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 mountaineering pique your curiosity, add a cease to Coos Canyon in Byron, the place you possibly can soak within the swimming holes and revel in a picnic alongside the Swift River. For some added journey, make your method to the summit of Tumbledown Mountain for stunning 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 quite a lot of lean-tos and cabins.

Schoodic Peninsula

Welcome to the forgotten a part of Acadia Nationwide Park. Lower than one p.c 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, quite than Mount Desert Island like the remainder of the park, it’s usually skipped. However a number of the state’s greatest views may be discovered right here — specifically, Raven’s Nest lookout at Schoodic Level. Guests may also take a 45-minute ferry trip from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and meet the free Island Explorer shuttle, which takes visitors to Schoodic.

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Piscataquis County

This space is arguably probably 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 retailers 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, because of its hanging rocky gorge and falls. Or, you possibly can 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. Examine 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 really like discovering small, native companies that lead intimate teams on varied explorations. For one, you get the chance to fulfill locals who’ve frequent pursuits, plus it’s a good 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 quite a lot of group journeys across the state and past. Whereas yoga is normally a part, proprietor Holly makes even inexperienced persons really feel welcome. Journeys have additionally included mountaineering, 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 sequence on Magnolia Community has gained a worldwide following, and guests from across the nation discover their method 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 gadgets from native makers and artists, in addition to the dwell out of doors music with lobster rolls and native brews. If you may get tickets to a lobster bake, think about your self fortunate.

Cabbage Island Clambakes

After 50 years, the clambakes are nonetheless going robust 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 appreciated cheesecake till I attempted the one from Momo’s in Ellsworth. However what I really like simply as a lot because the apple crisp cheesecake (amongst 60 different flavors) is that this enterprise is run totally on the dignity system from a storage. Should you’re heading to Bar Harbor or Acadia Nationwide Park, it’s a must to drive by means of Ellsworth, so that is a straightforward 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-Might by means of mid-October. In fact, vacationers will want a passport to enter Canada, however this can be a enjoyable and simple manner so as to add a global part to your Maine journey.

Style of Maine

Consuming lobster is nearly compulsory in Maine, and some of the 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, quite than speak about the very best, let’s talk about the largest. At Style of Maine, situated in Woolwich, the world’s greatest lobster roll is served on a 24-inch roll with a 1.5 kilos of meat. The fee is dependent upon market worth, however usually runs in between $175 and $190.

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