The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Maine’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
Quintessentially New England with its historic chapels and sprawling farms, Maine is an idyllic destination for travelers and beloved by both its short-term and longtime residents. You’ll find a little bit of everything in Maine, from its busy cities to its smaller, quieter towns that will remind you of yesteryear. A tour of Maine will give you a glimpse into some of its most prized destinations – from its sprawling parks and charming wineries to its fascinating museums and inspiring zoos. Explore Maine on foot or, for an even more unique adventure, join a boat or a train tour (or both, if you have the time). You can’t go wrong with spending a bit of time browsing its many general stores, thrift stores, and bookstores, where you’ll get to meet the residents and uncover hidden gems. Here is just a sampling of Maine’s best attractions.
The Best Small Towns In Maine
A stroll through the best small towns in Maine just might make you feel as though you’ve stepped into an old-fashioned painting. At the very least, the slow-pace of some of Maine’s best small towns will allow you to relax and to appreciate each moment. Lined with quaint shops and restaurants, Belfast is one of the largest small towns in Maine. It oozes charm and is within easy driving distance of Portland. Christmas card images come to life, especially when snow blankets the ground, in the beautiful town of Norway. If you’re lucky, you might even see a horse-drawn carriage as it passes by. Castine, sat right on the water, is worth a visit if you love the water and to visit the United States’ oldest continuously operating post office. Phippsburg, Roxbury, and Trenton also earn a spot on the list of Maine’s best small towns. What are your favorite small towns in Maine?
The Must Visit General Store In Maine
Slip on a pair of comfortable shoes before making your way to Hussey’s General Store, a massive shop in Windsor that spans 30,000 square feet. That’s a lot of space to cover, and you never know what treasures you’ll uncover as you explore. Billed as the largest general store in Maine, Hussey’s goes by the motto “If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it.” You’ll definitely find a little bit of everything in this old-school general store – from home décor and hunting supplies to camping gear and toys for the kiddos. If you or someone you love is getting married, you can even look for a wedding dress at Hussey’s General Store. Consider bringing your grocery list along, too, because you can also find groceries, appliances, and even gifts. What hidden treasures will you uncover at Hussey’s General Store?
The Unique Park In Maine
Outdoor lovers have plenty of places to explore in Maine, which boasts 36 state parks. Mt. Blue State Park, the state’s largest, sprawls across nearly 8,000 acres and offers a full menu of activities, making it a picture-perfect destination all year around. A sandy beach leads into the shimmering blue Webb Lake, also a popular spot for boating. One of the best ways to see all of the gorgeous natural scenery is to set off on one of the park's many hiking trails. If you’re up for a challenge, hike up Mt. Blue, where you’ll be treated to sensational panoramic views. Home to moose and loons, the park is also popular with wildlife watchers. How will you spend your time at Mt. Blue State Park?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Maine
Maine’s Damariscotta River is known for a few things, including serving as the best place in the state to find oysters. Covering more than 100 square miles, it’s also a beautiful natural wonder. One of the most popular ways to explore the water is aboard the tour boat The Teciani, which comfortably seats up to 50 passengers. You can even choose what type of tour you’d like to take – from admiring adorable seals on a seal-watching tour to checking out an oyster farm. If you’re a fan of sunsets, you’ll probably want to book a sunset cruise, one of the best ways to watch the sun fall asleep in the state. What themed cruise will you take down the Damariscotta River?
The Most Charming Flea Market In Maine
Mainers have been shopping at the biggest and most charming flea market in Maine, The Montsweag Flea Market in Woolwich, since it opened in 1977. If there’s only one flea market you have time to visit it Maine, make it this one. The seasonal Montsweag Flea Market is held on a giant field with vendors setting up their goods on tables and in small huts. Plan to spend at least an hour or two exploring, because you never know what you’ll find. Vendors sell everything from old-school typewriters and vintage cameras to cozy blankets and classic dishware. Don’t worry if you’re low on cash. You’ll find an ATM on site, so you can still buy all of the treasures you uncover. What kind of goodies will you find at the largest flea market in Maine?
The Magical Train Ride In Maine
A train ride just might be the perfect way to explore Maine, especially when the landscape is painted in the colors of fall. The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad offers train rides from Memorial Day until late October, returning again during Christmas for special rides with Santa. The fall foliage train ride is undoubtedly one of the prettiest treks of the year, although you can’t go wrong with the views on Santa’s Sunset Limited. Be sure to also check out the magic train ride and the pizza & whoopie pie train ride. For a unique view of the landscape, spend a bit of time on the open air car. What themed train ride will you take in Maine?
The Tallest Bridge In Maine
Did you know that the tallest bridge in Maine, which stands proudly at 2,120 feet, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records? In addition to holding the title of the state’s tallest bridge, The Penobscot Narrows Bridge in Stockton Springs is also one of the few bridges in the United States that also boasts a bridge observatory, the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. However, you really have to experience it for yourself. From the observatory, which sits 420 feet high, you’ll be able to see such stunning scenery as the 1844 Fort Knox. Climb aboard the elevator too, which will take you up four stories, for jaw-dropping views of the bridge and the landscape below. Have you added the tallest bridge in Maine to your bucket list yet?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Maine
We all deserve to stroll down Memory Lane, back to the simpler days of childhood, every now and then, and that’s just what The Maine Antique Toy and Art Museum in Waldoboro allows us to do. The outside of the museum looks like a classic Maine home. Once you walk inside, however, get ready for a rush of nostalgia. Carve out at least an hour, so you can see everything in the two-floor museum that displays vintage Disney toys, books, records, and all kinds of surprises. Even if you’ve already been to the museum, you might want to stop by during the holidays, including Christmas and Halloween, when it’s decorated. What are your favorite toys at The Maine Antique Toy and Art Museum?
