15 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official Mainiac

Many of us have lived here all our lives, but it's easy to see that Maine is finally on the map when it comes to being the best place to work, live and raise a family. Realizing this, we thought it was necessary to give the newbies some tips on how they can start to blend. It's more than just changing your driver's license! Here are 15 things you have to do before you'll ever be considered a true Mainer. And, for those who have lived here all along, make sure you've checked all of these off your list as well!

1. Visit a lighthouse north of Portland.

Start beautiful and nearby with Marshall Point Light in Port Clyde. Huge thanks to true Mainer, John Cross, for this beautiful photo.

2. Pick apart a lobster on a paper plate with your hands, while sitting outside.

Not all lobster has to be in roll form.

3. Visit The County.

It's where you'll fall in love with the other "real" Maine. This is Fort Fairfield.

4. Complain about Massachusetts drivers.

5. Experience road rage after spring road construction begins.

6. Know how to properly pronounce "Calais."

And then go there!

7. Spend the day in one of these.

Bonus points if you skip work to do it.

8. Run an errand on an ATV...

...with a passenger on your lap.

9. Make it through a winter.

10. Drive so far north, you're expected to speak more French than English.

11. Buy cupcake mix, a snow shovel and a toilet plunger in one trip to Reny's.

12. Watch a sunset over a body of water that is NOT the ocean.

Head inland. Our lakes are incredible, such as this one in New Limerick.

13. Head "uppta camp."

14. ...And, on the way, buy essentials at a place like this.

9. Survive a mud season.

What do you think it a necessary step to becoming a Mainiac? Let us know over on our Facebook page!