Maine is known for cold weather and moose. It is fun all seasons, with many sights and activities. A few spots of interest in detail, and general information about this state.
Maine can be enjoyed in all four seasons; it just depends on what you are looking for in a weekend getaway or maybe even a month-long vacation. Each region of Maine also has a different drawing factor and charm. Before you pack the car and head north to the great state of Maine do some research on the types of activities you would like to spend time doing.
Many of the activities in Maine are based around the outdoors. In there summer there is an abundance of hiking trails and campgrounds to be found throughout the state. Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, just off the coast of Maine, is an excellent spot for scenic ocean views, hiking, and in the winter, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. While there are limited campgrounds on the island you will find areas for stopping in abundance around the Trenton area on the mainland if you are in vicinity in the warmer months. Around this area and elsewhere you will see an impressive show of nature""from wild birds to the ever-popular moose. There are spots along the coast for puffin viewing, as well as whale watch services from various ports. A hike in Acadia might not result in a whale sighting, but it can be assured you will come across a moose or two.
If you are not inclined to test your physical faculties on vacation you may want to check out the many beaches located on the coast. Some of the most popular beaches are Biddeford, Popham Beach, and the most popular place to catch some rays, Old Orchard Beach. Here you will find a quaint town and a bustling boardwalk full of vendors selling everything imaginable""from cotton candy to t-shirts.
Two other popular spots of interest are Boothbay Harbor and Kittery Point. These two locations are best discovered in the summer months. Boothbay Harbor is popular due to its yachting and shopping community. Here you will find a number of marinas housing extravagant boats. The crew and owners mingle with the locals and visitors on the windy streets that offer a plethora of shops""from antique stores to charming restaurants. Chowder-houses are in abundance downtown, as are quaint cafes and bakeries. Considered one of the most romantic spots in Maine, Boothbay offers comes equipped with several covered bridges, relics of a time gone by.
Kittery Point is just over the bridge from New Hampshire and serves as a popular vacation destination for many. Whit great views of Portsmouth Harbor, the town is know for its wonderful architecture and old buildings. Here you will find plenty of antiquing for your shopping delight. And if you didn't get enough antiquing in Kittery do not fear. There are actually three routes specially designated as "antique trails". These loops feature a bevy of dealers and shops. If old is not your style and you are still a shopper then you will have to check out the outlets located in Freeport, Kittery and Ellsworth. Here you will find almost anything you need.
While you are traveling the coast to get to points like Kittery and Boothbay you will want to stop at a roadside vegetable and fruit stand to taste what Maine has to offer by way of produce. Corn is popular, as are apples and pumpkins, depending on the season. If you are looking for more than a healthy snack, stop by a clam shack or a lobster house along the coast and even inland. If you are a seafood lover you probably know that Maine is known for its succulent crustaceans and shellfish. Fried clams, shrimp cocktail, and lobster rolls can be found at nearly every restaurant, particularly those near the coast.
In the winter you won't find vendors selling vegetables by the side of the road, but you will see cars packed with snow gear and ski-racks. In the wintertime there are a variety of snow sports to pursue, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating on the frozen ponds, and of, course, skiing and snowboarding. Some of the top places for skiing include Big Squaw Mountain in Greenville, Bigrock Ski Area in Mars Hill, and Black Mountain in Rumford. So whether you ski, beach bum, nature-walk and watch, shop, or yacht, you will find fun in the great state of Maine.
