A Maine Destination
Maine is known as “Vacationland” for a reason: Sandy beaches, rocky coastlines, photo-worthy town centers, and one of the last great stretches of unspoiled forest in the Northeast are a siren call to vacationers of every stripe. And with a landmass that’s nearly as large as the rest of New England combined, you could spend an entire summer deciding exactly what sort of vacationer you really are.
Into the City
Anchoring the state’s southern coastal region is Portland, a sophisticated and eminently walkable city that seamlessly merges the old with the new. Still very much a working port, the city’s downtown vibe congregates at the Old Port, a five-square block of shops, galleries and a dining scene that has been hailed as one of the best in the country. Discover your own little slice of the city with a downtown stay at the Portland Harbor Hotel.
Call of the Wild
Outdoor adventure reigns supreme in the inland Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region. A section of the Appalachian Trail winds through this part of the state, while across the region hikers have their pick of stellar spots, from the challenging Bigelow Mountain Range to shorter treks up French Mountain near the Belgrade Lakes. When you’re ready to cool off from all the action, anchor your vacation on Maine’s biggest lake with a stay at The Lodge at Moosehead Lake.
Quite a Catch
Maine’s annual lobster yield of 40 million pounds accounts for nearly 90 percent of the country’s total lobster supply. So eat your fill; because there’s plenty to go around.
Sea-ing It All
For beach lovers, Maine’s southern coast is destination number one. The region makes up just 35 miles of the state’s whopping 3,500 coastal miles, but contains 90 percent of the sand. The seaside vibe is alive and well in the charming coastal town o Kennebunkport, just 30 minutes south of Portland. Ogunquit Beach, meanwhile, is considered one of New England’s finest and stretches some three and a half miles from the center of town to the more remote sands of Footbridge and North beaches.
Fresh Tracks
Generous snowfall, high peaks, and a welcoming community are the building blocks for great skiing, Maine-style. Mountain valleys, rolling farmland, and ocean views are just a few of the highlights of the state’s hundreds of miles of Nordic trails, while downhillers have their pick of 19 resorts to choose from. The lineup includes the family-focused Camden Snow Bowl, which sits seaside, to Sugarloaf Mountain, the state’s largest resort, whose 200 inches of annual snowfall keeps the fun going deep into spring.
If you love sliding on snow, you’ll love New England
In the Spotlight
More than 60 lighthouses make their home on Maine’s coastline. The lineup includes the still working Cape Neddick Light (“Nubble”) in York, whose iconic design spurred NASA to include photos of it in the 1977 Voyager II program.
Island Hopping
The beauty of Acadia National Park is impossible to overemphasize. Set on Mount Desert Island, the park is laced with 50 miles of carriage roads that cater to cyclists, while more than 120 miles of hiking trails lead visitors to breathtaking views, including the earliest sunrise in the country atop Cadillac Mountain. More civilized adventure in the form of charming shops and dining - both fine and casual - await just beyond Acadia’s borders in the resort town of Bar Harbor. Ready to relax? Head to the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa.
