The mid-coastal region of Maine is located approximately halfway along the coast between the major cities of Portland, in the south, and Bangor, to the north. It includes the various communities in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties.
The region heading north has been known since early seafaring days as, somewhat ironically,"Downeast." Down east because to a sailor, the prevailing winds following the gulf stream move from west to east up the coast. Hence, to move in that direction is to sail "down east." In the early 19th century, the heyday of the merchant marine fleet, Maine was host to more sea captains than anywhere else in the world. The Midcoast was a hub of boat building activity, fishing, and lobstering. Many of the world's elite were drawn to this area, not just by its unparalleled beauty, but by the cosmopolitan atmosphere created by the many exotic products and ideas brought back to Maine by sailors coming home from ports around the world. To this day, you can still find artifacts of that past in out-of-the-way antique shops; don't be surprised to find the occasional unusual item from Africa, India or the Orient.

To learn more, visit the Camden Rockport Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce.