SAILING CRUISES: The Victory Chimes is one of a dozen members of the association. Its classic sailing ships homeport in Penobscot Bay in Rockland and Camden. (These classic tall ships are not related to the now-closed Windjammer Barefoot Cruises based in Miami.) Cruises typically last three to six nights and cost about $125-$150 per person per day. Many offer specialty cruises centering on families, yoga and wellness, wine tasting. The Victory Chimes' (www.victorychimes.com) four-night cruise June 18-21 will offer maritime painting classes. www.sailmainecoast.com or 800-807-WIND.
Other, nonmember tall ships offer day sails and longer cruises from ports along this coast.
LODGING: The coast is dotted with upscale B&Bs, mom-and-pop lodgings -- even the occasional resort. Prices are lowest in winter and can double in summer.
Camden is a postcard-perfect town with tony lodgings to match. Both the Lord Camden Inn (www.lordcamdeninn.com, 800-336-4325; $99-$299) and the Camden Harbor Inn (www.camdenharbourinn.com, 800-236-4266; $175-$700) offer harbor views.
Rockland is a fishing town, with less polish but three excellent historic inns. The four diamond-rated Berry Manor Inn (www.berrymanorinn.com, 800-774-5692; $115-$380), in an 1898 home built as a wedding present for one of Rockland's most affluent families in the town's heyday, offers wonderful homemade breakfasts. The friendly Limerock Inn (www.limerockinn.com, 800-546-3762; $110-$229) is a turreted Victorian beauty. The Captain Lindsey House (www.lindseyhouse.com, 800-523-2145; $171-$300), dating from 1835, is located downtown within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
ATTRACTIONS: The coast is dotted with lighthouses, lobster pounds and seafood houses serving fish just out of the water. The Farnsworth Museum in Rockland (www.farnsworthmuseum.org), is home to a permanent collection of paintings by Andrew Wyeth and other American artists. The Owls Head Transportation Museum (www.ohtm.org) is a trove of historic cars and airplanes. Camden Hills State Park (www.stateparks.com/camden_hills.html) atop Mount Battie is a favorite for day hikes and view to the bay.
GETTING THERE: Airports in Boston, Portland and Bangor offer reasonable access, though you'll need a rental car. The closest airport is at Rockland, served by U.S. Airways.
-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE
