Stop by the Marine Resources Museum on McKown Point Road. Park at the Meadow Mall across from Hannaford's Shop 'n Save to enjoy a free Rocktide Trolley ride to the museum. The displays include a huge blue lobster and a touch tank. To learn more, call (207) 633-9559 or visit www.maine.gov/dmr or.

Unusual shops line the streets of Boothbay Harbor. Angels Unawares is worth a visit, as is Glass Blowing by Hasenfus. Don't overlook Enchantments with its unique Gothic exterior. The interior holds so many magical items that the shopper of your family may want to pitch a tent right there.

Without a doubt, the best Boothbay buys can be found at the town's Memorial Library where used books are sold on the wrap-around porch for just a dime apiece.

Grab a cup of java at the Type A Café, or lunch at The Crazy Chicken. For finer dining, try the Tugboat Inn, which is fronted with the better part of an old tugboat and offers harbor views all around.

If do-it-yourself seafood is on the menu, stop by the Lobtermen's Co-op around 2 p.m. when the commercial vessels begin returning with the catch of the day.

There are plenty of places to stay in the Boothbay area, from the rural to the regal. Little Ponderosa Campground has 96 sites including 36 on a tidal inlet. Sites include full hookups, a camp store, a snack bar, recreation hall, mini-golf, swimming, fishing and more. For more information, log on to www.littleponderosa.com, or call (207) 633-2700.

Shore Hills Campground has 150 campsites, a recreation hall, a camp store, a playground, swimming, hiking and more. Wooded, open and waterfront sites are available. Visit www.shorehills.com, or call (207) 633-4782 for details.

For rural digs that come with a real bed and private bath, head for Linekin Bay Resort. Located at the end of a dead-end road one mile from town, this secluded resort is the perfect compromise for families divided between hotel hopefuls and diehard campers.

There are 37 cabins and five lodges spread over the 15-acre resort. Rooms are charming, rustic, comfortable -- and without televisions, radios or locks on the doors.

Three meals are served each day, and are included in the price of the room. The twice-weekly lobster feeds and Sunday night smorgasbord are big hits with guests. There's plenty on the menu for those who favor turf over surf, as well as vegan and children's selections. A morning camp for kids, use of the resort's kayaks, canoes, rowboats and sailboats are all included in the vacation package, as are free sailing lessons and crewed sailing excursions. Two long docks provide great shoreline fishing access.

For more information, you can visit www.linekinbayresort.com, or call (866) 847-2103.