Maine Travel Guide
The picturesque New England state of Maine lies in the
easternmost reaches of the United States, bordering on the Canadian
provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. Similar to its Canadian
neighbours, Maine is a lovely contrast of rugged coastline dotted
with picture perfect lighthouses, fishing villages and sandy
beaches, and an interior covered with lush forest, towering
mountains and mirror-like lakes.Maine is the largest state in the New England area, but remains
one of the most sparsely populated states in the country, creating
a wide expanse of unspoilt wilderness. The original inhabitants of
the area were Native Americans of the Algonquin group, while
European settlement by the French occurred in 1604. Over subsequent
years, control of the region was fought over by the English, French
and the Americans - evidence of which remains in the large number
of historic forts still standing today. The strong Acadian and
French Canadian heritage of the area can still be felt,
particularly in the Acadian Village in Aroostook county and other
parts of central Maine, while the coast boasts a fierce maritime
heritage.The warmer months bring a flood of holidaymakers to Maine and
summer homes pepper the landscape. With plenty of outdoor
activities, this is the nature lover's and outdoor enthusiast's
paradise. The state experiences harsh winters, but this brings its
own charms as snowboarding, skiing and snow-shoeing replace the
summer activities of canoeing, kayaking, camping and hiking. In
true New England style, autumn brings a festival of colours to the
foliage and spring is a riot of blossoms. The Acadia National Park,
on Maine's Mount Desert Island, provides an opportunity to enjoy
the spectacular beauty of the state, as well as its wildlife and
birdlife.History buffs can enjoy plenty of historical sites, including
visits to the house of poet and Maine native Henry
Wadsworth-Longfellow; food lovers can feast on the region's fine
seafood and blueberries, and city lovers can roam the streets of
the capital Augusta and the bustling city of Portland. Maine is
big, beautiful and charming, and is well worth exploring from top
to bottom, whatever the season.
Maine Travel Guide
Money:
Time:
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).
Electricity:
Language:
Health:
Tipping:
Safety:
Customs:
Business:
Duty Free:
Maine Travel Guide
|
|
Description:
As its name suggests, Old Orchard Beach's most popular
attraction is its seven mile (11km) stretch of sand, one of the
best beaches in Maine. The town is a popular excursion for families
in the summer, and ads to the entertainment with a seaside
amusement park and weekly fireworks shows. Other popular activities
include surfing, canoeing, and clamming. A direct seasonal train
link from Boston and Portland make Old Orchard Beach easy to get
to, however holiday weekends can be uncomfortably crowded.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
|
|
|
Description:
It is no surprise that the Portland Head Light lighthouse is the
most photographed lighthouse in the world. Every view of this 18th
century lighthouse is spectacular. The lighthouse took four years
to build and was completed in 1791. The lamps originally used to
power the light were of whale oil, replaced by an autobeacon in
1958. The lighthouse is situated in Fort Williams Park and has an
interesting museum housed within the old lighthouse Keepers
Quarters. It is well worth packing a picnic and enjoying the beauty
of the park and exploring the historic forts within its
parameters.
Address:
1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth
Postcode:
Telephone:
(207) 799 2661
Email:
cephl@aol.com
Website:
www.portlandheadlight.com
|
|
|
Description:
Built between 1785 and 1786, the Wadsworth-Longfellow house was
home to three generations of a Portland family that formed an
integral part of the cultural, political and literary life of New
England and the rest of the country. Revolutionary War General
Peleq Wadsworth was its first inhabitant and Anne Longfellow Pierce
(younger sister of poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow) its last. It
was Anne's foresight that left the house, grounds and furniture to
the Maine History Society, allowing public access. The house was
the first brick building in Portland and visitors can enjoy a
ramble through the three-storey house (containing effectively all
original furniture and artefacts) and the Maine Historical Society
Museum. Several different tours are also available throughout the
year.
Address:
489 Congress Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(207) 774 1822
Email:
info@mainehistory.org
Website:
www.mainehistory.org/house_overview.shtml
|
|
|
Description:
Stretching from upper Congress Street to the West End, the Arts
District incorporates several galleries and museums, including the
Portland Museum of Art, the largest of its kind in Maine and dating
back to 1882, and the Maine College of Art. A great way to explore
the Arts District is by participating in the First Art Walk - a
self-guided tour that runs on the first Friday of every month from
5pm to 8pm. Local businesses, museums and galleries are open to the
public and aim to highlight what is new in the art community. The
Portland Art Museum offers free admission for the Art Walk.
Address:
Upper Congress Street to the West End. Portland Museum of
Art: 7 Congress Square
Postcode:
Telephone:
Portland Museum of Art: (207) 775 6148
Email:
info@portlandmuseum.org
Website:
www.portlandmuseum.org
|
|
|
Description:
The Acadia National Park encompasses 60 square miles (155 sq km)
of rugged coastline, forest, granite peaks, lakes and plenty of
wildlife. Roughly four million visitors flock here each year to
drink in the beauty of the park, hike up Mount Cadillac, spot
wildlife or enjoy a ranger-led programme. Summer is a popular time
to visit, but winter offers cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing
(though several roads close due to snow), and of course autumn is a
spectacle of colour. Acadia National Park remains one of the most
visited parks in the United States.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(207) 288 3338
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/acad
|
|
|
Description:
Just 30 miles (48km) from Portland, Kennebunkport is a popular
destination for weekenders escaping the heat in big cities like
Boston and New York City. This pretty town is known for its
laid-back yet civilised atmosphere, with several golf courses,
antique shops, art galleries, and a busy harbour. It draws
well-to-do holidaymakers, and both Former President Bushes are
often seen at the family's nearby holiday home. The most popular
attraction in Kennebunkport is its beaches, however. Kennebunk
Beach, Gooch's Beach, Mother's Beach, and Parson's Beach are all
packed on weekends each summer.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
|
|
|
Description:
Historically a blue-collar fishing town, Rockland has gotten a
bit of a facelift recently, with a somewhat depressed-looking main
street fixed up and enhanced by attractions like the Farnsworth Art
Museum and Wyeth Center gallery, as well as a number of shops and
restaurants. Rockland is best known as the home of the Maine
Lobster Festival, held each August, and it also hosts the North
Atlantic Blues Festival every July. Rockland also makes a great
base from which to explore the Saint George Peninsula and the
islands of Penobscot Bay: Vinalhaven, North Haven and
Matinicus.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
|
|
|
Description:
Bar Harbor is a popular village on Mount Desert Island. With a
few interesting museums, parks, and educational centres, the town
is the perfect destination for a great weekend getaway in Maine.
Popular activities include golf, whale-watching, sailing, hiking,
and kayaking. The shops and restaurants in Bar Harbor are on the
pricey side, but offer excellent selection and quality. Beer
aficionados will also enjoy sampling the brews from Bar Harbor's
three microbreweries.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.barharborinfo.com
|