4 months ago
Old Orchard Beach
Every state on the ocean should be required by law to have a honky tonk beach town. Maine has just one, Old Orchard Beach, but it delivers exactly what you want: the aroma of fried dough, the glow of sun-burned tourists, the screech of bumper cars. If the weather's good, take a long walk on the miles of beach at low tide, treat yourself to Pier Fries (a Maine classic) and a cold beverage, then go into the arcade and play Skee ball. It's what summer's all about.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England, so it's not exactly undiscovered. But every time I go there, I find myself asking the same question: Why don't I come here more often? Be sure to get out of the car and go for a hike. Climbing the iron rungs on the ledges of the Beehive Trail is a blast, and the views at the top of the mountain will reward your exertions.
Foodie Heaven -- Middle Street, Portland
Portland is a great restaurant town, and there's no better place to find all kinds of temptation than along a 100-yard stretch of Middle Street between Franklin Arterial and India Street. On one side you'll find pulled pork sandwiches at Norm's, shakes and fries at Duckfat, and intimate Italian at Ribollita. On the other side there's vegetarian at Pepper Club, elegant truffles at Dean's Sweets, and cuisine that's been hailed as the best in New England by the James Beard awards at Hugo's. Still hungry? Try Two Fat Cats bakery and Micucci's specialty food store on India Street, right at the end of the block, then stroll back down Middle to Rabelais to browse through hundreds of books on food and drink. It's one short block--and it's foodie heaven.
Casco Bay Ferries
On my first day as a resident of Maine, I took a ride on a ferry and was instantly smitten by the islands of Casco Bay. I still am. Buy a round-trip ticket to Chebeague Island on Casco Bay Lines and soak up the beauty of the Maine coast. The sunrise and sunset cruises can't be beat.
