We’re Maine-ahs. We were born in Maine, raised in Maine, our families are in Maine, and we hadn’t been back since moving down to Washington DC almost two years ago. Maine has some extremely good qualities including its stunning scenery, gorgeous state and national parks (Baxter State Park being a favorite), rocky coastal landscapes, an over abundance of trees, and booming farming industries including being leaders in wild blueberry production, maple syrup production, the dairy industry, and now has a growing beef industry. Maine has a strong fishing industry with several school mates immediately taking up their family heritage as lobster-men upon graduation.
For those who prefer spending their days outdoors there’s sky diving, hiking (so much hiking), swimming, white water rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice fishing (Are you seeing a wintery theme here?) sailing, camping, whale watching, moose watching, hunting, festivals, fairs and so on. However, Maine is a state that while rural and often moves at a snail’s pace, it’s also a difficult state to survive in. Maine is not a rich state with the average household income under $50,000, and less than 1.5 million people inhabiting the state. The winters are harsh, the summers are short, there’s no such thing as spring but instead “mud season” and “black fly season”, you often can’t get to “they-ah” from “hee-yah”, and fall, while beautiful with the changing of the leaves (and yes, people come from all over just to drive through the state and marvel at the fall sights), is not much more than an ominous reminder of the six-plus months ahead that offer the promise of snow. It is not uncommon for snow to fly from October to March. Living in Maine is hard, physical, character building work.
But, it was time to go back. It was time to reconnect with our roots and appreciate where we came from. The place that built us and molded us into who we are now. Of course we had a check list of things we HAD to do: camping at Smith Pond, a lobster bake in Rockland, ME which always includes a stop into Jess’s Market for several pounds of steamer clams and a bottle of Big Claw wine, checking out the new-ish Landings Restaurant overlooking the harbor as the chef is a personal friend of ours, getting homemade ice cream at family owned Dorman’s Dairy Dream, walking down Main Street so we could stop into my favorite little bohemian retail store, Mace’s, to bulk up my earring collection, hitting Birch Point Beach State Park, and of course seeing our families and friends.
We also found time for a few side excursions. We finally stopped into the Treasures & Trash barn we had driven by countless times but never found the time to check it out. Our purchase included stunning antique silverware and serving trays (for less than $40). We stumbled upon Breakwater Vineyards – winery from Owls Head and stopped in for a tasting. (We walked away with a few bottles of “Something Sweet” and their “Bee’s Knees Mead”.) And, at the suggestion of a friend, sat down for dinner at the new Humble Comfort Food & Spirits restaurant in Brewer. We also learned to never eat out in Millinocket again. Oops.
Maine certainly holds some gems and a lot of history and it was great to travel back for a week. People from Maine are humble in the way they live, yet proud of who they are, and they don’t shy away from laborious work. Families often live no more than a few towns apart, and friends are kept even closer. If you travel to Maine, be kind and respectful of your surroundings and the people who inhabit the state. There’s a reason why their slogan is “Maine, the way life should be.”
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I love Maine. I am actually trying to talk my husband into a weekend up there for our anniversary in October.
I have always wanted to visit Maine, but have yet to do so. Hopefully, I’ll make it next year!
I’ve always wanted to visit Maine! Thanks for sharing your photos. It has made me want to visit even more and eat!
I have never been to Maine but have heard such wonderful things about this unique state.
I have been told the best time to visit is in the fall with all the lovely colours.
Is that true?
Any time between July and Sept is best IMO, but you may or may not see the leaves or appreciate the weather the closer to Fall you get.
You sure make that sound enticing. I would so enjoy a trip up there and eating at some of those restaurants.
Your photos are beautiful. Unfortunately I have not visited many states up North but maybe one day.
I love all types of fish so the photo of the grilled swordfish w/ lemon risotto and roasted asparagus caught my attention. It looks incredible! If I’m ever in Maine, I’ll make an effort to visit The Landings Restaurant!
We haven’t been to Maine in years but you definitely made me want to go back again soon!
I would love to travel back to Maine, I have enjoyed it the 2 times I visited.
Ahh! Maine is one of the States I have not been to. Must go.
I’ve actually only been to the U.S. twice. Sounds like Maine is somewhere I would love to visit!
I went to Maine once and I loved it. I actually love everything about back east.
Adding a lobster bake to my bucket list. I’ve never been to Maine, but I hope to some day!
i LOVE going to maine. it’s so beautiful, and so many cool shops and places to visit!
Sadly I’ve never been to Maine but would definitely love to check it out.
I have always wanted to go to Maine. Maybe soon.