Rockland, Maine — A Tourist in my Own Home Town

As I write this blog on March 1, I just learned that Marquette, Michigan beat us out as the number one “Distinctive Destination” out of 12 places listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation contest. I voted online a gazillion times, but alas it didn’t work. We came in third as far as I can tell from their graph, behind Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Marquette, from what I can tell, has everything that Rockland has, but on a grander scale. Cedar Falls is much like Rockland as far as entertainment, restaurants, and amount of varied activities to enjoy. They reside beside Cedar River however and we have a big ole ocean out there. What gives?

I also found out that Shaquille O’Neal voted for Marquette even though he has visited Rockland. It had something to do with a friend in Marquette. Oh well, his loss I guess.

This contest started me thinking about how others see our fair city of Rockland. I wondered what would happen if I came home as a tourist in my own home town. I would have the advantage of knowing my way around as well as where some of the best food is and things the area has to offer.

When I was home this summer I wanted to take in as much as I could while I was there. I got caught up in promoting my book, however, so didn’t get to do half the things I wanted to. There are many new places to explore and special things to do than when I was growing up there. We are now known internationally as a nice place to visit. We no longer have the fish factory smell and a dowdy downtown Main Street. The changes are exciting and I would dearly love to take it all in as a real tourist.

Here are some of the things I would like to “re-experience” and some entirely new experiences I would like to take part in. I’m assuming my resources would be such that I could afford to take in all the experiences I want to. This then would be my “fantasy” vacation with an entirely new outlook on the place I grew up in.

I would like to spend as much time on the water as possible. I would like to take a harbor cruise again and also go out on a windjammer for a day or two. As I said before, I spent a week on The Victory Chimes years ago. I would like to go out on the Nathaniel Bowditch this time. I explained how I know one of the owners in an earlier blog. I would also like to take the ferry to Monhegan, a place I’ve never visited; and I would also like to take a “puffin” tour again if they still have them.

I would like to take day trips to places like Tenants Harbor, which has an amazing amount of little shops and eateries I didn’t even know were there until I visited there with friends this summer. I would like to take a train ride to Brunswick and back, something that hasn’t been possible until the last few years or so. Walking the entire length of the Breakwater is something I’ve never done either. That would be a possibility for a picnic excursion one day.

Culturally, I would like to revisit the Farnsworth and Wyeth Museums as well as all the art galleries in the area. I would also stop into the Lighthouse Museum once again and replace all my lighthouse stuff I lost in the flood. I would also like to take in all the events the Strand Theater has to offer during the summer. I would  like to visit the Olson House, the site of Andrew Wyeth’s work, “Christina’s World.” I’ve never been there. I also understand there is an Andrew Wyeth studio you can visit. I’d like to check that out.

Where would I stay when I come? Let’s assume I had no relatives or friends to stay with while I’m there. In that case there is only one place I would dearly love to stay, the Berry Manor Inn. Why? My grandparents used to own that estate. My grandfather, Herman Winchenbaugh, would be flabbergasted at what they have done to the place. I have seen pictures of the rooms at their online site and was totally blown away by what I saw. As I reported in one of my first blogs, my mother hosted my fourth birthday party at what we called the Berry House then. I also attended many Christmas parties there with all the Winchenbaughs. I did visit my old teacher, Miss Priscilla Noddin, when I was a college student. She owned the house at that time. I want to see what they did to the former “pool room” at the top of the house.

If I had two weeks to visit, I might like to spend a week in one of the cottages for rent out at the Samoset. When I was writing my book, I was given a whole promo packet by the Marketing Department.  It described cottages for rent that overlooked the Breakwater. What a beautiful view that must be. Of course, Spruce Head would be another place I would like to spend a few nights. The view of the sunset over the water at my aunt’s cottage can’t be beat.

Now for the food. Oh yes, the food. Besides checking out all the new restaurants in town which I’ve not gotten to yet, I would revisit those eateries I dearly love. Like Wasses Wagon. This is one food that has survived from my youth when Louie had his stand down on a side street downtown. My cousin, Keith Wass, cooks the dogs the same way Louie did. I visit one of his stands several times when I’m home. Last summer I was in line with a tourist couple. They wondered why there were so many people lined up and why the hot dogs are so special. I told them, “It’s the best hot dog you will ever put in your mouth.” They said, "You must be an owner." I said, "No, but my cousin is." After they ate one however, they agreed with my high opinion of the dogs.

The other place I visit as often as I can is the Keag Store in South Thomaston. It’s a well kept secret locally that they have the best ever lobster and crabmeat rolls.  Let’s hope too many tourists never find out about it. As a tourist in my own home town, however, I am the exception.

I would also like to try out the Lobster Club Sandwich at the Brass Compass. I’ve eaten there before, but never had one of those. When I finally got to see the Bobby Flay show done there, my mouth watered for one all during the show.

A special after dinner treat might take me over to Dorman’s Ice Cream on Route 1. It is another place that has survived from my youth. Other places I may check out is Café Miranda, Waterworks, Mc-Hale’s, and Trackside, over at the railroad station. Eating al fresco, especially seafood, is always a treat for me. I would go to any dockside or outdoor areas I could find. I understand the old Pearl is reopening down at the Landing with new ownership. I might check that place out too.

Before I return to Georgia after this “fantasy” vacation, I would like to revisit the South End. I would walk the existing boardwalk from the Landing to the South End and then continue on the new walkway being developed which further follows the waterfront. I never had access to this area as a young person. I would end my walk by relaxing on my favorite bench by the water. I would sit and watch the activities out on Penobscot Bay and think about how lucky I was to grow up here.

I hope that all you South End and Rockland folks who read this blog from your homes in other states will show this blog to your friends who might like to visit the area. You can show them “your Maine” just like I do at every opportunity. Come home and re-visit your old home town. You will be greatly surprised I’m sure.

Thanks for listening.