For many who haven’t been, Maine seems like it’s a world away. As the only state that shares a border with a single other state, you pretty much have to be looking for Maine to find it. Why visit Vacationland? Here are the top 10 Maine bucket list attractions you’re not going to want to miss!
(featured image via Instagram)
10. Old Fort Western
Augusta
A former British colonial outpost, Old Fort Western was built in 1754 during the French and Indian War. Now, the fort serves as an attraction, preserving the atmosphere of an 18th-century trading post. Old Fort Western was also included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
9. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Boothbay
Featuring over 250 acres of land, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a prominent tourist attraction and wedding venue. The estate displays stunning natural landscapes and many trails for visitors to explore. The gardens were opened in June of 2007 after nearly two decades of preparation.
8. Portland Head Light
(image via Flickr)
Cape Elizabeth
Maine has gorgeous colonial lighthouses, but none can beat Portland Head Light. Located in Cape Elizabeth, the beacon signaled nearly all of the ships coming into Portland Harbor. In fact, George Washington commissioned this whale oil lighthouse to be built in 1787.
7. Hussey’s General Store
(image via Facebook)
Windsor
Just like the sign says, you can find anything you need at Hussey’s General Store in Windsor. Whether you are looking for a gun or a wedding dress, beer, or a novelty souvenir, Hussey’s has got you covered. As the locals say, “If they don’t have it, you don’t need it.”
6. Bufflehead Sailing Charter
Rockland
Anyone with a love of the sea doesn’t need to travel far in Maine. Bufflehead Sailing Charters is the way to go. Captain Daniel Bennett bought his boat for only $1, but he has since fixed it up. He now takes tours out from Rockland.
5. Cabbage Island Clambakes
(image via Flickr)
Boothbay Harbor
Since the 1980s, people have flocked to Cabbage Island to take part in the world-famous clambakes. Beginning with a scenic tour of Boothbay Harbor, the focus is soon shifted to the huge seafood banquet. If you are interested, you can sail around the harbor in the famed Bennie Alice.
4. Canoe the Allagash River
Some of the best views of Maine’s natural beauty can be seen from the Allagash River. There are parts of the river that can be dangerous, but you can take a guided tour through Allagash River Trips. For the adventurous, there is a nine-day trip that runs the length of the river, as well as excursions out onto the Allagash Stream and Allagash Lake.
3. Build a Fairy House on Mackworth Island
(image via Flickr)
Portland
This heavily wooded island off the coast of Portland is the perfect afternoon getaway. While there, be sure to check out the Fairy Houses Village. Families can build wooden huts for woodland spirits to stay in during their trip to the island.
2. Lobster Roll at Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf
(image via Facebook)
New Harbor
Maine is the center of tasty seafood, and you are not going to want to miss the lobster roll at Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf in New Harbor. Here, you can eat a delicious meal while looking out over the harbor. Be careful if you go during the lunch rush—the place can get pretty crowded.
1. Commercial Street
(image via Instagram)
Portland
No Maine bucket list is complete without sampling the local food. When many people think about Maine, they think about the abundance of seafood around the state. On Commercial Street in Portland, there are many markets that sell the finest catches the sea has to offer. The street is also home to many tourist shops and artisan bakeries.
