Great Things to Do in ME
Great Things To Do in Maine
Are you planning a trip to Maine? The state known as Vacationland promises a journey full of adventures, whether you are looking for time on the water, walking through forests, or shopping in charming coastal towns. The first step to planning your trip is deciding what region of Maine you'd like to explore. Believe it or not, each area deserves its vacation.
Options include:
- Exploring Acadia National Park and the picturesque coasts of northeast Maine ;
- Walking the streets of Portland, ME ;
- Exploring different cuisine options ;
- Visiting quaint shops.
Plan Your Perfect Trip to "Vacationland"
Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Maine is the season. Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, whale watching, water parks, and exploring. In contrast, autumn is excellent for stunning foliage displays and fall festivals. Plan for skiing, snowshoeing, and cozying up by the fire at various ski destinations and beautiful cabin rentals in winter. Lastly, during your trip to Maine, don't miss out on the culinary delights - including fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine. Maine has a variety of culinary experiences for all ages, from visiting local farms to tastings at Stonewall Kitchen. Create a customized brewery tour with the Maine Brewers Guild or indulge in baked goods and fresh bread at Standard Baking Company in downtown Portland, ME. Whatever you are looking for, we promise that Maine has it.
Looking for great things to do in Maine? Look below for our suggestions for scenic drives, antique shopping, cruises, children's museums, horse racing, history trails, woods walks, and more great things to do on your vacation adventure. Please call ahead before visiting an attraction listed here to check on current dates and times of operation and other important information.
45 places to visit
A Morning in Maine
Sailing Tours on Beautiful Penobscot Bay
3 Park Drive Rockland, ME 04841 207-691-7245 Enjoy the Maine Coast’s beauty from the deck of Morning in Maine. Relax and watch the seabirds and harbor seals as the ketch glides through the waters of Penobscot Bay… or lend a hand in sailing the boat!
On most Maine sailing trips we see Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Owls Head Lighthouse, and historic schooners. Take a two-hour cruise, a sunset cruise, a science cruise with a science educator or a six-hour trip out to Monroe Island, ME to go beachcombing or hiking and then back to the boat for a lobster picnic lunch.
The boat accommodates 21 passengers and can fill up quickly, so make your reservations early! Or, reserve the whole boat for your private event!
On most Maine sailing trips we see Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, Owls Head Lighthouse, and historic schooners. Take a two-hour cruise, a sunset cruise, a science cruise with a science educator or a six-hour trip out to Monroe Island, ME to go beachcombing or hiking and then back to the boat for a lobster picnic lunch.
The boat accommodates 21 passengers and can fill up quickly, so make your reservations early! Or, reserve the whole boat for your private event!
Maine Windjammer Association
Sail into your next great adventure aboard one of nine romantic windjammers
Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME 04843 Is there a sailor in your soul? Or are you seeking a serene escape with extraordinary scenery, food and accommodations? Then book a cruise aboard one of the nine awe-inspiring vessels of the Maine Windjammer Association. Sail for a couple of days or a week through the waters of Penobscot Bay, exploring fishing villages, enjoying a lobster bake on a remote island, coasting past lighthouses and the nests of bald eagles and osprey. Cabins are comfortable, home-cooked meals are first-rate and activities range from paddle boarding to island exploring. Some cruises are themed for grandparents and grandkids, for painters, for knitters, for photographers; others are designed to go where the wind dictates. End your days on deck enjoying songs, games, stories and starry skies.
Jonathan's Ogunquit
Make your Maine trip special with dinner at Jonathan's Ogunquit
92 Bourne Lane Ogunquit, ME 03907 207-646-4777 Make your next trip to Maine's seacoast special with lunch or dinner at Jonathan's Ogunquit. Our menu offers both innovative dishes and long-time local specialties. Love seafood? We have boiled Maine lobster with drawn butter, seafood stuffed haddock, or seafood chowder with fresh scallops, shrimp, and lobster. Looking for something else? How about wild mushroom pappardelle, eggplant napoleon, or a hand-cut Black Angus steak? We strive to serve sustainable, local foods whenever reasonably possible. Check our website for the schedule, and plan for a show in our Listening Room. We've brought top regional and national acts to the area, including comedy great Paula Poundstone, jazz legends Tuck & Patti, and folk favorites Jonathan Edwards and Aztec Two-Step.
Point Sebago Golf Resort
Choices are almost endless for ways to have fun, or just relax, at full-service resort
261 Point Sebago Road Casco, ME 04015 207-558-8000 Indoors, outdoors, planned, unplanned: There are so many things to do at Point Sebago Resort that part of every morning will be spent making hard choices! Do you want to tackle the 18-hole championship golf course, hit the tennis or pickle ball court, take on the new waterpark obstacle course, go fishing, take a kayak out on the lake? There are organized activities with professional counselors for the kids, and an over-21 lounge for adults, with pub fare, pool, darts and plenty of TVs to watch the big game. Whether you want to walk in the woods, catch some live entertainment, chat around a campfire or just relax on a mile-long sandy beach, this rustically elegant resort, set on 775 acres, has an activity perfect for you.
Inn at Tanglewood Hall
Seaside activities are abundant with this comfortable, scenic inn as your launching pad
611 York Street York Harbor, ME 03911 207-351-1075 Although you may never want to leave the cozy, elegant 1880s Inn at Tanglewood Hall, there is plenty to do once you leave your four-poster bed or your rocking chair on the wraparound veranda. Walk along the York Harbor, ME Cliff Walk, watch lobster boats and sloops come in and out of the harbor. Catch a sunset over Nubble Lighthouse. Stroll along the streets of York Harbor village to York Harbor Beach, ME. Or, enjoy the surf at Long Sands or Short Sands beaches. Need more ideas? Go whale watching, kayaking, hiking or biking. Or head farther afield (but not too far) to the Kittery Outlets; dine in foodie-centric Portsmouth, NH; visit Stonewall Kitchen; check out the lovely Maine coast towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, ME.
Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)
Adventure at every turn – rafting, paintball & more
3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME 04985 800-553-7238 Choose your adventure at Crab Apple Whitewater: Journey down the Kennebec River, with Class II to IV rapids, for beginners and pros, as well as jaw-dropping scenery. Over at Dead River, guides will lead you through the ultimate rush of continuous Class IV and V rapids. Heart-pounding drops and huge rolling waves will be run expertly, followed by time among smaller rapids where you can get out and float. Back at base camp, enjoy standard and premium lodging options, a pub and restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, paintball, and other activities. It’s all waiting for you after your journey down the Kennebec or Dead River, each with its own thrills and challenges. Breakfast is included with all rafting and lodging packages.
Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Crab Apple has been operating since 1983, and also has locations in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Huttopia - Southern Maine
Escape to Maine’s Ultimate Lakeside Glamping Retreat
149 Sand Pond Road, Sanford, ME 04073 207-324-1752 Discover the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation at Huttopia Southern Maine, nestled on Sand Pond in Sanford. Our 80+ acre property offers endless activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing on our pristine freshwater pond. Take a refreshing swim in our heated pool with panoramic forest views, or explore nearby hiking trails at Mount Agamenticus with its 40 miles of scenic paths. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Wells Reserve offer incredible nature walks just minutes away. During summer season, enjoy organized activities like yoga classes, nature walks, live music, storytelling and more. Located perfectly for exploring coastal Maine, just 25 minutes from historic Kennebunkport and 20 minutes from beautiful Ogunquit.
Comfort & Adventure By Maine Huts & Trails
ME Maine Huts & Trails, headquartered at 496 Main Street in Kingfield, offers back country hut-to-hut adventures coupled with comfortable accommodations. All huts at Maine Huts & Trails offer shelter, meals, and activities like hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Each hut features shuttles to take gear from hut to hut. Maine Huts & Trails opened Stratton Brook Hut, its newest, in December 2012. Stratton Brook is the fourth of 12 planned back country huts and eco-lodges in Maine’s Western Mountains. This planned 180-mile connected hut-to-hut trail will be the longest groomed ski trail in America. Phone: 877-634-8824.
Discover the Secrets of an Estuary
ME The Wells Reserve at Laudholm at 342 Laudholm Farm Road in Wells is a National Estuarine Research Reserve. Vistors can walk seven miles of easy-to-moderate trails to experience the beauty of south coastal Maine. Trails are available year round for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You can take a guided tour with a trained naturalist. You may kayak the quiet waters of the Reserve’s estuary while watching for wildlife. Discovery Program Trail Guides are self-paced trail guides paired with activity backpacks that hold everything you need for a half-day of investigation. Fun for kids age 6 to 12. Open daily Memorial Day to Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 207-646-1555
Bath Is More Than Just a Piquant Name
ME The midcoast town of Bath is known for its giant shipyard, and, for lucky travelers, for its delightful, old-fashioned downtown. Shopping is much and revelatory here, at places like Markings Gallery, presenting fine art and carvings by local sculptor Wayne Robbins; Now You’re Cooking cookware store, filling a whole city block. And that’s just the start. Enjoy browsing for clothing, pet goods and hostess gifts. You might find some Maine coastal imagery to take home.
Create a Personalized Tour of Maine Breweries
ME Maine Brewers Guild, representing beer brewers statewide, wants beer drinking travelers to explore and enjoy the vast and varied beauties of the state. The guild has created an excellent site where you can build a self-guided tasting trip with a bit of targeted help. Go to the plan your route page and make some choice based on region, brewery offerings (tastings, tours, food, outdoor seating, family friendly) and then click to create a Google Map of your personalized Maine beer tour. Brace yourself for explorations of city pubs, hidden hideaways, restored mills and old barns. It’s a beautiful place.
Wines, Good Times, Occasional Foolery
ME Hill peninsula, Serving the Blue Hill peninsula, Blue Hill Wine Shop at 123 Main Street in Blue Hill says it offers, and we quote: “cracking good (if occasionally oddball) wines; thoughtfully selected Cheeses, pates, and cured meats; grocery items, local and imported beers and ciders; coffees and teas of quality and tobacco items…” along with good times, occasional music, and assorted foolery.” How could you not pay a visit? Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 207-374 2161
Explore the Sweet Neighborhoods of Portland
ME Portland is a delightfully walkable and interesting city, with ocean and lighthouse views, picturesque neighborhoods, dramatic history (including a massive fire) and even its fair share of ghosts. Portland Landmarks preserves and honors this history, and provides a nice selection of self-guided walking tours. Meet the neighborhoods of Munjoy Hill, India Street, the Western Promenade, the working waterfont and others. Learn about many styles of architecture to be found here, like Italianate, Federal, Queen Anne, Stick Style, and others. For $9.99, you can buy the 4 Walks Through Portland Family Guide, focusing on places and topics that will entertain young people. [Photo courtesy GPCVB and Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld]
Farm Visits Are Fun
ME It can be fun to visit a working farm on your vacation, especially when the farm owners run a farm stand and are really revved up about good food and about describing their farming life to visitors. Frinklepod Farm at 244 Log Cabin Road in Arundel is a place of inspired farming. Frinklepod Farm was founded a decade ago to provide healthy food, preserve agricultural land, and help inspire a new generation of farmers. Travelers (and everyone) are welcome to shop at the farm stand, buy seedlings are garden products, and take a guided walk or a class on the farm. Some class titles are “East the Weeds” and “Put Plants on Your Plate.” The farm is open year-round. 207-289-5805
Pick Your Own Apples at Hope Orchards
ME Hope Orchards at 434 Camden Road in Hope is open on the weekends in late September and October for apple picking. The orchard houses a dozen different varieties of apple, including Macoun, Spartan, Golden Delicious, and Courtland. Not all of these apple varieties ripen at the same time, so return visitors can expect a different experience every single time. Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 207-763-2824
See the Stars Over Portland, With or Without Cloud Cover
ME Star show junkies will be pleased to know they can enjoy the towering firmament even when it is overcast above Portland. The Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, at 70 Falmouth Street, offers astronomy and laser light shows throughout the year. Shows are tailored for all ages. What causes the Northern Lights? How do comets form? What about those dinosaurs? Topics of shows are published on the planetarium website. 207-780-4249.
Bath Is Home to Graceful, Historic Neighborhoods
ME Nestled along the Kennebec River, the city of Bath is a small jewel of a city that embraces a seafaring tradition. Bath welcomes visitors with tree-lined historic avenues graced by stately mansions that were once home to shipyard owners and ship captains. You can take a guided walking tour of the Bath historic district or ride the Bath Trolley. Bath’s Front Street is home to antique stores, specialty shops, galleries and fine restaurants. Bath’s Farmers Market takes place from June to October and a summer concert series takes place on Friday evenings. This is also the home of the Maine Maritime Museum.
Direction: Up
ME Salt Pump Climbing Company at 36 Haigis Parkway in Scarborough wants to help you re-discover your inner (tree-climbing) child (and bring your own kids, too, of course). Right at the top of its website, the climbing gyn welcomes first-timers to its intro to climbing class, where you can learn the fundamentals, including basic climbing knots, proper belay technique, communication, climbing movement and bouldering, route reading, and auto belays. Experienced climbers all the way down to little kids are welcome, too. It’s a warm atmosphere of physical exertion and support. Open daily. 207-219-8145. [photo: Anne Skidmore]
The Name Is Standard; the Baked Goods Are Super
ME Located at 75 Commercial Street, across from the harbor in Portland, Standard Baking Co. is the city's -- maybe the state's -- most popular gathering spot for delicious baked goods along with the ebb and flow of people -- neighbors and visitors. It is heaven on Earth for people who love breads, sticky buns, and more baked treats. And the company has just come out with a cookbook that unveils many of its best baking methods. Open daily. 207-773-2112.
Shipyard Shows Off Its Suds
ME The Shipyard Brewing Company at 86 Newbury Street in Portland has been making award-winning, beer in Maine for nearly 20 years. All are invited to the Shipyard Tasting Room to taste and buy flights, 10 oz pours, growlers, and packaged product as well as Capt’n Eli’s Soda.
Beer tasters can enjoy a rotating lineup of permanent and seasonal offerings.
No reservations are needed. Tasting Room is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Beautiful Baskets Are a Sample of Maine Art
ME Home & Away Gallery at 26 Maine Street in Kennebunkport specializes in Inuit, Eskimo, and Native American arts and jewelry. The baskets, some made by people of Maine’s Wabanaki tribes, are stunning, and they make a wonderful memento of your visit to this seaside state. The Gallery also offer Native American beadwork and sculpture and jewelry, baskets, Zuni carvings, and more. The Gallery also hosts artist events and special exhibit. Open weekends, and other times by appointment or chance. 207-967-2122. [photo courtesy of Home & Away Gallery]
Belgian-Style Beer for You
ME Portland visitors who love beer should know about the Allagash Brewing Company, which offers free tours and tastings at its brewery at 50 Industrial Way in Portland. Founded in 1995 as a one-man shop, Allagash brews traditional and experimental Belgian beers. The beers are bottle-conditioned, meaning that a fresh dose of yeast is added just before bottling, allowing a new round of fermentation that enhances the traditional Belgian taste. Are you intrigued yet? Tours are offered year-round. Plan ahead; Saturdays are busy. Tours are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Phone: 207-878-5385
Old Mill Revives With Antiques, Dining, Art, Yoga
Brunswick, ME 04011 Most of New England’s 19th-century manufacturing mills have moved beyond their original purposes (making textiles, shoes, lumber) and many are being re-created as history-infused places for shopping, dining, and other forms of business. Fort Andross, a mill complex at 14 Maine Street in Brunswick is a wonderfully restored textile mill know for its antiques store, indoor flea market, yoga studio, restaurants, cinema, and gallery. Cabot Mill Antiques is a 16,000-square-foot multi-dealer emporium. The space is bright, clean, and packed with interesting and well-preserved objects of all kinds. People also enjoy the Nomad. And Maybe a yoga class at Jai Yoga to wind down?
Visit the Maine Coast for British Shopping
ME Britain’s BBC has discovered and reported the pleasures of a visit to Portland and its nearby neighbors of coastal Maine. For Anglophile shoppers, the BBC has reported its approval Bridgham & Cook, Ltd. at 123 Main Street in Freeport. The shop sells British foods - teas, sweets, biscuits, preserves, and condiments - in addition to numerous English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh goods, clothing, accessories, and gifts. Scott’s Porage Oats, Thursday Cottage Curd, Barbour tartan purses, Bronte Moon Dales Scarf, and much more. Fun and unique shopping on Maine’s coast! Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 207-865-1040
Best Shopping Anywhere: Reny's!
ME It is hard to overstate how much Mainers and their out-of-state visitors love Reny’s a chain of family-owned dry good stores founded 62 years ago when the grandfather of the clan stepped out of his job as a department store clerk and founded a new store where everyone is always treated right. The stores, mostly found in the state’s small downtowns, are low in superficial glamour and packed full of useful goods, all priced as low as the store can manage. Merchandise ranges from tinned organic pumpkin meat to rubber boots and wedding dresses. Stores are located in Bath, Belfast, Bridgton, Camden, Damariscotta, Dexter, Ellsworth, Farmington, Gardiner, Madison, Newcastle, Pittsfield, Portland, Saco, and Topsham. Locations and hours. Open year-round. 207-563-3177
Gem from Old Seafaring Times
ME Castle Tucker, at 2 Lee Street atop a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River in Wiscasset, is a Federal-style dwelling built in the 18th century, when Wiscasset was at the peak of its prosperity as the busiest port east of Boston. The house was purchased and remodeled in the 1850s by Captain Richard Tucker, scion of a shipping family. Today the mansion is preserved much as it was in the late 19th century, and it presents a vivid record of Wiscasset history. Open Wednesday to Sunday, June 1 to October 15. 207-882-7169
Fine Wine and Intriguing Rum
ME Bartlett Maine Estate Winery at 161 Chicken Mill Pond Road in Gouldsboro is a small detour off the fabled road to Acadia National Park. At Bartlett’s, prize-winning wines are pressed onsite from native fruits. A relatively new offering is Rusticator rum, with flavors of vanilla, toffee, lime and banana. The tasting room, halfway between Ellsworth and the Petit Manon Wildlife Refuge, is housed in a hand-wrought stone building. Tasting room is from June to October or by appointment. 207- 546-2408.
For a Fun Time: Moose Alley
ME Moose Alley, on Main Street in Rangeley does not mince words. Front and top and center on its website is the declaration “We Entertain. All day. All Night. All Year.” The Alley does this with bowling, billiards, an arcade, great food live music and good vibes. The indoor fire pit doesn’t hurt, either. Live music happens all and every weekend. You just might spot some antlers as décor items.
Let’s Eat: In Portland
ME The Public Market House at 28 Monument Square in Portland is a cornucopia of smallish businesses where you can taste a huge range of Maine foods under one roof. Formerly the street and basement level of the Surplus Store, the Market now shelters a pizza restaurant and bread company, along with restaurants serving crêpes, Pho soup from Vietnam, Ameera bread of the Middle East, and handmade soups. Also find non-dairy ice cream, a salad bar, Colombian food and a smoothie and juice bar. Many of these businesses are owner-operated, so you know the quality is the highest. 207-284-1016.
Elmer’s Barn Is a Place of Antique Surprises
VT Elmer’s Barn at 107 Rockland Road in Whitefield is a guaranteed good time for people who can’t get enough of browsing, browsing, browsing through antiques or just plain old stuff of the past. Expect to find three floors, a big front porch, and a yard filled with home and farm gadgets, pictures, linens, tools, books, and doodads of every possible category. Great for artists and hobbyists at upcycling things of the past. Call ahead for hours. 207-549-7671.
Art of the Human Hand Also on Display in Midcoast
New Harbor, ME 04554 The natural beauty of mid-coast Maine is spectacular, but don’t let it deter you from stepping indoors during your visit to see some of the fine work by Maine artists. One place where art resides and welcomes you to take a piece back home is at Saltwater Artists Gallery at 3056 Bristol Road in New Harbor, not far from the coastal town of Bath. Contributing artists show and sell beautiful turned wooden items, objects in glass, pottery and jewelry. Add some icing to your gift with beautiful greeting cards decorated with watercolors, photos or prints. The shop is open daily. Another wonderful source of glass art is Tandem Glass Gallery and Studio at 6 Eagle Lodge Lame in Dresden Mills, also near Bath. Hand-blown glass art by Terrill Waldman & Charlie Jenkins, made in this saltbox barn studio, is exquisite.
Refurbished Museum Welcomes Kids to the Point
ME The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, reopened in 2021 at a new, 30,000-square-foot home at 259 Thompson’s Point in Portland, bursts with hands-on exhibits that combine learning and fun. Learn about science and the natural world through role play and deep exploration in three floors and an Outdoor Adventure. Kids can enjoy child-themed entertainment at Maddy’s Theatre. Museum hours are limited and advance tickets are required.
View the Night Sky at an International Dark Sky Park
ME The Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Maine Woods Initiative lands are located at the edge of the North Maine Woods, a largely unpopulated area that is relatively free from light pollution. The AMC is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, which means that it’s excellent night sky viewing. 207-695-3085
Children's Fun and Learning Zone
Bangor, ME 04401 With seven interactive exhibit areas on three floors, Maine Discovery Museum at 74 Main Street in downtown Bangor, Maine, is the largest children's museum north of Boston. Seven permanent exhibits invite children to explore nature, geography, children's literature, music, art, science and anatomy. Among the exhibits are: Nature Trails, to explore Maine's ecosystem along a 20-foot waterway; TradeWinds, a new exhibit about Maine's global connections to Brazil, Japan, and Italy; Booktown, a village where every doorway leads into the pages of a Maine children's literary classic; Sounds Abound, exploring the world of music in a sound studio; Artscape; Mission: Discovery; and Body Journey. Open year-round; closed on Sundays & Mondays.
Carson Name Still Defends the Earth
ME The author whose seminal work, “Silent Spring,” launched the American environmental movement is the namesake for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of a patchwork of properties along 50 miles of coastline from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth, with a headquarters on Route 9 in Wells. The refuge serves as protected region of valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Visitors are welcome to hike on the developed trails of the Refuge, and fishing is permitted in several rivers and creeks. - Interactive Map
Slots of Fun in Oxford
ME A new gaming establishment, the Oxford Casino, has opened in Oxford at 77 Casino Way. Whether you like the high-stakes play of blackjack, the clicking spins of the roulette wheel, or the action on a hot craps table, you'll find your groove and at Oxford's table games. Choose from a diverse selection of state-of-the-art reel and video slot machines. The location is beautiful. Oxford is a few miles from the village of Bethel and 35 miles from the Portland International Jetport. It is close to opportunities for recreation and fun, including skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, leaf peeping and other great things to do in Maine. 207-539-6700
Here, Stonewall Means Tasty Eating
ME Maine’s Stonewall Kitchen is one of those up-with-the-bootstraps stories of a small group of friends that began producing jelly, jam, and specialty vinegars at home and then … boom. Stonewall Kitchen is now an empire of specialty foods. Its flagship story is located delightfully close to travelers: next to Route 1A at the York exit (exit 7) off of Interstate-95. Come and enjoy the beautiful presentation of preserved foods, condiments, sauces, pancakes mixes, and syrups. Also at the home store are cookbooks, cookware and all sorts of neat gifts for cooks in your life. Stonewall Kitchen Café, next door, offers tasty aid and comfort to travelers. 800-826-1752
Beautiful Craftsmanship From Back in the Day
Portland, ME 04101 207-780-0634 From an ornate hinge to a hand-carved oak mantel, workmanship of the past can be a beautiful source for furnishing the present. Portland Architectural Salvage at 131 Preble Street Ext. is 20,000 square feet of carefully chosen objects from houses, churches, barns -- use your imagination. The company's motto is "Urban elegance and sophistication with an antique and architectural past." Gloss up your habitat with some built-in soul. Open year-round, but hours vary seasonally.
Antiques of Maine Life in an Antique Building
Bethel, ME 04217 207-824-0844 Steam Mill Antiques at 155 West Bethel Road (US Route 2) in Bethel, Maine, is a country antique shop located in a large, 1820 farmhouse and barn. Come and find a wide range of antiques, collectibles, books, pictures, signs, toys, and other stuff. Anything that you could find in an antique shop you may find here! Our stock is always changing so it's always worth the time to browse the shop. DownEast Magazine has declared that Steam Mill Antiques is one of the 5 reasons to love Bethel. An honor! Open 10am to about 4:30pm on weekends, year-round, and by chance or appointment on all other days and seasons.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
ME In August 2016, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the national park system, President Obama created a new park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, in northern Maine, near Millinocket. The park is in the shadow of Mount Katahdin, and it occupies a wild landscape with spectacular views the mountain. Back-country adventurers can explore the rivers, woods, plant and animal life, and dark night skies. This is a monument with limited services; services will be added in coming years. The park has no welcome center at present. Find visitor information at the park’s website or by phone: 207-456-6001.
History and Culture of Mills on Display Here
Lewiston, ME 04240 207-333-3881 From the 1850s to the 1950s the textile mills, shoe mills and brickyards of Lewiston and neighboring Auburn (L-A) made up the state's largest manufacturing center. Museum L-A, located in the Bates Mill Compex off of Chestnut Street, facing Canal Street, in Lewiston, documents the industries and the people who made them thrive. Within the 1850s Bates Mill, the museum displays vintage machinery, tools, shoes and quilts along with an oral history tour of mill workers from both cities. Open year-round, daily except Mondays.
Maine Mountain Views from Secluded Trails
ME Rangeley Lakes Trails Center at 524 Saddleback Mountain Road in Rangeley, offers to the public 55 kilometers of secluded, scenic dog-friendly trails for year-round use, from hiking and mountain biking in summer to Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking in winter. Trails are groomed in winter and the center rents out equipment and offers lessons and guided tours. The Gnome Home Roam, created for kids especially to enjoy, is 20 or more small carved gnomes in tiny houses scattered among the trails. Food, drink, and good cheer are always available in the lodge. Trail map. Fees for memberships or short-term visits. 207-864-4309.
Discover the Trails of This Midcoast Audubon Sanctuary
Georgetown, ME 04548 A peninsula in the Sasanoa River in Georgetown is the location of the beautifuly Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary, a 119-acre preserve that is a naturalist’s window into some of the features of the Maine coast. Flanked on two sides by salt marsh, the sanctuary has miles of trails that cross meadows, coastline, forest, and ridges. To get to the sanctuary, from the junction of U.S. Route 1 and Route 127 in Woolwich, just east of the Woolwich-Bath bridge, head south on 127 for 9.1 miles to Georgetown. Turn right at the sanctuary sign and follow the entrance road to the parking area. - Trail Map (PDF)
Prowl for Inspiration at Monthly Art Walks
Portland, ME Portland’s First Friday Art Walk is a free, self-guided tour of art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues. Starting in 2000, the monthly art walk welcome over 3,000 people to come downtown each to see artwork, performance and to stroll the streets. Galleries and museums to open in any given month are listed and described in advance on the Art Walk website. Hours are 5-8 p.m. It’s a fun way to enjoy an urban walk with other art enthusiasts.
Charming Strolling and Shopping on Stevens
ME The Deering Center neighborhood, on and near Stevens Avenue in Portland, is a charming area adjacent to nice walking areas like Baxter Woods and Evergreen Cemetery. Stevens Avenue is a sweet shopping and tasting area, featuring places to pamper the body, like Abura, an apothecary and skin care studio at 502 Stevens Avenue; Handiwork, a craft studio and market that hosts classes for the public at 199 Pleasant Avenue; and Darby, an upscale haven of “desirable nonessentials” that offers cards, small gift items, and pretty accessories, at 502 Stevens Avenue.