Fall is one of the greatest seasons in our earth.  The brilliant changing colors blend uniquely to give an artist’s palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens.  Having seen this once, you’ll desire to go back as often as possible to re-experience the visual ecstasy first encountered.  Couple this with coastline, frothing surfs, and rugged countryside – you just might think you’ve died and gone to heaven!

Rockland, Maine is just one of these beautiful places given to us to explore and experience.  Seniors will enjoy the relaxed pace here in Rockland.  Watch sailboats and yachts as they float along the Penobscot Bay.  Take a ferry ride to visit across the waters to some of the harbor villages.  Most of all, plan to spend time visiting the Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine Captain Lindsey House is owned by Ken and Ellen Barnes.  Their longtime association with Rockland, Maine began years ago as they yearned to move north from living in the Deep South.  Ken had always wanted to own a “boat” not just any boat, but one which would become a way of life for him.  It wouldn’t be long before he became acquainted with the “Stephen Taber” a historic windjammer in service for the United States since the 1800’s.  Once Captain Ken Barnes took possession of the Stephen Taber, he knew Rockland would be their home.  Of course when owning a sailing vessel, you need a place to live in the winter months.  Captain Barnes and his family developed the Captain Lindsey House – a romantic, historic inn filled with the best of home comforts.  

Captain Lindsey House is a bed and breakfast where even getting up early for breakfast is luxury.  Tabletops gleam with sparking silverware, crystal clear glasses for juices, and shining white plates just ready for you to indulge in your own specialty waffle, biscuits, toast, gourmet cereals, fruits, a variety of jams, hot coffee, and the coldest milk!  Lunch is on your own; however, if you happen in around 4:00 pm, you just might get to sample some Port or a homemade cookie. 

The Captain Lindsey House is conveniently located downtown and a short walk will place you in front of the Farnsworth Museum.  This museum houses a number of oils, watercolor prints, and organic art.  One extremely impressionistic work of art was a rendition of a long boat with three passengers – all done in a loosely woven burlap material.   

For those who are fifty-five and older, there are available senior packages to check out in

the area.  Two other premier Historic Inns of Rockland are:  Berry Manor Inn, and LimeRock Inn.  Each one has their own special rates and packages.  These inns offer modern amenities blended with impeccable appointments of their historic buildings.  Fireplaces, high speed internet, private baths with showers, whirlpool tubs, bedding of the finest linens, and charming rooms with a view, will delight any senior.  

Wherever you decide to stay, one thing’s for sure, you’ll eat well in Rockland.  Lobsters abound!  Seafood of your choice is on almost every menu.  Clam chowder, hearty stews, New England breads, and bread puddings call out to those who are hungry!

October begins to get cooler and the air is crisper.  Depending on the weather patterns, fall foliage changes may begin as early as the last week in September or as late as the second week in October.  Usually by the end of October to early November, the foliage has changed and the area buckles down for the winter.  For now though, there is still plenty of time left to visit the area lighthouses (over 14 within driving distances) and the National Registry of Historic Places.  Although the windjammers are finishing their cruises for the year, you just might find one who still has a few day trips left.  The Rockland Historical Society sponsors a guided tour for the area.  This tour includes optional tickets to the Farnsworth Museum, Owls Head Transportation Museum, Outer Island Ferry excursions, and two tickets for Captain Jack’s Lobster Adventure. You choose two of the options.

My six days spent in Rockland, Maine were the most relaxing and rewarding I’ve ever experienced.  When just wanting to get out and be one with the surroundings, piers and breakwaters extend out into the bay where you can sit and contemplate about how good life is!   If you’ve missed out on September’s trip to Rockland, consider October or even better plan for next year and reserve a schooner/windjammer cruise with www.stephentaber.com and be sure to reserve a few days in one of the premier Historic Inns of Rockland.  Happy Traveling!

(Photos are from the websites of Rockland’s Historic Inns)