Despite living in the Northeast for all for my life, June of last year was the first time I had ever stepped foot inside the state of Maine. People told me I was missing out, and after spending the summer there, I would have to agree. Take a cliché like “a breath of fresh air” and forget that you ever heard it. Now, spend some time in Maine. What’s the first phrase that comes to mind? Exactly. It’s not grandiose; it’s just true.
Okay, I had a great experience, but I admit that I’m no expert. I was there for the first time and I let people know. And guess what? Every Mainer I met seemed like a walking encyclopedia entry on their state. Try as I might, I could not keep up with the suggestions I received for places to go and things to see. This year, I hope to check off a few more of those things that make it “uniquely Maine.” Here’s just a few.
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: http://www.mainegardens.org/
Acadia National Park, which spans over 35,000 acres: http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/state_national_parks/acadia_national_park/
Lenny, the life-size chocolate moose: http://www.lenlibby.com/Lenny_ep_40.html
Eartha, the world’s largest rotating globe: http://www.delorme.com/about/eartha.aspx
Portland Museum of Art, which includes a space specifically for family-friendly activities: http://www.portlandmuseum.org/events/families.php
Carol Sloane’s Labyrinth, located right in the village of Washington, ME. http://www.downtownartgallery.com./labyrinth.html
