Like many Minnesotans who travel to second homes near the water, Richard and Val Rohrer of New Brighton take about three hours to get to their retreat, but the Rohrers hop on a nonstop flight to Portland, Maine, and then drive a rental car to Camden. The family cottage is on the ocean in a town of 7,000, which Val calls the "prettiest town in Maine."

Val's parents purchased the lot 60 years ago and she grew up in an adjacent home. The cottage, built 40 years ago, is 25 feet from a small, private ocean cove. The couple watch the sun rise over Acadia National Park from the deck that wraps around two sides. They spend at least a month there each summer, with shorter visits in the spring and fall. The Rohrers also rent out the 1,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bath cottage for $1,500 to $1,800 per week at www.visitcamden.com.

Distance: From the Portland airport, it's an 85-mile drive north to Camden, with Freeport as the halfway point. The Rohrers usually stop at the L.L. Bean outlets in Freeport (there are three).

Best part: Being so close to the ocean, watching the wildlife. In the early morning a couple of dozen Eider ducks are present. In the evening a bald eagle and several osprey dive and fish for supper. "We tease guests by saying that if they're good at spitting, they can hit the ocean 25 feet away from the deck," said Val.

Worst part: Leaving. "We watch and worry about every single hurricane. We have no storm insurance, but if one comes, we'll rebuild," said Val.

Favorite activities: Harvesting mussels in the mussels garden just off the deck. "I pick a small bowl of the largest ones every other day. Just enough for the two of us," said Val. The couple also pick fresh blueberries from the garden and watch lobster boats pull up their traps fewer than 100 feet from the cottage.

Fall fun: There are several country fairs a short drive away. Acadia National Park, a couple of hours away by car, is especially spectacular in the fall.

Family tradition: An annual lobster meal on the deck. A wraparound bench allows diners to put their plate on the ledge and watch the ocean while eating the freshest lobster possible. "There were 16 members of the extended family on the deck at the annual lobster meal just a few weeks ago," Val said.

Wildlife encounters: Dolphins and seals in the bay, deer, turkey, grouse, moose, fox and two pairs of loons.

Area must-see: Camden is home to the Windjammer cruises. A sunset sail along the coast is very romantic. The village is loaded with small shops and independent restaurants.