Welcome to Maine
If there’s an embodiment of the heart and soul of New England, it has to be the state of Maine—where lighthouses stand guard over the rocky ocean coastline and where seafaring trawlers return to the shore daily with loads of freshly plucked lobster. First-time visitors to the Pine Tree State will find themselves stepping into a world full of tidy towns, charming fishing villages and secluded woodlands.
Portland is the largest city in the state and has definitively established itself as one of the most eclectic in the country. It has a youthful atmosphere and a historic, cobblestone aesthetic that makes it truly one of a kind. Don’t miss a chance to stroll the city waterfront and explore its Old Port district.
Other must-visit highlights in the state include the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockland, Maine Maritime Museum in Bath and the Museums of Old York in York. Those traveling with children will want to set aside time for a stop at the Wild Acadia Fun Park and Water Slides in Bar Harbor.
But whatever you do, don’t forget to dive into a plate of Maine’s finest specialty—lobster. As you explore from place to place and town to town, you’ll find no shortage of the best lobster you’ll ever taste. It’s a Maine specialty.
Adventure
Spending any amount of time in the land of the lobster means sucking in lungfuls of fresh salty air (when you’re on or near the coast) and traipsing through lush mountainous forests (if you’re further inland). In terms of land area, the Pine Tree State is New England’s largest, and it’s equally big on adventure and variety.
Those visiting the coast will be drawn to Maine’s assortment of fantastic beaches and seaside communities. One of the most popular is Old Orchard Beach, a 7-mile stretch of sandy coastline that’s punctuated by a 500-foot-long pier. The beach is also home to the Palace Playland amusement park and the Dunegrass Golf Club, so there’s truly something for everyone in the family.
Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park, is another hot spot. Located in central coastal Maine, the island is marked with wind-swept beaches and dramatic seaside cliffs. The park itself is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi, and it’s a popular spot for hiking, boating, camping and fishing.
Entertainment
The sea looms large in Maine’s culture, history and economy, so it’s no surprise that some of the state’s top events focus on the ocean.
In July, the Yarmouth Clam Festival attracts upwards of 120,000 visitors to Yarmouth, a small seaside village north of Portland. In August, the Maine Lobster Festival descends on Rockland, bringing with it a reputation as one of the top culinary events in the country. This extravaganza celebrates all things crustacean.