12 Of The Greatest Destinations Most Mainers Overlook
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Michelle
Author
There’s so much to do in Maine that even most Mainers have yet to do them all. While we can’t promise that doing the things included in this article will complete your Vacationland bucket list, we CAN promise that you’ll have fun trying. These are some of the best things to do in Maine.
This beach is one of the best in Maine, probably because it's also one of the most hidden. You'll find it off the Park Loop Road, about three miles beyond Otter Point. To find it, look for the small pullout along the road for parking. Cross the street and head down the wooden stairs to access the beach. For at least a few more weeks, you'll probably be there all alone. But, during the summer this beach is also pretty free of other people.
If you're looking for a way to retire early, this just might be your ticket! Searching for minerals and gems with Maine Mineral Adventures happens in two forms - field trips and their own mine run buckets. In addition to being able to leave with what you find, you'll also learn all about local Maine geology, mining history, and how to identify different minerals. Western Maine Mineral Adventures is located at 1148 S. Main Street in Woodstock, ME. They can be reached on 207-674-3440.
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Visit Reid State Park to take this fun hike. The trail is short — just a bit longer than a half mile — but you'll be surprised by the views at the summit. The top offers views of Maine's coast eastward from Robinhood Cove towards Sheepscot Bay.
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Just 20 miles northwest of Augusta, you'll find the pretty little lakeside town of Mt. Vernon. There, you'll find The Lakeside Loft, a guest house offering three different studios for overnight guests to soak in beautiful views and enjoy quiet, peaceful afternoons. Each of the rooms are sun-filled with beautiful views of Lake Minnehonk.
Just south of Machiasport lies Jasper Beach, which overlooks Howard Cove. The beach is known for the many colored stones that can be found mixed among the pebbles. The ecology of the area makes it a great place for spotting wildlife, especially migratory birds.
The scenic drive down Route 113 is a destination on its own. The route will take you along the Saco River and connects Standish and Gilead. At 60-miles, it's fairly short and should only take about 2 hours. We recommend stopping along the way to check out the sustainable working farms, artisans and nature.
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This small, family-owned beach can be found on the northern side of Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. This isn't a regular Maine lake. This one is equipped with all the things you need for fun water activities without the lines that come with the more commercial spots. Outlet Beach is located at 106 Outlet Road, New Gloucester. They can be reached by phone on 207-926-3388.
Vaughan Woods in Hallowell is also known as "Hobbit Land." It was likely created based on how much the Woods’ look like the "Shire," where J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginary "Hobbits" live. This forested wonderland is a lovely nature preserve with a fun system of historic trails for walking and hiking.
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Maine has one of the most dramatic tidal changes in the country, and Pembroke Falls State Park is one of the best place to see this in action. Rising an average of 20 feet every 6.5 hours, the tide here sends water rushing in and out of Dennys Bay and Whiting Bay. This rush of water travels through the narrow area between Mahar Point and Falls Island to create what appears to be a waterfall that runs opposite the current.
The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is the only currently operational Shaker Village in America. A visit to the village will allow you to see a variety of Shaker tools and furniture, which are housed in the buildings on the land.
Twin Maple Outdoors will take you to Katahdin and the Moosehead area on a search for Maine's favorite animal. You can choose to take part in a land based tour or one the combines a jet boat with kayaks. Signing up for a tour means a private guide, personal safety gear as well as snacks, refreshments and lunch.
This secluded beach can only be accessed via Goat Trail or the Median Ridge Trail, which spans all of Isle au Haut. Both trails are a few miles, which makes this beach more difficult to access. But, once you arrive you'll probably be met only by seabirds and the lapping of Maine waves.
The County has some of the best things that Maine has to offer. The proof is in this epic burger place that’s only open for a short few months over the summer. Get there the day they open and eat your way to glory all summer long!
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