Weekend in ... Rockland, Maine

Getting there: Rockland is a four-hour drive from Boston and less than two hours from Portland. One-way sale rates to Portland start from $99; nonstop AirTran.

Stay: Waterman House & Gardens features a wrap around porch with rocking chairs, a library with a fireplace, and three sweet guest rooms. Portside has the only private bath and furnishings which give the room an atmosphere of New England's past. A perennial and herb  cottage garden surrounds the house. Seasonal rates range from $95-$145, including breakfast; 33 Grove St., 207-596-0093, www.watermanhouse.com.

Eat: Watch lobster traps hauled to shore and bay shorebirds and seals from the deck at Waterman's Beach Lobster. Opening June 19, this seafood stand serves steamed lobsters (1 pound., $13.95; two for $26.95), clams (1 lb., $7.95), lobster and crab rolls, salads, beverages ( BYOB) and fresh homemade pies; 343 Waterman's Beach Rd., S. Thomaston, 207-596-7819, www.watermansbeachlobster.com.

Experience: Explore historic Rockland, selected as one of 100 Best Adventure Towns by National Geographic Societyt. The town, coastal mountains and Penobscot Bay make for one of the prettiest harbor settings on the eastern seaboard. Take a walk across giant granite slabs that create the three-quarter mile breakwater protecting the harbor and its lighthouse. Follow up with a visit to the Maine Lighthouse Museum for its landmark collection of lighthouse artifacts and Coast Guard memorabilia; $5 adults; 1 Park Dr., 207-594-3301, www.mainelighthousemuseum.org.

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Moderate:

Getting there: One-way rates to Boston start from $84 during sale periods; nonstop, AirTran or Delta.

Stay: LimeRock Inn is steps away from the world-class Farnsworth Museum, dining, shops and one of Maine's most beautiful ocean walks. Eight guest rooms feature architectural details, period furnishings and posh bedding. The Grand Manan room has a plantation king bed and a wood burning fireplace ($165 low/$239 high). Rates, including breakfast, Wi-Fi and pantry refreshments, range from $119-$155 low season; $159-$239 high season; 96 Limerock St., 1-800-546-3762, www.limerockinn.com.

Eat: Amalfi On the Water has a bit of everything for a night out on the town -- harbor views, al fresco and indoor dining, a raw bar, live music and a menu with a touch of the Mediterranean. Specialties include lobster, seafood paella and tender strip steaks. Starters from $4.25-$13; entrees $15-$29; 12 Water St., 207-596-0012, www.amalfionthewater.com.

Experience: Don't miss the town's biggest five-day event, the 2011 Maine Lobster Festival, Aug. 3-7. Find small town fun under nine tents with cooking contests, kids events, the world's greatest lobster cooker, a big parade, top entertainment, U.S. Navy ship and Coast Guard Station tours and more than 20,000 pounds of lobster. Free admission on Aug.3 "Hometown Day"; $8 adults other days; Main St., 207-596-0376, www.mainelobsterfestival.com.

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Splurge:

Getting there: Walk-up Economy Class rates to Portland are $400; $452 Business Class. Economy class to Boston without advance purchase are $409; $472 business class. Valid on AirTran or Delta, nonstop.

Stay: The historic Berry Manor Inn has received the AAA Four Diamond rating for the past decade and TripAdvisor.com travelers voted this luxurious inn as one of the top 10 in the nation. Special touches in guest rooms include gas fireplaces, silk canopy beds, fine linens and whirlpool tubs with oils and candles. Besides a lavish breakfast, guests enjoy a stocked pantry with assorted beverages, ice cream and pies. Rates through June 16 from $135-$175. Mid-season rates, June 17-23 and Oct. 16-22, $145-$225; 81 Talbot Ave., 1-800-774-5692, www.berrymanorinn.com.

Eat: The huge menu at Cafe Miranda includes Thai, Armenian, Mexican, Polish, Germany entrees and other ethnic tastes. This edgy, eclectic bistro also pleases burger, barbecue, pasta and pizza lovers. Menu items, including the signature foccacia, are prepared in a wood-fired brick oven. Starters from $9-$15; suppers from $20-$29.50; 15 Oak St., 207-594-2034, www.cafemiranda.com.

Experience: All aboard the Maine Eastern Railroad for a journey through the spectacular scenery between Rockland and Brunswick. Enjoy the ride in restored vintage rail cars past seaside villages, working lobstermen, tidewater wildlife and in autumn, spectacular foliage. The train operates Saturday and Sunday starting May 28 (Wednesday-Sunday service from June 29); $42 round-trip, per adult; Union and Pleasant streets, 1-866-637-2457, www.maineeasternrailroad.com.

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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.