How to Vacation in Maine

Maine is one of the most ruggedly beautiful places in the the U.S. Not only does it have some of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes you can find, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, it also boasts hundreds of miles of rocky lighthouse-filled coastline. If picturesque landscape is what you are seeking in a wildlife wonderland, Maine is the place for you! Enjoy your trip to our nation's "Vacationland".

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Suitcases
• Clothes
• Food
• Supplies
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Maps and brochures

1. Shopping is readily available here. Some of the top attractions in this area include the LL Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine and the Desert of Maine, also in the Freeport area. Kittery is loaded with outlet stores and Sebago Lake is a big vacation mecca in Maine. Everywhere you go, there are fun little shops to explore and beautiful sites like one of the hundreds of lighthouses along the rocky coast of Maine.
2. Explore the land of beautiful lakes. Inland is where the lakes, rivers and mountainous areas are waiting for your exploration. Moose are abundant particularly in the northern quadrants of the state, but can be seen anywhere if you look at the right time. Dusk is best, but early morning is a good time to spot a moose taking a morning drink at a riverbed or lake. Hiking boots are best on the hilly trails or those in excess of two or three miles. Always carry water if you are planning to go hiking.
3. Find the unspoiled terrain and wildlife. Sebago is one of the larger lakes in Maine but there are hundreds of lakes and each one is as beautiful and crystal clear as the next. Moosehead Lake is breathtaking and in the northwest. The northeast part of Maine is arguably the loveliest with pine treed beaches and thousands of acres of unspoiled woodlands. Don't be surprised to see bald eagles dropping down to steal fish right out of the water. Osprey are also abundant in the northern part of the state.
4. Travel across the state. Maine is a big area to cover and it will take a full day just to drive from top to bottom. Some of the state is very rural, where the roads are dirt or gravel and the animals outnumber the people. Be sure you have a full tank of gas before exploring too far north. Many lovely national forests and parks can be found in Maine like Arcadia. The Maine Office of Tourism can send you materials and they have a good website to view the calendar which includes lobster and blueberry festivals among other musical upcoming events.
5. Relaxing, reading, swimming and fishing are the vacationer's dream in Maine. Many of the locals cater to the tourist trade in the summer and offer B and B accommodations, local crafts fairs and car shows. There is nothing more relaxing than a campfire by the lake, telling stories while drinking a good bottle of wine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want more rugged, go farther north.
• It is easy to day trip to New Hampshire for Storyland or Conway shopping.
• Safety is your first priority.
• Don't go off without a map or guide to the area
• unless you are on a well marked trail.
• If you run into a bear and cannot escape, play dead.
• Moose are usually harmless but will charge if provoked so don't do it.
• Copyright © ThereseHaberman2008