Maine

Spring, summer, fall or winter. There's never a bad time to visit Maine! There's simply no place in the world quite as scenic. In the spring, enjoy the crisp Canadian air flowing through the hills, bringing with it the scents of wildflowers that grow easily in Maine. In summer, the state's many lakes offer a fun-filled time and a great place to cool off. When the leaves put on their fiery coat in the fall, the long stretches of road beg to be driven and when the snow comes in winter, there's simply no place better for skiing or tubing.

Maine vacations are the perfect way for the family to get away for a while. Just be sure to bring the camera! From the thick green forests of the inland to the whitewashed, rugged New England coastline, there's an opportunity for a photo everywhere you look. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or not, Maine is home to many treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Visiting Maine

If you're planning on flying in to Maine, you'll probably be arriving at either Bangor International Airport or Portland International Jetport in their respective cities. Some visitors choose to fly in to Boston and then drive the rest of the way into Maine, as it is one of the more scenic states in the country. From Boston to Portland is about a two hour drive, and it takes another two hours from Portland to Bangor.

Visitors can also get to Maine by bus with service through Vermont Transit Lines and Greyhound. If driving your own automobile, the most popular route is Interstate 95.

Maine's Climate

With proximity close to Canada, Maine's winters last a little longer than the rest of the U.S. Spring doesn't get into full force until early to middle April and even then, the temperature may feel a little chilly. The weather warms up from May to September and there can sometimes be an occasional humid streak. Winter starts making its presence known again in late October, early November with January being the state's coldest month. Maine experiences fewer thunderstorms than any other state on the East Coast.

What to Do in Maine

Maine tourism delivers on an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Along the coast, surfers hit the giant waves in the summer and early fall. Plus, visitors can enjoy sea and river kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, camping and plenty of hiking opportunities. Bicycling is great anytime there isn't snow on the ground and when there is, there's nothing more thrilling than snowmobiling over the drifts!

Speaking of snow, Maine is synonymous with skiing. Black Mountain and Sugarloaf see visitors from all over the world and the challenging slopes of Mt. Abram and Saddleback will take the breath away from even the best skier.

Of course, one of the bigger tourist draws are Maine's fantastic whale watching tours and if you're visiting in late July or early August, keep an eye out for the state's delicious Lobster Festival.

To satisfy the shopper in the family, Maine is home to a wide number of outlet stores, especially in the towns of Freeport and Kittery. Enjoy the savings from outlet shops like the Gap, L.L. Bean, Reebok, JCrew and many, many more!

Where to Stay in Maine

Of course, where you plan to stay in Maine will be determined by where you plan to visit. For instance, if you wish to visit Stephen King's hometown of Bangor, then you would have plenty of reliable chain hotels to choose from. These include the Howard Johnson, Four Points by Sheraton and the Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Nightly prices are $70, $105 and $129 respectively and they each offer comfortable rooms, excellent service and good old New England hospitality.

If Portland is your destination, then you can expect similar quality and prices. The Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks provides a beautiful sleep in the crisp Maine air for around $129 a night and the Eastland Park Hotel is a favorite of many guests for only around $93 per night.

Of course, all across the state, smaller bed and breakfasts can be found like The Elms Bed and Breakfast in Portland. With only seven rooms available, you get a cozy stay in an old Victorian home where you can even make some new friends.

Maine is one of the crown jewels on the American landscape. A state that's still in tune with the nature around it and that's what makes it so special. For the vacation of a lifetime, and to remind you just how awe-inspiring true nature can be, put a Maine travel package together!

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