Much of Maine feels like a dream come true, from salty air twirling through the trees to majestic moose roaming through the forests, award-winning restaurants, mom and pop shops and general stores. There are times when we all must ask how we ended up here and not some other (lesser) place. To help you avoid having to pinch yourself, we've collected a few photos from places that prove Maine is a wonderland that does not just exist in your imagination. All of this is real and we are the luckiest people on earth.

1. A peaceful, late afternoon at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth.

When people think of Cape Elizabeth, they often focus on the lighthousess. Enjoy a late afternoon at Kettle Cove and find a new reason to love the area.

2. Smalls Falls near Rangeley are among the beautiful waterfalls in Maine.

Listen closely and you can almost hear the rushing water.

3. The Height of Land near Rangeley will give you something to dream about.

The phrase "height of land" refers to the division between two watersheds. This one, off of Route 17 near Rangeley, is a picture taker's paradise that features an incredible view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

4. The Golden Road Scenic Byway in Millinocket gives views you'll never see in Southern Maine.

The 96-mile Golden Road was built by the Great Northern Paper Company and stretches from the St. Zacharie Quebec border crossing to the company's former mill in Millinocket. Seems like a lot of work until you think about how they used to FLOAT the logs on the river to get them to the mill. Much of this road is unpaved so make sure your car is in good shape before heading out. Look forward to some awesome views of Katahdin on the way.

5. The precariously perched Bubble Rock in Acadia National Park will make you question gravity.

If you're a regular reader, you know that this place is one of our favorites. Left behind by a massive glacier, this 100-ton rock is perched precariously on the South Bubble of the Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond Area.

6. Early, snowy mornings in Presque Isle are lovely.

Northern Presque Isle provides views of some of the most incredible sunrises in the the state.

7. Maine's still rivers bring the sort of calm people from away just don't understand.

You'll want to visit the Presumpscot River if you love this photo.

8. Icy mornings at Puffer's Pond in Dexter.

I'll be the first to admit that I hate those below zero mornings. But images like this make me ALMOST change my mind.

9. The back alleys of Maine will surprise you.

These, in Kennebunkport, require swimming skills.

10. Lack of light pollution truly makes a difference in Maine.

While this particular photo was shot in Clayton Lake in Aroostook County, you'll have similar experiences in just about any place in more rural Maine. The lack of light pollution here will lead to some pretty special experiences.

11. The greenest greens at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Seal Harbor.

This private garden is typically open one day a week from July to September, but is worth the advance planning to see the green of the moss. The garden was designed by Beatrix Farrand and combines Eastern and Western landscape traditions in a summer season display.

12. Early morning rays in Windham.

I'm the first to hit the snooze button, but when I think about this beauty I know I need to get a better view.

13. Under the pier in OOB.

If you're a year-round Mainer, you've surely seen this outside of just your dreams. This is one of my favorite places to stand near the pier, away from the maddening crowd for a peaceful moment.

14. The most dreamy views come from inside a hammock.

This one is strung up in Phippsburg, but any place in Maine is perfect for a hammock afternoon.

15. Moosehead camp views will have you dreaming of sunny days.

When I need a calm place to visit in my imagination, I think of camp.

What places in Maine make you feel like you're living in a dream? Let us know over on our Facebook page!