Lighthouse in Portland, Maine

The Maine Reason People Flock to the Pine State

For years, people have been raving about Maine, escaping to the Eastern seaboard, sending kids to overnight camps in the cool forests, and sailing on a historic Maine Windjammer. Visit Acadia National Park year-round to go hiking, biking, or skiing. Hiking enthusiasts can also challenge themselves along the Appalachian Trail that features more than 300 miles of pathways in Maine. Go whale watching or scout out moose on a safari. Now’s the time to get on board the Maine train and see for yourself what all the excitement’s about!  

Visitors must quarantine for 14 days (or length of visit), or have a negative COVID -19 test within 72 hours of arrival. States exempt from that restriction are Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Check out Visit Maine for the most up to date information on what’s open for tourists.

Start in Portland – a historic seacoast town on Casco Bay

Maine’s largest city is a hip, happening town, filled with historic sites and plenty of art galleries. If fresh seafood is what you’re after, it doesn’t get any fresher than this. Try a succulent lobster roll from the fresh catch of the day at Luke’s. Or head for an afternoon on the water and learn to pull lobster traps. Famous for their lobster rolls, Luke’s serves up a variety of delicious crab, shrimp and clam specialties.  Hop aboard the Lobster Boat Tour from Lucky Catch Cruises. It’s both educational and a lot of fun. Put on an orange apron and a glove and you’re ready to see what the nets pull up from the bottom of the sea. Depending on the size of the lobster, some of the catch gets thrown back to keep growing. Afterward, buy a lobster from the tank and let the Portland Lobster Company cook it for you!

A delicious, signature Maine lobster roll.

Tour Old Portland

The best way to get an authentic feel for the city is to hop aboard one of the Portland Discovery Tours. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the iconic sites such as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home, Victoria Mansion, and the bustling Old Port. You’ll also want to stop at Portland Head Light House, the oldest and most photographed lighthouse in the country. Get your cameras ready and take our own favorite shots!

Portland is for Foodies  

The culinary scene is thriving with more than 400 restaurants. This is one of the reasons why Bon Appetit named Portland the “The 2018 Restaurant City of the Year.”  Try Evo Kitchen for Mediterranean specialties and baklava ice cream for dessert. Other dining recommendations include Union, Solo Italiano, and Mami. Don’t miss The Holy Donut, made fresh every day with Maine potatoes. Indulge in their creative flavors like pomegranate, maple bacon, and chocolate sea salt.

When you walk into The Holy Donut, you are greeted with an assortment of tasty delights.

Where to stay

A few resort suggestions: Sebasco Harbor Resort on Casco Bay is like hanging out on the set of “Dirty Dancing. Enjoy a weekly lobster bake, s’mores, and sing-along.  Open from mid-May to October. Samoset Resort in Rockport, a part of the Opal Collection, is open all year and considered one of New England’s premier luxury resorts. Black Point Inn in Prouts Neck is a historic boutique hotel offering the quintessential romantic escape.  

A collection of fishing boats on the Maine coast.

Shop ‘til you drop at Freeport Maine Outlets

You’ve never seen an outlet mall that looks like a charming Maine village. Anchored by L.L. Bean outfitters with over 80 free-standing stores, you’ll find national outlets and locally owned boutiques. You’ll know where you are by the giant boot in front of it. Shop local at Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Shop, Mangy Moose, and Vineyard Vines. You won’t go hungry at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company or Wicked Whoopies.

Go wild for blueberry!

Wild blueberries are the official state fruit and you’ll find them in everything from muffins, jams, pies, honey, and barbecue sauce to skin lotions and other botanicals. Take your pick to bring some home!

This year, try and steer the Maine course and make your own special moments!