Some people would call us crazy for heading north to Maine for spring break, but we would have it no other way. Not only does it give us an opportunity to take care of projects around the house before a fresh season of guests, but it allows us the chance to enjoy Rockland in the off-season, when there is no waiting at restaurants and everyone has time to chat.

No matter where you go, even with cooler weather persisting, it seems you run into someone you know, and it’s so much fun to feel the strong local ties that you don’t notice in the summer, when the town is full of visitors. Of course, after a tough winter like this one, there’s also the happy feeling that summer is on its way. The snow is finally (!) melting and Rockland is buzzing with quiet excitement about several new additions. Make sure not to miss these new Rockland favorites as the weather warms and outdoor living resumes.

Courtesy of Claws

Claws Lobster Eatery

743 Main Street

Last  July saw the debut of a new lobster restaurant in our beloved North End. MORE LOBSTER, we say, and it appears that Claws is delivering. They have already racked up a stack of impressive reviews. Just blocks from our house and boasting water views, Claws offers outdoor seating with covered tables, a retractable awning, and heaters (for cooler days and nights) and they are open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during mid-June to mid-October. They even have a twin lobster special, but don’t worry if you’re not after lobster: they also offer fried seafood and hand-cut fries.

Check out their menu.

Courtesy of Malcolm Bedell

‘Wich, Please

Next up, we’re really excited about a new food truck coming to town called ‘Wich, Please. Malcolm Bedell of the food blog From Away is starting a sandwich truck, my people. He’s hoping to open in May, and is promising a line-up of really creative, delicious sandwiches of the kind he’s been blogging (and making in competitions) for years. We were so excited about seeing this food truck come to town that we backed ‘Wich, Please on Kickstarter and, apparently, we weren’t the only ones! ‘Wich, Please is now the seventh most funded food truck in Kickstarter history. We hear this fantastic new addition to the Rockland food scene is now officially to be located in Buoy Park (by Duo’s and Pho Sizzle). We can’t wait!

UPDATE: ‘Wich Please is now doing a brisk business in Buoy Park! Stop by and land yourself a sandwich!

Main Street Markets

435 Main Street

Speaking of food…we would like to talk more about food. Main Street is getting its own grocery, called Main Street Markets, which is currently slated to open in mid-summer. From what we gather, Main Street Markets is looking to offer Maine-made artisan foods, and it’s an easy walk from our house, so that pleases us, too!

421 Main Street

It appears we are still discussing food, but a lot of people in Rockland are pretty jazzed to welcome popular restaurant Comida, which is moving to Main Street from its previous location in Camden. Comida was just listed as “One to Watch” in a Down East list of Maine’s best new restaurants, and has been featured in publications like The Boston Globe, the Portland Press Herald, and Maine., and promises “classic Maine ingredients” with Spanish flair. The folks at Comida also serve cocktails and wine. We’re really excited by this cool new addition to our beloved downtown.

UPDATE: Comida is now open for business! The pictures they’re posting look amazing. Get in there and try them out.

Motifs

415 Main Street

I’m told you can’t eat all the time, so there are two new stores on Main Street I want to share, as well. One is Motifs. The website describes the store as carrying “Gifts. Home accesories. Curiosities. Cards. And, of course, clothes for women who want to dress to express their joie de vivre.” I went in, myself, and can verify that it’s also full of clever little items that make you “ooh” and “ahh” and do your Christmas shopping early…for yourself, even. I highly recommend treating yourself to a stop here on your next stroll down Main Street! 

Clementine

428 Main Street

Courtesy of Clementine

The other totally charming store that has opened in the past year is Clementine. On their website, they describe themselves as “an apparel fabric boutique and modern haberdashery.” I’m sorry to say that I’m a total klutz with a sewing machine, but the store is so beautiful it makes me want to go in and buy fabric for my imaginary sewing project. Luckily, Clementine appears to be far more than just a fabric store, also offering items to “decorate your home, make an event special and unique, or to craft the perfect gift.” Whatever your project (even if your project is just window shopping) I highly recommend a stop in this lovely shop on the corner, just diagonal from Motifs. It’s sure to brighten your day.

I’m sure I missed something wonderful, but it’s hard to keep up with this town! Feel free to leave comments sharing any other newsworthy spots everyone should know about.

See you on Main Street, friends.

Did we miss a new business in Rockland that you love? Leave us a comment and share!
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