As big as the other five New England states combined, Maine has only about 1.3 million people as of 2009. Its largest city, Portland, boasted a population of 63,000 and the state capital, Augusta, was home to approximately 18,000 in 2009. What Maine has in abundance are islands: 2,000 to be precise; moose (the state animal); more per mile than any other state; and lighthouses: 63. With over 5,000 miles of coastline, it surpasses California.
The National Audubon Society has established a colony of puffins on Eastern Egg Rock, off the coast of Maine. The birds are listed as a threatened species and about 90 pairs nest in the southernmost Atlantic puffin community in North America. In mid-August, when chicks reach maturity, all the puffins leave their nests and fly out to sea for the winter, returning in April. Tours lasting 2.5 hours run from June to August. As cruise boats pass through Boothbay Harbor, tourists may also spot seals and whales, as well as loons and other unusual seabirds.
This rugged island contains four townships -- including Bar Harbor -- along with 20 mountains, the only fjord on the U.S.'s East Coast and Acadia National Park. Cadillac Mountain in the park is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard at 1,532 feet above sea level. From October 7 to March 6 each year, this is the first place in the U.S. to view sunrise. The Bass Harbor Head Light, built in 1858, stands on Acadia National Park land. A stairway to the left of the lighthouse leads to a prime spot for photographing the cliffs and light itself. Yearly attendance at Acadia National Park is second only to that of Yellowstone in California. Hiking trails run through the park and two campgrounds are available. Tourists not interested in roughing it can find a variety of accommodations in Bar Harbor.
This southern Maine coastal town offers many options for tourists who prefer to stay closer to civilization. Former President Bush and his wife Barbara still spend summers here at their Walker's Point compound. Besides the shops on Dock Square, guests can visit the Brick Store Museum to learn about the region's shipbuilding heritage. Over 250 trolleys and transit vehicles are displayed at the Seashore Trolley Museum. You can board the Intown Trolley for a 45-minute narrated tour through Kennebunkport. Gooch Beach features swimming and wave-riding opportunities. From the waterfront, you can tour whale feeding grounds on the 87-foot Nick's Chance, a boat specially built for the cruises. A drive out on Ocean Avenue leads to blueberry fields and Camp Porpoise, a typical New England fishing village. Lodging choices include historic inns, bed and breakfast cottages and waterfront hotels.
Sail from Portland on an actual commercial lobster boat. In the waters of Casco Bay, passengers are guided through the daily routine of a Maine lobsterman. Tourists even get a chance to haul up the traps, if they wish. During the 80 to 90-minute tour, the 14 passengers receive information about lobster habits, the different types of lobsters and conservation efforts. Any lobster caught on the cruise can be purchased afterward for a wholesale "boat" price. The Portland Lobster Company Restaurant, across the pier, will cook the catch for your dinner if you like.
