By: Alicia
West Quoddy Head Light House, Sail Rock and Lubec, ME
On my 50 state journey I visited Kittery, Maine located right across the border from New Hampshire. I put my foot on the ground, breathed the fresh Maine air, and saw a lighthouse. Surely I ate lobster in Maine, but I can’t remember. This is enough of a reason for me to go back to Maine! Our members have shared many, many reasons to see more of what Maine has to offer.
Before we get to the reasons, let’s clear up a couple things first. Many think Maine is the most northern and the most eastern states in the United States, besides Alaska. That is the way it looks on most maps. Believe it or not Maine is not the most northern at all, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota all extend farther north. Flat maps vs. true longitudes and latitudes. Maine is, however, the most eastern state. A plaque designates this at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, pictured above, while overlooking Sail Rock the most easternmost point.
Before we get to the reasons, let’s clear up a couple things first. Many think Maine is the most northern and the most eastern states in the United States, besides Alaska. That is the way it looks on most maps. Believe it or not Maine is not the most northern at all, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota all extend farther north. Flat maps vs. true longitudes and latitudes. Maine is, however, the most eastern state. A plaque designates this at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, pictured above, while overlooking Sail Rock the most easternmost point.
Doesn’t the idea of driving up the coast of Maine on U.S. Route 1 sound great? It truly is as it has sandy beaches and picturesque boating towns but it isn’t like driving Highway 1 in California on which you are driving right up along the coast. Maine is full of tidal inlets making its coastline actually larger than California. Member Jeff Short described it as “meandering up and down the various peninsulas and finding one beautiful seascape after another and wonderful small towns." And “This trip is one to be done at a slow pace and with a willingness to just explore.”
There are many towns to stop at along the way. Two favorites are:
| Bangor All 50 stater, Thomas Beecken, visited Maine and stayed at the “haunted” Lucerne Inn and also happened to see Stephen King outside his home pictured above. A private tour company offers tours around town about Stephen King as many of his stories take place in Maine based on actual places. | Kennebunkport President George H. W. Bush's summer home has given this Maine City some name recognition.The White Barn receives excellent member reviews for upscale lodging and dining. |
Acadia National Park
One of the main sights to see in Maine is, of course, Acadia National Park. NPS calls it the “crown jewel of the Atlantic Coast”. Picture yourself sitting in the pre-dawn light with a flannel blanket wrapped around you as you are one of the first to see the sunrise in the U.S.A. on Cadillac Mountain. If you like dramatic scenery you might find yourself wanting to spend more time at Acadia.
One of the main sights to see in Maine is, of course, Acadia National Park. NPS calls it the “crown jewel of the Atlantic Coast”. Picture yourself sitting in the pre-dawn light with a flannel blanket wrapped around you as you are one of the first to see the sunrise in the U.S.A. on Cadillac Mountain. If you like dramatic scenery you might find yourself wanting to spend more time at Acadia.
Lobster
You gotsa have some lobsta! Lobster roll, lobster hoagie sandwich, lobster dinner.
Lobster shacks are ready to serve you some of the state specialty! To learn more about the lobster industry take a Lobster Boat tour. This has been a hit with families.
Other Maine Favorites
Climbing the stairs at Portland Head Lighthouse, crossing the US/Canadian border into Roosevelt Campobello International Park, attending a Marine Science program on Appledore Island, climbing the highest mountain in Maine - Mount Katahdin, canoeing on Moosehead Lake, going to the beach in Yorkville. kayaking, canoeing, camping,
whale watching, fly fishing, so many great travel memories.
As you plan a trip to the Northeast consider the potential sights and experiences that are farther north than stepping your foot across the border.
You gotsa have some lobsta! Lobster roll, lobster hoagie sandwich, lobster dinner.
Lobster shacks are ready to serve you some of the state specialty! To learn more about the lobster industry take a Lobster Boat tour. This has been a hit with families.
Other Maine Favorites
Climbing the stairs at Portland Head Lighthouse, crossing the US/Canadian border into Roosevelt Campobello International Park, attending a Marine Science program on Appledore Island, climbing the highest mountain in Maine - Mount Katahdin, canoeing on Moosehead Lake, going to the beach in Yorkville. kayaking, canoeing, camping,
whale watching, fly fishing, so many great travel memories.
As you plan a trip to the Northeast consider the potential sights and experiences that are farther north than stepping your foot across the border.
Stephen King house picture via Creative Commons Ron Cogswell
Quoddy Lighthouse picture via Creative Commons Ron Cogswell
Acadia National park picture via Creative Commons David Brons
Maine lobster dinner via Creative Commons Renne Johnson
U.S.National Grid Map
Quoddy Lighthouse picture via Creative Commons Ron Cogswell
Acadia National park picture via Creative Commons David Brons
Maine lobster dinner via Creative Commons Renne Johnson
U.S.National Grid Map
