While we’re not quite sure if it’s here to stay, summer finally made a grand entrance this week! Many parts of the state were reminded that warmer weather really does make its way to Maine at least a few weeks a year. With this warm weather comes a plethora of activities that we think everyone should check out at least once! How many of these do you think you’ll get to this summer? Note: We hope it’s all of them!

1. Take a coastal hike that's only available during low tide!
Hugh Derr / Flickr
The Bar Island Trail is a gravel sand bar connecting Bar Harbor with Bar Island. The best part of this easy trail is its short window of availability. To enjoy the three hours of exposure, head to the trail an hour and a half before and after the exact low tide to be sure to catch it. While the trail itself is rather short, you could easily spend hours exploring the many tidal pools. Take some time to look around and find shells, small sea life and rocks. Remember that you're free to touch anything, but you're not allowed to remove anything from the park.

Click here for more info!
2. Conquer your fears on the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was built in 1892 to allow workers at the Cabot Mill to cross the Androscoggin River between Topsham and Brunswick. This pedestrian suspension bridge is over 330 feet long and very narrow. Though the bridge has been repaired a few times over the years, and many parts have been replaced, the cables are original to the 19th-century structure. The experience of crossing the bridge varies a lot with the weather. If you’re afraid of heights, it can be a frightening trip when the river is flooded, but it provides breathtaking views on a sunny day. It's a quick trip, but crossing it with the fear of falling in during a warm day is part of the fun!

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3. Cool off on the Only In Maine Waterfalls Road Trip!
Google Maps
This is one of our favorite articles (and readers seem to agree!) to use when exploring the best of Maine. With full directions and photos, you'll have no problem navigating your way from Snow Falls to Coos Canyon and back again!

Click here for more info!
4. Explore an extremely charming Maine fishing islands.
Aaron Dahlstrom / Flickr
Vinalhaven sits in West Penobscot Bay, about an hour and a half ferry ride from Rockland. Our favorite thing to do is arrive slightly early and give ourselves an excuse to stop in at the Wich, Please Food Truck before leaving. The island has a small year-round community, with a population that swells slightly in the summer. And, for good reason. The island is home to two beautiful nature preserves: Lane’s Island Preserve which is within walking distance of the town center and The Vinalhaven-North Haven Archipelago preserve which includes Big Garden, Big White, Sheep, Smith, Brimstone and Little Brimstone islands.

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5. Ride down an epic natural waterslide.
bullman99 / TripAdvisor
Located in Newry, near the New Hampshire border, you'll find Step Falls Preserve. The granite rocks of these falls have been naturally eroded making them smooth and the perfect surface for a ride! While the ride isn't long, the slopes of the rocks will have you sliding from one side to the other. As with any outdoor activity, visitors should be extremely careful when playing in or near these rocks. Fatalities have occurred in areas such as this one, providing a reminder that nature is always the one in control. Have fun, but be careful!

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6. Satiate your sweet tooth at a delicious beachside candy shop.
The Goldenrod / Facebook
The Goldenrod in York Beach has been creating sugary concoctions for over 120 summers. The sheer authenticity of being around as an active business in Maine is something to rave about. But, the accolades don't end there. There are dozens of candy stores in Maine. Many are homegrown and truly local. All have shelves full of sugar. But, none of them rival the feel of stepping into a candy store that is also a soda fountain and a true restaurant.

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7. Stay at America's oldest operating inn.
Seaside Inn / Facebook
While the Seaside Inn is suspected to have been in existence for slightly longer, the first record of it occupying the land it currently sits on is 1660. This is when local ferrymen were asked to live on the oceanfront peninsula at the mouth of the Kennebunk River to ferry travelers across. The Kennebunk mainstay is one of the most loved properties in the area. And, the grounds are gorgeous, covered in flowers and with plenty of grassy areas.

Click here for more info!

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8. Explore Maine's newest National Monument, Katahdin Woods and Waters.
Katahdin WoodsandWaters / Flickr
Katahdin Woods and Waters is the second national monument to be created in Maine and is made up of over 87,500 acres of forestland, making Acadia’s 48,900 acres feel small! If you love hiking in Maine, you’ll love the several trails accessible via trail-heads on the Loop Road and Messer Pond Road. These are both long and short and cater to people of all ability levels. Campsites and lean-tos are open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. The monument also includes the Haskell Hut, which (along with lean-tos) can be used for free.

Click here for more info!
9. Cool down with a treat at a lovely homemade ice cream shop.
Tim S. / Yelp
Toots Ice Cream in North Yarmouth is located inside a tiny train car! Their homemade ice cream is made the freshest ingredients and it's made constantly - so it's always fresh. Even better, Toots is located on a working family farm. Nothing like getting the ingredients right in your back yard!

Click here for more info!
10. Laze the days away on Lake Cobbosseecontee.
Chris Goldberg / Flickr
Lake Cobbosseecontee, or "Cobbossee," for short is a hard one to pronounce! But, what it lacks in pronounce-ability, it makes up for in beauty and fun. The lake, with a 62-mile shore length, is marked by a multitude of coves and inlets. While the lake itself is wonderful for recreation, these small nooks and crannies add to the fun and adventure.

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11. Hike and swim in this gorgeous emerald pool!
Sean Munson / Flickr
If you like your outdoor endeavors with a bit of a payoff, make your way to Blueberry Mountain in Evans Notch for an easy hike that ends with a dip in Rattlesnake Pool. The trail is oftentimes said to be less than spectacular. While it's certainly not the most glorious view in all of Maine, it's a lovely easy walk through brush and trees. The pool is absolutely spectacular. It's crystal clear and blue, with lush plants that make the area feel like a secret, tropical oasis. Well, until you jump from one of the ledges. Be warned, folks. This water is cold!

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12. Relax with a drink on the deck of an actual tallship in Kennebunk!
Darren B. / Yelp
Sure, there are a few other floating restaurants in Maine, but what makes The Spirit Restaurant so special is its authenticity. The 125-schooner was built in New England and served as an educational vessel crossing the globe as a goodwill ambassador for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 30 years later, The Spirit of Massachusetts was brought back to be restored and repurposed at her new home in Kennebunk.

Click here for more info!
13. Get acquainted with nature in a western Maine tiny house.
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook
Located down a country road off of Route 302 in Waterford lies a little house by the banks of the Crooked River. It was built from the ground up by the skilled hands of a local Mainer. Meticulous detail has gone into every shingle, making this the most beautiful and cozy home you'll find nestled in the woods. The house is located on 3.5 acres next to the Crooked River, where you can enjoy swimming and tubing. There's even a trail taking you to a tube launch point that allows you to float your merry way back to the house.

Click here for more info and how to book!
14. Practice your swimming hole jumps at Smalls Falls on the Sandy River.
Larry Miller / Flickr
Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls can be accessed easily as a day trip from the Rangeley Lakes Area. Once you've gazed at the main waterfall for a while to be sufficiently impressed, climb up and appreciate it from this vantage point. One of the best parts of Small Falls is the fact that it is an adventurers dream. You can actually jump into the pool below! That is, if you're not afraid of heights like me. Tell me about it once you've done it because there's no way you'll see me plunging down!

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15. Hike the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park.
Robin / Flickr
This is one of our favorite hikes in Maine and it's even better in the summer! Hiking Ocean Path will give you views of what many believe to be "classic Maine" - from coast to forest. There are many stopping points which make it a relaxing hike for those who don't want to have to constantly scramble uphill over rock. The trail will take you past Thunder Hole and will end at Otter Point with views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.

Click here for more info!

Speaking of summer, did you know that there are some restaurants in Maine that can only be experienced during these warm-weather weeks? Check the out by clicking here!

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