Despite being the biggest state in New England, Maine is nevertheless the 12th smallest state in the entire country.
Because Maine is out of the way and tucked up against the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, tourists may neglect it in favor of nearby New York. But Maine offers much more than Stephen King and lobster.
The state is renowned for its stunning coastlines, relaxed lifestyle, and some of the nation’s most breathtaking fall foliage. Maine has a reputation for having some of the best quality of life in the country, and with good cause.
Bar Harbor
There are still lots of lobsters in Maine, even if the state is known for more than just Stephen King and lobsters.
Bar Harbor’s farm-to-table eateries take full advantage of the abundance of seafood found along Maine’s coastlines. A great spot to grab a bite to eat is Cafe This Way.
With its boutique stores and views of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor is not only a very attractive town, but it’s also a great place to start your journey to Acadia National Park.
With more than 150 miles of hiking trails and 60 miles of shoreline, the park is among the top ten most visited national parks in the nation. To discover more about the history of the town, it’s a fantastic idea to visit Mount Desert Street.
Bethel
The village of Bethel is surrounded by breathtaking scenery in Maine. Unsurprisingly, Bethel has a lot of festivals all year long because it is surrounded by the high peaks of White Mountain National Forest and pristine lakes.
At one point, the municipality even constructed the biggest snowman in the world. Despite the town’s small size, its residents’ passion more than makes up for it.
With its streams, hardwood forests, and alpine peaks, White Mountain National Forest, which Maine shares with New Hampshire, is an ideal location for a blue light detox.
Moonrocks and materials from Mars are on display at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in town. Are you trying to find a location for a memorial photo?
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Rockport
Rockport’s charming harbor and several historic buildings are guaranteed to captivate visitors. If you enjoy traveling back in time, the Rockport Historic District is a great site to learn about Rockport’s Italianate and Greek Revival history.
There are two ways to spend your time in Rockport: swimming in the Rockport Marine Park or taking a drive to Thatcher Island to see the twin lighthouses.
Without seeing Aldermere Farm and their “Oreo Cows,” of course, a trip to Rockport would not be complete. In the winter, the 136-year-old farm is a wonderful location for hikes and snowshoeing excursions.
The unusual coloring of the cows itself makes them quite appealing. Finally, the ideal way to end a day in Rockport is with a sunset sail around Penobscot Bay.
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Rangeley
Since Rangeley is a “all-weather town,” it can be used in any season. In the late 1800s, the town was founded as a tiny farming village.
Nonetheless, the leisurely way of life has not disappeared, and tourists will discover a great deal of the peace that the original settlers discovered over two centuries ago as well.
Rangeley’s bright skies and lack of light pollution, for example, make for incredibly beautiful stargazing.
In warmer months, snowmobile trails become prime locations for East Coast hiking along the coast. Because of the expansive view of the surrounding lakes that awaits at the summit, Bald Mountain is a favorite among the locals.
Stonington
East Coast charm, the arts, and seafood are all on full show in this charming tiny town in Maine. Situated on the southern tip of Deer Isle, Stonington is completely encircled by Penobscot Bay.
With its views of the water and its steepled houses on the gradually sloping hillside, Stonington appears like something from an Edward Hopper painting. Architecture enthusiasts will admire the Deer Isle Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland.
It is well-known for its wide variety of eateries, retail establishments, art galleries, and thrilling events. You may even see live performances at its opera house.
A ten-minute drive from Stonington lies the small settlement of Deer Isle, which is situated in the northern part of the island. Although it has a few cafes and stores, the primary draw is the massive suspension bridge that connects the island to the mainland and over Eggemoggin Reach.
However, why would you ever wish to go? Hikers are welcome to explore Crockett Cove Woods Preserve and float in the serene waters of Penobscot Bay.
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