Dear Non-Mainers,

We live in a state that’s special to us. Some of us have been here all our lives and it’s shaped who we are. You might know it as simply “Vacationand,” but we know it as the place we made our first friends, the place our family had highs and lows and the place that we’ll always turn to when we need a dose of home. It’s come to our attention that there are a few misconceptions about our state and we think now is a fine time to address those things. Here are just a few things we want you all to know:

1. We know lobster rolls best.
Neil Conway / Flickr
So, don't bother trying one unless it's in Maine.
2. It's not the apocalypse, it's just the day after a small snowstorm.
pavdw / Flickr
We've learned to deal with this and we do it efficiently. Don't be afraid of the winter in Maine. We'll take care of you.
3. A lobster pot is NOT something you cook a lobster in.
Chris Young / Flickr
If you know the REAL definition of lobster pot, leave us a comment on Facebook and give your guess!
4. The beaches are nice, but our lakes are even better.
Mike Hoff / Flickr
Make a left and head inland! Our lakes and inland forests are exceptionally beautiful!
5. We're really smart.
Roman Boed / Flickr
Contrary to what you might believe, Maine is full of some big brains. From Colby to University of Maine, Bowdoin to Bates, both our public and private universities are some of the best in the country.
6. Maine's small towns are exactly what you imagine.
documentingtrees / Flickr
Quaint, friendly and perfectly rural!
7. You don't need to buy a plane ticket to Iceland for this view...
Mike Lewinski / Flickr
...we can see the Northern Lights from our backyard.
8. We are real. And we're NOT in Canada.
TUBS / Wikimedia Commons
We're actually that little red state right up there on the right. We might be pretty north, but we're not actually IN Canada. We exist and we're great!
9. Hipsters stole their look from us.
Susy Morris / Flickr
This plaid didn't just show up in Brooklyn for no reason! Mainers perfected the lumberjack look because they actually worked in logging.
10. It's not always snowing in Maine.
Peter Dutton / Flickr
In fact, our summers are pretty wonderful. The average July high temperature in Portland is 79. So, grab a cooler, a towel, some friends and family and head to Higgins Beach.
11. A little snow never stopped us!
LaneG / Flickr
Actually, those freezing temps give some of us an excuse to spend the day in a little house on some ice.
12. Maine has the first and REAL Portland.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
The one in Oregon was established AFTER ours.

Convinced that Maine is better than you thought? Head north and check out our list of places you MUST visit in 2017.

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