6 Maine Towns to Visit Before you Die
What’s up with the Vacationland idiom you see on Maine license plates? Maine is a place to stay and play, “the way life should be”.
There’s a reason why Maine has received so much acclaim from the West Coast and internationally. Here are six Maine towns to visit in this lifetime, or before you die… your choice!
York
York, Maine is an attractive vacation destination for young and old. Its wealth of recreational opportunities including beautiful sandy beaches, a seaside zoo and amusement park, historic enlightenment at the Museums of Old York, an assortment of boutique shops, and water-view restaurants, certainly makes York a lovely vacation affair.
Those that enjoy a good view ought to drive or hike to the summit of Mount Agamenticus for beautiful coastal panoramas or visit Sohier Park home of one of the most photographed lighthouses, Nubble Light.
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport owes much of its notoriety to the former President’s summer dwelling on Walker’s Point, however, has always been renowned as a high-end vacation destination with vacation stays in waterfront resorts and elegant inns.
Reputed for its wide array of boutique shopping and distinguished dining in Dock Square, Kennebunkport creates a very social atmosphere, especially during the summer season. Its harbors along the Kennebunk River offer both recreational reprieve and excitement on scenic sailing cruises, kayak outings, and whale watching and lobster boat tours.
Visitors also have multiple Maine beaches in the Kennebunks area to choose from; Mother’s, Gooch’s, and Goose Rocks Beach well suited for young children.
Kennebunkport has also created prominent events including Christmas Prelude and Kennebunkport Festival drawing visitors from all over.
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Portland
Portland is a unique and vibrant city with modern influences, yet very much a classic coastal Maine community. Situated on the mouth of Casco Bay, Portland concerts coastal boat tours of the gorgeous, rugged shoreline, ferries to local islands and recently, cruises to Nova Scotia.
The diversions of the city, however, are enough to remain engaged with the variant and reputed dining scene, a motley of quaint boutiques, the always-happening concert halls, prestigious hotels on the harbor, and fantastic seasonal events.
Despite its city appearance, there are plenty of areas for biking, walking, and picnicking along the Eastern Promenade and the Back Bay Park.
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Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is such a splendid seaside village, that Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring has chosen the region as her home. Boothbay is a very non-commercial village rich with history, fantastic boat excursions, charming local shops and delicious dining – very much classic Maine.
Its quiet coves, scenic lighthouses, lovely oceanfront resorts, and warm local hospitality will make a seasonal vacationer out of you.
Aside from coastal boat explorations, Boothbay Harbor offers attractions including the beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, nature walks at the nearby Boothbay Region Land Trust and Barrett Park, and Maine State Aquarium.
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Newry
Newry easily receives the attention of vacationers year-round with its ski mountain, premier resorts and luxurious vacation rentals, seasonal events, and beautiful mountainous landscapes.
Winter activists seek Newry for fantastic skiing and snowboarding at Sunday River, or ice climbing at Grafton Notch State Park. In the warmer months, Newry is a favorite area for hiking, especially during the fall when the foliage reveals all the shades of amber.
Bar Harbor
Making its home on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most highly visited towns in the state. The Down East Acadia region, which is arguably the most stunning visual feature on the entire Eastern Seaboard, offers outstanding scenic boat tours and kayaking excursions.
Hotels in Bar Harbor are world-class, ranging from harbor-side resorts, oceanfront cottages, and elegant inns, bringing luxury lodging to your vacation while highlighting the beauty of the natural landscape.
Visitors come to Bar Harbor for renowned dining, ocean exploration, great shopping, and of course, Acadia National Park and largely, for inspiring natural views.
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Maine welcomes you to experience the way life should be. See our Maine Lodging Guide.
