Rockport, Maine, was originally part of Camden, but the cities split in 1891. This little town of about 3,200 residents, according to the Rockport website, was a limestone quarry for many years and became a fishing village after the quarry shut down in the early 1900s. Lobster is a big commodity in Rockport, but you will see more schooners dotting the harbors than fishing boats. The town hosts two good golf courses that may pique your interest in playing.
Claddagh Motel
The Claddagh Motel is an Irish-themed motel set up by the Gilmore family to provide a quality place to stay for visitors to Rockport. The motel is a two-minute walk from the private beach of Clam Cove and not much farther to Penobscot Bay. The Claddagh is also close to the Samoset Golf Course and the Rockport Golf Club. The suites have a variety of choices, including one-bedroom or two-bedroom accommodations. The two-bedroom suites can come with or without a kitchen. After a morning of golf, visit one of the many islands or take a sail on the schooner yacht Heron. The motel will help the golfer get tee times at the golf courses but does not have any deals for the golfing enthusiast.
Claddagh Motel
P.O. Box 988, U.S. Route 1
Rockport, Maine 04856
(207) 594-8479
www.claddaghmotel.com
Island View Inn
The Island View Inn is on 23 acres of hillside overlooking Penobscot Bay and can be viewed from your room's private balcony. The hotel makes the swimming pool and picnic area on the beach available to all guests as well as providing a host of amenities in the rooms and lobby. Each room has a refrigerator, cable television, binoculars, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and adjoining rooms. After playing golf in the morning, walk to Rockport Village to do some sailing or visit one of the lighthouses along the shores.
Island View Inn
908 Commercial St.
Rockport, Maine 04856
(207) 596-0400
www.islandviewinnmaine.com
Samoset Resort Hotel
The Samoset Resort Hotel hosts one of the good championship golf courses on its grounds and sits close to Penobscot Bay. The hotel has several packages and specials that will interest the golfer. The three golfing packages are the Unlimited Golf Package, where you can play golf all day after a breakfast at the hotel; the Stay and Play Package, which gives you one round of golf for two at the golf course and dinner at Marcel's; or the Hole in One Package, where you get one round of golf for two at the golf course. All of these golfing packages come with accommodations of one or two nights.
Samoset Resort Hotel
220 Warrenton St.
Rockport, Maine 04856
(207) 594-2511
www.samosetresort.com
About The Author
Originally from Huntersville, W. Va., Eric Cornelison has been writing news and sports articles for more than 25 years. He now publishes travel, sports and religious articles on a variety of websites and in magazines, such as the "Red Oak Record" and "Ellis County Press." Cornelison holds a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University and doctorate in religious theology from Rochville University.
