MAINE

Attractions

ADVENTURE PARK

FUNTOWN/SPLASHTOWN

At this beloved Saco institution, you’ll find rides that range from kid-friendly excitement to heart-in-your-throat thrills, with the latter including Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, New England’s longest and highest log flume, and the 220-foot plummet of the Dragon’s Descent turbo drop tower. And don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, which you’ll want for the raft rides, slides, and other watery fun. 774 Portland Road (Rte. 1), Saco. 207-2845139; funtownsplashtownusa.com

BIRD-WATCHING SPOT

SCARBOROUGH MARSH AUDUBON CENTER

Be on the lookout for egrets, herons, glossy ibises, and other shorebirds, plus birds of prey and songbirds, while exploring Maine’s largest salt marsh. This Maine Audubon nature center makes it easy with exhibits, a nature trail, canoe and kayak rentals, and naturalist-guided and self-guided programs. 92 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. 207-833-5100; maineaudubon.org

BOOKSTORE

LONGFELLOW BOOKS

Pick up the latest best-seller or choose from staff recommendations; peruse the extensive mix of new and used books; attend an author reading; join a book group; snuggle with the store cat—it’s all possible at this thriving, fiercely independent downtown Portland bookstore staffed by passionate readers. 1 Monument Way, Portland. 207-772-4045; longfellowbooks.com

COLLECTIBLES SHOP

BIG CHICKEN BARN

Inside Ellsworth’s rambling, three-story Big Chicken Barn, you’ll find more than 50 vendors hawking antiques, books, and all manner of other treasures, from toys to kitchenware, quilts to furniture, artwork to musical instruments. Trust us, you won’t go home empty-handed. 1768 Bucksport Road (Rte. 1), Ellsworth. 207-667-7308; bigchickenbarn.com

COLLEGE ART MUSEUM

COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART

In a region with no shortage of well-funded and expertly curated university museums, Colby boasts one of the finest. Its strength lies in its permanent collection of 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century American art: John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, John Marin, James McNeill Whistler, Mary Cassatt, Robert Henri, and Winslow Homer, to name a few. There’s also a wing dedicated to the works of Alex Katz—and don’t miss the Sol LeWitt stairway mural. 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr., Waterville. 207-859-5600; colby.edu/museum

FAMILY ADVENTURE

DIVE-IN THEATER WITH DIVER ED

Go down to the bottom of the sea, virtually, with “Diver Ed” Monat while cruising off Bar Harbor aboard the Starfish Enterprise Help Monat suit up, then push him overboard and watch on the big screen as he explores the depths, selecting lobsters, sea cucumbers, starfish, and other critters to bring aboard for everyone to examine before he returns them to their watery home. Departs from College of the Atlantic pier, Bar Harbor. 207-288-3483; divered.com

FARMERS’ MARKET BELFAST FARMERS’ MARKET

Every Friday morning from April to October, dozens of farmers and vendors gather outside the Waterfall Arts building to sell their produce and products. There are fruits and vegetables in abundance, as well as meats and cheeses— but don’t miss the drool-worthy farm-baked breads and sweets, homemade condiments, and crepes made to order. Finish your shopping at the companion craft market, where potters, weavers, jewelry makers, and other local artisans sell their wares. In the winter, the action moves indoors to a space on Northport Avenue. 256 High St., Belfast. belfastfarmersmarket.org

General Store

S. FERNALD’S COUNTRY STORE

Visitors to Damariscotta can take a quick side trip back in time at S. Fernald’s, where timeworn wooden floors, shelves sagging with penny-candy bins, a 1940s marble ice cream counter and old-fashioned cash register, and displays of retro toys and Moxie memorabilia are guaranteed to tickle the nostalgia bone. Feeling peckish? This combination country store, deli, and order-at-the-counter café specializes in hefty sandwiches and local ice cream. Sure, you can order the usual, but why not indulge in the Avenging Samurai (smoked salmon, avocado, cukes, sprouts, and horseradish mayo) or a hot Blackburn (corned beef, salami, Havarti, provolone, house-made beet relish, onion, lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo)? 50 Main St., Damariscotta. 207-5638484; sfernalds.com

Historical Experience

Castine Historical Society

Though it’s hard to believe that such a serene village, with its beautifully preserved Federal and Greek Revival architecture, could have such a turbulent backstory, Castine was in fact a prize fought over by the French, English, and Dutch from the early 1600s through the War of Independence. Exhibits at the historical society bring Castine’s fascinating past to life, and signs posted throughout the village recall significant events and sites, including forts and battles. Join a guided walking tour, or do it yourself with a free map. 17 School St., Castine. 207-326-4118; castinehistoricalsociety.org

Paddling Outfitter Mahoosuc Guide Service

For nearly 30 years, Master Maine Guides Polly Mahoney and Kevin Slater have offered fully outfitted, guided canoe trips on Maine’s wilderness waters, including the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and the Penobscot, St. John, and St. Croix rivers. Their trips are not only an adventure but also an education, as the duo share their extensive knowledge of Native American ways, woods lore, and camp craft. 1513 Bear River Road (Rte. 26), Newry. 207-824-2073; mahoosuc.com

Public Garden

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Located in charming Boothbay, New England’s largest botanical garden encompasses 270 acres, including 8½ acres of ornamental display gardens filled with more than 91,000 plants. Among the highlights: a magical garden where Maine-themed children’s literature comes to life, a rhododendron oasis with a cascading waterfall, a woodland fairy-house village, and a peaceful meditation garden. Trails lace the woodlands and hillsides as well as drop down along the tidal Back River. 132 Botanical Gardens Dr., Boothbay. 207-6338000; mainegardens.org

State Park Baxter State Park

Although the lands east of Baxter State Park recently became a U.S. national monument, most Mainers will say that if you want to experience northern Maine’s most spectacular chunk of wilderness, this is the place. Crowned

by Katahdin,

Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and edged by the Penobscot River, “forever wild” Baxter welcomes hikers, wildlifewatchers, paddlers, and outdoors lovers (but leave the bikes, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs behind). Entrances near Millinocket and Patten. 207-723-5140; baxterstateparkauthority.com

Lodging

ADVENTURE LODGING

KATAHDIN LAKE WILDERNESS CAMPS

While it’s a little surprising that no cell service, no electricity, and no running water can figure into a heavenly getaway, these shorefront cabins in Baxter State Park deliver just that. Getting here requires either hiking 3-plus miles or flying in via floatplane, but it’s worth the effort. Guests lodge in individual cabins stocked with wood, ice, and drinking water, with outhouses nearby. Enjoy breakfast and dinner in the main lodge; box lunches allow for spending the day hiking, paddling, or wildlifewatching. Near Millinocket. 207-837-1599; katahdinlakewildernesscamps.com

BEACH RETREAT

THE DUNES

The aptly named Dunes, a collection of housekeeping cottages and guest rooms, features 12 landscaped acres bordering an Ogunquit tidal estuary. Rowboats waiting at the dock make it a cinch to access the beach, but the Dunes’ heated pool is equally inviting. To this, add a knowledgeable, helpful staff and a location that puts downtown attractions within strolling distance. 518 Main St., Ogunquit. 207646-2612; dunesonthewaterfront.com

Boutique Hotel

250 MAIN HOTEL

Industrial-chic design warmed with reclaimed wood sets the up-to-date tone for this 26-room Rockland hotel, which also boasts museum-quality works by contemporary Maine artists and midcentury-modern furnishings. Most rooms have harbor views and some have balconies, but all guests have access to the hotel’s rooftop deck, where daily afternoon wine tastings are held in good weather (otherwise, they’re relocated to the inviting lobby lounge). 250 Main St., Rockland. 207594-5994; 250mainhotel.com

CITY B&B

INN AT PARK SPRING

The tastefully updated Inn at Park Spring occupies an 1835 brick townhouse in Portland’s upscale West End neighborhood, putting guests within easy walking distance of the sights, shops, and restaurants of downtown and the arts district. The guest rooms and public spaces are decorated with restraint (nothing froufrou here), and attentive innkeepers pamper guests with hearty breakfasts

• 300 wooded acres, including a 67-acre preserve

• Kennebunkport’s famed sandy beaches and Maine’s rocky coast less than a 10 minute drive

• Eight-month occupancy (May 1-Dec. 31)

• Five spacious cottage designs, ranging from 866 to 1350 square feet

• A pool, fire pits, and a 6,000 square foot community center and clubhouse with a fitness center

• Introductory prices starting at $225,000