A Guide to Maine

Stephen King. Lobster. L.L. Bean boots. Craft beer. These are the obvious, most cliché images that come to mind when anyone mentions Maine. And they're all true, but Maine is a diverse state with an abundance of natural beauty, from its rugged coastline punctuated by blueberry barrens to its peaceful pine forests shaped by jagged granite peaks. They're just a few ways Maine's bounty shows up, and the things you'll only come to know by spending real time there.

Lace up your hiking boots and see Maine from above tree line, or grab a rod and flyfish along the Androscoggin River. If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck. With fresh seafood caught every morning and plenty of farms throughout the state, chefs are creative, and you’ll leave wanting more. Plus, Maine’s history is rich with craftspeople using the state’s natural resources to showcase the best of land and sea. (Did you know that earmuffs were invented in Maine?)

Here’s a guide to exploring all the unexpected ways Maine’s natural wonders make this corner of the country so spectacular.

When Should I Go to Maine?

Advertisement

Mainers will joke that there are six seasons in Maine: summer, fall, stick season, winter, spring and mud season. The best time of year to visit the Pine Tree State depends on your interests. Summer is by far the busiest, especially along the coast and Maine’s many lakes. The weather is the best, with long, hot days to enjoy sailing, water sports and nights around the campfire.

When temperatures drop, the leaves change into a kaleidoscope of colors, attracting people from around the world. Winter is long and cold in Maine, so it’s perfect for skiing, ice fishing or snowmobiling. Maine’s western mountains are the perfect winter playground. Bundle up!

Spring is underrated, as many seasonal businesses are just opening their doors as the lupines begin to bloom along the highways. But for me, September is the best month to visit Maine. The days are warm, the nights are crisp, and the lines at the local lobster pounds are shorter.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Maine?

Maine’s cities can be explored over a long weekend, but if you have more time, a week or two allows you to see the natural diversity the state offers. Portland, Kennebunk or Camden/Rockland make great long weekend destinations, while a week or more would be perfect to divide between a coastal region and the mountains.

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Nicknamed “Vacationland,” Maine has been attracting visitors from near and far for centuries. Its natural, rugged beauty provides the perfect backdrop for artists and photographers while providing outdoor enthusiasts with an abundance of activities.

To experience Maine from a local’s perspective, explore its lesser-known regions.

Get Fresh Seafood and Other Quintessential Bites

Extending from Brunswick north to Belfast, Maine’s Midcoast is dotted with quaint coastal towns where the seafood comes fresh from fishing boats each morning. Stop in Georgetown for an informal seafood crawl. Start with a farm tour and tasting at Eros Oyster followed by lobster rolls at Five Islands Lobster Co.

Lobster can be found on almost every menu along the coast. There are so many ways to eat a lobster, from whole lobsters to lobster rolls to lobster chowder. Pair your meal with Maine clams, oysters and a local fish chowder for the ultimate seafood feast. Definitely wear the bib; things can get messy.

Don’t be surprised when you see our hot dogs are red. These “red snappers” are famous and just as tasty as any other hot dog. They just have a little “snap” to them! For a sweet treat, you won’t go wrong with a homemade whoopie pie or a piece of blueberry pie. Top with a scoop of Gifford’s Ice Cream for a true a la mode experience.

Advertisement

Maine is home to more than 175 craft breweries, and along the Maine Beer Trail, you can visit more than 100 of them. Maine is famous for its New England IPA, which many breweries and pubs will have on tap.

Hike the Atlantic Seaboard's Tallest Mountain

Known as the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park, established in 1919 as the first national park east of the Mississippi, offers unrivaled coastal beauty and activities for both leisurely hikers and adrenaline junkies. While most people will spend about three days here (enough time to take in the park highlights: Park Loop Rd, the carriage trails and Cadillac Mountain), you could easily spend more than a week exploring the rich Indigenous history and hiking trails.

Wake up early to hike (or drive, with an advance reservation) Cadillac Mountain for sunrise. For part of the year, it’s the first place in the United States to see the sun. Relax on the sandy shores of Echo Lake or Sand Beach. Rock climbing is popular along the rocky cliffs of the island. Avoid the summer crowds and head over to the lesser-known part of the park on Schoodic Peninsula or take the ferry to Isle au Haut.

Explore the Trails in Bethel

Bethel is a classic New England mountain town with white church steeples, old brick farmhouses and incredible fall foliage. Built in 1872 and known locally as the Artist’s Covered Bridge, the town's Sunday River Bridge is a popular photo spot during the fall months when the leaves are popping with color.

Bethel is quickly becoming a top mountain biking destination in Maine, too. The Bethel Village Trails is a network of six easy-to-moderate single-track trails in the heart of Bethel that is perfect for beginners. Nearby Mt Abram in Greenwood offers lift service trails for all levels of riders. Several shops in town offer bike rentals, and nearby Oxbow Beer Garden (in Oxford) is an excellent spot to aprés with pizza and beer.

Shop Small Along the Coast

Maine's economy is largely fueled by small businesses, many of which are artisans and craftspeople who are inspired by the state’s natural resources and beauty.

Extending from Fort Kent in the north to Kittery in the south, Rte 1 is dotted with quintessential Maine villages, packed with local shops selling locally-made products. In Wiscasset, stop at Village Handcraft, where you'll find hand-carved spoons, brooms and other wooden goods. Camden and Rockland, often seen on postcards, feature shops selling art, antiques, home goods, pottery, clothing and more from local artists. Shop for souvenirs before embarking on a sailing tour in Penobscot Bay.

Elsewhere, visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum in Bethel to discover minerals and gems from Maine to the moon! If tourmaline catches your eye, be sure to visit Lynda Rasco of Harvest Gold to learn how to make beautiful jewelry to remember your trip to Maine.

The Perfect Backdrop to Unwind and Relax

After a long weekend of hiking the granite peaks, stop by Waterstruck Wellness in Newcastle for a traditional Nordic spa experience nestled among the pines. Book yourself in for a few hours of sauna, cold plunge and total relaxation in the Midcoast Maine woods. For a more traditional spa experience, Cliff House in Ogunquit offers luxurious spa treatments on cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. Trade the ocean for the forest and visit Hidden Pond for peace and tranquility in Kennebunkport. Whatever you choose, the air is fresh, and your body will thank you later.

Get Wild in Rangeley

Nestled in Maine’s western mountains, the Rangeley Lakes Region is an outdoor paradise. With six large lakes, more than 190 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, Saddleback Mountain, and countless hiking trails, you'll never be bored, no matter the season.

During the winter months, Rangeley is a destination for winter sports, including skiing at Saddleback and snowmobiling on the many trails that extend all the way to Canada.

During the warmer months, Rangeley is a great place to spot moose. The majestic animals are often seen munching on aquatic plants along the many waterways. Rent kayaks or paddleboards and enjoy the hot summer days on Rangeley Lake.

Rangeley is a prime leaf-peeping spot during the fall, too. Hike Berry Picker’s Trail up Saddleback Ridge for incredible views and to high-five through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. For a less strenuous route to a still incredible view, stop at the Height of Land along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway for one of the best views in New England.

Eat Farm-to-Fork

The Maine food scene can compete with the best. (In 2018, Bon Appetit named Portland the Restaurant City of the Year, and the state's reputation for excellent food has only grown since.)

Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport is a luxury resort hidden among the trees with an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, Earth at Hidden Pond. Founded by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, Primo, in Rockland, is a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant featuring fresh ingredients from its farm. Fore Street in Portland is likely one of the region's most well-known. If you can't get a reservation timed with your trip, go at opening and try for a walk-in or a seat at the bar. The food is worth the effort, and it's not unusual to get lucky. Central Provisions, also in Portland, is another excellent option with a locally sourced menu in a historic space. In Rockport, hit Nina June, a mashup menu of Mediterranean-Maine dishes.

My favorite Thing to Do in Maine

Head off the beaten path and explore the winding backroads and small towns. Downeast Maine is filled with quiet lakes perfect for a sunset paddle, photogenic rugged granite coastlines and some of the nicest people you’ll meet. Just know that you might not be able to understand them as the accent gets thicker the further north and east you go!

Celebrate Fourth of July in Eastport. Visit the candy-striped lighthouse at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and wave to Canada from the shores. And, if you’re in Maine in August, eat all the blueberry pie at the annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.