The state of Maine may not be your typical tourist destination. However its natural beauty, with an abundance of forests and extensive coastline, make it a great destination for the outdoorsy and adventurous type looking for an alternative spot to traveling out West.
Known as the “Pine Tree State”, over ninety percent of Maine is covered by forestlands. This is not to be discouraging for potential tourists because the unique dynamic of forests and a gorgeous coastline along the Atlantic Ocean make it an excellent spot for numerous vacation rentals and outdoor activities. Maine vacation rentals highlight the beauty of these forest areas or the expansiveness of the coastline.
Traveling to Maine offers many diverse things to do. These primarily center on enjoying the great outdoors, something Maine never runs out of. Maine has over 3,500 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for it’s rocky coasts, numerous harbors and bays, beaches, lighthouses, and fishing spots. Traveling through Maine, one has to make note of the contrast between beautiful shorelines and rugged forests, often times lining up right next to each other.
The largest city in Maine is Portland and is the state, social, and economic capital. Portland offers many cultural sites and attractions including the Portland Museum of Art, the Main College of Art, and the Portland Symphony Orchestra. These give Portland a distinct artistic and cultural flair. Maine is often known as a creative hotbed for artists, poets, and other writers drawn to its natural beauty and relative isolation. Portland provides a nice showcase for these artistic endeavors.
Seasonal travel is definitely important when selecting a time to visit the wonderful state of Maine. Most people prefer summer, when it is often humid and warm, but never hot. With early sunrises and long days, it provides the perfect time to enjoy the long shoreline. During the winter months, many people come to Maine for the skiing and other outdoor winter activities of which there are many. For a great introduction and guide to traveling throughout Maine, visit Frommer’s guide to Maine.
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Quick note. Augusta is the capital of Maine, not Portland. Portland may be the cultural capital, though. Maine actually is a pretty “typical tourist destination” — which is why it’s the “vacationland state” as noted on many if not all license plates. Just try driving to Maine on the turnpike or on Route 1 in the summer — when it is HOT– and the traffic jam goes for miles. And don’t forget Aroostook county (”The County”) up north, where you can pretty much guarantee a moose sighting at Baxter State Park.
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