Moving to Maine After Vacationing in the State
Roughly 36.7 million tourists visited Maine in 2017, which is a 2.5% increase since 2016, according to statistics from the Maine Office of Tourism. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Maine is home to some of the most beautiful foliage and breathtaking byways. However, what happens when you visit and you feel like you’re not quite ready to leave yet? Here are a few things to keep in mind when relocating to Maine as a permanent resident to ensure the transition is smooth.
Be Prepared for Stunning Colors & Great Restaurants
Portland, Maine is one of the most restaurant-dense communities in the United States, and the long list of great eateries extends out into the rest of the state as well, making it a great place to expand your culinary horizons and enjoy the natural-grown ingredients Maine has to offer like dishes centered around a lot of seafood, maple syrup, blueberries and apples. When you’ve loaded up on great local food, you’ll be in great shape to head to the great outdoors and enjoy your first fall as a Maine resident. Long walks through the beautifully decorated forests that seem to rain orange, red and yellow will be something you’ll never forget and want to remember forever.
Maine Actually Wants You to Move Here
The state has actually implemented a program called Live and Work in Maine that encourages out-of-state employees to relocate to Maine in order to attract top talent. There’s even a “Visit for a Week, Stay for a Lifetime” campaign that you might have already seen that’s convinced to you to come for a vacation then permanently relocate. As well, in 2016, the University of Maine offered out-of-state students from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania the chance to pay the in-state tuition prices as part of the Flagship Match Program, which is a great option if you’re looking to relocate and you’ve got a child headed to college soon.
Tips Before Relocating to Maine
So you’ve decided to make the big move. Welcome to Maine! Now, before you permanently relocate to The Pine Tree state, you’ll want to get your affairs in order. Consider speaking to a financial adviser to gain insight into the economic tips you’ll need in order to navigate a cross-country move, such as refinancing or selling your home, finding the perfect city to settle down in and handling the moving fees and logistics.
Regardless of your reasons for relocating to Maine, it’s clear that the state is ready and welcoming you with open arms. From great job opportunities to education opportunities in one of the country’s most beautiful states, it’s hard to find a reason not to want to move here. When relocating, be sure to take advantage of the programs the state offers, to get your financial affairs in order and to enjoy every second of becoming a Maine resident.
The state of Maine is famous for its hunting culture that has become an attraction to visitors looking for an adrenaline rush chasing down game in the woods. Maine is blessed with beautiful nature that ranges from lush forests, scenic highlands and unlimited rivers which traverse the countryside giving life to the area. When it comes to the availability of wild game Maine doesn’t disappoint, with birds, small animals as well as the big game which is a favorite to tourists who flock to the state during the hunting season.
Wild Game in Maine
Animals that make up the majority of the game in Maine include the wild turkey, duck, Grouse, Moose, Deer, Bears and other small game like rabbits, squirrels, quails, and pheasants. All of these animals have been living in Maine for ages and are protected by the government of Maine with the aim of maintaining their numbers in the wild. Depending on the size of the animal there are some hunting tools and weapons that are not allowed into the parks.
Hunting Season
Hunting is regulated and scheduled to be conducted during specific dates across the year. It is illegal to walk into a forest and start hunting without a license or permission. Each animal has its specific day for hunting. Deer hunting takes place from the 28th October to the 9th of December. Bear hunting commences in August and lasts till November. Moose hunting begins on the 25th of September and lasts till the 25th of November. Wild Turkey season starts on the 2nd of October till the 28th of May. All these come with limits which ensure the animals are not wiped out.
Hunting Rules and Regulations
Hunting of deer with no antlers or with antlers that are less than 3 inches is prohibited as they are considered to be young to qualify as game. It is illegal to hunt using dogs, cruel snares, and traps, artificial light or high caliber firearms. Potential hunters must possess a hunting license which only allows them a specific number of times they are allowed to participate in hunting in a year. All hunting licenses expire on the 31st of December of the same year from the date of issue; if an individual wishes to do more hunting, there are special permits which can be acquired through a special request.
Personal Conduct
With or without rules hunters are expected to respect nature. Animals feel pain. Therefore, special consideration has to be observed when hunting them, hunters are expected not to injure animals unnecessarily. Besides, they are allowed to litter their habitat with foreign material.
America’s diversity and innovative spirit has led to it becoming a world leader when it comes to cuisine, with Maine’s lobster industry alone worth $334 million a year. From its very beginning, the USA has been importing recipes from around the world and putting its own unique spin on it. Agriculture remains an important part of the community, so if you’re visiting Maine or any other state, then you have to check out some US-exclusive foods. Dining in Maine restaurants will definitely satisfy your food cravings, but don’t be afraid to explore elsewhere for even more unique American dishes.
Whoopie Pie
Where else could you start than with Maine’s official state treat? Whoopie Pies are an iconic staple of Maine and no trip to the state is complete without a taste. Somewhere between a cookie, a pie and a cake, this chocolate heavy, cream filled snack offers a unique flavor. It represents the optimism and ingenuity of the American character.
Ryan Hibbert, Riot Hospitality’s CEO, highlights the benefits of keeping things local. His restaurant ‘Farm and Craft’ serves healthy food on a diverse menu, while paying homage to his Arizona and Mexican food-based roots. Consuming the Whoopie Pie is a way of experiencing the culture of Maine, in the same way a Farm and Breaky Burrito contains the spirit of Arizona.
Lobster Roll
You can’t visit the USA and not try some of the greatest lobster that the world has to offer. While Maine is well known for its fishing heritage and fresh-from-the-ocean lobster, the whole nation will provide this delicious crustacean. The most common way to prepare it is in a bread roll.
From fancy restaurants to New York City vans, the lobster roll makes for a great stomach-filling snack. Native to New England, it will usually be served in a hotdog bun with butter, lemon and mayonnaise. Generally served cold, with plenty of herbs, this is filled to the brim with flavor, all in a quick roadside snack.
Wild Salmon
There is plenty of Atlantic ocean salmon making its way to shores of America, but 99.8% of this is farmed. For true freshness and flavor, consider visiting a state such as Alaska. Here, fishermen risk injury to catch wild salmon. Once in the restaurant, a glaze of maple syrup is the American way of adding something special for its visitors.
The cold northern seas are where the best wild salmon can be found. Be sure to visit a restaurant which advertises wild salmon for a real, authentic taste, without preservatives. In true American style, salmon is best consumed on a New York bagel.
With the three dishes above, you have tasted some of the best America has to offer. Of course, there are hundreds of other foods you could try. Come to Maine for your first Whoopie Pie, but stay for the lobster rolls and wild salmon. American restaurants are always experimenting with flavor, to give you the best eating experience possible.
The 2018 Kingfield POPS will feature the Bangor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Richman with collaborating guests – Adam Ezra Group and Gypsy Tailwind Reunion featuring Anna Lombard…And solo performances by Shawn Tooley, Golden Oak, Gypsy Tailwind Reunion, thenAdam Ezra Group and the Western Mountain Trash Can Band.
Program Highlights
The Kingfield POPS will be everything our audience has come to expect over the last 16 years, with a few refreshing changes that showcase our commitment to providing music programming for all ages. Once again the BSO performance will end our program and conclude with a Fireworks Finale!!!
Event Information
Off street parking is required. Follow signs for POPS PARKING. Bringing a wagon or wheeled cooler will assist with getting your items to the field. HANDICAP parking is on Kennedy Farm. Don’t forget to bring a blanket/tarp or low-back chair, flashlight, an extra layer or two and rain gear. No pets, no open flames or any fireworks are allowed. Picnics are welcome. Food vendors will also be onsite. Pop up tents are only allowed in designated areas so that the view of the stage is not obstructed for others.
Tickets prices are $20 through May 15, 2018, then $25 until gates open on June 30th, 2018. Prices at the gate are $30. Youth 17 and under are free!!! GATES OPEN AT 4:30pm.
What else to do?
Friday Night Art Walk—June 29 from 5-8 p.m.
Kingfield POPS Road Race—June 30 at 7 a.m.
Visit www.kingfieldpops.com for area activities, lodging and dining.
What about the weather?
The weekend activities will go on, rain or shine. For the latest updates on the day of the event, visit our website.
Questions? Information…
www.kingfieldpops.com, Kingfield POPS on Facebook, info@kingfieldpops.com or call (207) 265-7677
At just under 2200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking trail in the US and it starts in the spectacular Mount Katahdin in Maine. You can either hike the whole thing in several months, take a casual stroll in a day, or anything in between. Regardless of what you choose, you need to be prepared. This will take even the experienced hiker out of their comfort zone as you leave civilization behind and venture deep into the wilderness. Before you head into the Appalachian Trail, here’s the preparation you need to do.
Plan your route and have a backup
Research is everything. Wandering blindly into the mountainous countryside could be dangerous, so first explore the different routes so that you can select the right one for you. Decide on the length and difficulty, avoiding any paths that are dangerously steep. The Trail is constantly changing, both in length and terrain. You should plan a couple of routes in case the one you want to take is covered by a flood or mudslide. This will give you a safe option if you end up in an unsafe situation.
Selecting your equipment
Hiking is hard work, but there is equipment out there that will help you travel further and prevent injuries. You will need to take plenty of food and water and likely a tent or cooking equipment, so ensure you can carry everything by selecting a pack which is comfortable to wear, but also rugged. It should be able to cope with wet weather and heavy loads. Finding a high-quality pair of hiking boots and poles will also help you to trek comfortably and safely.
What to wear
When at altitude, layering is key. You will become colder as you climb higher, while becoming warmer as you exercise harder. This means your body temperature will vary and fluctuate often. You should start with a solid base layer that can regulate temperature and wick away moisture. Find a lightweight rain jacket or fleece, which can be easily packed away when not being worn. Synthetic materials engineered for performance will keep you comfortable and safe from the elements.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is one of the most thrilling and spectacular things you can do in Maine. Ensure you have the trip of a lifetime by being properly prepared. Select your route carefully, then pack the essential equipment and clothing to keep you safe and comfortable to get the most out of your trip.
With 3,478 miles of shoreline and 542,629 acres of national parks, Maine is a natural beauty that is simply begging to be explored. The beautiful marine scenery, magnificent wildlife, and the delicious seafood that you can find around Maine are simply some of the best in the world. However, if you want to get everything done in the magnificent state, the best way to do so is through a road trip. So, check out this list so that you get check off everything on your list.
What to take
The most important part of your trip is the car. If you don’t want to put the miles on your family car, then you can rent through a rental car company. Choose a vehicle suited for your trip, prepay for the car to get a better rate, and be sure to rent your car somewhere that is a good distance from the Portland or Bangor airport, as the rental company around the airports can get pricey. You may also want to rent a hybrid car since you’ll be doing a lot of driving and a hybrid car can save about $5 per gallon of fuel. Pack your car lightly to also save some gas and to provide room for anything you buy on the trip. However, don’t forget a jacket as it can get chilly in Maine and some waterproof clothes for your beachy journey.
Where to go
The most iconic road trip through Maine takes you along the coastline. If you start in Southern Maine and take US Route 1 up towards Bar Harbor, then you’ll see everything on your bucket list. This route provides 65 different lighthouses, the best harvest of lobsters, and amazing scenic views. Southern Maine will give you the sandy beaches that will help relax the beginning of the trip. Then, Mid-Coast Maine will help you take the perfect postcard picture of boating towns and at the end, you’ll enjoy iconic Bar Harbor and the magnificent sunset at Acadia National Park.
What to do
If you start in Portland, the shopping lover in you will enjoy the harbor and Old Port district. Here you have historic brick building restaurants, bars, and shops before you check out the Portland Head Lighthouse. From then on, your trip will be filled with natural wonders, so you’ll be able to do anything outdoors. This includes fishing, hiking, kayaking, and surfing. You may also want to check out some of Maine’s infamous festivals before you leave to ensure you stop at the right places. At the end of your trip, be sure to check out the sunset in Acadia. Some of the best places to see it are Cadillac Mountain, Seal Harbor, Thunder Hole, and the Bubbles. Any of these spots will give you a magical view of the sunset and create photos and memories to last a lifetime.
Where to eat
You can’t visit Maine without indulging in some seafood. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy some of the freshest lobster, oysters, and clams in the world. On your journey up Route 1, be sure to stop by Bite Into Maine Commissary, Eventide Oyster Co., and C-Ray Lobster. You’ll get a great taste of the state and won’t be disappointed. A road trip through Maine is one of the best adventures you’ll ever take in your life. From the food to the natural wonders, it is simply breathtaking.
In a world that’s largely dominated by technological innovation and man-made architecture, it’s always a calming escape to visit some of the best national and state parks around the world to enjoy the countless breath-taking sites that they could have to offer. Depending on the national and state park that you decide to visit, you could find yourself bearing witness to stunning wildlife in their natural habitats; you could even opt for a short holiday and camp out. These are our top picks for the best national and state parks around the world.
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Acadia National Park boasts 3.3 million visitors every year, and rightly so. With seven peaks that soar above 1,000 feet, 16 stone bridges to cross and admire, and 158 miles of hiking trails to keep your legs moving, there’s no shortage of things to do or sights to see. What’s more, this park is home to the natural beauty that is the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline. With a whole host of different habitats to explore and enjoy, and plenty of clean, fresh air and water to bask in, you can experience the amazing cultural heritage that Acadia National Park has to offer in comfort.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Amongst the charming Welsh villages boasting authentic cobbled streets and elegant teak garden furniture, you can find Snowdonia National Park. Here, the ruggedness of the park makes up its charm, with craggy mountains and moss-covered rocks surrounding serene flowing lakes. Plus, if you want to properly immerse yourself in the National Park, you can enjoy some of the world’s best mountain biking, allowing you to get up close and personal with the Welsh nature. Plus, once you’ve properly explored this National Park, you can then venture to the nearby Welsh villages, where you could even join in with festivals.
Grand Teton National Park, USA
Yellowstone is often very dominating of Grand Teton National Park, and while Yellowstone is definitely worth the visit, Grand Teton definitely shouldn’t be missed either. Here, you can marvel at the snow-topped peaks, as well as unwind watching the mountains ripple in the lake’s surface. However, while this national park makes an excellent place for mountaineers and photographers during the winter months, summer usually sees a large influx of hikers, both novice and artisan, all climbing the mountains in order to gain the very best views of Grand Teton. Plus, in Snake River, it isn’t uncommon to see kayakers and rafters floating themselves along the water’s surface.
Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway
If you like the snow-topped peaks of Grand Teton, then you’ll adore the blanketed mountains at Jostedalsbreen National Park in Norway. The famous Briskdal Glacier can be found at this stunning National Park, boasting stunning hues of blue that shimmer in the sunlight. Furthermore, you could even have the chance to climb by the glacial lakes and flowing waterfalls here and, if you’re lucky – and a safe distance away – watch a blue glacier cascade down the mountain! Either way, visiting Jostedalsbreen National Park is always an unforgettable experience, and will leave you awe-struck the entire time.
Guilin & Lijang River National Park, China
China is renowned for its stunning cultural architecture; however it also has its fair share of gorgeous National and State Parks as well. The Guilin & Lijang River National Park in particular is like something out of a fairy tale, engulfed by clouds of mists with panoramic landscapes as far as the eye can see. Plus, to properly appreciate the stunning surroundings, you can float along the Li River and enjoy the unforgettable landscapes and culture that surrounds the National Park. If you’re looking for the ultimate destination to relax and enjoy some tranquillity, Guilin & Lijang River National Park is the place to do it.
There are enchanting National and State parks around the entire globe – these are just a few. Regardless of whether you prefer the warmer parks, or you want to get close to the beautiful frozen wonders of the world, there is definitely a park out there for everyone.
Finding new and interesting places to surf around the world is one of the best parts of being a surfing fan. Grabbing hold of your surfboard and wetsuit, and being able to catch amazing waves as well as meeting all new people, in brand new locations is all part of the surfing experience. Here, we are going to look at the best surfing destinations in Maine and how they can lead you to interacting with the best surf possible, while meeting new people.
Higgins Beach
Higgins Beach is home to a huge number of surfers in the Portland area. With fluctuating tides and the shifting sandbars surfing on Higgins Beach is never the same experience twice. However with the conditions offering an extensive amount of variety, it can be challenging at times to surf here, due to the beach break waves. However this is one of the best places for beginner surfers to find their feet due to the low velocity of the waves. While this can lead the beach to become quite busy with local surfers, paddle boarders and kayakers, everyone here is very welcoming and friendly.
Pond Cove
Pond Cove is a destination for intermediate surfers who like a challenge, and with the beach being empty most of the time, there is plenty of good surf that you can enjoy on your own without any overcrowding. However, this location is best to surf at high tide as it can be increasingly difficult to surf at low tide. Plan your surfing based on the tide times and any other activities that you plan to do whilst you are here, in order to make the most of this surfing destination.
Long Sands/ York Beach
With plenty of space to move around, this spot is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. With the maximum surf height of around 3-5 ft, Long Sands and York Beach offer the perfect locations for if you are travelling with beginner surfers or are not as experienced yourself. As well as having amazing surf at high tide, this beach offers plenty of room for beach games such as volleyball and flying kites without distracting one another.
Wells Beach
As well as being an ideal location to look at wildlife, this beach is also one of the best for surfing. With waves crashing on the sandy beach, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds – the idyllic backdrop of the amazing sandy beach as well as waves suitable for all ages, providing you with an all-round thrilling experience. As well as this, there is another less populated island called Drakes Island which is accessible from Wells Beach, offering perfect waves for swimming and body surfing. As an idea location for surfers, and swimmers alike, Wells Beach is a favorite not only with the locals but with tourists also.
The above five places show clearly that Maine is not only good for overall activities but also offers unbelievable surfing opportunities for all levels. This is important to note when choosing the locations that you want to go to dependent on what type of wave you want to ride. This varied difficulty of surf is something that Maine can offer an abundance of and this is what sets it apart from the rest, offering both style and surf for anyone who visits.
We have displays of skis from Paris Manufacturing – the first manufacturers of skis in Maine, antique wooden skis from the late 1800’s, a display of the 10th Mountain Division, trophies, medals and various ephemera from past Maine Olympic Skiers and Snowboarders.
There is a satellite exhibit at the Bethel Historical Society which chronicles “The Mountains of Maine: Skiing in the Pine Tree State” which illustrates a large swath of skiing history in this state.
Both locations are free to the public and open year round.
Visit our website at: www.skimuseumofmaine.org.
AUGUSTA, Maine – While the State of Maine is enjoying an abundance of sunshine and beautiful late summer weather, now is the time to start planning your fall foliage trip. Beginning Wednesday, September 9, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Office of Tourism will provide an update on gradual change in leaf color from north to south culminating in peak conditions in late-October.
“Maine fall foliage is world-renowned and draws visitors from all over the country and around the globe,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The fall foliage season is an example of how Maine welcomes visitors and is ‘Open for Business.’ Anyone can see the best places to go by visiting the fall foliage website and through weekly foliage updates.”
DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that the Department’s forestry employees have been reporting foliage color changing conditions since 1959. “The Department’s fall foliage website got over 500,000 page views last year,” said Whitcomb. “Many people and businesses use Maine’s fall foliage season to showcase products, events and the beauty of the entire state. We encourage families to enjoy this colorful season and use the website and weekly foliage updates to plan trips this month into October.”
Maine’s official fall foliage website: www.mainefoliage.com has a number of resources, links to scenic byways and to the Maine office of tourism. State officials are optimistic that the 2015 fall foliage season will be spectacular.
According to Bill Ostrofsky, Forest Pathologist within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, “The overall timing of peak color change will be near average this year – about the last week in September through the first week in October for the Augusta area; a bit earlier North, and a bit later South. With a return to cooler temperatures (more typical of what we have seen all year, with the exception of the past ten days or so), we should be in for a glorious season.”
To produce the weekly report on fall foliage conditions, DACF forest rangers submit on-the-ground observations each week throughout the reporting season (September 9 through October 21, with a final report on October 28 if needed) at www.mainefoliage.com – Maine’s official fall foliage website. The site includes a map indicating current foliage conditions with a useful foliage color key that is updated weekly. Visitors to the site can also find information on Facebook.
While navigating the website, leaf peepers can register to receive weekly reports and submit their favorite fall foliage photos. The site also provides information about complimentary ranger-led fall foliage tours in Maine State Parks.
Generally, the northern region of Maine is at or near peak the last week of September into the first week of October. Central, Southern and Western mountains are nearing peak conditions October 6 through October 18. Coastal Maine reaches peak conditions October 13 through 25.
Now is the time to plan a late-September getaway to Zone 6 and 7 in northeastern and northwestern Maine which includes Fort Kent, Caribou and Presque Isle to experience the first colors of autumn. There are scenic driving tours recommended on www.mainefoliage.com for the St. John Valley Cultural Byway and the Aroostook County circuit.
