What do Sri Lanka, Morocco, Edinburgh and Rockland, Maine have in common?
All these are considered the best destinations to travel to in August.
Rockland's tourism industry can boast a new accolade this summer after the city was named one of the “10 Best Places to Travel in August” by travel magazine AFAR, but lobster is to blame. Of course, that doesn't save the lobster from the pot.
Rockland is one of three U.S. cities selected, along with Washington, D.C., and Big Sky, Montana.
Reasons to Visit Rockland This Summer
Each city on AFAR's list has a specific reason to visit in August, and in Rockland's case, as author Mark Ellwood put it, “forget your summer diet for the best reason.”
The reason is local lobster, which is the guest of honor (and main course) at the world-famous Maine Lobster Festival.
Best Food Festivals:Top 10 Food Festivals in America
The “Shellfish Festival” will take place in Penobscot Bay from July 31 to Aug. 4, 2024. In addition to traditional favorites like bisque and rolls, attendees will be able to sample more creative dishes like turnovers and fried dumplings.
AFAR says: “The festival has plenty of other events, including a cooking festival for those who want to show off their cooking skills and a 10K road race. But the highlight is the Great Crate Race on Sunday afternoon, where anyone with a fearless, athletic streak can take part in a race through 50 lobster traps set up like an obstacle course around the harbor. It's a true community activity, staffed almost entirely by local volunteers and run by a nonprofit that puts all of its proceeds back into community programs in central Maine.”
Maine Lobster Festival Travel Tips
AFAR encouraged lobster lovers to book a room at the 250 Main Hotel, as it is conveniently located within walking distance of the festival.
If you're not within driving distance, flying to Rockland usually requires a stopover in Boston on regional airline Cape Air. AFAR suggests flying to Portland, which has seasonal service to a variety of cities including Washington, DC, Baltimore and Charlotte, and then driving to Rockland, a “scenic detour of about 90 minutes.”
