Dickerson. For more information, visit villagesoup.com/clicktix.

40. June 12: Penobscot Bay YMCA's Annual Boat Auction. Motorboats, sailboats, dingys, outboards, trailers, and rowboats/inflatables. 9 a.m. Free bidder registration. 10 a.m. Chater's Boat Yard, Camden Street, Camden. For more information, call 236-4746.

41. Big boats too much? Rent a smaller one at Maine Sport on Route 1 in Rockport. For more information, call 236-8797 or visit mainesport.com.

42. Want someone else to drive your boat? How about a ferry ride across the bay and back? Call the Maine State Ferry Service for schedule information: 800-491-4883.

43. June 13: Hot Rods, Custom Cars, & Antique Aeroplane Show at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, Route 173, Owls Head. For more information, call 594-4418.

44. See some cool Oreo cookie cows (called Belted Galloways) at Aldermere Farm in Rockport. For information or directions, call 236-2739 or visit aldermere.org.

45. While you're in the neighborhood, take a jog on Beauchamp Point, voted by VillageSoup readers as the best running path in the county.

46. June 19: All Haydn Season Finale. Strom Auditorium, Rockport. 7:30 p.m. The season finale for Bay Chamber Concerts' 2003-2004 Performing Arts Series. For more information, call 236-2823 or visit baychamberconcerts.org.

47. June 19: Lincolnville Spirit Day. Spend the day at Breezemere Park sampling the crafts, concerts, food, and entertainment, all to benefit the new Lincolnville Central School. For more information, call 763-3940.

48. Father's Day is June 20. Two places to buy dad a great gift: Corson's Auto Supply/NAPA in Rockland, 596-2621, voted best auto parts store in the county or Rankin's Hardware & Building Supplies in Camden, 236-3275, voted best hardware store.

49. What about taking dad to brunch at Marcel's Restaurant at the Samoset Resort in Rockport where Sunday Brunch is a buffet of mouthwatering delicacies and a table overlooking beautiful ocean views? Father's Day or any Sunday.

50. June 19: Summer Solstice Night. Downtown Rockland. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Live music, street dancing, food and special events. For more information, call the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce at 596-0376 or e-mail info@therealmaine.com.

51. June 19: At the Rockland Yacht Club, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: A Solstice Gala in the Mid-Coast both in Camden and Rockland to support the ending of hunger also, a sailboat race and dance will be held to benefit the Area Interfaith Outreach Program. For more information call David Jones at 236-7048.

52. When in Rockland, you must walk the Rockland Breakwater.

53. When you are near a computer, here or at home, log on to a web- cam to see the breakwater: villagesoup.com/webcams.

54. Another great Rockland walk is along the boardwalk from the chamber building at the public landing, past MBNA and back.

55. June 19: Waldoboro Day. The town holds an all-day festival starting with blueberry pancakes and ending with fireworks from the village ballfield. In between: a parade, games, crafts, continuous live music, kayaking and sailing, history & carriage rides. Streets are closed to cars. All events free. For more information, call 832-7405.

56. Remember, VillageSoup Times readers said Moody's Diner, on Route 1 in Waldoboro, has the best pie around. Check it out for yourself. For more information, call 832-7785.

57. June 20: The third Annual Knox Docks Auction. Fundraising auction for the Friends of Montpelier. Everything from trips to gift certificates. 1 p.m. Lyman Morse Boathouse, Knox Street, Thomaston. For more information, call 354-7091.

58. By now you've taken a million photos of your visit to the Midcoast. Rite Aid, with locations in Rockland and Camden, was chosen best 24-hour film developer in the county.

59. Send a postcard home. Buy stamps at a small post office. These include West Rockport, St. George, Warren and Union.

60. Of course you need a souvenir of your trip to the Midcoast. Readers chose the Grasshopper Shop in Rockland (1), Planet in Camden (2) and Once a Tree in Camden (3) as the best places to buy a gift in Knox County.

61. June 23: Monthly Garden Walk. Join Deb Soule for an early summer medicinal herb walk through Avena's herb gardens in West Rockport. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 594-2403.

62. What if it rains? Head to the movies: VillageSoup Times readers chose Flagship Cinemas in Thomaston the best local movie theatre. Call 594-2100 for shows & times.

63. Love old movies? Did you know Peyton Place was filmed mostly in Camden? You can rent it in Camden at Harbor Audio Video, or at Movie Gallery in Rockland, voted best in the county.

64. Need pizza with that movie? Knox County readers chose Zaddick's, on Washington Street in Camden, as the best place in the county for pizza. Call 236-6540.

65. June 24: Rowing Camp. You've always wanted learn to maneuver recreational rowing shells on a placid lake with professional coaches. A variety of rowing shells of provided for all participants. Great food, fun and family time. This is the first of seven days, at Medomak Camp in Washington. For information, call 845-6001.

66. June 24 to June 26: Head back to the 1950s with "Grease", a Camden Civic Theatre production, at 8 p.m. at the Camden Opera House. For information call 236-2281. Also July 1-3.

67. Before or after the show, or any time, hang out and watch people from the Camden Village Green. It's a beautiful spot.

68. Another beautiful spot in Camden is the Camden Yacht Club. You can go there — head up Chestnut Street from the Village Green, turn left on Frye, then right on Bay View and the yacht club will be on your left — to get a great view of the harbor with Mt. Battie behind.

69. See that stone tower at the top of Mt. Battie? You can walk there (and ride, too). Visit Camden Hills State Park, a few miles north of the village on Route 1. Picnic on the bay side, hike or drive up Mt. Battie on the inland side.

70. There's also Camden's Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, part of the Camden Public Library grounds. Sunny day: Hang out in Harbor Park. Rainy day: check out the library. It's a pleasant and relaxing place to spend a couple of hours. Be sure to see the reading room, with its period furniture, high ceilings and model of old-time Camden Harbor.

71. June 25: Greenfire, the retreat house for women in Tenants Harbor, is holding a weekend retreat for photographers, including beginners. Noted photographer Pam Swing will organize sites for shooting on the St. George Peninsula. The weekend will also include quiet time for rest or reflection, as well as candlelit dinners during which all can share their experiences. Call 372-6241.

72. June 25 and June 26: Annual book sale at the Penobscot School in Rockland. Fiction, non-fiction, travel, foreign language books, and more. June 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; June 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 28 Gay St., Rockland. For more information, call 594-1084.

73. June 25, 26 and 27: "Guys and Dolls" at the Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro at 8 p.m. Orchestra, $15 all seats. Balcony, $13 adults, $11 ages 12 and under. For reservations and information, call 832-6060. Also June 30 at 2 p.m. and July 1, 2,and 3 at 8 p.m.

74. June 25: The 5th Annual Penobscot Bay YMCA Golf Tournament. 9 a.m. start. Rockland Golf Club, Old County Road, Rockland. For more information, call 236-3375.

75. Golf? Did you say golf? Have we got golf courses in Knox County. The one voted best in the county was the Rockland Golf Club. For information and tee times, call 594-9322. Also on the list are the Samoset Resort (594-2511) and the Goose River Golf Course (236-8488).

76. Check out the "Nine & Dine" at Goose River: Thursday night dinner and nine holes of golf at Goose River Golf Course's Sandbaggers Grill. For more information, call 542-1339.

77. June 25 and June 26: Fabulous '50s Weekend in Camden, full of activities for the family, including "Grease" at the Opera House, a '50s dance at the fire station Friday night, a motorcycle and hot rod meet on Saturday evening, culminating with an outdoor movie presented by VillageSoup after dark Saturday night: "Rebel Without A Cause."

78. Make a weekend of it in Camden. The 10th Annual Mid-Coast Maine All-American Soap Box Derby is June 26. For more information, call 785-3683 or 236-6375.

79. Speaking of the 1950s, try a real old timey sport: Bowling. There's Oakland Park Lanes in Rockport and DePatsy's in Waldoboro. For information call 594-7525 in Rockport and 832-5558 in Waldoboro.

80. More old stuff: Rockland Antiques Marketplace was voted best antique shop in Knox County. For information or directions, call 596-9972.

81. From old timey to 21st century: Need to check your e-mail? Visit Abacus Computers at 87 Elm St. in Camden — It's a public wireless Internet hot spot, Internet Cafe & High Tech Conference Center. They'll set you up. Call 236-9097.

82. June 26: New England Motorcycle Auction. Owls Head Transportation Museum, Route 173, Owls Head. For information, call 594-4418.

83. Whether you ride a bike, a motorcycle or drive a car, there are so many great scenic rides in Knox County. You can make a great loop out Route 17, across Appleton Ridge and back into Camden via Route 105, or up to Belfast via Route 131 and Route 3 and back down through Ducktrap.

84. Blow out the speakers in your rental car after finding the best music at Wild Rufus, just steps from the Public Landing in Camden. Or buy a CD to get ready for…

85. …July 1: John Hiatt Concert at the Strom Auditorium at Camden Hills Regional High School. This is Hiatt's first-ever Midcoast performance, with special guest Maine's own acclaimed singer-songwriter Sara Cox. Show time is 7:30 p.m. For information, visit villagesoup.com/clicktix.

86. July 2: Enjoy a tribute to Duke Ellington at the Rockport Opera House with Bay Chamber Concerts. For information, call 236-2823 or visit baychamberconcerts.org.

87. Would you like some wine with your Ellington? Take a trip to historic Winterport and experience the flavor of a locally owned winery and tasting room at the Winterport Winery. For information, call 223-4500.

88. July 3: Lincolnville's famous Strawberry Festival & Church Fair. Parade 10 a.m. Lincolnville Band Concert 11 a.m. Strawberry shortcake, strawberry pie, hot dogs & more. Lincolnville Center. For information, call 763-3381.

89. If you're not too full after eating strawberry shortcake, have a lobster dinner at the Lobster Pound in Lincolnville Beach, voted best in the county. For information, call 789-5550.

90. July 3: Plan to leave plenty early to get to the Thomaston 4th of July Parade and Celebration. Small town 4th celebration with parade, pancake breakfast, entertainment, contest, friends, chicken barbeque, crafts, and children's activities. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Downtown Thomaston...parade starts at 11 a.m. For information, call 596-7478.

91. Feeling community minded? United Mid-Coast Charities can hook you up with a fulfilling volunteer opportunity. Call 236-2299. Tell them VillageSoup sent you.

92. July 7: 10th Annual Fairy Tea Party. Join us for tea, cookies, fairy fun, and special puppet show. 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Avena Institute, West Rockport. For information, call 594-2403.

93. Spend a weekend with Bay Chamber Concerts. July 8: Bohemia and Vienna and July 9 Efrem Zimbalist & the Russian Circle, both at the Rockport Opera House. For information, call 236-2823 or visit baychamberconcerts.org.

94. July 9: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine Fantasy Auction at the Samoset Resort. Live charity auction and dinner. For more information, contact Kipa Bonarrigo at 236-3171 or e-mail wishme@wish.org.

95. July 9: Visit the Rockport Public Library's 7th annual children's book sale and party. Great used and new children's books and related items. Entertainment and refreshments for children up to age 13. 1 Limerock St., Rockport. For information, call 236-3642.

96. July 9 & July 10: Rockport Antiques and Art Show/Sale. More than 50 dealers of fine antiques and art displaying in decorated room settings. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preview July 9, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Midcoast Recreation Center, Route 90, West Rockport. For information call 563-1013.

97. July 10: Jackson Memorial Library Open House. Jackson Memorial Library, Tenants Harbor. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy lemonade, cookies and all that this library has to offer. Library hours are Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 372-8961.

98. July 10 & July 11: North Atlantic Blues Festival. Acclaimed festival features 15+ artists, including this year's headliner: Taj Mahal. Saturday night club crawl. It all starts July 10 at 10 a.m. in Rockland's Harbor Park. For information, call 596-6055.

99. Want to plan ahead? Visit: knox.villagesoup.com/calendars.

100. Stay in touch with Knox County all year long. Subscribe to the VillageSoup Times: villagesoup.com/subscribe.

101. Cap off your trip along the Maine coast with a stop in Bar Harbor for a ride on Maine's only high speed ferry, "The Cat." Enjoy one of the many packages available to Scenic Yarmouth Nova Scotia, Canada.