I’ve Lived in Maine My Entire Life — and These Are My Favourite Hidden Gems within the State

Coos Canyon

If panning for gold, waterfalls, and mountain climbing pique your curiosity, add a cease to Coos Canyon in Byron, the place you’ll be able to soak within the swimming holes and revel in a picnic alongside the Swift River. For some added journey, make your option to the summit of Tumbledown Mountain for lovely views and, shock, a dip within the pond to chill off from the 1.5-mile ascent. Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins gives a spot to arrange a tent, along with providing a wide range of lean-tos and cabins.

Schoodic Peninsula

Welcome to the forgotten a part of Acadia Nationwide Park. Lower than one % of vacationers who go to Acadia make the roughly one-hour drive to the Schoodic Peninsula. As a result of this a part of Acadia is situated on the mainland, moderately than Mount Desert Island like the remainder of the park, it’s usually skipped. However a few of the state’s finest views will be discovered right here — specifically, Raven’s Nest lookout at Schoodic Level. Guests can even take a 45-minute ferry experience from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and meet the free Island Explorer shuttle, which takes company to Schoodic.

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Piscataquis County

This space is arguably essentially the most underrated a part of the state. Begin with a cruise on The Kate, a historic steamboat that takes passengers on varied guided excursions of Moosehead Lake (Maine’s largest). After popping into native outlets and going for a dip at Lily Bay State Park, relaxation your head at Blair Hill Inn. For hikers, Gulf Hagas is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Maine, due to its putting rocky gorge and falls. Or, you’ll be able to take within the 360-degree views from the summit of Borestone Mountain in Guilford. To chill off, wander over to Dover-Foxcroft’s Peaks-Kenny State Park. Verify into The Mill Inn, situated in a restored mill alongside the Piscataquis River, earlier than heading to dinner at The Quarry, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Monson. Lastly, two breakfast choices await: Mill Cafe (simply downstairs out of your lodging) or Peace, Love & Waffles.

Maine Yoga Adventures (MYA)

As a traveler, I like discovering small, native companies that lead intimate teams on varied explorations. For one, you get the chance to satisfy locals who’ve frequent pursuits, plus it’s an effective way to have an unofficial information who is aware of the realm. Discovering corporations like Maine Yoga Adventures (MYA) is the place the magic occurs. MYA captures the essence of Maine with a wide range of group journeys across the state and past. Whereas yoga is normally a part, proprietor Holly makes even learners really feel welcome. Journeys have additionally included mountain climbing, paddleboarding, state park visits, dancing, tasty meals, collaborations with native breweries, spas, and different adventures.

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Kennebec Cabin Firm

Over the previous few years, the Maine Cabin Masters collection on Magnolia Community has gained a world following, and guests from across the nation discover their option to Kennebec Cabin Firm in Manchester, hoping to catch a glimpse of the laid-back stars. Whereas there are sightings right here and there, what of us additionally love is the retail retailer that options objects from native makers and artists, in addition to the reside out of doors music with lobster rolls and native brews. If you may get tickets to a lobster bake, contemplate your self fortunate.

Cabbage Island Clambakes

After 50 years, the clambakes are nonetheless going sturdy on Cabbage Island — a beloved occasion amongst Mainers and guests. Board the ferry at Pier 6 at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor and benefit from the narrated cruise over to the personal island residence. This conventional New England clambake contains two lobsters, steamers, fish chowder, potato, an egg, corn on the cob, and blueberry cake. Reservations replenish quick.

Momo’s Cheesecakes

I by no means preferred cheesecake till I attempted the one from Momo’s in Ellsworth. However what I like simply as a lot because the apple crisp cheesecake (amongst 60 different flavors) is that this enterprise is run completely on the distinction system from a storage. Should you’re heading to Bar Harbor or Acadia Nationwide Park, you must drive by means of Ellsworth, so that is a simple cease for vacationers headed to the coast.

The Cat Ferry

Whereas there isn’t a lot that flies under-the-radar on Mount Desert Island, one perk of visiting this space is the high-speed ferry that takes passengers to and from Nova Scotia between mid-Could by means of mid-October. In fact, vacationers will want a passport to enter Canada, however it is a enjoyable and simple manner so as to add a global part to your Maine journey.

Style of Maine

Consuming lobster is sort of compulsory in Maine, and probably the most frequent questions I hear is, “Who has the very best?” All kinds of preferences come into play for lobster rolls, particularly. (I ditch the mayo and substitute drawn butter, for instance.) So, moderately than discuss the very best, let’s talk about the largest. At Style of Maine, situated in Woolwich, the world’s largest lobster roll is served on a 24-inch roll with a 1.5 kilos of meat. The fee relies on market worth, however usually runs in between $175 and $190.

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