11 Hidden Gems To Explore In Maine When You Think You've Done It All
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Michelle
Author
It’s impossible to run out of fun things to do in Maine. There’s the beach, there are lakes and there are miles and miles of nature to explore. If being inside is more your thing we’ve got museums galore and lots of places that can make you feel adventurous without having to actually risk your life summitting a mountain. Even so, it can easily feel like you’re doing the same things over and over again. If you’re nearing that point, consider tackling these new things to do in Maine. And if we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments on Facebook so everyone can see.
There are about two blocks in this small, but hip town and they'll keep you busy for hours. Start by having lunch at Norway Brewing Company, then head down the street to stop into the shop that sells both yarn AND wine, the bookstore and grab some cupcakes at the local bakery here, too. By the time you reach the end of the road, you'll be hungry for a snack which is the perfect time to stop into Cafe Nomad!
Those in other parts of the state tend to overlook the Saco Bay Trails system, which is a shame because it's magnificent. This loop hike is four-miles round-trip and heads to the beach and more structured trails. You'll find it at Ferry Beach State Park, just a few miles from Old Orchard Beach. The entirety of the park includes more than 100 acres!
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Bullfrog Adventures in Caratunk has been outfitting Maine for tube trips since the 90s and they're well-versed in what makes a fun trip. They have custom-made tubes, some of which fit entire coolers to keep you hydrated and full of snacks along the way. Bullfrog Adventures can be reached at 207-672-9298 or check out this article for information including how to reserve a spot.
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Take the ferry from Boothbay, Port Clyde, or New Harbor and plan to spend the day meandering around this slow-paced artists' colony. Galleries are open on varying days, so be sure to check the schedule before you leave if you have one in mind.
A short drive from Nubble Light is Long Sands Beach, one of our favorite spots for beachcombing. Make sure to arrive in the early morning or early evening to catch the tide just right. Sand Dollars are most plentiful just after a high tide or after a storm.
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With a near-constant rotation of local community events, you'll be hard-pressed to show up and find there's nothing to see. Come early to get lunch in town, then enjoy an example of what makes this small, historic town something special to Maine.
Maine state parks are plentiful, so it's easy to miss some of the best. This one is perfect for readers who live near Lewiston and Auburn. It's got a 1,000-foot sand beach along Lower Range Pond which is great for swimming with kids. For a drier day, explore the 750 acres of hiking and walking.
Maine's beaches get a lot of attention for those wanting to be by the coast but often overlooked are the plentiful tidepools worth exploring. There are tons located up and down the coast during low tide, but we love this one for its easy accessibility and kid-friendliness. Rachel Carson gathered specimens to research her book, "Edge of the Sea." The tidepool area is a simple quarter acre, so it's easy to explore in a few hours or less.
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On a particularly hot day, being inside can be your best choice. This museum on the Colby campus is said to have Maine's most diverse collection of American art, with more than 8,000 works housed in an impressive glass-and-steel space. The museum is located at 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr. in
Waterville. You can call them on 207-859-5610.
Take a break from your day to enjoy a respite from the city by strolling down the Androscoggin River. The 1.6-mile Auburn Riverwalk takes you to the center of the old mill district of the Auburn and Lewiston twin cities. You can begin on the west side of the river next to Moulton Park or on the Lewiston side. They're both great.
This marshy area offers huge insight into wetland ecology. You can rent a kayak to explore on your own, or time your visit with one of the scheduled events for a truly immersive trip down the water. They're located at 92 Pine Point Rd. in Scarborough. You can call them at (207) 883-5100.
And then, of course, there’s the tried-and-true trip to the beach. Check out this one for a beautiful day in the sun without much hassle.
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