Destination Spotlight - Maine, USA continued...

A quick tour of Maine

• York Village – the Colonial Revivalists rescued and restored a number of important 18th century buildings here including “log garrison” style buildings where, when attacked by the French or Native Americans, the men would fire their muskets whilst the women would pour boiling water from the projecting floor onto the enemy down below!
  
  
• Kittery– take Route 103 for a winding coastal road passing colionial style houses and Fort McClary between Kittery and York.  Kittery Point vies with York for the title of oldest settlement, dating back to 1623.  Kittery is also well known for its outlet shopping.
  
  
• Kennebunkport – this quaint village is most famous for being the holiday destination of the Bush family and attracts vast numbers of tourists in season.  Taste a glass of homemade lemonade on your inevitable walk from the out-of-town car park to the harbour or enjoy a ride on an authentic tram at the Tram Museum just outside town.
  
  
• Old Orchard Beach - was once a fashionable Victorian summer haunt but now boasts a “honky tonk” atmosphere with ample budget motel accommodation, carnival rides, water parks, ice cream parlours and a variety of eateries.
  
  
• You can’t visit America without experiencing the “drive-in” – one of the oldest remaining drive-in cinemas can be found on Route 1 between Saco and South Portland, just outside Scarborough.  Only open during the summer months, this is an enjoyable evening outing for the whole family.  Get there early to beat the queues!
  
  
• Rachel Carson National Wildlife Reserve – a beautiful estuary preserved as a refuge for migratory birds
  
  
• Prouts Neck – this famous stretch of beach is now the site of a private beach club but temporary membership is given to visitors to the Black Point Inn.  Or head further up the “neck” on Route 207 to beautiful Scarborough Beach
  
  
• Cape Elizabeth– home to several of the state’s most photographed lighthouses,as well as Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State Park.  For home cooking and a warm welcome, stop for a bite at the “Good Table” near Crescent Beach. Portland Head Light, located at Fort Williams Park (north on Route 77 and turn right onto Shore Road) is one of the most famous lighthouses in the state.
  
  
• Portland – a bustling town with attractions including the Old Port District, Portland Public Market, boat trips around Casco Bay (including seal spotting and whale watching tours), the Children’s Museum, tram rides, and a vast array of eateries.  It has been said that Portland has the most restaurants per head of population anywhere in the United States.
  
  
• Freeport – an outlet village where you’re sure to find a bargain and home to the LLBean flagship store.  Just outside town you’ll find Wolf Neck Woods where you might be lucky enough to see Ospreys nesting in season.
  
  
• Bath – proud of its nautical history, you’ll find a number of museums here including the Maine Maritime Museum.
  
  
• Wiscasset – boasts to be Maine’s prettiest village and whilst many might dispute this, it is certainly worth a stroll through the picturesque 19th century side streets.  Worth a visit are Nickels-Sortwell House and Castle Tucker.
  
  
• Boothbay Harbor – this famous sailing town is extremely popular with tourists and sailors alike during July and August, particularly when it celebrates its “Windjammer Days”.
  
  
• Acadia National Park – despite drawing many visitors each summer, off the beaten track you’ll also find quiet trails, small fishing villages and breathtaking scenery – please don’t forget your camera!  Bar Harbor is the leading town for anyone visiting the Park with a range of accommodation, restaurants and shops.
  
  
• Camden – a lively and attractive coastal town with an abundance of restaurants and guest house accommodation.
  
  
• Augusta – Maine’s capital city straddles the River Kennebec and provides many cultural and recreational activities.
  
  
• Sebago Lake State Park – a popular day trip destination for locals, renowned for its salmon fishing and swimming points.
  
  
• New Gloucester – home to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community and Museum where 17 buildings are open to the public to give a taste of everyday Shaker life.
  
  
• Bethel – this classic “New England” town is a popular center for hiking in the White Mountains and for ski-ing in the winter.
  
  
• Rangeley Lakes – heavily wooded countryside and several lakes with remote looking scenery for those that want to escape the crowds.  This area is particularly popular in the Fall when visitors flock to see the colourful foliage.
  
  
• Moosehead Lake – the state’s largest fresh water lake, whose scenery is best appreciated by taking a boat trip from Greenville.  If you explore the shoreline by canoe you might even catch a glimpse of a moose coming down from the forest for a quiet drink.
  
  For a selection of driving tours please click here