Travel Guides: Maine
General Information
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.
Activities
Downtown Arts District, Portland
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.
Opening Times:
Portland Museum of Art is open Tuesday to Sunday
10am-5pm; Friday 10am-9pm. Open Mondays between Memorial Day and
Columbus Day.
Admission:
Portland Museum of Art entry is $10 (adults) and $4
(children 6-17). Fridays free between 5pm and 9pm.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland
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.
Opening Times:
House and garden guided tours: (May to October)
Monday to Saturday 10:30am-4pm, Sundays 12pm-4pm. Museum: Monday to
Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
Admission:
$12 (adults); $3 (children). Prices include Museum
admission. Concessions available.
Portland Head Light, Portland
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.
Opening Times:
Daily 10am to 4pm. Museum opening hours differ
according to month, see website for more details
Admission:
$2 (adults); $1 (children 6-18)
Old Orchard Beach, Portland
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.
Kennebunkport, Portland
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.
Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island
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.
Getting There:
The Island Explorer fare-free shuttle operates late June
to Columbus Day, stopping at lodges and campgrounds on the island
and parts of the park; an entrance pass for the park is required to
ride the shuttle
Opening Times:
Park open daily. Hulls Cove Visitor Center: open
mid-April to October 8am to 4:30pm, closing at 6pm in July and
August, and 5pm in September.
Admission:
From May to October: $20 per vehicle, $5 for
individuals, for 7-day pass (23 June to October), $10 the rest of
the season.
