Skip the wedding and go straight to the honeymoon if you’re lucky enough to be going to the Samoset Resort On the Ocean in Camden-Rockport, Maine. Accessible by car or plane from Portland’s International Jetport, Samoset looks like a picture-perfect backdrop on a Hollywood movie set, except it’s real, and it’s spectacular! It was well worth the drive to take in the picturesque views (from all 178 rooms and suites) of the almost mile-long Rockland Breakwater and Lighthouse overlooking Maine’s Penobscot Bay. We walked along the large granite blocks that form the jetty, lined with seagulls eagerly scouring the bay for dinner. We were engulfed by seawater and fresh air, and realized we were in a page out of paradise. Even though our drive was a solid five hours, we felt relaxed and refreshed after walking the spectacular grounds at Samoset.

Since 1889, the Samoset has been providing the ultimate in historic New England hospitality. I have absolutely no interest in golf, but somehow, even I could have been enticed to pick up the game on what many consider to be one of the most visually appealing golf courses in New England. Seven of the fairways line the shoreline and according to some golfers, the breezes along the coast keep the course interesting and always changing. There is badminton, basketball, bocci, volleyball, tennis, a complete playground for kids, pool and hot tub in what Samoset calls the ultimate backyard. Indoors, there is a comprehensive health club, pool, massage room, sauna and hot tubs. Cross-country skiing is a winter favorite activity.

We ate dinner in the Breakaway Café and for whatever reason, Maine lobster tastes best when eaten in Maine. The room was casual and the food was excellent. A large group was huddled around the bar watching the Red Sox on TV. The Sox won and the general ambiance of the Breakaway was celebratory. It was a fun evening.

The next morning we went for a long walk and continued to marvel at the beauty and serenity of Samoset. The brunch, which starts at 11:30am at Marcels, a four-diamond restaurant, is geared a little bit more towards lunch than breakfast. We loved the live piano music, the spectacular views, the wide variety of delicious food, and complimentary mimosas.

Beyond the wonderful experience of the Samoset is the environs and that includes a trip to the Farnsworth Museum, home of three generations of Wyeths—N.C., known mostly as an illustrator; Andrew, an icon in American art; and grandson Jamie, who specializes in paintings of birds and gulls. The most sensational part of our trip to the Farnsworth came after the additional fifteen-mile trek into Cushing, Maine, home to the Olson House, where Andrew Wyeth painted Christina’s World. It was amazing to see that the famed hill that Christina was allegedly crawling up was hardly a hill at all. We also learned that Wyeth did not paint this classic work with Christina posing, but added her to his masterpiece later. Seeing the Olson House truly made the painting come alive—the best art class imaginable.

We also discovered something interesting on the shopping front. Besides the outlet extravaganzas all along Route One, we stumbled onto a store that’s a little different and a bit unusual. As strange as it may sound, we uncovered great bargains at the Maine State Prison store. What? Where? Yes, many of the inmates at a minimum-security prison are master woodworkers and the prices can’t be beat. It’s somewhat of an odd experience. We bought a great bookcase, dovetailed and all, for $73, and a buoy birdhouse for $22, plus a couple of children’s wooden toys. The inmates were helpful and knowledgeable during the transaction. They were chaperoned by a state policeman who was in charge of the monetary exchange. We came away pleased with our purchases and hopeful that once these guys get out of prison they will have a useful skill under their belt. The craftsmanship on all of the products was excellent. Don’t miss it.

With its shoreline, foliage and everything in between, autumn is a perfect time to see Maine’s true colors. The days are warm, the nights are crisp—it’s a piece of heaven on earth.
www.samoset.com
1 800 341-1650
www.visitmaine.com