2013 Visitor's Guide

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Exploring Vacation- land with your dog? For barking-good ideas on what to do with your furry friends, visit happymestuff.com/ blog.

Photo: Michael Leonard, Atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park

EXP LOR ING Maine is a vast state with an abundance of natural, cultural, and recreational pursuits; from the inlets and harbors of the south, to the winding, wooded trails of the north — Vacationland awaits.

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Greater Portland is the one region where authenticity, arts, and adventure are equally present, but do take time to explore the rest of our beautiful state. Breathtaking coastal scenery and long stretches of sandy beach characterize the picturesque villages of the South Coast region. Old Orchard Beach offers fun for the whole family, with a traditional boardwalk and amusement park. Dine at award-winning restaurants in Ogunquit, and shop at the Kittery Premium Outlets, antique shops, and local boutiques. Four seasons of activities include festivals, cruises, summer theater, and Christmas Prelude. Farther up the coast, you’ll discover delightful villages, glacier-carved peninsulas, and the grand panoramas

of our Mid-Coast and Downeast regions. Ride the Maine Eastern Railroad between Brunswick and Rockland for a carefree journey through spectacular coastal scenery and visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, exploring three generations of Wyeths (N.C., Andrew, and James) in Maine. Explore the charming coastal towns of Boothbay Harbor and Camden where lobster boats, sightseeing tours, and quaint shops abound. Experience Maine’s natural beauty on the meander- ing paths of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Stunning views can be found high atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, Maine’s only national park; the nearby resort town of Bar Harbor boasts an assortment of acclaimed inns and B&Bs.

From the colorful wild flowers of spring to the stunning white snowscapes of winter, Western Maine is a region of great scenic beauty and outstanding recreational pursuits from swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting in the summer to ice-fishing, skating, skiing, and snowmobiling in the winter. Take a relaxing trip up Long Lake on the Songo River Queen II, replica of the Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. Get a safe, close-up look at over 30 species of wildlife at Maine Wildlife Park. Visit Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the only remaining Shaker community in the country. And don’t miss autumn’s colorful show as you explore the other Gems of Route 26 in the nearby Lakes & Mountains Region.

CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 75