5 Spots in Maine We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

It’s easy to be thankful for Maine, no matter what year or what time of year. It’s a beautiful place, and everyone seems to agree on that. However, it’s easy for some places to be overrated in popular areas, or for things to become too favored to a point where they’re a pain to visit. These five places below, luckily, aren’t that. They are absolute blessings in Maine that we would be lucky to visit this year. 

1. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Location: Boothbay

Why We Love It: Although visiting these gardens for the blooms and greenery alone would be more than enough, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are perhaps best known for their trolls. No, not garden gnomes, but trolls instead! These towering trolls, five in total, are part of an exhibit called Guardians of the Seeds and are crafted from recycled wood, promoting sustainability and a connection with nature. They can be found in different parts of the gardens, with some taking quite a while to find, as the gardens themselves span three hundred acres! Not a troll fan? Try the butterfly house, the native bee exhibit, or the fairy house village.

2. The Desert of Maine

Location: Freeport

Why We Love It: No, this is not an expanse of sand that could rival the Sahara. In truth, it’s not even a real desert. It’s actually a real example of what can happen when farmland is not properly maintained (to learn more, you have to visit!). To many, a place like this could seem like an obvious tourist trap but other than the clear motif of environmental protection this place carries (like so many other spots in Maine), the Desert of Maine is well maintained and has other attractions like mini golf and camping to keep things varied.

3. Acadia National Park

Location: Southeastern Maine near Bar Harbor

Why We Love It: Maine isn’t lacking in gorgeous national or state parks, but Acadia just seems to have an extra touch of magic. The thing about Acadia National Park is that it just seems to have everything and more! Dramatic coastlines, imposing mountains, islands that dot the sea, peaceful lakes, rushing rivers, forests that stretch on for what seems like eons—and that’s just the natural landscape. There are also man-made structures and carriage paths that fit the New England coastline flawlessly, as well as a wide array of animals that fill out the area perfectly. 

4. Bethel (the town)

Location: Western Maine

Why We Love It: Bethel, in and of itself, is an underrated gem in Maine, thanks to its abundance of charm, historic buildings, visual appeal in every season, and popular (yet still under the radar) restaurants. However, this is not the only reason why Bethel is such a blessing to visit. Bethel is a centralized hub for access to a wide range of recreational activities. In the summer, hiking, biking, and visiting nearby parks, such as Grafton Notch, are popular activities. But the winter is really when this town shines, with winter spots being absolutely famous in the area, from nordic skiing to snowboarding and more, particularly in the Sunday River Skiing area 

5. The Old Port in Portland

Location: The town of Portland

Why We Love It: Many people often dream of what it would be like to step back in time and see things as they were. For those who travel to the Old Port district in Portland, Maine, this dream can feel like a reality for a few hours. Between the cobblestone streets, crowded buildings made of brick and wood, ancient piers, and restaurants that have been there for years and years on end, it’s hard to deny the distinct New England charm that this area has. Yes, it’s popular with tourists too as a result. But the area has been able to manage this relatively well, and it doesn’t feel overwhelming. 

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