2014 Visitor's Guide

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Find full vacation planning resources for Maine Regions beyond Greater Portland at: visitmaine.com & mainetourism.com & listings on pg. 71

Photo: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld

EXP LOR ING Maine is a vast state with an abundance of natural, cultural, and recreational pursuits; from the inlets and harbors of the south, to the winding, wooded trails of the north — Vacationland awaits.

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Greater Portland is the one region where authenticity, arts, and adventure are equally present, but do take time to explore the rest of our beautiful state. Breathtaking coastal scenery and long stretches of sandy beach characterize the picturesque villages of the South Coast region. Old Orchard Beach offers fun for the whole family, with a traditional boardwalk and amusement park. Dine at award-winning restaurants in Ogunquit, and shop at the Kittery Premium Outlets, antique shops, and local boutiques. Four seasons of activities include festivals, cruises, summer theater, and Christmas Prelude. Farther up the coast, you’ll discover delightful villages, glacier-carved

peninsulas, and the grand panoramas of our Mid-Coast and Downeast regions. Take in a show at the renowned Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick and view exhibits commemorating the state’s seafaring heritage at Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Explore the charming coastal towns of Boothbay Harbor and Camden where lobster boats, sightseeing tours, and quaint shops abound. Experience Maine’s natural beauty on the meander- ing paths of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Stunning views can be found high atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, Maine’s only national park; the nearby resort town of Bar Harbor boasts an assortment of acclaimed inns and B&Bs.

From the colorful wild flowers of spring to the stunning white snowscapes of winter, Western Maine is a region of great scenic beauty and outstanding recreational pursuits, from fishing and whitewater rafting to skiing and snowmobiling. Take a relaxing trip up Long Lake on the Songo River Queen II, replica of the Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. For history, visit Poland Spring Preservation Park and Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the only remaining Shaker community in the country. And don’t miss autumn’s colorful show as you explore the other Gems of Route 26 in the nearby Lakes & Mountains Region. See more places to visit on the next page.

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