Where to Go in Maine: 4 Must-See Places & Activities

Are you looking for the perfect vacation with beautiful views and scenery, great learning, and awesome activities for the whole family? If so, you should try visiting the relaxing countryside and the historic state of Maine.

Maine is known for its rugged and rocky coastline, abundant marine life, and northern highlands, perfect for those looking for a fantastic natural getaway. That’s why many tourists visit Maine every year for a vacation like no other. Hence, the nickname is the Vacation State or Vacationland.

Also, Maine is the largest distributor of lobster in the entire United States. Visiting Vacation State will not be complete without stopping by their restaurants serving their fresh local seafood. It’s also a great travel destination for people who want to witness the diverse culture, traditions, and entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, Maine is the house of the best musicians, artists, reputable actors, and outstanding artisans, making it one of America’s most visited and best places to explore. With that said, here are the must-see places and activities in Maine:

Sail, Bike, And Stargaze In Acadia National Park

The Acadia National Park may not be as famous as the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. However, it’s still one of America’s best places and most visited tourist destinations.

Also, it has great attractions perfect for family vacations, especially the Bar Harbor Inn’s kid-friendly amenities and activities. If you want to discover more about it, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Acadia National Park with kids:

Watersports Activities

Since the location is surrounded by pristine and crystal-clear water, it makes sense that there are many watersport activities in the area. So, if you’re not doing these fun-filled activities, you’re missing a lot of your trip to Acadia.

One of the best activities you can enjoy in Acadia is boat sailing in the afternoon. It’s an accessible activity for both children and the elderly, perfect for the whole family to enjoy the great view of the northern sea.

Biking Activities

Another great way to enjoy Acadia is to explore its gravel roads with road bikes or mountain bikes, perfect for families who want to play along with their kids. However, some parts of the road may be pretty steep for kids, so you might want to check out the roads around the Witch Hole and Hulls Cove. These are known to be much better for children.

Also, if you don’t have bikes, you may consider renting them at the Bay Harbor Bicycle Shop, a famous bike shop in the area with great reviews from many tourists.

Stargazing At Night

Stargazing is an excellent way to let your children discover the vast and great scheme of the universe. The awe on the children’s faces as they gaze upon the starry night sky is truly a sight to behold. Luckily, Acadia has perfect stargazing spots to offer, such as the Ocean Path just a couple of minutes away from Bar Harbor.

When stargazing, make sure to prepare for essential things you might need, such as light sources (headlamps and flashlights), soft cushions, and camping chairs for a more comfortable stargazing experience.

Explore The Cool Vibes Of Portland

Portland is the largest city in Maine, with a population of 65,000 residents and a lot of great things that will make you busy during your trip. Here, you can spend your precious family time at the observatory, children’s museum and theater, and Maine’s railroad museum to give your children a blast from the past.

Also, Portland is known for its delicious seafood selections, particularly lobsters and other shellfish. You can take a visit to Harbor Fish Market for fresh seafood or Two Fat Cats Bakery for their famous whoopie pies.

Furthermore, you may try exploring the popular microbreweries and cruises in case you want to spot some dolphins and whales in the sea. Also, don’t forget to visit the famous Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland Museum of Art, Victoria Mansion, and state parks while you’re in Portland.

Hike At The Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park is considered one of the great places to explore in the northernmost part of Maine. In addition, it’s popular among hikers, skiers, and fisherfolks. If you’re interested in hiking, you may visit the highest mountain of Maine, Mount Katahdin.

However, it’s important to know that the mountain peak is challenging, especially for beginners. That being said, you might want to try 40 other trails around the area for easier hiking. If you’re traveling with kids, you may try exploring the Daicey Pond for a kid-friendly hiking experience.

Furthermore, the best way to enjoy hiking is by setting up a camp and taking an overnight sleep with nature. But if you don’t want to camp, you may try booking accommodation as early as possible to avoid peak seasons, particularly in summer. You can book a small family-size cabin or a bunkhouse around the park.

Enjoy The Summer Bliss At The Kennebunks

The Kennebunks consist of great summer spots, including Kennebunkport, Goose Rock Beach, and Cape Porpoise. This place became popular because it is where former president George W. Bush spent his summer with this family.

Moreover, this coastal area is famous for its warm and cozy hotels, gorgeous shops, great boats, pristine beaches, and biking. Also, don’t miss visiting the museum of the first families, Dock Square, Seashore Trolley Museum, Brick Store Museum, and the monastery built by the Franciscan Order.

While you’re in the area, make sure to check in at the famous Captain Lord Mansion Hotel. However, it’s not the hotel you’ve dreamed of since it lacks typical amenities, such as swimming pools and fitness gyms. But who needs those if your main purpose is to visit the area, right?

On the other hand, the hotel keeps its guests comfortable with a fireplace, especially when the months of winter and fall start.

Final Words

Maine is a wonderful destination for people who want to spend a great vacation with nature together with their families. It has everything you need to have a once-in-a-lifetime perfect getaway, from scrumptious seafood selections to family-friendly places.

While you’re in Maine, make sure to visit Acadia National Park, where you can sail on the crystal-clear waters with your kids, bike along the gravel roads, and stargaze at night. You may also take a tour around Portland, where you can taste the freshest lobster in Maine, or hike at Baxter State Park for a more adventurous and family-friendly activity.

7 Must Sees In Portland Maine While On A Cruise

Portland, Maine, has that certain vibe that makes both locals and tourists feel impressed and intrigued at the same time. The trendy yet casual scene of Maine’s most populous city is quite inviting without even trying. If you’ve been to this city, you’ll surely agree that it’s a must-see destination in Portland.

However, you might say that since you’ve already been there, there’s no point in going back. But, what if there’s a more exciting way to experience the city? Would that be something you’ll be interested in? Perhaps, you’ve tried taking the bus or riding the plane when you visited Portland, but what about cruising? If you haven’t been on a cruise yet while seeing this marvelous city, you’re missing out by a lot.

Top Spots To See In Portland

Cruising can be an exciting way to explore Portland. The somewhat limited time you have, plus the itinerary set by the cruise line, can be tricky, but in a good way. You have to try and squeeze in all the must-see spots throughout the cruise schedule. At the same time, you want to enjoy and make the most out of your trip. Who wouldn’t, right?

So, if you are planning a cruise to Portland, Maine, you’ll need to come up with a list of destinations you don’t want to miss during your visit. To help you out, here are some recommendations you might want to check out:

Peaks Island

Since you’re already on a cruise, it’s easier to start your sightseeing escapade on a quaint island where you can eat fresh seafood while relaxing at its beautiful beachfront. Peaks Island is a relatively small haven, but is, undoubtedly, packed with everything you need to complete your tourist experience.

You can choose to rent a golf cart if you have time to go around the island and see its different attractions. Be sure not to miss the History Museum, where you can get a good picture of civil war history. If you’re looking for more activities and fun, you can try kayaking around the bay or biking along the island’s scenic pathways.

The Old Port

The Old Port at Portland gives off just the right amount of charm and luxury. It has a fine shopping district that boasts luxurious designer labels. You can also find handmade bags if you’re up for some unique pieces that you won’t easily find anywhere else. Don’t forget to check Old Port’s restaurants and cafes, where you can get a taste of a variety of cuisines.

An afternoon at the Old Port could be what you need to appreciate its allure. Spend minutes walking on its cobbled streets as you adore different trendy boutiques and red-bricked buildings. If you happen to do your vacation in early June, you might be able to witness the Old Port Festival.

Portland Farmers’ Market

If you’re into fresh and organic produce, there’s no better spot to be than Portland’s Farmers’ Market. Here, you’ll find loads of fruits and vegetables, goat cheese, honey, and so many others that you’ll surely won’t know where to start or what to pick first. There are also bundles of freshly picked wildflowers that you can take home to adorn your living room or kitchen counters.

If you plan on shopping for a lot of produce from the market, you might want to schedule your visit to this corner on your last day of the cruise. That way, the foods and flowers you’ll pick would remain fresh until you get home. Be sure to ask the sellers how to pack and transport them properly to maintain their freshness throughout the trip.

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

Maine is home to several iconic lighthouses, one of which is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. Its size is relatively small compared to other lighthouses in the state, which is why it’s referred to as the Bug Light.

The Bug Light was built in 1855, but was first lit in 1875. The elegant look of this lighthouse is best captured on a dusky, moody evening. If you’re lucky to visit on a night with many stars, you can get a beautiful view of the Bug Light wherein the stars and its light glows so stunningly that you feel like you’re looking at dancing stars.

Portland Museum Of Art

The Portland Museum of Art is the state’s oldest and largest public art museum. It’s a must-see destination, especially if you’re into paintings from different eras. If you want to witness one of its special events and exhibitions, you can check online to find out their schedule for the year.

Children’s Museum And Theatre Of Maine

If you’re cruising with kids, the perfect destination to take them would be the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. Inside, they’ll see and experience hands-on exhibits that’ll surely fascinate and entertain them to no end.

There’s a lobster boat, ranger station, farmer’s market, tide pool touch tank, and a space shuttle. There are even particular areas dedicated to toddlers, so you don’t have to worry about your younger kids not having a great time.

Victoria Mansion

The Victoria Mansion is an intriguing and historical must-see spot in Portland. With its fascinating history and vintage look, your eyes will have more than enough to feast on as you tour the mansion. It was initially built as a summer mansion in 1860, but has now turned into a museum after being bought by a Maine resident.

Marvel at the Victoria Mansion’s classic exterior with verandas and balconies that boast of grand décor. Inside, you’ll find opulent furniture, splendid draperies, and vintage wall paintings that have been beautifully preserved through decades.

Final Thoughts

Cruising in Portland, Maine, is quite a unique and fascinating way to explore what the city has to offer. Depending on your itinerary, you can include some of these must-see destinations to make the most out of your tour.

Be sure to drop by one of the stunning lighthouses of Portland. Shop fresh and organic produce at the Farmers’ Market, and if you have kids with you, you can take them to the children’s museum to have a great time. Go shopping at the Old Port and don’t miss the historic Victoria Mansion. To cap the tour off (or jumpstart it) you can visit Peaks Island, where you can witness the beautiful sunset by the beach.

Top 4 Sites To See In Maine And How To Get There

Maine is said to be one of the favorite state destinations for travelers who are looking to embark on nature-filled adventures. Tourists ranging from couples, families, or solo travelers visit The Pine Tree State for its recreational activities while others go there to relax and unwind. With such, you may want to consider visiting Maine on your next trip. And when you do, don’t forget to check out the following sites:

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great if you’re looking for a picturesque destination. Its trails are filled with untouched land and cobalt waves crashing on the shore. Here, you’ll witness harbor seals dozing off on bedrocks near the coast and peregrine falcons shadowing you from the sky.

The place is also filled with rocky trails with inshore trees, which is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’ll also excite you with its adrenaline-packed activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and hiking.

If you’re traveling from a different town out of state, you can reserve a ride on Greyhound Bus to reach Maine, then go straight to Acadia National Park. That way, you can explore all of the park’s 47,000-acre hiking trail.

And, if you’re looking to take a little break from all the outdoor activities, you can head down to New England Town in Bar Harbor, Maine, for some North Atlantic eats.

The best way to traverse over the area is by walking. Since the park was initially designed for hiking, you’ll do well by ditching the car and traveling on foot. If you want, you also have the option of traveling through the Island Explorer, which is a summer shuttle made to transport tourists from Bar Harbor Village to other destinations.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s best to rent out a private vehicle in one neighboring airport. Should you choose a ranger-led tour, the park also offers a guided tour for those who want to travel with an itinerary.

Ogunquit Beaches And The Perkins Cove

If you love beaches, Maine has Ogunquit Beaches which are well-known for their beautiful rocky coast and cliffs. Ogunquit Beaches also have warm water and gentle slopes, making them popular with families.

Alongside the walking path on the shore is an area where you can enjoy a more intimate beach experience. The path runs about a mile from the village to Perkins Cove, perfect for tourists looking for a quaint walk along the beach. However, the walking path is strictly for foot traffic only. Bikes aren’t allowed and tagging a pet along is prohibited from April to October.

The Perkins Cove is a small peninsula that protects a small bay thus creating a haven for beachgoers. Originally, it’s a tiny fishing water port, but the harbor nowadays is adorned by family-owned shops and restaurants along with a parade of fishing vessels. And you can even take time to enjoy the view while sitting on the benches placed along the path.

During summer, most businesses are very busy. Even the local museum and playhouse become crowded because of the tourists flocking to visit the area.

Reaching the Ogunquit Beaches is easy. You can choose from walking to riding a trolley. If you’re coming from the middle of town, you can take a short walk from there. And if you want to visit Perkins Cove, stroll further south along Marginal Way. But if you’re more after reaching your destination quickly, ride on the Ogunquit Trolley. These bright buses can make stops all over town, especially during the summer. You can even charter a trolley if you have more itinerary in Ogunquit.

Fort Williams Park

Another famous park in Maine is Fort Williams Park, which is located around the greater Portland Area. It’s known for its picture-perfect views, rich historical background, and recreational activities. You can enjoy relaxing on the different picnic-friendly sites or have fun playing in their fields and tennis courts.

You can also explore fun winter activities such as snow sledding and the like during the winter.

If historical sightseeing is what you’re looking for, then head down to Goddard Mansion, where the historical stone walls still stand. It also serves as the home to Portland Head Light which is one of Maine’s picturesque lighthouse destinations. The lighthouse offers a beautiful view of Ram Island Ledge Light and the island of Casco Bay.

To get around Fort Williams, you’ll need to follow Shore Road from the intersection of ME Route 77 and Cape Elizabeth. If you’re coming from South Portland, drive along Cottage Road leading to Shore Road at the Cape Elizabeth Town line. From here, you’ll be driving another 0.9 miles to reach the entrance of Fort Williams. For tourists traveling by foot, the places are accessible from the Cliff Walk, which is seated on the other side of the park.

Camden, Maine

Camden is best known as the Jewel of the Maine coast and is situated around mid-coast Maine. It’s a sanctuary perfect for many ocean lovers, outdoor travelers, and even shoppers. With such, Camden has an influx of tourists from all over the country during the summer. Many of the tourists during this time are fond of the scenic ocean views around the Harbor.

Apart from its beautiful views, Camden is also known for its many recreational activities. Some of the most popular ones are hiking and sailing. You can visit the Camden Hills State Park for an adventure-filled hiking trip or wind down as you sail through the ocean waves of Penobscot Bay.

There are also many lodging options around Camden. You can find several historic inns around the area as well as delightful beds and breakfasts where you can stay at. For tourists traveling with family and kids, you might do better staying at any one of the waterfront resorts around Camden.

Camden is also a go-to for couple trips like destination weddings. The place is perfect for visitors planning to have a rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, or honeymoon.

Around the nearby town on the north coast, visitors can enjoy fine wine as the area is filled with a quality winery. You might enjoy the charming villages Rockland, Rockport, and Owls Head which are located a little south of Camden.

Portland and Rockland are the nearest airports from Camden, so if you’re coming from outside town, you can book flights to these airports. If you’re coming from Portland, you can drive from there for two hours while it’ll take you a 15-minute drive from Rockland. You can also take a group mini-van taxi service that can personally take you to your Camden lodging.

Conclusion

There are other sites in Maine to visit, but the abovementioned destinations are said to be among the most popular. Whatever fun you’re looking for, you can find it in Maine, especially if you visit it with friends, family, or lovers. There’s so much you can do in The Polar Star State, so better put it on your bucket list.

Top 6 Best Romantic Things to Do in Maine for Couples

If you’re single, have you ever considered joining a dating site? A survey conducted by Pew Research Center says that three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used an online dating site or app. Signing up to one of these platforms is such a convenient way to interact with like-minded individuals. After completing the straightforward registration process, you can start browsing through a range of personal profiles on a dating site. If you’re a few steps ahead and have already in the online environment, perhaps you’re at the stage of planning a couples getaway? There are few locations as steeped in romance as New England, on the USA’s Atlantic seaboard. So if you’ve met somebody special while online dating, here are 6 activities you must try when you visit Maine.

Planning to Rent a Motorhome? Here Are Some Tips

Motorhomes or camping cars, as they are called in Europe, are self-propelled, self-contained caravans that provide living accommodation combined with a vehicle engine. They come in different shapes and styles to suit different needs. They also have many benefits including offering incredible comfort for family vacations as most of the modern motorhomes are self-contained, flexible as you can stop anywhere anytime you want, and you get to cook healthy meals in its kitchen instead of looking for junk food to buy.

Moreover, renting one is much cheaper than booking a hotel and renting a car to go from point A to point B. So, it functions as a moving hotel room. If you have never rented a motorhome before and are thinking about renting one on your next adventures, we will provide you with some useful tips to help you make the most out of this amazing experience.

The Most Important Steps You Need to Make Before Having Your Car Shipped

If you are planning to move across the country without driving for hours, you should definitely consider having your car shipped. There are many reliable auto-transport methods nowadays that you can avail and book a safe journey for your vehicle. Since there are several auto-transport providers, you should reach out to each of them and wait for the quote in order to get the best deal. Once you have received the quotes, you should choose the transport providers on the basis of their perks and budget-friendliness. The next step is to make sure that your dear vehicle is all set to go for the ride.

The decision about selecting the shipment company is the easy one. Whereas, the actual process of getting your vehicle ready for shipment is very complicated. In this guide, we will share some of the essential steps you should take before leaving your vehicle with the auto transport company.

You Should Have the Documents for Your Car

The auto-transport company would ask you to provide the proper documentation of your vehicle. If you do not have it ready or end up fumbling with piles and piles of papers, the pickup of your car may be canceled by the company. This is a safety precaution for your benefit; the company must consider all the verifications before transporting your vehicle for you on legal grounds.

So, if you do not want the shipping timeline of your car to be postponed, you should keep the documentation ready. This would include the original vehicle title, bill of sale, or any other record that proves your ownership, insurance proof, registration information, and your identification (it could be your passport or driver’s license). The identification document must not be expired.

Keep it Clean for the Ride

You don’t want to get an untidy car on the other side of the journey, right? Well, it is not only about ensuring that your vehicle is clean, but it is another measure to check how the transport company deals with your vehicle during the shipment. A piece of advice you’ll learn when you read more here is to spend enough time cleaning up your car so you should be well aware of its state before the transport company takes over. So, after the shipment, you would be better positioned to assess any new damages, scratches, or dust.

While cleaning the car, do remember to include the interior as well. You should thoroughly wipe all the surfaces and remove any clutter from the car. It would give a tremendous sense of relief when you meet your speck clean car on your destination after a long journey.

Keep Evidence of Your Vehicle

After cleaning your car and having the documents ready for the shipment company, the next important milestone is getting your vehicle ready to be shipped. You should carefully examine the damaged areas of your car and take pictures of any discolorations, dents, scratches, or paint chips. We hope you can now begin to appreciate the importance of cleaning your vehicle.

Generally, your car would stay safe during the shipment process and is unlikely to suffer any damages. It also does not relate to whether you are going with an expensive or an economical transport provider. But, you should still scrutinize the existing damages and make records of them. Once you have the evidence for everything, you would be in a better position to file a claim in case of any damage to your vehicle during the shipment.

No Personal Belongings in Your Vehicle

It is a simple and obvious rule that you should not leave any personal items inside your car while handing them over to the transport company. It is very tempting to load some of the luggage in your vehicle and call it a day. But it’s not recommended at all. Your car has insurance, but the baggage you would stuff inside, may not have insurance against theft or damage. Moreover, the transportation company may need to bear a penalty charge for having your luggage in the car they are shipping.

So, instead of finding a way to sneak some luggage in the car, make sure that you have removed all your personal items from the vehicle. This would include any water bottles, sunglasses, charging devices, junk, and GPS devices. You should also remove all the personal identification documents or insurance paperwork from the car.

If for some reason, you are persistent about leaving the personal belongings in the car, you should make sure that they are stuffed in the trunk of your vehicle. This would keep them safe, and they would be out of sight during the transit. You should remove all the toll tags, and parking passes. Leaving a toll tag in your car would incur unnecessary charges if your vehicle travels through these during transit. So, remove the labels to avoid unnecessary hike charges.

However, you should keep an emergency kit, jack, spare tire, and license plate in the car.

Perform Any Required Maintenance Work

If your vehicle has been in working condition, make sure to double-check for any mechanical issues or leaks. If required, get all the problems fixed before your car embarks on the journey. Ideally, you should check all the fluids (coolant, power steering, oil, brake, washer), battery charge, mileage, and tire pressure.

Don’t Leave a Full Gas Tank

This is unnecessary and would mean extra weight for the carrier or transporter vehicle. Ideally, you should leave just enough gas that would be sufficient for driving to and from the transport truck. So, a quarter full tank should do the trick.

The Final Touches & Your Car Keys

You are done with all the required steps in getting your car ready for the trip. Now is the time to remove any accessories which are on the outside (bike racks, luggage racks, antennas, or spoilers). You should lock your car and leave a set of keys with the auto transport company. If you do not have a spare set of keys, you should get one.

Keep a Copy of Bill of Lading

So, now is the time to wave goodbye to your car but don’t forget to sign the bill of lading. This bill makes everything official and legally protected. The auto-transport company driver would come for car inspection and bill signing. The bill of lading serves as a legal contract between the two parties.

After completing all the steps listed above, you are good to go! It’s all done and sorted now. You should now be focusing on getting your luggage ready in order to get moving to your destination. The car shipment process is a bit complicated, but with some knowledge of what is involved in it, you can handle it well.

Why You Need to Act Fast and Smart After You’ve Had an Injury On Vacation

Did you know that more than one million people visit a hospital emergency room every year as a result of injuries received while on vacation? It’s not just the elderly or children who are at risk for injury, even adults can be victims. In this article, we’re going to share some tips with you on how to act fast and smart in case this happens to your family the next time you go away.

Romantic Maine – Top 5 Attractions for Couples in Love

If you’ve connected with someone interesting on a dating site, why not invite them on a romantic weekend break? These online resources represent such a convenient way of touching base with other members based on compatibility. Try to choose compatible individuals, and if you are using a dating site, spend some time getting to know potential dates by chatting and exchanging direct messages. After connecting with a prospective partner by exchanging messages via a dating platform, why not plan a romantic getaway in the USA? You’ll find tranquility beyond New York City if you head to the most northern-easterly state – Maine. With that being said, dating experts from seekmeetdate.com compiled a list of top five attractions in Maine that would be a perfect fit for romantic getaway.

Common RV Water Heater Problems And How To Fix Them

RV lifestyle is fun and flexible, but it does come with a few unique challenges that can leave you questioning your life choices. Toilet, roof, and window, and tire problems can get very exhausting. The complications are even worse if you are running an old and recreational vehicle.

Water heater issues are also too common. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to fix. The following are some common RV water heater issues and how to fix them.

How To Start Your Travel Blog: Best Writing Tips

Writing skills are vital today, not only for students. When you know how to create an exciting and engaging text, you get more career opportunities that sufficiently boost your self-confidence level. Usually, people start learning how to begin working with texts in college, where students frequently struggle with written tasks. If you are facing difficulties, do not hesitate to find support from a reliable writing service. Such a choice would relieve stress and free your time for hobbies and leisure.