The lighthouse is located in Quoddy Head State Park, and there are several short hikes here to enjoy as well–some with spectacular ocean views. Our coastal village is home to a wide variety of attractions and things to do. But it’s also part Maine bucket list, part crowd-sourced from friends and family who shared the places they love to take visitors. Boothbay Harbor. Each year, more than a dozen colorful balloons launch into the sky in Maine’s largest county during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. But The County’s potato fields, rolling hills, and wide open spaces are the perfect setting for a built-to-scale model of the solar system. It's called Vacationland for a reason, people. You can hire charters or take a sail out of Camden or Boothbay Harbor. It’s a short, family-friendly walk to get there. The park is about 160 miles from Portland, Maine, and about 50 miles from Bangor, Maine. This fair is also the birthplace of the viral video of Maine’s “moose poop lady,” as I affectionately call her (seriously, I’ve never been prouder to be a Mainer — I love this). Be it on the water or on land, Maine’s hub is the perfect blend of the best activities. Even if you’re not from Maine, you may have heard of Dysart’s if you saw the blooper reel that went viral a couple of years ago with an older couple trying to say “buttery flaky crust” for one of their commercials. When you’re planning a vacation to southern Maine,you can trust our expertise to help you craft the best Maine vacation because we’re local! You can also explore a wide range of exciting experiences, from visiting a local wildlife sanctuary to a botanical garden. ), To truly experience the beauty of the Maine coast, you’ve got to get out on the water. And especially as you head inland and north, there are huge expanses of dark night sky. While Bar Harbor is charming, the island’s quieter towns are every bit as lovely. Sadly, they experienced some persecution here as well, but survived and eventually grew in number to about 5,000. Independent farms in Maine are trending the opposite direction from most of the country: they’re growing in number. See more: From the water aboard the Schooner Lazy Jack. One thing’s for sure: New England knows how to do bed and breakfasts. Plus, get practical resources for responsible travel and tips for authentic and respectful travel photography delivered to your inbox each month. But in case you don’t serendipitously encounter a lobsterman, there are lobster boat tours from several towns on the coast (like Lulu Lobster Boat and Captain Jack’s Lobster Tours). While I personally don’t see the appeal, they are decidedly a thing. While it may be a little tourist trappy (think camel statue), it’s still an interesting thing to do in the Pine Tree State. So you should probably eat one while you’re here. This was a one of my favorite things to do on the lake with my grandpa when I was a kid. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s even an international seaplane fly-in every September! Want some human-powered winter adventure? Learn more about the charming college towns of Maine, including Brunswick, Waterville, and Lewiston. Head out on more than 90 miles of groomed ski trails from the Appalachian Mountain Club’s wilderness lodges. Experience coastal Maine and eliminate the hassle of planning! Don’t scratch your head if you hear grown men with thick Maine accents talk about going sledding. With your grandkids…or your kids…or any kid! For fans of the Bangor Police Department’s viral Facebook page, meeting the Duck of Justice is a fun (albeit quirky) road trip stop. Instead, I’m simply giving you some ideas that, I think, will add up to unforgettable adventures in the Pine Tree State. They’re harvested (read: “Pull over, dear! Whether you’re looking to explore beautiful beaches and 1,805 reviews. Aroostook County has been home to the start of two famous transatlantic balloon flights. Like many museums, the Abbe Museum was originally opened by white people displaying Indigenous artifacts, but the museum is now taking active steps toward “decolonizing.” As museum president Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko said in her TEDx Talk, this means, “at a minimum, to share authority and governance for the interpretation and representation of Native people.”. Daily routine is overrated when you live in a place like Maine. If you love antiques, you’ll love Maine. I'm Naomi, the coffee-loving, crazy-about-Latin-America girl behind everything here. Often named one the best coastal towns in Maine, Kennebunkport has it all. Antique Shops and Auctions – All along Rt 1 in Kennebunk, Wells, Ogunquit, York & Kittery.. Tom’s of Maine – natural living store, factory outlet store, … Boothbay Region Land Trust. One of the absolute best things to do in Maine in the summer is find waterfalls and swimming holes! Families will find Maine has tons of fun things to do... mini-golf, petting zoos, the Maine Wildlife Farm in Gray, canoeing Scarborough Marsh, ... Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens| Barters Island Road, Boothbay, ME 04537. 12. Fans of the fiction writer can take a tour (SK Tours of Maine) of many significant spots around town–including seeing the outside of his creepy house. We have reviews of the best places to see in Maine. RECOMMENDED READING: Remembering Bangor: The Queen City Before the Great Fire. As northern New England's cultural hub, Portland, Maine, has become a showcase for artists, musicians, craftsmen, and actors. The state of Maine offers visitors many year round activities, from Discover some of the best places for white water rafting, charming small towns, and much more here. Unique View: The quintessential fishing village of Cape Porpoise, Maine. Maine has the largest historic fleet of traditional sailing vessels in North America, and you can head out on a multi-day cruise to enjoy wildlife, scenery, and amazing food from many places in Midcoast Maine. You can easily access all the food, art, and shopping action in Portland, and yet you’ll also find plenty to do in this classic coastal town of almost 20,000 residents.Home to Maine’s largest salt marsh, pristine white-sand beaches, and dramatic ocean vistas, … Here is our Top 10 Maine Towns and Cities. Michelin Star restaurants are just as much at home here as the plentiful food trucks. Sights & Landmarks 26. Don’t miss a visit to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens or a stroll across the Boothbay Footbridge (including the famous Boothbay Harbor Bridge House). Rafting the Kennebec was one of my favorite things to do in Maine growing up, and it definitely makes my Maine Top 10 list! Things to Do in Maine, United States: See Tripadvisor's 981,080 traveller reviews and photos of Maine tourist attractions. Then, be sure to explore the best places to stay and eat throughout the state for a truly memorable trip. You can also explore some of the 1,800 acres of land on a guided nature hike. Then you won’t want to miss experiencing towns like Bar Harbor, Machias, and Eastport. I’ve done my best to include most of what’s on this list in a custom Google map below. Built in the 1920s, it has stood the test of time and is a historic civil engineering landmark. Start planning your next trip to Maine by browsing popular destinations by region, like national parks and beautiful ocean boardwalks. This region borders the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. November 24, 2019 Attractions, Events, Lodging Specials, Maine cuisine and restaurants, Southern Maine Coast Lodgings, Things to do on the Coast, Winter Activities cross-country skiing, Maine restaurant week, Maine skiing, mardi gras, ogqunquit, skating, sledding, what to do in Maine, Winter soMaine21 There seemed to be plenty of things to do in Bar Harbor Maine, I wish we would have had more time. In fact, it's said to be the best place in the state of Maine to spot a moose! Many of the “summer” activities can easily spill over into spring or fall, and vice versa. It’s the largest city in Maine and offers plenty of activities and attractions. Ayuh. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 activities people book, by island. The 10-hour trek alone is worth the trip: hikers hug a noisy, beautiful stream, plateau at a clear glacial lake and then scramble over fallen rock before … Cultural & Historic Things to Do in Maine, Map of Things to Do in Maine (All Year Long). PRIVACY POLICY | DISCLOSURES AND POLICIES, © 2021 Roaming the Americas|ProPhoto Blogsite, Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Go fishin’. A few fan and personal favorites: Bickford Slides (AKA Rattlesnake Flume), Coos Canyon, Smalls Falls, Little Wilson Falls, Angel Falls, Katahdin Stream Falls, Step Falls, Grafton Notch, Houston Brook Falls (near Bingham), The Cataracts, and Frenchman’s Hole. Explore each region of Maine to start planning your next ski trip, summertime beach getaway or springtime adventure in a state that truly has it all. There’s even a red hot dog festival. I did my best to curate a list from across the state, and while you will see a few of Maine’s iconic spots and familiar foods, hopefully you’ll discover some new-to-you things to do in Maine here as well. Okay, maybe skip the soda part. Comprehensive information for Maine with highly accurate local tides, current weather conditions and forecasts, things to do, and helpful goods and services. Love the water… take a sailing excursion or boat tour. Store things of interest like upcoming events and your favorite activities. Vote for your favorites below to help us determine next year's list. Roaming the Americas is all about sustainable travel for everyday adventurers. 38 Awesome Things You Should Do When You Go To Maine. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures in the northernmost part of the state, Aroostook County is the place to visit. Discover 83 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Maine from International Cryptozoology Museum to Jordan Pond Popovers. Well, there’s a little more to know than that (like getting license from the town hall and not cutting your hands), but clamming is a fun thing to do in Maine with kids (or without!). Great Maine Outdoor Weekend hosts outdoor activities across the … The highlands area is home to not only Maine's highest peak on Mount Katahdin, but also to the state's largest lake, Moosehead Lake. Here are five exciting things to do in southern Maine. We’ve compiled the three best things to do in Maine in December to make choosing easier. Events and Things To Do; Contact ; Events Admin02 2020-06-01T02:15:31-04:00. This charming coastal city routinely appears on lists of America's best places to live, visit, dine, and play outdoors … Even though this drink wasn’t actually invented in Maine, it’s been adopted as the Maine state soft drink. Dock Square – Kennebunkport – shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.. Lighthouse Depot – Largest collection of lighthouse gifts in the world.Route 1, Wells, 646-0608. Until then, enjoy the seasons and the reasons we love Maine! The Portland Sea Dogs are a Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and play their games at … 11 First Street, Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064 (207) 934-2500. Nature & Parks 23. Check out Northern Outdoors for trips on all 3 rivers (it’s where my dad did his guide training!). If you aren’t camping I highly suggest checking out Airbnb for a place to stay first. While I’ve only actually met one lobsterman, and I should avoid making generalizations…he was, indeed, exactly what I imagined a lobsterman would be like: bearded and full of ocean tales. While they may never receive the acclaim that lobster does, they’re still much a part of Maine life in the spring. This small but sophisticated coastal city has tons to offer Maine is full of white clapboard churches, but there’s something unexpected inside this one. 4 Fun Things to Do at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. It’s also pretty short and an easy hike for kids. Back To Top Subscribe & Save. RECOMMENDED READING: If you’ve got kids, pick up Remember Me: Tomah Joseph’s Gift to Franklin Roosevelt by Passamaquoddy author and historian Donald Soctomah. Explore Things-to-do in Maine for more options. Antiquing is big in Maine. A few favorites include: Kayaking & Paddle boarding; Hiking; Biking; Schooner/Sailing Trips If you do not have your own kayak or paddle board you can rent from the local Bed & Breakfast. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The moose population in Maine is estimated to be around 76,000, making it the highest population in the United States outside of Alaska, and inland Maine is prime moose scouting territory. While most people will tell you about walking to Bar Island at low tide from the ever-busy Bar Harbor, there’s another island-from-an-island walk in the area. Part of the 100-mile wilderness (the longest stretch of uninterrupted wilderness on the Appalachian Trail), Gulf Hagas is a stunning waterfall hike located in the heart of Maine. Okay, it’s not technically a desert, but this little spot near Freeport is an unusual attraction and one of Maine’s most famous natural(ish) phenomena. People in Maine love sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. From charming country B&Bs to beautiful coastal inns (like The Keeper’s House Inn on a quiet island), Maine has plenty of options, each one unique. Instead, here are some ideas for unforgettable things to do all across the Pine Tree State! It’s the longest wooden footbridge in the country. Bonus: If you’re in town longer, head to nearby Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park for more scenery and nature trails. In 1828 the Abyssinian Meeting House was incorporated in Portland, two years after six African American men wrote a letter to the editor condemning the segregation and racism they faced in the Second Congregational Church. This is also the world’s only international park operated jointly by two governments. Maine is the only place on the East Coast of the US with the rare phenomenon of reversing falls (also called tidal falls). Please travel responsibly, … Find rates and hours here. Though Maine is often considered an incredible summer destination, the fall season offers plenty to see and do, too! breathtaking sightseeing opportunities to a range of family friendly Tumbledown Mountain near Mount Blue State Park is not only a beautiful hike in western Maine–there’s also an alpine pond nestled between the three peaks where you can cool off on a summer hike. If you're driven by curiosity and crave immersive travel experiences, this is your home! If you’re taking the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, this is definitely worth a stop. It was opened in 1998 by the map company DeLorme–the atlas makers with a cult-like following in Maine–and despite being acquired by Garmin, the giant globe that DeLorme constructed is still open to the public. Over the river and through the woods….and down dusty logging roads you’ll find 1920s train cars abandoned in the middle of the woods. PLEASE NOTE: The purpose of this map is to show generally where things are throughout the state. Winding along the beautiful California coastline offers plenty of spectacular views - the ocean and the birds, whales and water creatures that inhabit it, the scenic rural hills and dales, and the lighthouses, wineries and other tourist spots that line it from south to north. 282 reviews. (Head to the bottom of the post for a map of all these Maine attractions if you want to visualize where they are located!). There is so much to do in Maine all year round. Things to Do in Maine with Kids 66. Let Us Help Plan Your Visit! Vermont might get all the attention for maple syrup, but Maine deserves its own recognition for this sappy goodness, too. If you’re anything like me, you might be wondering: what in the world are shell middens? While the general store in Maine may not be as ubiquitous as other areas of New England (I’m looking at you, Vermont), it’s still part of the small-town landscape in many places. As the name implies, it’s located in a forest of towering red pines. It’s a fun road trip destination that Mainers are proud to call theirs–just don’t try telling anyone he’s really from Minnesota. Nobody is sure exactly what the story behind Maine Potato Candy is, but they’ve stuck around for generations. Head out to the flats when the tide is low and dig into the mud for your dinner! Stop in, peruse the selection of fishing bait and wine, grab a bite to eat, and listen to the Maine accent in the wild. Things to see & do 1. It’s overrated…but the falls are definitely worth the drive. Given the fact that Maine is the most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi, it’s easy to imagine that there’s not a lot of light pollution (or any pollution, for that matter). They’re the largest botanical gardens in New England! A visit to Camden, Maine and the Midcoast region of Maine offers guests lodging with us a wide range of activities and events to experience! Head to the borderlands with Canada and you’ll have the opportunity to speak French (though English is also spoken). Rhode Island ... 10 things to do in Boston this weekend ... a thrilling page-turner about three cousins who travel to a fictional Massachusetts coastal town to … Things to Do in Maine in the Fall and Winter. If you want to head inland but still crave thrashing waves, whitewater rafting on the Kennebec, Penobscot, or Dead River is where it’s at. This region is an absolute must for the outdoorsman, offering more than 200 waterfalls, exceptional snowmobiling opportunities throughout the winter months and endless wildlife sightings during warmer weather. Moxie is a classic Maine waterfall hike! Backpack or day hike the Bold Coast Trail, which has miles of oceanside trails. Maine Foliage Conditions. Concerts & Shows 24. Whether you're looking for a luxurious ocean-front view, or for more remote accommodations among the wildlife, there's no shortage of incredible places to stay while you visit the state. Visitor Welcome Center. The state of Maine offers visitors many year round activities, from breathtaking sightseeing opportunities to a range of family friendly adventures. Experiencing Maine’s maritime beauty in a windjammer is one of the most authentically Maine things you can do, and you may even come out of the experience learning how to hoist, lower and furl the ship’s sails. For a better chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, head to the wide open skies of Aroostook County and other remote parts of inland Maine. The towns of Machias, Calais, Eastport make up this region, along with Mount Desert Island (MDI) which is the largest island off the coast of Maine. 5 Things to Do in Southern Maine 1. Love to shop.. fine unique local shops. that allow the ocean tide to pass through. Textile and paper mills were part of the fabric of Maine’s economy and culture for generations, and while many of them have shut down, some are being repurposed–bringing new life into small towns. Travelers favorites include #1 Casco Bay Islands, #2 Old Port and more. The Downeast area attracts thousands of nature lovers, bird watchers and hikers to the state throughout the spring and summer months. Maine may or may not be the birthplace of the whoopie pie (it’s apparently hotly contested), but Mainers love it enough to make it the official state treat–whatever that means–and give it a festival. Explore Maine’s local brew scene, a variety of walking tours, history and landmarks, and much more. Be sure to check out a concert at the State Theater or an exhibition at the For foliage travel information go to our When & Where to Visit section for travel ideas or call the Maine Office of Tourism at 1-888-624-6345. On Bailey Island, you’ll find a curious rock formation that look like a huge staircase–made for giants. 67. The beauty of Maine’s Coastal Route is thoroughly year-round, but fall’s the most magical time to experience it: The coastal New England foliage is doing its epic autumn show, harvest festivals abound, and lobster season’s at its peak. Take a hayride and challenge yourself with a corn maze to make a day of it! Ultimately, southern Maine is known best for its historic architecture, breathtaking beaches, quaint coastal towns and beautiful lighthouses. Maine winters may be bitterly cold, but there’s something absolutely serene and beautiful about getting outside anyway. This 41-foot rotating globe is easy to spot from the interstate, but you can also go inside the building to see it in person (a great kid-friendly, free attraction). From Portland to Presque Isle, and Bangor to Bar Harbor, there are art walks in downtown areas all over Maine during warmer months. Head to “America’s first mile” on Route 1, which stretches the length of the East Coast all the way to Key West, Florida. Nubble Light. The Shakers were an offshoot of the religious group called Quakers, and they migrated to America in pursuit of religious freedom in the 1700s. learn more. Things to do & Area Sight Seeing. But even if you buy or rent a home in an inland community, taking the time to visit coastal Maine is well worth your while. Dreaming about your next travel adventure and want to be socially-conscious on the road—just like you try to be at home? In my eyes, it was the quintessential Maine town. Having called Maine my home until I was an adult and now taking frequent trips “home” throughout the year, a lot of this list draws from my own experience. Start driving at Kittery on the New Hampshire-Maine border and continue northward through the towns of York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, and Saco, ending at Old Orchard Beach. Most visitors coming to Maine want to see a moose before they head home–there’s a bit of intrigue and mystery in spotting one of these majestic (if somewhat clumsy) creatures. Plan your trip to Greater Portland Maine. Maine’s southern region offers a diverse range of fun. Place Category: Parks&Nature. Just 25 minutes north of Portland is Freeport, home to L.L Bean and lots of other outdoor outlet stores. Whether you’re a geology nerd or not, the Maine Ice Age Trail is a fascinating resource for learning more about the unique glacially-formed landscape of coastal Maine. >> Related: 101 Unforgettable Things to Do in Maine << February. Hawaii is waiting for you! There are over 100 varieties of apples grown in Maine, and apple picking is as much of a fall activity as leaf peeping! Located less than 10 miles from Maine’s largest city, Scarborough is one of those best-of-both-worlds destinations. Standing proudly at 31 feet tall, this statue of the lumberjack legend has been a local landmark for more than half a century in downtown Bangor. Head to Barred Island Preserve on Deer Isle for a quieter hike with beautiful views. Maine summers aren’t complete without heading “upta camp.” Translation: going to a cabin on a lake. Learn about all the activities & things to do in coastal Maine from Fisherman's Wharf Inn, located in Boothbay Harbor. In 1783 the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village was established in New Gloucester, Maine. The Top Things to Do in Maine in August. Whether you hike deep into the woods, enjoy a picnic at a rest area, or pull over to the side when you see an inviting stream, western and northern Maine are a dream for freshwater lovers. One of my favorites is Treworgy Family Orchards near Bangor. Get expansive views from the Height of Land Overlook, Attean Overlook on Route 201, Caterpillar Hill near Deer Isle, Penobscot Narrows Observatory Bridge, or Mount Kineo (be ready to climb the firetower!). Boothbay Railway Village| 586 Wiscasset Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537. You’ll find the city is a coastal creative hub. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Because of the way the earth changes position, there are 3 places in Maine that can claim the “first sunrise” title throughout the year: Mars Hill (March 25 – September 18), West Quoddy Head (around the spring and autumn equinoxes), and Cadillac Mountain (October 7 – March 6). Book a sail out of Rockland with the Maine Windjammer Association, home to the largest fleet of windjammers in the United States. There’s more to it than you may think, but replacing “really” with “wicked” is a good start. RECOMMENDED: Check out Northern Outdoors in The Forks or New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket. 16 Best Things to Do in Portland, Maine. Want to admire the beauty of the gardens from a new vantage … Just south of Ogunquit, take a gander at one of the best-loved of Maine’s many lighthouses: … Sure, it’s easy to wake up on a Saturday, eat breakfast and then go about your business, but why not shake things up for the next few weeks and add in these fun day trips to your weekend? Did you know that Maine’s largest minority language is French? Stretching 170 miles, the Kennebec Valley sits in the center of Maine. It’s hard to believe that this place is free and open to the public year round. Southern Maine … All the way from the northern reaches of Maine to the big city of Portland, Maine potatoes are the “secret” ingredient making everyone rave about these donuts. Experienced kayakers can put in at various public launches around the island and set off on their island-hopping adventure, while beginners can opt for a guided trip with one of several outfitters on the island (like Driftwood Kayak). I think there’s some magic to leaving your trip open to spontaneity and exploration. The Abbe Museum is not only Maine’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, it’s also one of the best places to learn about both the history and contemporary cultures of Native peoples in what is now known as Maine. It’s currently undergoing ongoing restoration efforts and is only open to the public through the India Street tour with Portland Landmarks, which was offered in 2018 partnership with the restoration committee (currently planned for 2019). Located on the gorgeous coastline of Maine, the Mid-Coast Islands are ideal for whale watching, grabbing the best seafood in the country or simply exploring small town Maine. From the bustling streets of the state’s biggest city, Portland, to the more tranquil feel of smaller towns such as York, Ogunquit, and Kennebunk. The farther you travel off the beaten path, the more likely you’ll be able to meet everyday working Mainers, like those whose livelihoods depend on lobstering. Maine has tons of excellent freshwater to choose from–whether you want to go fly fishing or regular old spin fishing. Maine has the largest wild blueberry crop in the U.S., and picking blueberries is a Maine summer rite of passage. You’ll definitely want to pull over for this one. There are plenty of camps for rent on one of Maine’s 6,000 lakes and ponds. Activities and Fun Things To Do on Your Vacation! Part of the preservation efforts included painting floor-to-ceiling frescoes in the 1950s. *Do at your own risk. This museum (open seasonally) has a wing devoted to Moxie. Take a map, don’t plan much, and see what catches your eye as you drive–you’re on an island, so you can’t manage to get that lost. I get it. Here are just some of the visitor favorites! You can also view the meeting house and more on the self-guided Portland Freedom Trail walking tour (PDF guide here).