Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. This is the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S., and this landmark is a must-see addition to any Portland itinerary.

WELCOME TO MAINE

Invigorating, peaceful, inspiring, and adventure-satisfying. The Pine Tree State welcomes you to its over 2,000 miles of coastline and invites you to explore its cliffs, mountains, and lighthouses.

Maine, dubbed as Vacationland, is renowned for its scenery. That’s why you’ll think about Maine long after your trip and will leave a piece of your heart in this state. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a poet who spent some time in Portland, once said, ” My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea, and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me.” You’ll feel the same way as you see the waves crash in Thunder Hole, walk along the water in York, or take a boat tour in Portland on a sunny day.

Sure, a trip to Maine’s coastline isn’t a trip to Marco Island. But that’s the point: Maine’s ruggedness is part of its quintessential charm. Doesn’t a land filled with a rich fishing history and surrounded by cliffs sound mysterious and romantic all at once?

Maine is also referred to as “The way life should be,” and you’ll wonder why can’t your days back home be filled with ocean walks. Anything can be cured and made better when you’re in Maine-just add salt water, mountain air, and lobster rolls!

OVERVIEW

Maine is the 23rd state of the United States, and is one of the six New England states. The Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec lie north of the state, New Hampshire is located southwest of Maine, and the eastern part of Maine faces the Atlantic Ocean. It is the ninth least populous state, as approximately one million people live here.

The state capital is Augusta, and Maine’s biggest city is Portland. Other big cities include Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, and Auburn.

Perhaps the most recognizable part of the state is called “Downeast.” This is the part that most people envision when they hear the word Maine, and the part that receives the most visitors. This part includes Washington County and Hancock County. Hancock County is home to Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Light, and Bar Harbor.

Over two million travelers visit Maine each year. Ready to be the next one? See several of the 65 state lighthouses, and try wild Maine blueberries from 40,000 acres. Wild blueberries are the best antioxidants ever, and they aren’t like the ones you buy in stores. They’re smaller, more fresh, and are bursting with a great taste. Trying the blueberry jam and pie here is a must. Maybe you’ll even drop a tablespoon of blueberry liquor into your morning coffee.

Fueled up after your breakfast of coffee and blueberry pie? Explore Bar Harbor, Acadia, Portland, Port Clyde, the York/Ogunquit area, Rockland, or Brunswick.

Maybe you’ll take a break to drink Moxie, a carbonated beverage sold throughout New England. People say you’ll either love it or hate it, so why not give it a go?

And you’ll maybe hear someone dropping their r’s when they speak. Bar Harbor is filled with souvenir stores that sell shirts that say things such as “Got lobsta?” and “Baa Ha Ba.” Don’t forget that a bubbler is a drinking fountain, bang a uey means making a U-turn, and a clicker-or better yet, a clickah-is the television remote. After all, you’re in New England, and each U.S. region has their own distinct slang. Got it? Now head to Maine, a wicked good travel destination.

HISTORY

Indigenous people called Maine home 11,000 years ago (If you’re in the Acadia area, there’s a stunning museum in Bar Harbor called the Abbe Museum that pays tribute to the Wabanaki Nations).

In 1622, Sir Fernando Gorges and John Mason gained a permit for territory between the Merrimac and Kennebec rivers. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, a British community in present-day Massachusetts, gained control over Maine in 1647.

Maine gained its independence on March 15, 1820. Augusta became the state capital in 1827, and the state population hit 400,000 in 1832. In 1865, the University of Maine is founded (Go Black Bears!)

Over 35,000 Maine soldiers fought in World War I, and 113,000 Maine soldiers fought in World War II.

In 1947, a fire tragically blazed through the Bar Harbor-Acadia area.

Yet in the 1970s, the expansion of old roads and the creation of new ones lead people from the Boston metropolitan area and other places in the New England area to move (and travel!) to Maine. Maine’s population increased by 13.2%!

Today, Maine has secured its amazing rank of a world-class travel destination. Tourism continues to be the top industry in the Pine Tree State. Lobster fishing is a close second, as diligent fishermen work in the second-most dangerous job in the United States, and their hard work while performing this laborious job is the reason we enjoy lobster today.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MAINE

  1. Water, water, water
Out on the water in Bass Harbor

Move over, California. Maine has 5,000 miles of coastline (Yep, you read that right). Relax as you hear the waves crashing onto shore and take in the views.

2. Acadia National Park

Thunder Hole!

This park is one of the most visited ones in the country, and you’ll see why when you see the beaches, cliffs, trails, and mountains. Choose from a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and carriage tours. It’s the perfect park to visit for those who live in the northeastern part of the country.

3. Lighthouses! (Lots of them!)

Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse!

This state has a whopping 65 lighthouses, and each beacon of light has an inspiring story, pretty views, and close proximity to local attractions so you can dedicate a whole day for exploring. Notable highlights include the Portland Head Light, Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse, Rockland Breakwater Light, and the Marshall Point Lighthouse.

4. Your Well-Being Will Thank You

  • Wild Gardens of Acadia

Did you know that even a 30 minute walk in nature boosts happiness levels and leads to an improved mood? Craft that out of office email and exchange city life for a temporary getaway. Even the city slicker with the biggest urban heart can’t resist Maine’s landscape and the views it promises.

5. Get a culture fix

At the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland

Think Maine is all about nature? Think again. Portland, Rockland, Ogunquit, and Brunswick all have worthwhile art museums with paintings that depict Maine’s natural beauty.

6. Lobsters and L.L.Bean and blueberries, oh my!

A Maine lobster roll + Moxie drink (Not pictured!)= A perfect New England combination

Think I was going to mention Maine and bypass lobsters and L.L. Bean? While Maine is truly not all about lobsters and L.L Bean (ok, maybe just a lil bit), the lobster here really is out of this world, and the L.L. Bean factory store in Freeport has a countless array of clothing, books, and outdoor gear. Try the wild blueberries, blueberry pie, blueberry jam, and blueberry soda while you’re in this state too.

^ Here is a video I made about Portland and its surrounding areas that gives a more visual overview!