A RO OS TO O K / OVERVIEW
Whether you call it the “Crown of Maine” or just “The County,” Aroostook County in Maine is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut combined. While there are vast, open spaces for year round recreation, The County is also home to over 3.5 million acres of undeveloped wilderness waiting to be explored. There are also over 2,000 lakes, streams, and ponds dotting the region. Winter time opens up over 2000 miles of snowmobile trails while summer offers ATV trails and hiking excursions galore. If you want to spend time paddling on the water, there are over 92 miles of ponds and rivers, which make up the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. While in “The County,” you won’t want to miss Maine’s “Million Dollar View,” an eight mile stretch of road on Route One between Danforth and Orient, with a view of chains of lakes on one side and the stunning Mount Katahdin, Peekaboo Mountain and the landscapes of New Brunswick, Canada on the other. Well known as one of the largest potato producers in the nation, Aroostook County has agrarian roots typified by its early settlers of French-Canadian and Swedish
descent. There’s a rich history of these diverse cultures that still flourish today with traditional foods and festivals and a respect for a long-standing and treasured heritage. While it takes time to visit this remote region of Maine, visitors believe it is well spent with rewarding experiences not found in any other part of the Northeast Region. Local Favorites: The Maine Potato Blossom Festival (July) in Fort Fairfield is a nine-day tribute to Maine’s most popular homegrown vegetable. With farmer Olympics, road races and mashed potato wrestling, you’ll soon realize that potatoes can be both yummy and fun. Another local favorite is the Blackfly Brewfest in Houlton each year. Hidden Gems: The Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle provides “a path for all to experience the outdoors” by “providing fun, healthy year-round outdoor opportunities for all ages and abilities” (source: nordicheritagecenter.org) Most Unusual: The Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race is held in Aroostook County each year. Or, check out America’s First Mile in Fort Kent. It is a monument to the first mile of US Route 1 that begins in Maine and ends in Key West, Florida.
Come visit God’s Country 3 Houlton Road, Presque Isle (207) 764-6561 www.CentralArosotookChamber.com info@CentralAroostookChamber.com
Crown of Maine Balloonfest August 26-29 94
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