12 Things That Will Always Make Maine Natives Think of Home

While many Mainers wish they could stay in "Vacationland" forever, there are times when we need to leave home for a little while. Whether temporarily or more permanently, we're never really far from Maine. Not when we consider how much Maine has shaped us into the people we are today.

It's more than just the charming small towns, fall foliage, and waterfront (and lighthouse) views that we love about the Pine Tree State. Here are nine little things that always bring us right back home—no matter where we've landed in the world.

1. Seeing Bean Boots

Mainers are essentially L.L. Bean spokespeople, given that the flagship store is right here in Freeport. That means there's a whole lot of bean boots, also known as duck boots, being worn during the cold and wet winter months. We may not have owned a pair while in Maine, but seeing them out in the wild always fills us with pride.

2. The Smell of a Good Campfire

The scent of burning wood is indelibly marked in our hearts, our brains, and quite possibly a few shirts. There are plenty of opportunities to have a good "pit party" in the woods of Maine—between the campsites, cabins, and cozy inns, the possibilities are endless. Even when we're away from home, a campfire is a welcome sight.

3. Any Snow

We may have complained about it in Maine, but when it snows anywhere else, we only have fond memories of perfect, delicate snowstorms. Somehow, the blizzards and freezing temps fade from memory when we miss Maine. Our snowiest month is typically January, and we average about 50 to 70 inches of snowfall each year.

4. That One Scene in "Forrest Gump"

We've all done it, and by "it" we mean watched the movie "Forrest Gump" and cheered (audibly or silently) when Gump takes his famous run to Marshall Point Light in Port Clyde, Maine. There's nothing cooler than seeing a famous landmark from our home state in such an iconic film. Anytime we watch the movie, we think of our roots.

5. The Perfect Sunset

Sunsets are always pretty great, but seeing one anywhere will always make a Mainer remember the ones back home. Sunsets over Deer Isle—or anywhere along the waterfront, really—never disappoint, with vibrant oranges, yellows, purples, and pinks lighting up the evening sky. Even better? Watching the sun go down while cruising on a boat.

6. A Kitchen Full of Friends and Family

Enjoying a meal with friends in other states is great, but it'll always make us think of those packed kitchen tables full of family back in Maine. We always bring an extra chair or place setting to the lobster boil in case someone drops by. In fact, sitting around and shucking lobster for its buttery, juicy meat is a favorite family pastime around here!

7. Construction

Okay, so maybe we don't actually miss this. But construction season in Maine means the winter has ended, spring is upon us, and summer might just be on its way. Sure, eventually it will make our commutes and road trips a little easier, but it the meantime, it does put a damper on traffic times and the overall scenery.

8. Any Other State's Beach Pier

Most Maine natives know someone who's moved to Florida—whether for the sunshine, beach, or bit of both. Sure, Florida beach towns are nice, but they don't have anything as nostalgic and fun as Palace Playland on the Maine Seashore. It's the locals' fun oasis complete with amusement park rides, arcade games, and, of course, a good order of Pier Fries.

9. A Perfect Whoopie Pie

The most perfect desserts come from Maine, and just the thought of a good whoopie pie—two cookie cakes with marshmallow fluff sandwiched between—has us missing the ones that come from our local general stores. Anytime we see one of these in a grocery store across the U.S., we're automatically transported back to Maine. (We might even order them online from Cape Whoopies.)

10. Seeing a Car From Maine

Anytime we see a car with a Maine plate, we'll look to see if we know the person driving it. And, honestly, there's a good chance we will. No matter what highway we're driving down in the U.S., we'll be on the look out for license plates with birds, pieces of pine trees, and the infamous "Vacationland" slogan across the bottom.

11. Hearing One of These Foreign Countries or Cities

File this one under an "only in Maine" experience. We have so many cities that are named after popular cities and countries across the world, including Sweden, Peru, China, Denmark, Naples, and more. We even have highway signs with these town names to prove it! Anytime we hear someone talking about these places anywhere else (even when traveling to those actual countries), we think about our home state has one, too.

12. The Smell of the Waterfront

That unique combination of fish, salt, and seabreeze is a quintessential Maine smell. No matter where in the country it is, the scent of a working waterfront will always bring us back to the Pine Tree State and our days walking along the marina in places like Portland, Maine.

Ultimately, recent transplants and lifelong locals can agree: there's just something special about living in the Pine Tree State. Want to find out for yourself? Plan a trip to Maine using Only In Your State's itinerary planner, and get all the best lodging, dining, and sightseeing recommendations.