French Acadians settled in Madawaska in 1785 after being forced to flee Canada. Most Madawaska residents are of Acadian descent, and French is still spoken here. The simple and beautiful Tanta Blanche Museum in Madawaskahonors Marguerite Blanche Thibodeau, who, during the desperate winter of 1796 worked to keep the colony from extinction by distributing food and clothes and medical care.

From Wines to Watches, All the Prices Are Fine

See Map

If you are traveling internationally, you may buy items without having to pay either the sales tax (called value added tax) or the customs duties assessed by the United States – primarily on liquor and tobacco but also with many other products. The savings from duty-free shopping can be significant. At Duty Free Americas in Houlton at 4 Airport Road, and in Van Buren at 122 Bridge Street, shoppers can find discounted prices on premium spirits, wine, beer and tobacco as well as designer fragrances, cosmetics, fashion watches, crystal, jewelry, leather goods, gifts for children, and more. Currency exchange is available. Phone: Houlton store at 207-532 – 6540.

Heaven for Snowmobiles

With its 13,500-mile network of groomed and marked snowmobile trails, Maine has to be the next thing to heaven for snowmobile enthusiasts. The state also hosts a bunch of snowmobile-related festivals and special events. They include the Rangeley Snodeo on January 21-23, 2010, with competitions, rides, children's activities, a snowmobile parade, and fireworks. The Norway Lake Snowfest is January 30-31, 2010, with sled racing, an antique snowmobile show, and a chowderfest. The International Snowmobilers Festival takes place in Madawaska and Edmundston, New Brunswick, February 5-7, 2010, with events on both sides of the border and riding on hundreds of miles of top-rated trails. Dexter Winter Festival happens February 12-14, 2010, with radar runs on the ice of Lake Wassookeag, a public ride and supper, and a Winterfest dance hosted by the Wassookeag Snowmobile Club. More information at the the Maine Office of Tourism.

Hooked Rugs, Folk Art, and More

See Map

For many antique hunters, the exploration begins after entering the shop. A visit to Les Dumond Antiques in Madawaska, near the Canadian border, is an exploration into the northern woods simply to arrive there. Be sure to phone ahead – the shop is open odd hours. When you do, you will be rewarded by county furniture, small primitives, folk art, hooked rugs, game boards, advertising, porch, garden and camp furniture. An exploration within an expedition. Phone: 207-728-7004.

Saturn Is Our Favorite

See Map

Ok, it’s not big compared to the solar system, but it is big for a model of the solar system. The three-dimensional Maine Solar System Model stretches for 40 miles along U.S. Route 1 from Houlton to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. The model includes the Sun and nine planets, and all but Pluto are visible from Route 1. Keep kids busy in the car the old-fashioned way: Make them compete to find and name our space neighbors.

Wilderness and More Wilderness

See Map

Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle, which includes Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake, is the ideal starting point for discovering the North Maine Woods and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Echo Lake is stocked with brook trout and public boat access is available. Canoe and paddleboat rentals are available. Campsites and a guarded beach are opening the warm weather. Cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails are plentiful in winter. Phone: 207-768-8341

Wildflowers Below; Eagles Above

See Map

The northernmost of Maine's scenic byways, State Route 11 follows the rolling hills between Portage and Fort Kent. Outstanding views of wildflower meadows, Eagle Lake, and Mount Katahdin. Much of the 37-mile route is forested, so glimpses of eagles and moose are likely. Route 11 connects Aroostook County and New Brunswick, Canada, and the people here are proud of the strong Acadian influence on their cultural traditions.