Maine Regions

The TravelMaine guide offers a detailed description of each distinct and scenic region of Maine. The Southern Maine Coast towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach and York offer spectacular sandy beaches. Drive up the Maine coast from Portland and Freeport through the picturesque Midcoast Maine towns of Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Camden and Belfast to the breathtaking Acadia region and Bar Harbor, Maine’s quintessential harbor town. Outdoor lovers head to the vast and beautiful Aroostook County in the North for prime camping, hiking and fishing. Visit the Rangeley Lakes region in Western Maine for great skiing, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Bangor is the gateway to the Maine Highlands region, which boasts stunning vistas of Mt Katahdin and Baxter State Park. Moosehead Lake is host to unlimited outdoor activities. Visit the wooded paradise of ? and be the first to see the sun rise in the United States. Now matter what your Maine destination, the TravelMaine Guide is your one-stop source for Maine Regional information.

Whale Watching

 If you really want to have a “whale” of a good time when you visit Maine, be sure to hop aboard one of the dozens of coastal cruising vessels dedicated to tracking down these majestic creatures. Whale watching season runs from as early as mid-April to October as they spend time feeding as close as 20 miles off the Maine coast on their way to warmer climes.

The rich and productive waters of the Gulf of Maine provide an important feeding ground to whales. During the summer there are whale watching trips that head out from Kittery to Eastport and Bar Harbor, and all points in between, in search of the largest animals on earth. Common whale species that can be sighted from these trips include: Humpback, Finback, Minke, Right, Pilot and also white-sided dolphins and harbor porpoise. Most whales arrive back in Maine waters in April and May and then stay through October and November. They are here to feed on small fish, squid or animal plankton like krill and copepods. It is important for them to eat a lot, sometimes 2,000 to 4,000 pounds per day, to build up a thick layer of blubber to sustain them during the winter, when many of them migrate south and go with less or in some cases no food.

“You can look for whales, eagles, seals, porpoises, herring weirs and salmon pens,” says skipper Butch Harris of Eastport Windjammers. Harris and his family have been guiding family-friendly whale watching trips for more than 40 years. A commercial fisherman during the off-season, he also takes guests on sunset cruises, fishing expeditions and bird-watching adventures. “Bring a picnic lunch and extra clothing,” Harris advises, “because it may become cool on the open deck.” Binoculars and cameras also are a must. “The pictures you’ll take will be worth more than a thousand words.”

Humpback whales are certainly a highlight as they have many exciting behaviors including breaching, spy-hopping, lobe-tailing, and flipper flapping. On one of our trips we had a Humpback Whale named Flicker breach 56 times in a row! Many of the whales seen each year are recognize by distinctive color patterns on the underside of each tail and scaring and shape unique to each Fluke (whale’s tail). The ability to tell humpback whales apart was discovered right here in Maine by the whale research group Allied Whale at College of the Atlantic. They maintain a research station at Mount desert rock, a 3.5 acre lighthouse island twenty five miles offshore, and the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue. This Catalogue presently holds over 6,000 different humpback tails and 10’s of thousands of pictures.

Harris, who can take up to 88 people per trip out to sea aboard his 118-foot schooner the Ada C. Lore, says even without a whale siting his cruises are popular. “You can still see plenty of wildlife,” he notes. “There’s always something to see.” Not spotting at least one whale—and sometimes up to five—is rare, though. “We have a success rate of 95-98 percent,” says Harris, who enjoys the cruises as much as his passengers.

“I like the reactions in people who’ve never seen a whale before,” he says. “I’ve seen everything from people crying to jumping up and down on the deck.”

So don’t forget to include whale watching on your list of “things to do” while visiting Maine. This is one of the best places in the world to see a great variety of whales and to see them feeding at the surface and chasing fish out of the water.

(Article written in part by Zack Klyver, Naturalist, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.)

Bucksport

Located at the mouth of the Penobscot River, Bucksport is the perfect intersection of history, nature, industry, and culture. A walk along the town’s million-dollar walkway gives visitors a glorious view of the tidal harbor and of Fort Knox, a fully casemated granite fort (circa 1844). Also visible from the walkway is the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory.

At the east end of the walkway, pedestrians can gaze across the river at the spot on Verona Island where Admiral Robert Peary’s ship Roosevelt was built in 1905.

A small coastal town founded in 1792, Bucksport is believed to be the basis for the fictional town Collinsport in the 1960s TV show Dark Shadows (and the 2012 movie by the same name starring Johnny Depp).

Bucksport’s Main Street boasts its own independent bookseller, Bookstacks, and features its own independent movie theater, The Alamo, supported by Northeast Historic Film, which is headquartered at the same location.

A summer jaunt into Bucksport means visitors can enjoy a favorite local treat, an ice cream from Wahl’s Dairy Port, known to locals as “the ice cream parlor.” For those wanting to wet their whistle or grab a bite to eat, several year-round restaurants cater to those seeking everything from fresh seafood to vegetable chow mein.

An annual Bay Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to town each summer for food, fun, and fireworks, with other seasonal celebrations including a Halloween-themed Ghostport festival and winter-themed Frost Fest.

Dozens of miles of hiking trails are available free to the public year-round for hiking, jogging, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and dogs on leashes are welcome. Within half an hour of downtown Bucksport, there are also 11 lakes and ponds, many of which are open to the public for swimming, fishing, kayaking and boating, as well as sites for camping, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and mountain biking.

In nearby Winterport, come spend enjoyable days at the race track taking in many different events including shows. See an array of cars, trucks and more! Race Nostalgia Day is Aug 4 (rain date: Aug 11).

And for those looking for a break on the long car ride to Bar Harbor or points east along the coast, Bucksport offers two excellent playgrounds within minutes of Main Street.

For those wishing to extend their stay, local accommodations include an off-grid lakeside B&B, two motor inns and a Hotel with water views. The Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, located on Main Street, welcomes visitors year-round and includes an information booth that is open 24 hours a day.

Sanford – Springvale

Looking for a Maine vacation destination off the beaten path and close to the ocean? Consider a visit to the Sanford- Springvale area. Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, this community is not on popular Route 1 nor is it bisected by the well-traveled Maine Turnpike (U.S. Route 95). To reach it, meander about 11 miles off the Turnpike northwest on Route 109 or west on Route 111. Better yet, fly into Sanford Regional Airport.

“Our airport is a big deal,” boasts Sanford-Springvale resident Rick Stanley, president of the area’s Chamber of Commerce. The public facility has one 5,000-foot runway and another 6,000-foot runway and is fully equipped. (Fun fact: both George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush frequently fly into Sanford Regional, en route to their summer home in Kennebunkport.)

“Sanford is a nice place,” Stanley adds. “It’s really the gateway to the lakes region.” Great East Lake and Square Pond are nearby, and the Mousam River runs through both the City of Sanford and the Village of Springvale. (Another fun fact: Sanford was a town until 2012, when voters approved changing its designation to city.)

“We’re also home to the Sanford Mainers,” Stanley says. The team is a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. “Plus, we have the best walking trail in York County, the Mousam Way Trail.”

As for what to do when you visit Sanford-Springvale, the community organizes three wildly popular annual events, Summah Daze in August, Harvest Daze in September and Holly Daze in December. According to Maura Herlihy, the president of the Downtown Legacy Group’s board of directors— the DLG is an organization working on revitalizing the area—”Summah Daze opens with a big car show Friday night.” This is followed by “an enhanced farmers’ market” and a food event called A Taste of Sanford. This last event is always a sellout, according to DLG Executive Director Fran Libby. “About 10 or 12 restaurants participate,” she says. “Each one offers a sample of whatever they want to offer.” For a $5 book of tickets, buyers get to check out five eateries.

The newest draw for visitors to Sanford- Springvale is a Fathers’ Day Family Fish Off, held in June. “The kids are so funny,” says Libby. “They catch a tiny sunfish and get all excited.” The action takes place at what’s called the #1 Pond, in the center of the city.

“What really grabs people, though,” Herlihy claims, “is the fall event that draws up to 5,000 people. That’s when the Red Star Pilots Association is here. They fly over in planes with open cockpits and drop pumpkins trying to hit a target in #1 Pond.” The Pumpkin Drop is so popular that one time when it started three hours late, she adds, “Everybody waited for it. Nobody left.”

Lincolnville

Lincolnville 300x158 Lincolnville

Lincolnville spans two settlements, each with its own personality and attractions. At broad Lincolnville Beach, sections of sand and pebbles (depending on the tide) draw visitors for play and relaxation. The shallow water is ideal for wading on a warm day. Also here, you ca visit a cluster of shops and restaurants or hop the ferry to quiet Islesboro. Look for two cannons placed (but never used) to repel the British in the War of 1812. Drive inland to Lincolnville Center’s rolling farmland, scenic ponds, and one of the area’s three wineries.

Whatever your idea of the perfect escape is, you can find it in Lincolnville.

From the drama of the rocky Maine coast to the tranquility of lush green mountains, Lincolnville’s natural beauty offers something for everyone in every season. Explore our beach and watch the ferry make its way to the island of Islesboro. Kayak in a freshwater lake or cross0country ski through wooded trails. Stay at one of our area’s fine lodging establishments. Browse our craft shops and fine art galleries. Enjoy fresh lobster and fine cuisine at Lincolnville’s renowned restaurants. Watch lobster boats haul in the catch of the day, or hike up a mountain for the breathtaking sight of a Penobscot Bay sunset.

Southern Maine!

Southern Maine has been welcoming vacationers during all four seasons for more than a century. The region offers everything from shopping to sunbathing to soaking up the scenery. It’s also where you’ll find Portland, the urban centerpiece of the state as well as  the starting point for those arriving by air into Portland’s International Jetport.

Travelers preferring to use Boston as a jumping off point can rive from Beantown to the Pine Tree State in 90 minutes, or hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing train ride. By car, Route 1 is the major artery running through the region and the link to some of the most exquisite beaches along the Atlantic – at Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Old Orchard.

Southern Maine fun for serious shoppers begins at the border, where Kittery’s retail outlets number more than 120. At the other end of the region is Freeport, home to world-famous L.L. Bean.

Throughout Southern Maine you can find forts, lighthouses, colorful villages, summer theaters, antique stores, historic homes, and museums. Accommodations range from antique-filled bed and breakfasts to campgrounds. If you like the outdoors, you can go fresh or salt water fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, white-water rafting, swimming, or sunbathing, golfing, hiking, or biking. In winter, you can ski, snowboard, drive a dog sled, skate and ice fish.

Finally, if you enjoy eating, Southern Maine has more to offer than just boiled lobster and fried clams. The region features a number of award-winning restaurants and chefs, year-round farmers’ markets, and plenty of “pick your own” blueberry, raspberry and apple farms.

SKOWHEGAN AREA

In the unique town of Skowhegan you’ll find the treasured New Balance Factory Outlet … where you can always find a GREAT DEAL!

Skowhegan was settled in 1773, it’s brimming with American History yet is host to modern businesses such as SAPPI Fine Paper, New Balance Shoe, Howard P. Fairfield, and Redington-Fairview General Hospital.

Skowhegan is also nationally known as the home of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman U.S. Senator. The Margaret Chase Smith Library houses the Senator’s memorabilia and serves as a museum and educational center on her life and career.

Downtown Skowhegan, a Mainstreet Maine Community, is watched over by the world’s largest sculptured Indian… a 62 ft. giant crafted by the renowned sculptor Bernard Langlais of Cushing.

(Source: Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce): www.skowheganchamber.com

JACKMAN

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THE FORKS

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WATERVILLE

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AUGUSTA

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