Located in northern New England, Maine is the place to go to escape summer heat, enjoy some fresh lobster and take in the spectacular scenery. Maine, nicknamed the Pine Tree State, has several regions that appeal to a broad range of interests. There's the Portland area, which offers culture and entertainment. Maine's beaches will enchant just about anyone who loves the sea and sand. Nature lovers will find much to amaze them at Acadia National Park.
It doesn't matter if your definition of "park" requires a roller coaster or a trail map, Maine has both. If your kids are itching for a day of amusements and activity, look no further than Black Beard's USA Family Fun Park in Bangor. This park is home to a variety of games and sports. Be the captain of your own remote-controlled pirate ship and sail about the park's half-acre pond or play 36 holes of mini golf. Black Beard's also features a 10-cage batting facility and go-carts.
Perhaps you'd like to get a glimpse of some native Maine wildlife. At the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, you can check out dozens of native species, visit an on-site trout hatchery and shop at the nature store. Species at the park include the barred owl, the peacock and the mountain lion.
If you'd like experience some unfiltered wilderness, then Acadia National Park should be on your itinerary. Each year, more than 2 million people visit Acadia, which is home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast. The park features rocky shores,125 miles of historic hiking trails and serene campgrounds.
Portland is a city replete with culture and history.
To truly get a lay of the land and an appreciation for history, start your visit to Portland by taking the historic walking tour. It takes walkers through four historic neighborhoods and is filled with architectural gems, including the Portland Head Light. Build in 1791, the Portland Head Light is Maine's oldest lighthouse and is now a preserved park with a museum. The walking tour also includes the Portland Observatory, which was built in 1807 and affords visitors excellent water views. For more information on the walking tour, go to visitportland.com.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find much to like about Portland. In the summer, try whitewater rafting, deep sea fishing or sailing. In the winter, skiing and snowmobiling are popular. Year-round, many people bike and mountain climb at sites around greater Portland.
Don't forget the culture--Portland has a lot of it. Enjoy a performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra or spend an afternoon at the Portland Museum of Art, where the collection ranges from 18th-century to modern works. Portland's restaurants serve up everything from ethnic cuisine to seafood and steaks. If you're a beer lover, then you'll enjoy Portland's many pubs and breweries, including the Shipyard Brewing Company.
No summertime visit to Maine would be complete without visiting the sandy beaches in the southern part of the state. Maine's southern coast is known for its quaint towns, well-kept shores, and picturesque lighthouses. Spend an afternoon on the beach or take some time to stroll through one of such quaint shore villages as Wells, Ogunquit and Old Orchard Beach. The region's restaurants offer world-famous lobster, and homey inns provide comfortable lodging.
If you've had your fill of the beach and sun, save some time to shop at the Kittery Outlets, where hundreds of stores offer brand-name goods at discounted prices. The outlets, located in the southern coast area, are a shopaholic's dream.
