Maine is a great place for an adventurous or luxurious vacation. Either way, the state always offers a quintessentially American holiday, even though Canadian culture is also prevalent (you will often see Canadian flags flying alongside the US flags). Mainers are great hosts and are fiercely proud of their stunning state.
Costal Maine has a unique and beautiful coastline, boasting delicious local seafood, such as Maine lobster and New England clam chowder. Maine has one of the busiest summer seasons, hosting millions of tourists during their warmest months. Inland Maine has impressive forests, majestic mountains, rivers, and lakes, with plenty of opportunities to experience nature firsthand.
You can drive all of coastal Maine by taking US Route 1, a scenic highway, bordering the state's dramatic rocky shores. Kennebunkport is one the most southern cities on Maine's Route 1, less than a two hour drive from Boston, MA. It is known as the second home of the presidential Bush family, and thus, for the prestige of its name. Kennebunkport is a beautiful and esteemed place to visit year round for it's picturesque Dock Square, high end dining, and lush resorts. There is no shortage of opportunities for fun; you can rent a yacht or sailboat, go whale watching, take a trolly ride, and enjoy historical or nature walks on the beach and surrounding riverbanks.
A short drive south will bring you to gay friendly Ogunquit where you can enjoy a community bonfire on the beach during colder months. Also right down the road is York offering seasonal festivals and great beaches and the popular shopping spot, Kittery Outlets.
Portland is a small, but active city, also only a day trip from Boston. You can explore the cobblestone roads of downtown Portland, located steps from the port where short boat rides will take you to various islands of the Casco Bay. There are many amazing locally owned and mainstream shopping opportunities in this area where you can browse an eclectic mix of toys, books, and fair trade items. The city's many universities, including the Maine College of Art, make this a place where there is something fun to do any night of the week. The Children's Museum of Maine has interactive exhibits for the little ones, including the Ranger Station, which explores the natural resources of Maine. History buffs will enjoy the Tate House Museum, the only pre-Revolutionary building in the city, and the luxurious Victoria Mansion
A great stop for the whole family, located on US Route 1 between Portland and Freeport in Yarmouth, is the DeLorme Map Store and Company. There you will find the world's largest rotating map, other cartographic exhibits, and a huge store with geographic products galore.
Freeport is most visited for its amazing outlet shopping, much of it high end, including Burberry and Coach. Known as the state's birthplace, Freeport has a quaint walking-friendly downtown area with delicious cafes, wine shops, and stores. Historical spots you may want to check out are the Harrington House, home of the Historical Society, the Pettengill Farm, and the Gore House. Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Winslow Park, and Mast Landing Sanctuary all offer visitors nature walks and ocean views, while the unique Desert Dunes of Maine are a must see. South Freeport Village has tree-lined streets, a working harbor, restaurants, and ocean cruises.
Nearby Brunswick is home to the Maine State Music Theatre, Bowdoin College, and Naval Air State Brunswick. In August, the whole family can enjoy live music, street performances, jugglers, and more at the Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival.
Just northeast and inland is Bath, located along the Kennebec River, which has a different vibe from the costal towns. Less touristy, this New England town still offers a range of shopping and eating opportunities, but with a more homey feeling. While there, visit the Maine Maritime Museum for a canoe ride, boatbuilding experience, and to learn about the history of the area's greatest industry. Every season, the town hosts an authentic Maine event, including an Old Fashioned Christmas, Autumnfest, and a Mayfair, with craft sales and more.
Heading inland, deviating from US Route 1, is the small town of Durham. This rural town offers good proximity to larger cities, while maintaining a country feel. Durham is known as famous writer, Stephen King's hometown. Stay at a beautiful bed and breakfast, such as the Royalsbourough Inn, on 6 acres of rolling fields, with the Namaste Alpaca Farm and gift shop located on the grounds
Also inland is Lewiston where you can enjoy a variety of arts, outdoor recreation, and historical activities. Golfers will find fun at the Fox Ridge Golf Club, while those craving water sports will enjoy their time under the evergreens at the Androscoggin River and Auburn Municipal Park. Amateur historians will enjoy the Androscoggin Historical Society and art enthusiasts can visit the University of Southern Maine's Atrium Gallery, Bates College Museum of Art, Marsden Hartley Cultural Center, and the Public Theatre. The Museum L-A located at Bates Mill Complex and gives a glimpse of area's past as a factory mill town. Also honoring the locals is the Festival FrancoFun, celebrating Maine's French Canadian and French immigrants and residents. The Great Falls Balloon Festival in August is a special way to see the land from a bird's eye view.
Just minutes from Lewiston, and one of Worcester County's finest suburbs, is Auburn. Lost Valley resort offers skiing, snowboarding, in and outdoor ice skating and other great winter activities, like tubing. There are tons of historical and nature sites in Auburn and visitors in the springtime can pick local edibles on a working farm.
About an hour and a half inland from Auburn is the beautiful mountain village of Bethel. This area is scattered with picturesque villages amongst majestic mountains. There is no limit to the outdoor activities in which you can partake, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, dogsledding, and so much more. The impressive Appalachian Trail runs through Grafton Notch State Park where you can take a scenic drive or hike. Also good for a stroll in the wilderness are the Androscoggin River Walking Trail or Mount Will Walking Trail. Downtown, you can visit historical houses or grab a bite at a variety of dining options. Walk across the Sunday River Covered Bridge in nearby Newry, the most painted and photographed covered bridge in the state.
Back near I-95 is the capital of the state, Augusta, where you will be able to appreciate the ample forests and greenery of inland Maine. Located on the Kennebec River and home to one of the University of Maine campuses, there are plenty of things to do in the area. Kids will love the Children's Discovery Museum, and the possible animal sightings on the Kennebec River Rail Trail. History buffs will enjoy the Kennebec Historical Society and Museum, Maine Military Historical Society Museum, and Old Fort West, America's oldest surviving wooden fort, showing how locals lived 250 years ago. The beauty of trees and trails at the Pine Tree State Arboretum will help even the most harried traveller relax.
Just north on I-95 is Waterville, a community that dates back to 1754, also located on the Kennebec River. Take a tour of Fort Halifax, the oldest fort in the country and the founding location of the city. The impressive Colby College Museum of Art will be entertaining for the whole family, as will the Perkins Arboretum, also owned by Colby College. The Redington Museum is located in a 200 year-old home and exhibits a 19th century apothecary shop, including antique pharmaceutical equipment. Waterville has its own Opera House, offering traveling and local theatrical and operatic delights. Take a stroll on the historical Two Cent Bridge, one of the oldest surviving wire-cable steel suspension bridges in the United States.
A half an hour north, following I-95, is the small, friendly town of Pittsfield. Check out some great skiing and ride a snowmobile at the Pinnacle Ski Club. The Pittsfield Historical Society has preserved the history of this mill town, which you can explore at the Depot House Museum. Pittsfield is known for the Central Maine Egg Festival, celebrating the local brown egg industry with arts and crafts, balloon rides, a parade, dancing, and foods made with eggs!
Bangor is a fairly large town which offers an international airport, a charming downtown shopping area, and a popular mall. The city is one of the commercial hubs of the state, and is a great place to spend the night on your way to Maine's northern woods. The Bangor Museum and Center for History offers "Best of Bangor" tours, taking visitors through the history of this prominent lumber town. The Maine Highlands, which include the Bangor area, are abundant with natural sightseeing, sporting opportunities, bed and breakfasts, and rustic vacation rentals.
Heading south toward the coast is one of the most charming ports in Maine, Bar Harbor. The city, long known as a vacation spot for the wealthy, is located on the eastern side of Mt. Desert Island. The rest of the island is occupied by the dazzling and etherial Acadia National Park. A half hour drive on the loop through the national park offers dramatic views of rocky cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic, highlighted by the smell of fresh pines. The park loop road brings you to Cadillac Mountain, noted for the fact that it is the first US summit touched by the sun's rays each morning. There are an abundance of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy: hiking, canoeing and whale watching. There are comfortable bed and breakfasts, luxurious hotels, gift shops, and seafood restaurants, featuring local lobsters. Many cruise ships drop anchor here to enjoy the port and island. The winter offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing for adventurers not afraid of the cold
Heading south on the coast is beautiful Belfast, with its rocky shorelines and rolling meadows. The town is known as home to generations of lobstermen and farmers. A drive down the area's country roads feature local shops with baked goods, crafts, and antiques. There is plenty to do to fill your days, including many art galleries and historical homes to visit, or you can take a trip on the high seas.
Camden is a wealthy and beautiful harbor town with the small population of just over 5,000. A drive around the area displays gorgeous mansions and top-of-the-line boating vessels. This is the spot to enjoy the blue waters, island nature preserves, and lighthouses in style, on a day cruise or sailboat ride. The wharf offers exciting shopping stores for all ages and interests, international cuisine and lobster rolls for lunch and dinner, with so much more.
Just down the cost is Rockport, where you can visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, displaying impressive, established and emerging local artists. If you'd like some down time to relax and mediate, visit the medicinal Avena Institute and Herb Garden. Lily Hill Farm specializes in horseback rides for the whole family, which will take you through some of Maine's loveliest blueberry fields, meadows, and woods. Jump on a kayak for an excursion on Penobscot Bay or make the catch of the day on a deep sea fishing adventure.
Rockland is a hip town, with great shopping spots, and cool coffee shops. This small town breathtaking views of the glittering Atlantic. Rockland's The Maine Lighthouse Museum educates visitors on the tradition and progress of America's lighthouses and the US Coast Guard. One of the most delightful treasures of the area is the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, featuring the works of the Wyeth family, three generations of American master painters, as well as other outstanding Maine artists. You will not want to miss the weeklong Maine Lobster Festival, offering the a carnival and the best of the area's food, music, and crafts.
Whether you come to Maine for a unique American adventure or to relax at a resort, you will fall in love with this modern yet natural, top-notch holiday spot. You'll never forget the views, smells, or tastes of this state; the rocky shores, thick green forests, or buttery lobster tails. Make sure to put this spectacular state on your must-visit list!
Hotels
Car Hire
