Beginner's Guide to Maine

Other Helpful Websites

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If you want more information on the above statistics, then I highly recommend visiting this link www.bestplaces.net/Default.aspx. This website would be extremely helpful to anyone who is planning to relocate anywhere in the United States. You can choose from a large selection of towns and cities in each state and get the above statistics and more. They also have a cost of living feature that will calculate how much more or less money you would need to earn in order to maintain the same living cost in a new location. There are many other convenient features on this website that you will defiantly want to check out. Here are some other Maine real estate websites that might be helpful in your research:

• http://me.living.net/
The Maine Living Network-Consumer Headquarters for Real Estate Information (search for a realtor, view listings, and get community information)
• http://www.mainerealestate.net/
Maine’s Premier Real Estate Directory Online (search for real estate services, building services, and view listings)
• http://mainemoves.com/
Coldwell banker (take visual tours, view listings, mortgage calculator, tips, testimonials, links to town information, mover search, and access to informative newsletters)

In a March 2006 real estate press release, it was reported that Maine’s statewide average sale price for homes was $185,000, which was the same price calculated for 2005.

Maine has some great real estate opportunities for just about any location you are looking for whether it is in a small town or large metropolis city or on the beach, in the mountains, or lakeside; Maine has it all.

Sources:
http://www.bestplaces.net/Default.aspx

Maine 3 Day Itinerary Overview

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If you are planning a trip to the Maine coast you are in store for the time of your life. No matter what you are interested in, there is something in Maine that will excite and delight you. Here is an example of all the attractions you can see and experience during a three day getaway.

Day 1

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Kittery
Day one is a good time to experience a little taste of the things Maine has to offer by starting in the Southern Maine Coast region. There are several things you will want to see and do here, and if you schedule your day well you can hit all the major places you want to go. The first item to mark off on today’s list is shopping, beginning the day in Kittery. Kittery has two outlet mall complexes located just down the road from one another. It is a shopper’s paradise for both men and women since the huge Kittery Trading Post is located here. While the women check out the brand name outlet stores, the men can spend hours in the Trading Post which carries outdoor equipment, gear, clothing, and footwear.

Lighthouses
Also conveniently located in this area are a few lighthouses that you will want to visit. Even if lighthouses aren’t your passion, it is a great excuse to get away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and enjoy the scenic Maine coastline.

• Whaleback Island Lighthouse: Whaleback light is not the most recognizable or famous, but it offers a beautiful location. Whaleback light can be viewed from Fort Foster in Kittery and although the directions might seem a little out of the way at first, it is really not that far and well worth the trip. You will probably need a map to get there which can be found in the visitor’s center in Kittery. The Fort has been turned into a recreation area with beaches, nature trails, and picnic areas. Many locals can be found walking their dogs through the park. After a leisurely stroll, you will reach the water’s edge, and the lighthouse can be easily viewed in the near distance.
• Cape Neddick (Nubble Light): On your way out of Kittery heading north to York, you can swing by Nubble Light. This lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the world and is visited annually by an estimated 250,000 people. You can reach the lighthouse by taking Route 1 off I-95 in York Beach to Nubble Road. This will lead you to Sohier Park where it can be viewed.

Kennebunkport
On your journey to the end of day one, I suggest driving a few miles up the road to Kennebunkport. It is a quaint village town full of history, beaches, shopping, and good food. If money allows, stay at bed and breakfast or resort along the beach. Accommodations are pricier here, but worth the extra cash. If you are not able to stay in town, at least travel through and spend the night on the outskirts. During daylight, take a drive along the beach and catch of glimpse of the summer residence of former President George Bush.

Day 2

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To begin day two, start by finishing up any shopping or other activities in Kennebunkport. Then it is time to head up the way toward Portland.

Portland Head Light
A trip to Maine would not be complete without seeing Portland Head Light on Cape Elizabeth. Located on the south side of Portland, the lighthouse is the oldest, most photographed, most painted, and most visited in the United States. The lighthouse was commissioned by President George Washington and is one of three found on Cape Elizabeth. It is easily accessible off I-95 or Rt. 1 in Fort Williams State Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset. A museum is located in the former keepers’ quarters and is open June 1-October 31 daily from 10am-4pm and on weekends during April, May, November, and December. To tour the museum, there is a minimal fee, but all the breathtaking scenery of the coastline and the lighthouse are 100% free!

Portland
Portland is Maine’s largest city. Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called the city “the jewel by the sea”. Longfellow’s childhood home is found there as well as a number of other historical sites. There is so much to do in Portland that you could effortlessly fill up the rest of day 2 here. It would be unfair to only highlight a choice few of the activities in Portland so here is a suggestion list of possible attractions to visit:

• Observatory: Built in 1807, it is the last maritime signal tower in the United States.
• Fore River Sanctuary: A 2.5 mile area of outstanding hiking trails.
• Bay View Cruises: A harbor and seal watching cruise company, contact 207-774-7871 for more information.
• Lucky Catch Lobstering: Cruise along with a real Maine Lobsterman, contact 207-761-0941 for more information.
• Old Port Exchange: A quaint, waterfront area filled with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.

Finding overnight accommodations in and around the Portland area will be easy whether you are looking for a high class hotel, seaside resort, or a common hotel chain.

Day 3

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The last day of our Maine getaway has you heading fifteen minutes up the road to spend the day in Freeport. Here are two choices of ways to fill your day. You can do both, if you manage your time well, or choose one for a slower paced day.

L.L. Bean Flagship Store/Shopping Center
In my mind, visiting the L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport is another “must-do” activity when visiting Maine. To me, L.L. Bean represents the New England way of life and particularly epitomizes everything “Maine”. Even if you don’t feel quite as passionate about the store, you have probably received their catalog and found something you like. The L.L. Bean complex is quite large and houses the original flagship, hunting and fishing, and factory stores. The flagship store is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Aside from L.L. Bean, the entire area surrounding it is an outdoor shopping center with some of your favorite brand name designer shops. If you like shopping, you could spend day 3 here alone.

Eagle Island
Eagle Island is the home of explorer Robert E. Peary, better known as “the first man to lead a party to the North Pole without the use of mechanical or electrical devices” in April of 1909. He built his dream home using indigenous materials such as timber, beach rocks, and cement mixed with sand and pebbles from the beach, wherever possible. The home and island are now state historic sites. Excursion boats from Freeport, like Atlantic Cruisers (207-865-6112) can take you to the island where the home, trails, and picnic areas are all located. It generally takes a half day to take the cruise and tour the house and island. Eagle Island is open June 15-Labor Day from 10am-6pm. You can contact the Friends of Eagle Island for more information at 207-624-6080 or visit their website at www.pearyeagleisland.org.

Boothbay Harbor
Just in case the above activities do not peak your interest or you somehow finish early, another option for Day 3 is to spend it in Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay Harbor is located just north of Freeport and has a week’s worth of things to do.

• Lighthouses: If you haven’t had your fill of lighthouses yet, Boothbay offers a handful more. Some are accessible by land others can only be viewed by boat. Lighthouses in the area include Sequin Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and Monhegan Island Light.
• The Lazy Jack: If sailing sounds fun, then you can sail aboard Boothbay Harbor’s historic schooner, the Lazy Jack built in 1947. Two hour sails or private charters are available by reservation from May-October. For more information log on to www.sailschoonerlazyjack.com.
• Excursion Cruises: There are a number of excursion cruises that will take you to view the lighthouses and tour Burnt Island and Monhegan Island. Other cruises offer seal and whale watching adventures.

For more information on this and other attractions found in and around Boothbay Harbor, visit www.boothbayharbor.com.

This is just one example of how to spend a three day getaway to the Maine coast. If you visit during the summer, you could spend the entire time lounging on fabulous beaches in the area such as York Beach near Kittery! For every attraction mentioned above, there are ten more things to do and see, making the possibilities endless.

5 Day Itinerary-Maine Overview

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The Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park area of Maine is a perfect place to spend a week long vacation. Bar Harbor is the largest community on Mount Desert Island, the 3rd largest island on the eastern seaboard. In the 19th century it was a popular summer resort area in the country appealing to the most powerful men of the time including Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford, and Vanderbilt who built cottages in the area, many of which burnt during the fire of 1947. Also located on the island and adjacent to Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park, the Northeast’s only National Park. The park offers over 32,000 acres of land on Mt. Desert Island including 120 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage trails for walking or biking, and a host of other activities. Although the island itself is only 108 square miles there are plenty of sights to see and adventures to experience.

Day 1

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Bar Harbor

Day one is a busy day introducing you to some of the indoor experiences in and around Bar Harbor. Here are some museums and other historical sites to check out:

• Bar Harbor Whale Museum: This is Maine’s only museum dedicated to the study of whales. Information learned here could come in handy in a few days when you take a whale watching cruise! The museum is great for both the young and old, admission is free and donations are accepted. It is located at 52 West Street and is open May-November. There is a gift shop on the premises whose profits go to support whale research done by a group from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. For more information call 207-288-1054.
• Abbe Museum: The Abbe Museum explores the culture, history, and traditions of Maine’s Native Americans. The museum provides hands-on learning and activities for youngsters as well as adults. It is located at 26 Mount Desert Street in downtown Bar Harbor and is open year round. For more information call 207-288-3519 or at www.abbemuseum.org.
• Mount Desert Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery: Maine is known for their lobster industry and what better place to learn about it than at the Oceanarium. It includes the Maine Lobster Museum, Marsh Tour, Lobster Hatchery, and Seal Program. This is another place great for both kids and adults. Located on Rt. 3 in Salisbury Cove, the Oceanarium is open from 9 to 5, except Sundays, from mid-May to mid-October. To find out more detailed information call 207-288-5005.
• St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church: While strolling in downtown Bar Harbor visit this historic church known for its stained glass window collection which includes 10 original Tiffanys. Guided tours are free of charge. For more information about the church call 207-288-4215.

Day 2

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Day 2 starts the outdoor fun and activities found within Acadia National Park.

• Cadillac Mountain: Start the day off right by driving 3 ½ miles up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and experience the glorious sunrise. The mountain just happens to be the first spot in the United States to see the sunrise which attracts many travelers. From the summit, you can see an amazing 360 degree view of the park, Bar Harbor, and Frenchman Bay. You can drive or hike up one of four trails to the top of the 1,530 foot mountain. It is known for its sunsets, star and moon gazing, and hawk watching.
• The Park Loop Road: After that magnificent start, continue your discovery of Acadia National Park by taking the Park Loop Road. It is a 27-mile scenic route that you can take by car or by traveling on the free, clean-energy Island Explorer bus. Stop by Thunder Hole, one of the most popular sites along the road.
• Take a Trail: Acadia National Park has many walking, hiking and biking trails that offer up some of the most scenic views of the coastline and nature beauty the island has to show. Four possible trails include the Great Meadow Loop and Sieur De Monts, the Ocean Trail, the Great Head trail, and Bar Harbor’s Shore Path.

Day 3

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After an active day 2, day 3 is still full of adventure, but has a little more watching and a little less walking! Choose one, two, or all of these for an experience you won’t forget.

• Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company: The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company provides some of the most amazing and memorable cruises that are perfect for the whole family. The adventure takes place on a jet propelled catamaran that allows for a smooth, high speed trip. They offer three different cruises, a whale, puffin, & lighthouse cruise, a lobster and seal cruise, and a nature cruise. Reservations are recommended. Call toll free (800) 942-5374 or visit www.whalesrus.com for more information.
• Downeast Windjammer Cruises: Sail along Frenchman’s Bay in the first 4-masted schooner to sail New England. You can take a morning, afternoon, or sunset cruise lasting about 2 hours. Prices are generally around $30 per person. For more information call 207-546-2927.
• Lulu Lobster Boat Ride: See live lobster fishing demonstrations as well as seal watching and sightseeing while learning about local history. Call toll free (866) 235-2341 for more information

Day 4

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You can choose to spend day four in two totally different ways.

• Choice One-Take ranger-led programs through Acadia National Park. From late May to Mid October, the park offers some great educational programs from nature walks to stargazing. The tours range from 1-3 hours, so it is possible to take more than one in a day. On the “Animals of Acadia” tour you might see a deer or moose. “Life Between the Tides” investigates the coastline. For a list of available tours and programs call the park at 207-288-3338.
• Choice Two-If you want to take advantage of location, then you might want to hop on “The Cat,” a high speed ferry that will take you to explore Nova Scotia in just a few hours. The ferry is able to carry passengers, cars, motor homes, and tour buses. While onboard you can visit the casino, TV movie lounge, shops, and food courts. This trip may not fit into your plans, but just be aware that the possibility is out there.

Day 5

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Day 5 is a day for leisurely wrapping things up as your vacation comes to a close. Keep things simple today and do some last minute sight seeing around the island. Here are a few things you will want to see, but won’t take all day.

• The “Bar” of Bar Harbor: During low tide you can see the large sand bar that connects Bar Island to Bar Harbor. Adults enjoy walking across the bar to the island for nature trails and stunning views of Mount Desert Island. Kids love playing on the sand bar with their shovel and pail. Just be sure to travel back across before the tide comes in!
• Bass Harbor Head Light: This lighthouse is a favorite among lighthouse fanatics. It is the only lighthouse found on the island and has been active for 145 years. It is located off Rt. 102 and while the structure itself is not open, visitors are allowed to freely walk the grounds.
• Shopping: If you have not had time to souvenir shop, today is your last chance. Head back to downtown Bar Harbor and enjoy all the quaint shops located in the area.

There are a hundred other ways to fill your time on Mount Desert Island. Spring, summer, winter and fall all make great times to visit. For more information about this area of Maine call the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce at 888-540-9990 or visit them on the web at www.BarHarborMaine.com. Enjoy your stay in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park!

Maine History and Overview

2006-08-01T15:24:14Z

Maine Real Estate

2006-08-01T15:25:20Z

Maine Attractions & Dining

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Maine 3 Day Itinerary

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Beginner's Guide to Maine

Other Helpful Websites

Maine 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

5 Day Itinerary-Maine Overview

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Maine History and Overview

Maine History and Overview

Origin of the name "Maine"

Early History

Becoming a State

Maine Real Estate

Maine Real Estate Overview

Augusta

Bangor

Eastport

Maine Attractions & Dining

Maine Attractions & Dining Overview

Shopping

Lighthouse Tour

Museums and Historical Learning Centers

Maine 3 Day Itinerary

Maine 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3