Visitor's Guide 2015

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Find full vacation planning resources for Maine Regions beyond Greater Portland at: visitmaine.com & mainetourism.com & listings on pg. 66

Photo: Chris Lawrence, Baxter State Park

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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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 tradi- tional 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 summer show at the renowned Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick,

view the vintage collection at Owls Head Transportation Museum, and take a ride back in time at the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Mu- seum in Alna. 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 meandering paths of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and delve into Maine art at the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center in Rockport. Take in stunning views from atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, Maine’s only na- tional park, and visit the nearby resort town of Bar Harbor which boasts an assortment of acclaimed inns and B&Bs. Create a Two-Nation Vacation with a

trip to Nova Scotia, Canada aboard the Nova Star ferry departing from Portland. 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. 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 and experience the closest casino to Portland, exciting Oxford Casino, in the nearby Lakes & Mountains Region.

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