Things to Do in Maine - Attractions, Activities, Vacation Ideas

New Rafting Pic - ELC Outdoor Adventure Outpost - Errol, NH

ELC Outdoors

49 Schoolhouse Brook Road Caratunk, ME, 04925 Phone: 603-215-0002

Big ideas for big outdoor adventures? This company has what you’re looking for

ELC Outdoors thinks big when it comes to their outdoor attractions, from thrilling white water rafting down the Rapid River in Maine to stepping across platforms at a high ropes course 12 to 40 feet off the ground, with Mount Washington in the distance. But if that sounds like a little too much heart-stopping adventure for you, the company also offers more leisurely (and sedate) rafting trips down New Hampshire’s Androscoggin River, canoe paddles across gorgeous Lake Umbagog (yes, you may see a moose or a bald eagle and, yes, you should bring a fishing pole) and evening wildlife cruises aboard a pontoon boat. You can also rent a fat bike to take to local trails – or stay overnight in a yurt!

Great Schooner Race - Maine Windjammers - Camden, ME - Photo Credit Ben Ehling

Maine Windjammer Association

Sailing from Ports in Rockland and Camden, ME, 04843 Phone: Toll-Free: 800-807-9463

Windjammer cruises feature fun at sea for all ages, interests

The private owners and operators of the Maine Windjammer Association’s historic schooners want to provide cruise guests with a full slate of things to do, whether that means helping the crew ready the sails or sitting out on deck with a good book. So you can leap off the deck to go for a bay swim, help the cook with that night’s gourmet appetizers, row a small boat into a fishing village to explore, hike during a visit to Acadia National Park – or just sit by the wood stove and play backgammon with the kids or listen to stories told by lantern-light in the evening. Special cruises for photography buffs, lighthouse enthusiasts, yoga fans, kayakers, wine-lovers – and grandparents and grandkids! – are available.

Inn at Tanglewood Hall

611 York Street York Harbor, ME, 03911 Phone: 207-351-1075

Lots to see and do with this inn as your launchpad

Although you may never want to leave the cozy, elegant 1880s Inn at Tanglewood Hall, there is plenty to do once you leave your four-poster bed or your rocking chair on the wraparound veranda. Walk along the York Harbor Cliff Walk, watch lobster boats and sloops come in and out of the harbor. Catch a sunset over Nubble Lighthouse. Stroll along the streets of York Harbor village to York Harbor Beach. Or, enjoy the surf at Long Sands or Short Sands beaches. Need more ideas? Go whale watching, kayaking, hiking or biking. Or head farther afield (but not too far) to the Kittery Outlets; dine in foodie-centric Portsmouth, N.H.; visit Stonewall Kitchen; check out the lovely Maine coast towns of Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.

Attean Lake Lodge

On Birch Island in Attean Lake Jackman, ME, 04945 Phone: 207-668-3792

An Island Retreat Offering Water Sports, Hikes, Shopping & Golf

Your stay at Attean Lake Lodge may be complicated by one difficult task: deciding among the entertaining activities beckoning to you. Since you’re on an island, playing on and in the water will come naturally at the many sandy beaches around the lake. Pick your choice of canoeing, kayaking or sailing – or how about a little of each? In June and September especially, bring your fishing license and match wits with the native brook trout, landlocked salmon and lake trout. Hikers enjoy the nearly 20 miles of trails we maintain, leading to ponds and mountaintops, with berry picking along the way. Other off-island adventures could include a white-water rafting trip, golfing, shopping or even a ride to Quebec City, just an hour away.

Whitewater Fun 500x250 - Crab Apple Whitewater - The Forks, ME

Crab Apple Whitewater (ME)

3 Lake Moxie Road The Forks, ME, 04985 Phone: 800-553-7238

Adventures for every level of whitewater rafter – plus paintball and moose safaris

Adventure awaits on the Kennebec and Dead rivers when you arrive at Crab Apple Whitewater’s base lodge. After breakfast, head to the rivers for world-class whitewater and breathtaking scenery. Some trips are guided, for families and beginners (lots of time for floating and swimming); others challenge rapids like the Class IV-V “Poplar Hill Falls.” Some come with riverside snacks; others with cookouts. Stay overnight at the lodge (in bunk-style rooms or suites with Jacuzzi tubs), play some night-time paintball in one of several custom courses, climb to Maine’s highest waterfall or just relax by the pool. For another kind of adventure, there’s the moose safari, from May through August, leaving at dusk in search of the gentle giants.

201 Powersports

29 Main Street Bingham, ME, 04920 Phone: 207-672-3773

Plenty of options to explore and enjoy the outdoors over dirt, water or snow

There are lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors (and it’s really great in Maine), and 201 Powersports has several of them ready and waiting for you. Want to pump up the adrenaline? Rent an ATV or snowmobile and let Powersports plan a customized adventure for you. Looking to chill? Go on a pontoon boat cruise on historic and scenic Wyman Lake. Or, combine a pontoon cruise with a dirt-trail adventure in the north Maine woods. With over 15 years of recreational experience and an extensive inventory of top-of-the-line Polaris ATVs and snowmobiles, Powersports guarantees an exciting and hassle-free experience for new and experienced riders, whether it’s over dirt, water or snow.

Shin Pond Village

1489 Shin Pond Road Mt. Chase, ME, 04765 Phone: 207-528-2900

Choose from a long list of fun activities at this picturesque resort

The menu of activities to choose from at Shin Pond Village is a long one, and all the choices are good. At this family owned and operated recreational resort, on 100 acres in the picturesque Katahdin Region, with views of Mt. Chase, you can rent a top-of-the-line Polaris side-by-side ATV and explore hundreds of miles of trails literally from the resort’s doorstep. In winter, switch to snowmobiles, skiing or snowshoeing. Take your snowmobile out to a pond or lake and go ice fishing. Hike to Shin Brook Falls or the public beach on Lower Shin Pond. Go canoeing or camping. Lodging includes campsites, RV sites, cottages and waterfront homes. The resort has a restaurant, laundromat and general store.

Funtown Splashtown USA

Route 1 Saco, ME, 04072 Phone: 207-284-5139

Lots of fun for all the family, from rides to waterslides

Thrills galore are in store at Funtown Splashtown USA, the largest water and amusement park in Northern New England. Getting soaked has never been more fun for a kid than swooshing down the Amphitrite Challenge or Poseidon Plunge, while families can enjoy the giant Splash Tube Slide or play together in the Pirates Paradise Aquaplay section. It’s an amusement park as well, with thrills as exciting as the Excalibur roller coaster or the 220-foot free-fall from way up on the Dragon’s Descent tower. Plus over a dozen kiddie rides and water attractions. Fun for everyone is the name of the game here.

Jonathan's Ogunquit

92 Bourne Lane Ogunquit, ME, 03907 Phone: 207-646-4777

Make your Maine trip special with dinner at Jonathan's Ogunquit

Make your next trip to Maine's seacoast special with lunch or dinner at Jonathan's Ogunquit. Our menu offers both innovative dishes and long-time local specialties. Love seafood? We have boiled Maine lobster with drawn butter, seafood stuffed haddock, or seafood chowder with fresh scallops, shrimp, and lobster. Looking for something else? How about wild mushroom pappardelle, eggplant napoleon, or a hand-cut Black Angus steak? We strive to serve sustainable, local foods whenever reasonably possible. Check our website for the schedule, and plan for a show in our Listening Room. We've brought top regional and national acts to the area, including comedy great Paula Poundstone, jazz legends Tuck & Patti, and folk favorites Jonathan Edwards and Aztec Two-Step.

Maine Brewers guild personalized beer tours

Create a Personalized Tour of Maine Breweries

Maine Brewers Guild, representing beer brewers statewide, wants beer drinking travelers to explore and enjoy the vast and varied beauties of the state. The guild has created an excellent site where you can build a self-guided tasting trip with a bit of targeted help. Go to the plan your route page and make some choice based on region, brewery offerings (tastings, tours, food, outdoor seating, family friendly) and then click to create a Google Map of your personalized Maine beer tour. Brace yourself for explorations of city pubs, hidden hideaways, restored mills and old barns. It’s a beautiful place.

Bath Is More Than Just a Piquant Name

The midcoast town of Bath is known for its giant shipyard, and, for lucky travelers, for its delightful, old-fashioned downtown. Shopping is much and revelatory here, at places like Markings Gallery, presenting fine art and carvings by local sculptor Wayne Robbins; The Mustard Seed Bookstore, with a wall of books by Maine authors and tea services for customers; Now You’re Cooking cookware store, filling a whole city block. And that’s just the start. Enjoy browsing for clothing, pet goods and hostess gifts. You might find some Maine coastal imagery to take home.

Add a Cup of Cocoa for a Perfect Sleigh Day

Wintertime in Maine brings with it elegance and serenity that is extra-wonderful from the seat of a horse-drawn sleigh. Rockin’ Horse Stables On Arundel Road in Kennebunkport offers guests an opportunity to enjoy the snow-sprinkled pine trees and frost-tipped fields while gliding on a sleigh with family and friends. After the sleigh ride, warm up next to a crackling fire with hot chocolate and conversation. Step back into the way life should be, if only for a day, and experience a true Maine adventure. Phone: 207-967-4288.

Dogs + Sleds = Wow!

Experience the thrill and beauty of sledding over frozen ground and snowy mountain passes behind a team of powerful Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. New England Dogsledding is located at 591 Kings Highway in Mason Township, on the Maine and New Hampshire border of the White Mountain National Forest. The company hosts fun and educational dog sledding, mushing, and sled dog tours in the Bethel, Maine; the Sunday River Ski Area; North Conway, New Hampshire; and on 15,000-acre Wilderness Trail System at the Balsams, New Hampshire. The company teaches guests the ropes and allows them to experience the thrill of driving their own team. Be whisked off on an amazing winter adventure through the majestic wilderness.

Gem from Old Seafaring Times

Castle Tucker, at 2 Lee Street atop a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River in Wiscasset, is a Federal-style dwelling built in the 18th century, when Wiscasset was at the peak of its prosperity as the busiest port east of Boston. The house was purchased and remodeled in the 1850s by Captain Richard Tucker, scion of a shipping family. Today the mansion is preserved much as it was in the late 19th century, and it presents a vivid record of Wiscasset history. Open Wednesday to Sunday, June 1 to October 15. 207-882-7169

Old Mill Revives With Antiques, Dining, Art, Yoga

Most of New England’s 19th-century manufacturing mills have moved beyond their original purposes (making textiles, shoes, lumber) and many are being re-created as history-infused places for shopping, dining, and other forms of business. Fort Andross, a mill complex at 14 Maine Street in Brunswick is a wonderfully restored textile mill know for its antiques store, indoor flea market, yoga studio, restaurants, cinema, and gallery. Cabot Mill Antiques is a 16,000-square-foot multi-dealer emporium. The space is bright, clean, and packed with interesting and well-preserved objects of all kinds. People also enjoy the weekend flea market, and the Frontier Café, Cinema, and Gallery. And Maybe a yoga class at Jai Yoga to wind down?

Best Shopping Anywhere: Reny's!

It is hard to overstate how much Mainers and their out-of-state visitors love Reny’s a chain of family-owned dry good stores founded 62 years ago when the grandfather of the clan stepped out of his job as a department store clerk and founded a new store where everyone is always treated right. The stores, mostly found in the state’s small downtowns, are low in superficial glamour and packed full of useful goods, all priced as low as the store can manage. Merchandise ranges from tinned organic pumpkin meat to rubber boots and wedding dresses. Stores are located in Bath, Belfast, Bridgton, Camden, Damariscotta, Dexter, Ellsworth, Farmington, Gardiner, Madison, Newcastle, Pittsfield, Portland, Saco, and Topsham. Locations and hours. Open year-round. 207-563-3177

Dogsledding – Not for Alaskans Only

Ar you looking for some off-road fun in Maine? A business called Maine Dogsledding Adventures in Millinocket stands ready to offer you a day following a dog pack-- on a dog sled. Tours meet at the kennel near Millinocket, where guests meet the huskies and ask questions. Then you board the sleds and mush 10-12 miles in the forest and lake wilderness just south of Baxter Park. a stop on the trip includes a bonfire and time to feed the dogs. guests may drive the sled or ride as a passenger; no experience necessary! 207-731-8888.

Sugarloaf Really Does Have It All

Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, one of the major ski mountains in New England and the East Coast, offers so many fun activities in winter it could make your head spin (including some indoor adventures, for the occasional off-snow winter day). Best known as an alpine ski resort, Sugarloaf also offers one of Maine's largest Nordic centers, with a retail shop and café, perched in the center of gorgeous trails. Fat biking ? The Outdoor Center is open for fat biking on select trails throughout the winter. Have you come across skibiking yet? It is kind of like a bike on skids, but you have to see a picture to get the idea. Sno Go Snowbikes will be available to rent or buy at Sugarloaf for winter 2020. Ice skating is busy at the large rink at the Outdoor Center boasts a large ice skating rink, with plentiful skate rentals for children and adults. Are you a fan of the indoors on the more blustery winter days? Sugarloaf has a very cool anti-gravity complex , where guests may play in a skate park, giant trampolines, a climbing wall, basketball court, track, and gym. Pay a visit this winter.

Go! Cart!!

Indoor go-cart racing is fun for adults and fun for kids. And maybe especially fun for parents when the weather outside is frightful. Maine Indoor Karting at 23 Washington Avenue in Scarborough has been offering indoor thrills fr more than a decade. Adults over age 17 may walk in and race during normal business hours; no reservations needed. Racing hours also are offered for youth age 16 to 17 and age 8 to 15 (a safety class is required for the youngest group). Walk-Ins are welcome to race but be sure to call ahead or check the comapny's website for dates and hours of racing for different age brackets. Open year-round. 888-2-GO-KART.

Bath Is Home to Graceful, Historic Neighborhoods

Nestled along the Kennebec River, the city of Bath is a small jewel of a city that embraces a seafaring tradition. Bath welcomes visitors with tree-lined historic avenues graced by stately mansions that were once home to shipyard owners and ship captains. You can take a guided walking tour of the Bath historic district or ride the Bath Trolley. Bath’s Front Street is home to antique stores, specialty shops, galleries and fine restaurants. Bath’s Farmers Market takes place from June to October and a summer concert series takes place on Friday evenings. This is also the home of the Maine Maritime Museum.

Compliments In Your Future

Compliments Gallery, at Dock Square and Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport, is located in a beautiful region that inspires artists of all persuasions. The store sells home decorating pieces, furniture, blow glass, jewelry, and lighting that are original, unique, often hand-made, and destined to become family heirloom pieces. A wonderful place to secure a memento from your Maine seacoast vacation. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 207-967-2269.

Maine Mountain Views from Secluded Trails

Rangeley Lakes Trails Center at 524 Saddleback Mountain Road in Rangeley, offers to the public 55 kilometers of secluded, scenic dog-friendly trails for year-round use, from hiking and mountain biking in summer to Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking in winter. Trails are groomed in winter and the center rents out equipment and offers lessons and guided tours. The Gnome Home Roam, created for kids especially to enjoy, is 20 or more small carved gnomes in tiny houses scattered among the trails. Food, drink, and good cheer are always available in the lodge. Trail map. Fees for memberships or short-term visits. 207-864-4309.

Direction: Up

Salt Pump Climbing Company at 36 Haigis Parkway in Scarborough wants to help you re-discover your inner (tree-climbing) child (and bring your own kids, too, of course). Right at the top of its website, the climbing gyn welcomes first-timers to its intro to climbing class, where you can learn the fundamentals, including basic climbing knots, proper belay technique, communication, climbing movement and bouldering, route reading, and auto belays. Experienced climbers all the way down to little kids are welcome, too. It’s a warm atmosphere of physical exertion and support. Open daily. 207-219-8145. [photo: Anne Skidmore]

For a Fun Time: Moose Alley

Moose Alley, on Main Street in Rangeley does not mince words. Front and top and center on its website is the declaration “We Entertain. All day. All Night. All Year.” The Alley does this with bowling, billiards, an arcade, great food live music and good vibes. The indoor fire pit doesn’t hurt, either. Live music happens all and every weekend; see the calendar. You just might spot some antlers as décor items.

home and away gallery in kennebunkport ME

Beautiful Baskets Are a Sample of Maine Art

Home & Away Gallery at 26 Maine Street in Kennebunkport specializes in Inuit, Eskimo, and Native American arts and jewelry. The baskets, some made by people of Maine’s Wabanaki tribes, are stunning, and they make a wonderful memento of your visit to this seaside state. The Gallery also offer Native American beadwork and sculpture and jewelry, baskets, Zuni carvings, and more. The Gallery also hosts artist events and special exhibit. Open weekends, and other times by appointment or chance. 207-967-2122. [photo courtesy of Home & Away Gallery]

Come See Acadia Sparkle in Winter

You thought Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor were splendid in summer?? Come let this place dazzle you in the snow. The 45 miles of Acadia's charming carriage roads throughout the park are a cross-country skier’s or snowshoer's dream. Snowmobiles are welcome on the 27-mile Park Loop Road system (including the road up Cadillac Mountain). Mountain Guides Climbing School offers ice climbing courses for all levels. A more-sedate pleasure is bird watching and -photography. After a day of play, Bar Harbor’s restaurants, inns, and B&Bs are welcome, nourishing, and cozy. Plan a visit. Phone: 207-620-9074 [photo by Earl Brechlin]

Maine Beaches Welcome Hoofs Offseason

Bordering the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach State Park (its address is 10 Perkins Farm Lane in Phippsburg) has a very long stretch of sand beach where horseback riding is welcome from October 1 through March 31. Equestrians who have done it say riding on the beach in brisk weather is a thrill for both the humans and the beasts, and the wide-open sands of Popham are becoming known as the place to do it. If you’re are looking for a new and exciting outdoor activity, look no further than the Popham Beach State Park. The beach phone is 207-389-1335.

Beautiful Craftsmanship From Back in the Day

From an ornate hinge to a hand-carved oak mantel, workmanship of the past can be a beautiful source for furnishing the present. Portland Architectural Salvage , at 131 Preble Street Ext. in Portland is 20,000 square feet of carefully chosen objects from houses, churches, barns -- use your imagination. The company's motto is "Urban elegance and sophistication with an antique and architectural past." Gloss up your habitat with some built-in soul. Open year-round, but hours vary seasonally; check website. 207-780-0634.

Horse-Drawn Carriage, Sleigh and Trail Riding

Carousel Horse Farm at 95 Main Street in Freeport offers horseback, sleigh and carriage rides tailored to every season (sleighs depend on snowfall, of course). Enjoy tours of Casco Village or foliage-season rides near Parker Pond. In the summer, you may stop at Pear's Ice Cream in the village. Among the sights are Mount Washington and local wildlife. Winter and summer hours are by reservation. Spring and fall are the best times to ride, with perfect weather and vibrant flowers or leaves brightening your way. 207- 615-6948

Belgian-Style Beer for You

Portland visitors who love beer should know about the Allagash Brewing Company, which offers free tours and tastings at its brewery at 50 Industrial Way in Portland. Founded in 1995 as a one-man shop, Allagash brews traditional and experimental Belgian beers. The beers are bottle-conditioned, meaning that a fresh dose of yeast is added just before bottling, allowing a new round of fermentation that enhances the traditional Belgian taste. Are you intrigued yet? Tours are offered year-round. Plan ahead; Saturdays are busy. Tours are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Phone: 207-878-5385

Celebrating Life's Pleasures, European Version

It's a little difficult to summarize the charming retail store, The Clown, at 659 US Route1 in York. Under a motto of "Celebrating Life's Finer Arts," the owners explain "the idea for providing an eclectic mix of cultural products at good prices started on a farm in the hills of Tuscany…" bought and restored by the Clown's owners in the 1990s. Continuing: "From the owners' love for artisan craftsmanship came the idea to buy and import the best wine, food, antique furniture and accessories which Europe has to offer." The Clown also has retail stores in Belfast, Portland, and Stonington. European giftware at good prices. 207-351-8315.

Visit the Maine Coast for British Shopping

Britain’s BBC has discovered and reported the pleasures of a visit to Portland and its nearby neighbors of coastal Maine. For Anglophile shoppers, the BBC has reported its approval Bridgham & Cook, Ltd. at 123 Main Street in Freeport. The shop sells British foods - teas, sweets, biscuits, preserves, and condiments - in addition to numerous English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh goods, clothing, accessories, and gifts. Scott’s Porage Oats, Thursday Cottage Curd, Barbour tartan purses, Bronte Moon Dales Scarf, and much more. Fun and unique shopping on Maine’s coast! Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 207-865-1040

The Name Is Standard; the Baked Goods Are Super

Located at 75 Commercial Street, across from the harbor in Portland, Standard Baking Co. is the city's -- maybe the state's -- most popular gathering spot for delicious baked goods along with the ebb and flow of people -- neighbors and visitors. It is heaven on Earth for people who love breads, sticky buns, and more baked treats. And the company has just come out with a cookbook that unveils many of its best baking methods. Open daily. 207-773-2112.

Ice Is Nice – for Play and Profit

Maine Maritime Museum in Bath celebrates one of Maine’s most important exports from the pre-modern days, pure, crystal ice, in the exhibit The Frozen Kingdom: Commerce & Pleasure in the Maine Winter. Mainers have always celebrates ice (-skating, -fishing, -boating). In the old days, Maine ice cooled highballs and platters of oysters from Queens to Cuba. The exhibit also describes the burly “Ice Kings” that rose in the competitive business of the ice trade. Exhibit open through April 26, 2020.

Island of Quiet

Monhegan Island is a small, rocky land mass about ten miles eastward from Boothbay Harbor, is scarcely a square mile in area. It is accessible only by boat and there are no cars or paved roads on the island. For more than 100 years, Monhegan has been a summer haven for artists and others who appreciate its isolation, the beauty of its wilderness areas, and its unhurried pace. You will find restaurants, lodging, artists at work, and beautiful views. Boat transportation is offered by a couple of operations based in the town of Port Clyde. Boats to the island operate year-round, but schedule changes seasonally. Phone: 207-596-7003.

Off We Go With a Jangle of Harnesses

It has been called the “low-impact winter sport” – that is, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the New England woods and meadows. Rides are offered by many farms, including High View Farm in Harrison, where the host promises that the jingle of sleigh bells will ring on as a wonderful memory.Get out this winter and enjoy a great winter activity perfect for the entire family. 207-595-1601

Discover the Trails of This Midcoast Audubon Sanctuary

A peninsula in the Sasanoa River in Georgetown is the location of the beautifuly Josephine Newman Audubon Sanctuary, a 119-acre preserve that is a naturalist’s window into some of the features of the Maine coast. Flanked on two sides by salt marsh, the sanctuary has miles of trails that cross meadows, coastline, forest, and ridges. To get to the sanctuary, from the junction of U.S. Route 1 and Route 127 in Woolwich, just east of the Woolwich-Bath bridge, head south on 127 for 9.1 miles to Georgetown. Turn right at the sanctuary sign and follow the entrance road to the parking area. Trail finder. Trail guide.

Ice Is Nice in Kennebunk

The best of indoor and outdoor winter ice skating might be on a well-groomed rink in a covered with open-sided pavilion. that is what you will find at Waterhouse Center at 51 Main Street in downtown Kennebunk. This public skating venue is open daily and free. Lots of local people and visitors get out on the ice for pure enjoyment and vigorous fun. A zamboni keeps the ice as smooth as a baby's bottom -- go ruts or divots here! 207-985-2102 ext. 1335

Cool Shopping in Kittery

With the slogan “Outfitters with Style Since 1938,” Kittery Trading Post , a sprawling and beautifully designed outdoor sport supplier, greets visitors – appropriately – just as they cross into southern Maine, at 301 U.S. Route 1 in Kittery. This is the source for everything outdoors-worthy from boogie boards to shotguns. Really fun to explore. Keep the kids busy by counting moose images. Open daily. 888- 587-6246.

snow tubing in maine with VisitNewEngland.com

Athletic Skill Is Optional for Snow Tubing

People who are not skilled athletes or even very coordinated can have a blast in the snow by trying out snow tubing – the winter outdoor sport that is skyrocketing in popularity. Seacoast Snow Park at 932 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) in Windham offers 12 lanes of intense snow tubing and Express lift to the top. Sledding is especially magical at night. The hillside is lit and music fills the air. All single riders must be over 48 inches tall. Riders between 36 and 48 inches tall must ride in a double tube with an adult. Snowmaking provides near-constant tubing. Arcade, snack bar. Phone: 207-892-5952.

History and Culture of Mills on Display Here

From the 1850s to the 1950s the textile mills, shoe mills and brickyards of Lewiston and neighboring Auburn (L-A) made up the state's largest manufacturing center. Museum L-A, located in the Bates Mill Compex off of Chestnut Street, facing Canal Street, in Lewiston, documents the industries and the people who made them thrive. Within the 1850s Bates Mill, the museum displays vintage machinery, tools, shoes and quilts along with an oral history tour of mill workers from both cities. Open year-round, daily except Mondays. 207-333-3881.

Cross-Country Skiing in the Woods of Maine

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, just a bit north of Portland and south of Lewiston/Auburn, is a wooded getaway where you can enjoy groomed trails for cross-country skiing through the beautiful snowy woods of Maine. The farm is open to the public year-round. In winter enjoy 30 kilometers of well-kept trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Rent your equipment and get expert advice if you are new to any of this, including sledding and ice skating. Instruction is offered in dry-land Nordic ski training and orienteering. Come in the warm seasons for biking, walking, trail running, tennis and disc golf. Hiking: always! Day and seasonal passes at reasonable prices. Pricing for adults and children. 207-688-4539.

Have Snowmobile; Will Travel ... in Maine

To say the snowmobile trails in Maine are some of the finest in the country would be an understatement at best. Maine’s Interconnected Trail System (ITS) is provided to snowmobilers through the joint effort of the Maine Snowmobile Association, headquartered in Augusta, and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Department of Conservation. The organization’s website provides maps and directions, information on trail conditions and planning a trip, calendars of snowmobiling events, activities, directories of snowmobiling clubs, and other great things to do. You can get a detailed map of the Interconnected Trail System by contacting the Maine Snowmobile Association at PO Box 80, Augusta, 04332. Phone: 207-622-6983

Begin Your Day with Mush on the Dog Sled Trail

Morning Crescent Sled Dogs, located near the town of Bethel, wants to show you the fun and adventure of dog sledding. The company offers rides and instruction for people of all ages and abilities. The half-day tour is an introduction to dog sledding that includes basic instruction and time on the trail totaling about three hours. The full-day tour allows more hands-on teaching and more time on the trail (about five or six hours) learning the art, skill and magic that is dog sledding. [photo: Caroline Blair-Smith]

Fine Wine and Intriguing Rum

Bartlett Maine Estate Winery at 161 Chicken Mill Pond Road in Gouldsboro is a small detour off the fabled road to Acadia National Park. At Bartlett’s, prize-winning wines are pressed onsite from native fruits. A relatively new offering is Rusticator rum, with flavors of vanilla, toffee, lime and banana. The tasting room, halfway between Ellsworth and the Petit Manon Wildlife Refuge, is housed in a hand-wrought stone building. Tasting room is from June to October or by appointment. 207- 546-2408.

Children’s Fun and Learning Zone

With seven interactive exhibit areas on three floors, Maine Discovery Museum at 74 Main Street in downtown Bangor, Maine, is the largest children's museum north of Boston. Seven permanent exhibits invite children to explore nature, geography, children's literature, music, art, science and anatomy. Among the exhibits are: Nature Trails, to explore Maine's ecosystem along a 20-foot waterway; TradeWinds, a new exhibit about Maine's global connections to Brazil, Japan, and Italy; Booktown, a village where every doorway leads into the pages of a Maine children's literary classic; Sounds Abound, exploring the world of music in a sound studio; Artscape; Mission: Discovery; and Body Journey. Open year-round; closed on Mondays. Phone: 207-262-7200.

Plants Transformed into Artwork

Snug Harbor Farm, open year-round at 87 Western Avenue in Kennebunk, is a beauty of a place for sophisticated gardeners, with a special emphasis on topiaries and beautifully potted arrangements. The farm offers unique garden accessories and arrangements with a flavor of old European courtyards. There is always something unusual to find in the greenhouses or The Shop. The farm's topiaries are grown in handmade terra cotta vases and bowls and stone planters. Instruction is offered, along with special seasonal events, like the Haunted Barn at Halloween and classes at Christmas in wreath making and boxwood topiaries. Phone: 207-967-2414.

Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

The Camden Snow Bowl ski and winter sports area makes its home at the summit of 1300-foot Ragged Mountain on Barnestown Road in Camden. It claims to the only ski area in New England where skiers and boarders can look out over spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean while whooshing down the trails. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, winter activities at the Snow Bowl include snow tubing, ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and a thrilling 400-foot toboggan chute. Phone: 207-236-3438.

Comfort & Adventure By Maine Huts & Trails

Maine Huts & Trails, headquartered at 496 Main Street in Kingfield, offers back country hut-to-hut adventures coupled with comfortable accommodations. All huts at Maine Huts & Trails offer shelter, meals, and activities like hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing. Each hut features shuttles to take gear from hut to hut. Maine Huts & Trails opened Stratton Brook Hut, its newest, in December 2012. Stratton Brook is the fourth of 12 planned back country huts and eco-lodges in Maine’s Western Mountains. This planned 180-mile connected hut-to-hut trail will be the longest groomed ski trail in America. Phone: 877-634-8824.

Starry Nights at Acadia

Spend a night under the stars at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, and everything will come into perspective. The night sky is an endless source of entertainment and beauty, and the clear, dark Maine sky allows stargazers a breathtaking view of constellations. The Seawall Campground picnic area near Manset is an almost magically scenic stargazing spot: See the Milky Way and ocean meet. Discover the brightest stars in the sky, the "hidden" location of hundreds of black holes, and Messier 13, the famous faraway destination of a human attempt at intergalactic contact. Bring your best telescope, or get a rotating star map from the Acadia gift shop.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

In August 2016, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the national park system, President Obama created a new park, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, in northern Maine, near Millinocket. The park is in the shadow of Mount Katahdin, and it occupies a wild landscape with spectacular views the mountain. Back-country adventurers can explore the rivers, woods, plant and animal life, and dark night skies. This is a monument with limited services; services will be added in coming years. The park has no welcome center at present. Find visitor information at the park’s website or by phone: 207-456-6001.

Acadia Beauty Along a Loopy Drive

Acadia Byway travels through Acadia National Park and the historic villages of Bar Harbor and Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island. Along this route, the rugged Maine coast and old-growth forests remain much as they were when the island was described by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park are among the most beautiful places in New England. Travelers can bike on miles of interconnected carriage roads. This byway follows Route 3 into Bar Harbor, then follows the park loop road thereafter.

Cozy Cabins Welcome You After a Day Outdoors

If you want to get outdoors and also want a nearby, warm, and cozy retreat, get in touch with Cochran Camps on Cochran Lake in New Limerick, Maine, 10 miles east of Houlton. A rental cabin on the lake sleeps six people. Cochran is a quiet, secluded, lake with easy access to bird watching, hiking, swimming, canoeing, golfing, skiing, mountain climbing, biking, snowmobiling, ATV riding, hunting, fishing and other great outdoor activities. For evenings, it is just a short drive to a movie theater or shopping in Houlton. Cabins operate year-round. Phone: 207-532-7336

From Wines to Watches, All the Prices Are Fine

Stop, shop, and save before visiting Canada. At Duty Free Americas at 4 Airport Road at I-95 in Houlton, Maine, you can buy gifts for yourself and friends wide selection of fragrances, watches, gifts, jewelry and travel-related merchandise from the highest quality brand names, as well as items that typically incur significant duties and taxes, such as liquor and tobacco.

Meet a Wolf! Meet a Bear!!

Kisma Preserve in Trenton is a home for wild animals. A basic visit involves a tour of about one hour with a knowledgeable guide. The preserve also offer special opportunities for personal animal encounters, private behind the scenes tours, group visits, photography, camping and more. You may be about to meet a wolf during daily socializing or exercising routines. (Reservations required.) Or, come and meet a black bear and make his or her day by bringing a favorite treat. 207-667-3244

Diversions Puzzles & Games south portland me

Bring Your Best Game Here

Revive some old-fashioned entertainment that doesn’t rely on a power source, and has the benefit of bringing people together. Next time you are looking for indoor entertainment -- for people of any age – in South Portland, Diversions Puzzles & Games at 415 Philbrook Avenue. The store stocks new and classic games and high-quality puzzles for every age and interest. And, it has lots and lots of open game days and nights. Staff members can teach you how to play one of our many demo games. Open daily. 207-773-0300

Antiques of Maine Life in an Antique Building

Steam Mill Antiques at 155 West Bethel Road (US Route 2) in Bethel, Maine, is a country antique shop located in a large, 1820 farmhouse and barn. Come and find a wide range of antiques, collectibles, books, pictures, signs, toys, and other stuff. Anything that you could find in an antique shop you may find here! Our stock is always changing so it's always worth the time to browse the shop. DownEast Magazine has declared that Steam Mill Antiques is one of the 5 reasons to love Bethel. An honor! Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, year-round, and by chance or appointment on all other days and seasons. Send email to SteamMillAntiques@gmail.com to make an appointment or if you are traveling from a distance and want to check the hours of operation.

Here, Stonewall Means Tasty Eating

Maine’s Stonewall Kitchen is one of those up-with-the-bootstraps stories of a small group of friends that began producing jelly, jam, and specialty vinegars at home and then … boom. Stonewall Kitchen is now an empire of specialty foods. Its flagship story is located delightfully close to travelers: next to Route 1A at the York exit (exit 7) off of Interstate-95. Come and enjoy the beautiful presentation of preserved foods, condiments, sauces, pancakes mixes, and syrups. Also at the home store are cookbooks, cookware and all sorts of neat gifts for cooks in your life. Stonewall Kitchen Café, next door, offers tasty aid and comfort to travelers. 800-826-1752

Island Explorer bus through Acadain National park

Explore the Island, Then Explore the Park

There is much beauty to see at Acadia Nation Park. A good way to start is to get an overview of the whole landscape by jumping aboard the Island Explorer bus. This is not a tour – it is public transportation for the park and neighboring villages that runs from late May to Columbus Day. Take a bit of time to ride the bus with others going about their daily lives or on vacation. You’ll get a glimpse of what you may want to see more deeply, and know exactly how to get back there later. "A wonderful service. Best way to get around. Fun to ride," said a visitor from Texas. 207-667-5796

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center in Gardner Maine

Comedy, Music, Gravity Daring: Johnson Hall's Got It

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center presents a wide range of artist programs -- live music series, children’s events, outdoor performances in the park and more -- in the historic Johnson Hall Performing Arts building (1864) at 280 Water Street in downtown Gardiner, Maine. The Hall – Maine’s oldest opera hall -- celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016, a sign that it knows and serves its audience. 207-582-7144.

Track the Great Blue Heron to Scarborough Marsh

The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center at 92 Pine Point Road in Scarborough is an endlessly interesting place to explore an ever-changing salt marsh and estuary. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife manages the estuary, and provides all the information you need to explore the marsh on walking trails or by canoe (you can rent them). The center offers guided walks, canoe tours, exhibits, a nature trail, and a Maine Audubon Nature Store. Come see eye-to-eye with egrets, herons, glossy ibis and many stunning shorebirds. Open May to September. Lots of nature-themed events for all ages are held throughout the year. 207-883-5100

Carson Name Still Defends the Earth

The author whose seminal work, “Silent Spring,” launched the American environmental movement is the namesake for the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of a patchwork of properties along 50 miles of coastline from Kittery to Cape Elizabeth, with a headquarters on Route 9 in Wells. The refuge serves as protected region of valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Visitors are welcome to hike on the developed trails of the Refuge. is permitted in several rivers and creeks in the Refuge. Phone: 207-646-9226.

Driving You to Drink in Portland

Some observers of American life declare that the existence of a lot of craft breweries is a sign of a city’s soulfulness. In any case, the Maine Brew Bus based at 111 Commercial Street in Portland scheduled and private tours of breweries in Portland and southern Maine. The tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at Maine's craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides and a non-drinking driver. All tours include a snack or meal and trivia games. New tour is Birds on Tap: a guided tour of bird watching and beer-sipping. 207-200-9111.

cheese makers in Appleton, Waldoboro, Whitefield, Union, and Owls Head

Hug a Goat; Eat Some Cheese

Midcoast Maine – that magical region of farms and fields and views – has a number cheese makers tucked among the towns of Appleton, Waldoboro, Whitefield, Union, and Owls Head.. The Midcoast Maine Cheese Trail (with some wineries and vineyards added) guides you from one cheese producer to the next. Taste the handmade cheeses; enjoy the farming spirit. Check with farms on your itinerary for open days and hours. Makers include Appleton Creamery, East Forty Farm, Fuzzy Udder Creamery, ME Water Buffalo Co., Copper Tail Farm, Sweetgrass Vineyard and Farm, Breakwater Vineyards and Farm, and Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery.

Kennebunk Rail Trail Invites You to Use Your Legs

Get out and put those legs to use! The 6.5-mile Kennebec River Rail Trail is one of Maine’s great outdoor attractions. The trail welcomes locals and visitors alike for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, and dog walking. The trail parallels the existing rail bed along the Kennebec River, and stretches from Augusta Maine's Waterfront Park, through the towns of Hallowell and Farmingdale, to its conclusion in the city of Gardiner. Bring the entire family and explore the wonderful activities that Maine has to offer along the Kennebec River Rail Trail.

Love Vintage? Scratch That Itch

The Portland Flea-for-All at 585 Congress Street in the Bayside neighborhood of Portland is a marketplace offering vintage, antique and artisan goods ranging from classic jewelry to old records and much more in between. Whether or not you have a special item in mind, chances are you’ll find something at the Flea. The Flea has reaped lots of admiring chatter in collection and decorating circles for its broad scope and welcoming attitude. Got something to sell? Drop in! Open Fridays through Sundays. 207-370-7570.

Bar Harbor Acadia

Greater Portland

Northern Maine

Mid Coast

South Coast

Western Lakes Mountains

80 great fun things to do in Maine, indoors and outdoors attractions