travelMAINE » Maine Attractions

Maine Wine Trail!

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:43:14 +0000

The Maine Winery Guild invites you to travel along the Wine Trail, visit our tasting rooms, and sample the wines and spirits we so proudly produce. Also, look for Maine wines in select specialty stores and markets. Maine, The Way Life Should Be!

Reflecting the agricultural, culinary and entrepreneurial spirits of Maine, there is a growing number of wineries, meaderies, cider works and distilleries producing a broad selection of award-winning, hand-crafted wines and libations.

Print a copy of the Maine Wine Trail Map by visiting: www.mainewinetrail.com or view them in our eGuide on our homepage!

(Source: www.mainewinetrail.com)

Sightseeing Air Tours

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:44:41 +0000

ACADIA AIR TOURS is … THE VERY BEST WAY TO SEE MT DESERT ISLAND, BAR HARBOR AND ACADIA NATIONAL PARK in such a limited amount of time is from the open cockpit of our two passenger BIPLANE or while enjoying a silent, effortless flight in our two passenger GLIDER. We also offer Scenic Flights in our four passenger CESSNA 182 “Skylane”. Seeing everything from the air allows one to mentally put it all together in your mind and create a lasting memory. If you have been here numerous times in the past and you have never seen it from the air, you really need to do this. Sounds exciting? YOU BET IT IS!

Conveniently located on the Pier next to the Whale Watch.

207-667-7627 Bar Harbor Airport

207-288-0703 Downtown Bar Harbor
http://goo.gl/T0y3n
- Gift Certificates Available -

Scenic Air Tours

admin — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:53:22 +0000

ICE FISHING

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:01:08 +0000

When Maine lakes and waterways begin to freeze over, there is a hearty band of individuals who take this as exciting news. They welcome these cold spells of Mother Nature because it means their favorite sport is about to begin ~ ice fishing.

Ice fishing has a long, proud history in Maine and it continues to grow in popularity. New technology, such as power augers, make the job of drilling a fishing hole through thick ice much easier. Improvements in winter clothing designs have made it possible for more people to enjoy colder temperatures in relative comfort.

But the great lure that brings these fervent outdoor folks out to brave the elements is the fun and challenge of hauling in a prized catch through the ice.

There are several techniques for ice fishing. One uses the tip-up traps. The traps are called tip ups because when a fish takes the bait on the line below the trap, a pole on the trap tips up to alert the lucky fisherman of a catch. Another technique is called jigging. When jigging, the fisherman lowers the bate line through the hole in the ice and pulls up and down on the line, or jigging, in hopes that the movement of the bait will attract a fish.

Inland Maine waterways abound with more than 60 varieties of fish species. Brook trout, also know as brookies, are the most abundant. Lake trout or togue, are also a prized catch, along with large mouth and small mouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, rainbow trout and land-locked salmon.

When ice fishing it’s important to keep an eye out for the moment a fish strikes. Even more important is to keep an eye on the condition of the ice. Safety is a major concern and the thickness and condition of the ice needs to be under constant surveillance. Before venturing out be certain the ice can handle your weight.

SPORTING CAMPS

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:51:05 +0000

One of the most exciting ways to enjoy your Maine vacation is by lodging at a sporting camp. The great appeal of sporting camps is their rustic setting, relaxing atmosphere and the legendary hospitality you’ll receive during your visit.

The people who vacation at sporting camps love the outdoors and appreciate the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary gift of nature. You might take part in the many outdoor activities or allow the natural setting to inspire an inner calm. You also appreciate that time shared as a family in a sporting camp can create closeness that is difficult to capture anywhere else.

Many sporting camps are located on one of Maine’s 6,000 pristine lakes or waterways. You wake up to the aroma of appetizing home cooked breakfast, look out your cabin window to a majestic view and in a short time you’ll be fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or swimming.

Some sporting camps are deep in the Maine woods surrounded by rolling hills and mountainous peaks. The vistas appear as you go hiking or mountain biking will provide you with memories that last a lifetime.

Among the thrills of making your vacation at a sporting camp is the sights you’ll see. Colorful flowers and lush vegetation, birds not often seen out of their natural habitat, deer, moose, fox, grouse and other wildlife.

Each sporting camp has a personality that fits its location. Some are rustic log cabins miles away from small towns with minimum facilities. Others have attractive lodges and bungalows with updated amenities.

Many sporting camps have professional guides to help you if you’re new to camping. Some have year-round facilities. In the autumn you’ll be surrounded by acres of colorful foliage. During the winter you can go ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and hunting. To find a camp best suited to you, visit www.mainesportingcamps.com.

MAINE TIDE CHARTS

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:57:18 +0000

Click here for detialed information on tides for all Maine harbors.

SELF-GUIDED KAYAKING TOURS

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:36:58 +0000

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER:
The 26 mile stretch of river, from the New Hampshire border, to Rumford Point, offers a variety of canoe & kayak adventures. The most picturesque section is from Gilead boat landing to Bethel, a total of 10 miles, taking an average of 3 hours. Wildlife sightings are common and include bald eagles, osprey, great blue heron, loons, otters and even moose! Several nearby canoe & kayak outfitters are available for rentals, pick-ups, drop-offs and guiding services.

CUPSUPTIC RIVER:
For a short trip with easy-in and easy-out access (trip length about 1 to 1 1/2 hours), take Route 4 from Rangeley towards Oquossoc to the Information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 towards Wilsons Mills, continue across the Kennebago River, pass the Cupsuptic Campground, and go approximately 1 mile past the Maine Forest Service Station to the Public Boat Access on the Cupsuptic River. Do not cross the bridge; landing is on the east side.

MAGALLOWAY RIVER:
This 5.5-mile trip requires a shuttle (takes approx. 3 hours). Take Rt. 4 from Rangeley towards Oquossoc to the Information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 to Wilson’s Mills. At Wilson’s Mills as you approach the bridge, turn right on Bennett Road; immediately on the left is the launching point. There is fast water at the beginning of the trip, but it is flat. Shuttle: Take a car to the bridge at the Maine-New Hampshire border – there is only one bridge which crosses the river. Take out at bridge; it is quite steep.

DEAD RIVER (NORTH BRANCH):
This class-I paddle requires a shuttle and a portage. Follow Rt. 27 north, past Cathedral Pines Campground, to the King & Bartlett Road on the right. (approx. 1.5 miles past Eustis). At the sign, turn right and cross the bridge. Launch just past the bridge. Leave your car at the Cathedral Pines Campground. A portage circumvents a dam marked by a cable with barrels strung across the river. Pull out on the right where the cable is anchored. There is a path to the left. Continue to Cathedral Pines. This 3.4-mile trip takes about 2 hours.

KENNEBAGO RIVER:
This trip offers a great opportunity to see moose and other wildlife. The trip (approximately 3 miles) also requires a shuttle. Take Route 4 from Rangeley towards Oquossoc to the Information Pavilion. Turn right on Route 16 and proceed 1.3 miles to the Kennebago River Road on the right. Proceed 2 miles on this gravel road to the so-called Steep Bank Pool on the left. You will see a path for launching at this point; park on the right side of road. You may have to carry over at this area under certain water conditions, depending on your paddling skills. After this it is flat water to the Route 16 bridge. Take out on the east bank
immediately after the bridge.

RANGELEY LAKES CHAIN CANOE TRIPS:
This trip offers flat paddling and takes approximately 3 to 5 days. Starting at the Town Park in the center of the Village of Rangeley, there is an eight mile paddle across Rangeley Lake to Oquossoc, with a portage of 1.5 miles to Haines Landing on Mooselookmeguntic Lake. A commercial camping area is located on the northern shore of Cupsuptic Lake.

SACO RIVER CANOEING & KAYAKING TRIPS:
With several points in which to put in or take out … you can choose canoe or kayak trips that range from 1 hour (3 mile stretch) to 3-4 days (43 mile stretch) and several options in between. Put in at the Swan’s Falls in Fryeburg and you can paddle all the way to Hiram. The Saco River offers wide-open non-obstructed river paddling with many beaches for swimming and picnicking.

CAMPING

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:32:18 +0000

With the stars overhead, a breeze stirring the trees, you toss another log on the campfire. You stretch out on your campsite lounge chair, relax and recount the fun you had today on the first day of your camping vacation in Maine.

This is an often repeated scene at many of the more than 275 campgrounds throughout the state. You’ll find some campgrounds offer a “back-to-nature” approach with little more than a clearing under a patch of trees deep in the forest where you pitch your tent. Others are moderate in size with swimming pools, outdoor sports, game rooms, convenience stores and bathing facilities. Some are more lavish with refined amenities, entertainment and services.

You’ll find some campgrounds offer a “back-to-nature” approach with little more than a clearing under a patch of trees deep in the forest where you pitch your tent. Others are moderate in size with swimming pools, outdoor sports, game rooms, convenience stores and bathing facilities. Some are more lavish with refined amenities, entertainment and services.

The camp’s location will also add to the fun of your vacation. Do you want the quiet solitude away from the maddening crowd or do you want to experience the excitement of visiting tourist areas, shops and historical places? Will you be making stopovers at local attractions or will your campsite be the base for more adventurous travels throughout the state?

You have so many choices. To help you select the campground that best suits your vacation plans contact the Maine Campground Owners Association at (207) 852-4700 or check their website.

Many of Maine’s state parks also provide campground facilities. You can get details about these locations and make reservations by contacting the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the Augusta office at (207) 287-3821 or their website.

SNOWMOBILING

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:03:19 +0000

When the first snow appears in Maine eager snowmobilers will be riding through the scenic landscape on one of the more than 13,000 miles of groomed and well-marked snowmobile trails. Many of these trails are part of the Interconnected Trail System (ITS) and maps are available showing trail locations. The trails have been created and maintained by snowmobile clubs, local communities and supporting businesses, along with landowners who allow snowmobilers access to their property.

Across the state hundreds of lodges, restaurants and supporting facilities have emerged to welcome vacationers for a day, weekend or longer of snowmobiling fun.

Listed below are resources, organizations and state departments to help you make the most of your snowmobiling experience in Maine. They provide information about snow conditions, trails locations, free maps, outfitters, facilities and state regulations.

Maine Snowmobile Association
PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332
Tel. (207) 622-6983 Fax. (207) 622-7669
www.mesnow.com
With 14,000 families in 292 clubs, plus 2,200 businesses.

Maine Department of Conservation Snowmobile Division
East Side Campus?18 Elkins Lane, Augusta ?Tel: (207) 287-2211, (800) 462-1019) Fax: (207) 287-2400
www.maine.gov

International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
1640 Haslett Road, Suite 170 ?Haslett, Michigan USA 48840 ?Phone: (517) 339-7788 Fax: (517) 339-7798
www.snowmobile.org
Has a Snowmobiling Fact book

Me. Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street?41 State House Station?Augusta, ME 04333-0041?Phone: (207) 287-8000?Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395
www.maine.gov
Maine’s Snowmobile Laws and Rules.
Division of Licensing and Registration,
State House Station #11
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta Maine 04333
Telephone: (800) 791-4080, (207)287-9300
Register Maine snowmobiles through the Department or at
200 agents (town offices, dealerships, variety stores, etc.) across the state.

DOWNHILL & CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:54:39 +0000

The enthusiasm of skiers for the downhill slopes and cross country hills of Maine continues to grow. Here is a list of ski resorts for your easy reference. The list includes locations in the Western Maine region as well as other ski areas in Maine. You can also contact www.skimaine.com for more details on each location.
Downhill Skiing Locations:

Baker Mountain
Bingham, ME, 04920
(207) 612-9300
Vertical Drop: 460′

Big Rock
Mars Hill, ME, 04758
(207) 425-6711
www.bigrockmaine.com
Vertical Drop: 980′

Black Mountain of Maine
Rumford, ME, 04276
(207) 364-8977
www.skiblackmtnofme.org
Vertical Drop: 1150′

Camden Snow Bowl
Camden, ME, 04843
(207) 236-4418
www.camdensnowbowl.com
Vertical Drop: 950′

Eaton Mountain
Skowhegan, ME, 04976
(207) 474-2666
www.eatonmountain.com
Vertical Drop: 622′

Hermon Mountain
Prospect, ME, 04981
(207) 848-5192
www.skihermonmountain.com
Vertical Drop: 350′

Lonesome Pine Trails
Fort Kent, ME, 04743
(207) 834-5202
www.skimaine.com
Vertical Drop: 500′

Lost Valley
Auburn, ME, 04210
(207) 784-1561
www.lostvalleyski.com
Vertical Drop: 240′

Mt. Abram
Greenwood, ME, 04289
(207) 875-5000
www.mtabram.com
Vertical Drop: 1150′

Mt. Jefferson
Lee, ME, 04455
(207) 738-2377
www.skimaine.com/mtjefferson
Vertical Drop: 432′

Quoggy Jo
Presque Isle, ME, 04769
(207) 764-3248
www.mainewsc.org
Vertical Drop: 215′

Saddleback
Rangeley, ME, 04970
(207) 864-5671
www.saddlebackmaine.com
Vertical Drop: 2000′

Shawnee Peak
Bridgton, ME, 04009
(207) 647-8444
www.shawneepeak.com
Vertical Drop: 1300′

Spruce Mountain
Jay, ME, 04239
(207) 897-4090
www.skimaine.com
Vertical Drop: 300′

Sugarloaf
Carrabassett Valley, ME, 04947
(800) THE LOAF
www.sugarloaf.com
Vertical Drop: 2820′

Sunday River
Bethel, ME, 04217
(207) 824-3000
www.sundayriver.com
Vertical Drop: 2340′

Titcomb Mountain
W. Farmington, ME, 04992
(207) 778-9031
www.titcombmountain.com
Vertical Drop: 340′

Cross Country Skiing Locations:

10th Mountain Center
Fort Kent, ME, 04743
(207) 834-6203
www.10thmtskiclub.org

Bethel Inn Ski Touring Center
Bethel, ME, 04217
(207) 824-6276
www.bethelinn

Big Rock
Mars Hill, ME, 04758

Birches Ski Touring Center
Rockwood, ME, 04478
(800) 825-9453
www.birches.com

Black Mountain of Maine
Rumford, ME, 04276
(207) 364-8977
www.skiblackmtnofme.org

Carter’s Farm XC Ski Centers
Oxford, ME, 04270
(207) 539-4848
www.cartersxcski.com

Coast Country Ski & Bike
Alfred, ME, 04002
(207) 324-8747

Five Fields Farm
Bridgton, ME, 04009
(207) 647-2425

Harris Farm XC Ski Center
Dayton, ME, 04005
(207) 499-2678
www.harrisfarm.com

Lost Valley Touring Centers
Auburn, ME, 04212
(207) 784-1561
www.lostvalleyski.com

Mt. Abram
Greenwood, ME, 04255
(207) 875-5000
www.skimtabram.com

Nordic Heritage Center
Presque Isle, ME, 04769
(207) 762-6972
www.nordicheritagecenter.com

Pineland Farms
New Gloucester, ME, 04260
(207) 688-4800
www.pinelandfarms.org

Rangeley Lakes Trails Center
Rangeley, ME, 04970
(207) 864-4309
www.xcskirangeley.com/

Smiling Hill Farm
Westbrook, ME, 04092
(207) 775-4818

Spruce Mountain
Jay, ME, 04239
(207) 897-4090
www.skimaine.com/sprucemountain.com

Sugarloaf/USA Outdoor Center
Carrabassett Valley, ME, 04947
(207) 237-6830
www.sugarloaf.com

Sunday River Inn XC Ski
Newry, ME, 04261
(207) 824-2410
www.sundayriverinn.com

Titcomb Mountain XC Trails
W. Farmington, ME, 04992
(207) 778-9031