Maine: Discover a World of Wonders

Maine’s most populous region, Greater Portland & Casco Bay is a cultural haven. Each month, the city of Portland holds its First Friday Art Walk, where you can meet local artisans and shop for handmade goods. In nearby Westbrook, take a stroll along the Westbrook River Walk to see the old mill buildings that line the town’s historic streets. Retailer L.L.Bean’s flagship store in Freeport offers world-class shopping, as well as free outdoor concerts and guided Outdoor Discovery School Programs.

It won't take long to discover why Aroostook County is called “The Crown of Maine,” thanks to its abundance of breathtaking natural landscapes and local charm in the state’s northern reaches. Visit the town of Fort Fairfield in July to enjoy live music and ride in an antique tractor at the annual Potato Blossom Festival. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a can’t-miss for nature-lovers, offering nearly 150 kilometers of untouched rivers, lakes and streams to traverse by paddle.

Maine’s northeast coast, known to locals as simply DownEast, is full of stunning vistas and exciting wildlife encounters. Visit the maritime town of Eastport to embark on whale-watching tours or hop on a lobster boat in Milbridge to see puffins roost near historic lighthouses. On Campobello Island, Roosevelt Campobello International Park invites visitors to explore the summer home and gardens of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt from May to October each year.

Discover hidden gems around every corner in the Kennebec Valley. In the capital city of Augusta, experience Maine history through guided tours of the Fort Western National Historic Landmark and Living History Museum. The nearby historic village of Hallowell is home to the Gaslight Theater, Maine’s oldest continuously operating theater, and Hallowell Clay Works, where local artists teach year-round workshops. Visit North Star Orchards in Madison to enjoy farm-fresh apples; in the fall months, you can pick them right off the trees.

If you’re dreaming of adventure in the great outdoors, the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine is calling to you. Spend a day boating and fishing at beautiful Rangeley Lakes State Park. For a winter adventure, snowshoe among the dreamy woodlands of Bridgton’s Pondicherry Park, then enjoy a hearty bite at the Olde Mill Tavern in the neighboring town of Harrison. Head over to Sunday River Resort in Newry to take a serene lift ride over the Mahoosuc Mountains.

Maine’s MidCoast and Island towns are must-sees for foodies and culture enthusiasts. Make dinner reservations at Primo in Rockland to enjoy farm-to-table fare in a historic Victorian house on Main Street. Just a short jaunt away, the Camden Opera House hosts dozens of events each year, from musical theatre performances to folk and blues concerts. Lovers of maritime cultures won’t want to miss the Belfast Harbor Fest and Classic Boat Show, a celebration held annually in August.

Looking to spend a day by the shore? Visit one of the many iconic coastal towns in this southernmost region of Maine. In York Beach, you can watch candy artists stretch saltwater taffy at The Goldenrod candy store. The festive towns of Ogunquit and Biddeford both offer exciting events, live music, theater shows and waterfront activities. For a classic New England seaside experience, head over to Old Orchard Beach, where you can stroll down the pier and ride roller coasters at Palace Playland beachside amusement park.

The Maine Highlands offers year-round opportunities to get outdoors. Discover the city of Bangor’s charming downtown on one of the Bangor Historical Society’s walking tours. In winter, the town of Greenville serves as the beginning and end of the Wilderness Sled Dog Race, hosting special educational activities to celebrate the annual event. Truly intrepid hikers can venture north to Baxter State Park to take on the 1,606-meter hike to the summit of Katahdin, Maine’s highest point.