Sometimes referred to as The Pine Tree State, Maine is probably better known for its lobsters and lighthouses than any other state in the country. Each year thousands of tourists from both “away” and from right here in Maine flock to the coast to enjoy both.
Owls Head, a small coastal town just south of Rockland, is home to both a lighthouse and harbor full of lobster boats, so it’s almost like getting the best of both worlds in one trip.
Drawing a straight line on a map shows the town of Owls Head, population 1580, lies just 51 short miles from Bangor with an actual drive time of about an hour and a half, depending on traffic and if you stop for lunch along the way in Rockland.
It doesn’t take long after arriving in town that you immediately feel at home. This wonderful, out of the way nook on the Midcoast is home to both the Owls Head state park and the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Get your walking shoes on because you haven’t come all this way not to check out both.
The Owls Head state park is, of course, home to the Coast Guard operated Owls Head Light Station, a beacon of hope and mercy that has guided sailors along the Maine coast since 1826. The lighthouses automated light can be seen up to 16 nautical miles out to sea. Built of granite and brick, this 30 foot tall lighthouse sits high up on a cliff overlooking the Penobscot Bay and the entrance to Rockland Harbor.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum should be next on your list of things to do while in Owls Head, and is less than 2 miles from the lighthouse. According to their website, www.ohtm.org , the museum is open daily, year-round, from 10am to 5pm. Established in 1974, the museum is child friendly with many exhibits easily accessible to anyone. In the summer months, many outdoor events take place, including antique car shows and aerobatics air shows, so be sure to check out the calendar of events and plan accordingly.
Summers in Maine are beautiful to begin with, now add in the fact that the days are longer, and this translates into plenty of time to check out both the museum and the lighthouse, with time to spare. Hey, you still have time to take in a lobster dinner. Maybe you really can have the best of both worlds.
For more information about Owls Head Lighthouse, check out the American Lighthouse Foundation at http://bit.ly/xE3HV0.
Until next time, enjoy the state of Maine, one day at a time.
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