MAINE


T


ucked away in the top right- hand corner of the US, Maine is by far the largest of the


New England states. It covers about the same area as the region’s fi ve other states combined yet accounts for less than ten per cent of the area’s population. Big by New England standards maybe – but as the most sparsely populated state in the eastern US it’s also rugged, pristine and astonishingly beautiful. Boston, the nearest international gateway, is less than two hours away but this is a state for lovers of the great outdoors who want to get well off the beaten track.


“Maine is a popular choice and not just with repeat visitors to New England and a traditionally more senior clientele. It also appeals to first-time visitors, families, young couples


and even honeymooners” ANDREW BIRD, DIRECTOR PURELY NEW ENGLAND


colourful buoys all along the coast. Holidaymakers can take trips on working lobster boats to learn more about the crustacean. “Maine is a taste sensation.


It’s famous for its seafood,” says Hayes & Jarvis Regional Product Manager Suzanne Harvey. “Lobster fans should visit


Rockland at the end of July or beginning of August for


the Maine Lobster Festival.” Traditional sailing schooners


For most visitors, Maine’s prime attraction is its 3,500 miles of


Atlantic coastline dotted with coves and traditional fi shing villages – each seemingly prettier than the last. The southern shore is known for


wide, sandy beaches that rival those of Cape Cod. Perhaps the best-known resort with UK holidaymakers is Kennebunkport, summer home of the Bush family. Heading north towards the


Canadian border, the coastline becomes more dramatic. Popular spots include the town of Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park. Whichever part of the coast visitors head for, they are bound to come across three features that are typical of Maine – lobsters, windjammers and lighthouses. Lobster pots are marked by


known as windjammers are another romantic way of exploring the coast. Many offer excursions lasting from one hour to one week. More than 60 historical lighthouses dot the rocky shores and peninsulas of Maine. The Maine Maritime Museum at Bath and the Penobscot Marine Museum at Searsport offer lighthouse cruises. Away from the coast, 6,000 lakes and ponds also provide ample opportunity in spring and summer for boating, swimming, fi shing and paddling. Countless hiking trails are a popular way of viewing the state’s spectacular autumn foliage, while winter offers excellent skiing and snowboarding. A busy calendar of festivals


celebrates the mouth-watering produce grown and reared throughout the state. Highlights


include the Yarmouth Clam Festival in July and Portland’s Harvest on the Harbor in October. “Maine appeals to a typical touring


client – someone who wants to experience rural charm and natural attractions including rugged coastal scenery, wildlife and lakes,” says Collette Worldwide’s UK General Manager Peter Traynor. While the great outdoors may be the state’s big draw there is plenty indoors to keep visitors occupied too. A tempting array of shopping ranges from designer outlets to handicraft stores, while a lively arts scene features just about everything from symphony orchestras through to summer theatre.


What’s new Hotels: The Nonantum Resort at


Kennebunkport has completed refurbishment of rooms at the Carriage House Inn. The 95 Ocean restaurant has also been expanded to include an enclosed patio. nonantumresort.com A $2 million expansion at the Samoset Resort at Rockport includes a new spa, Italian restaurant and three luxury guest cottages. samoset.com The former Eastland Park Hotel in


Portland is set to re-open as the 289- room Westin Portland Harborview in spring 2014. starwoodhotels.com Attractions: The Portland Museum


of Art has opened the Winslow Homer Studio at Prouts Neck. The renovated studio is where American artist Winslow Homer lived and painted


many of his masterpieces from 1883 until his 1910 death. portlandmuseum.org One of the most important private


collections of American art will go on show at the Colby College Museum of Art at Waterville in July with the opening of the Alfond-Lunder Family Pavilion. More than 500 exhibits will include works by Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe and James McNeill Whistler. colby.edu A museum dedicated to Maine’s mining history is scheduled to open in Bethel later this year. The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum will house thousands of rare rocks, minerals, gems and meteorite specimens. mainemineralmuseum.org Maine is to host New England’s fi rst


week-long supported bike ride on September 7-14. The BikeMaine 2013 Inaugural Ride will begin and end in Orono, with overnight stops at Dover- Foxcroft, Belfast, Castine, Bar Harbor and Ellsworth. Camping space, meals, ride support and entertainment are included. The 400-mile route is ‘moderately diffi cult’. ride.bikemaine.org Operators: Portland-based


Summer Feet Cycling has added two more itineraries to its programme. A 13-mile, fi ve-hour Lighthouse Tour is offered daily in Portland. Also new is a half-day tour of the Kennebunks. summerfeet.net The Amtrak Downeaster service from Boston has expanded its network beyond Portland to Freeport and Brunswick. Passengers can change at Brunswick to the Maine Eastern Railroad to Bath, Wiscasset and Rockland. nnepra.com


“Maine is beautiful year-round. Summer, with fresh lobster and sunny beaches, and autumn, with a kaleido- scope of colours, are personal favourites”


SUZANNE HARVEY, REGIONAL PRODUCT MANAGER, HAYES & JARVIS www.sellinglonghaul.com May 2013 13


ALL IMAGES: MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM


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