From Lobster Rolls to Picturesque Trails, Maine's Seasonal Delights Await

In Maine, each season offers a sensory feast. A lively brook dances over stones and spills into a sunlit lake brimming with wildlife above and below. The fresh snow crunches beneath your boots on secluded trails, punctuated by the distant sound of snow cascading from evergreen branches. In spring, hear the satisfying squelch of muddy paths, and in early autumn, enjoy the rustling leaves in the brisk, earthy air. Throughout the year, the allure of the great outdoors calls, alongside its mouthwatering cuisine and charming accommodations. Continue reading to explore our top experiences in the Pine Tree State.

Savor Local Flavors along Maine’s Coast

The aromas of sunscreen, ice cream, and salty sea air are synonymous with Maine’s coastal communities—and so are the mouthwatering dishes from its seaside restaurants. In Kennebunkport, visit the White Barn Inn & Spa to indulge in a lobster tasting menu featuring six unique preparations of this buttery delicacy, before retreating to a suite with a bathtub and fireplace, a cozy cottage, guest room, or even a houseboat available this fall.

Another dining venue to explore is Earth at Hidden Pond, where rustic wooden walls create an intimate setting for meticulously crafted four-course meals made from seasonal produce. Executive chef Justin Owen, a native of Maine whose passion for cooking ignited at a small steakhouse, creates dishes like apricot salad with crunchy marcona almonds and fettuccine featuring rabbit confit.

Before dinner, enjoy shopping at the clothing boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, and jewelry shops in Dock Square in Kennebunkport. As evening falls, experience a performance at the celebrated Ogunquit Playhouse, a regional theater situated along the Josias River where it meets the ocean. This theater has seen the likes of former performers such as Betty White, Lloyd Bridges, and Valerie Harper.

Explore island-hopping and exceptional dining in greater Portland and Casco Bay

Portland stands out as a truly unique city. It boasts walkable waterfront neighborhoods brimming with renowned restaurants, including the James Beard Award-winning Fore Street, alongside even more dining options just outside the Old Port, such as outdoor meals under the stars at The Well at Jordan’s Farm. The downtown area is also dotted with boutique hotels like the beautifully designed Blind Tiger.

Few cities offer such stunning natural landscapes within their reach, exemplified by the glacier-formed peak of Bradbury Mountain State Park. Even fewer can transition you seamlessly from city streets to the ferry dock for island-hopping on Casco Bay Lines quite like Portland.

Explore gardens and farm-to-table dining along the Midcoast and its islands

In addition to the coastal towns, beaches, and islands of Maine’s serene Midcoast, you can discover the vast greenery of New England’s largest botanical garden. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, spanning over 300 acres, features so many displays that a thorough exploration could take days. Some gardens are specially crafted to engage your senses; in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, fragrant plants grow alongside edibles, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing water and singing birds. Elsewhere, fragrant lilies line the paths, while playful, floppy ferns provide a tactile experience.

After a day immersed in nature, make your way to Primo, where renowned chef Melissa Kelly, a multiple James Beard Award winner, leads the farm-to-table kitchen. Her pantry is replenished by a five-acre sustainable farm, and local musicians frequently drop by for live performances. The menu varies daily, featuring specials like cast iron-seared wild salmon with cherries, nasturtium yogurt, and mint, as well as fire-roasted eggplant soup and zucchini oyster fritters. Alternatively, consider Natalie’s at the Camden Harbour Inn for Maine-inspired delights such as duck confit flatbread and paccheri pasta with butternut squash and mushrooms.

Experience whitewater rafting, fishing, and birdwatching in Kennebec Valley

For thrill-seekers, embark on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Kennebec River with a Registered Maine Guide. Beginners will find the river to be an enjoyable and manageable challenge, while seasoned rafters can revel in the exciting rapids.

For a more tranquil getaway, visit Belgrade Lakes and book a stay in one of the four contemporary guest rooms featuring vintage accents at the Seven Lakes Inn. Enjoy fishing, boating, and golfing around the lakes, and explore the trails for birdwatching at Messalonskee Lake. According to Maine Audubon, this area is home to a variety of wetland and water birds, including the stunning black-and-white ring-necked ducks.

Explore a museum and Shaker Village amid the lakes and mountains of western Maine

As its name implies, Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region is abundant in outdoor adventures. It also offers a chance to delve into the state’s rich cultural heritage, such as at the Rangeley Outdoor Heritage Museum, which showcases the history of hunting and fishing in Maine for both sport and sustenance. Alternatively, visit the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village and its accompanying museum to learn about the traditional communal lifestyle, with the Shaker community welcoming guests to attend their services.

Winter sports and more in Aroostook County

Winter enthusiasts, rejoice! Aroostook County, known historically for its agriculture, forestry, and railroads, becomes a hotspot for cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and ATV riders as winter arrives. The renowned 37-mile Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail provides a mostly straight, flat route connecting the towns of Presque Isle and Houlton, meandering through wetlands and farmlands.

This region also offers a unique way to explore the cosmos—Aroostook County’s version. Spanning 100 miles along U.S. Route 1, the Maine Solar System Model features scaled representations of the planets that orbit our sun.

Experience wildlife and breathtaking vistas in Down East and Acadia

Among Down East Maine’s many attractions, Acadia National Park stands out for its stunning coastal scenery. The national park encompasses Mount Desert Island and several nearby isles, along with Schoodic Point featuring its distinctive pink granite. The Park Loop Road is also famous for its wildlife viewing opportunities.

Yet the national park is just one of many treasures in Down East’s collection. Just outside Ellsworth, Under Canvas Acadia offers a glamorous camping experience under the stars along its 1,200-foot shoreline, complete with complimentary s'mores and activities for kids. Further up the coast, near the Canadian border, lies the rugged Cobscook Bay State Park, where you can explore tidal flats and kayak through scenic waterways while observing migratory and local seabirds. On your way, stop by Helen’s Restaurant, a casual, family-friendly eatery that has been delighting patrons with dishes like blueberry maple salmon, fried clams, and, of course, lobster rolls for nearly a century.

Kayaking and history in the Highlands

Dive into Maine’s rich history as a hub for logging and timber transportation by kayaking with a Registered Maine Guide across the picturesque Ambajejus Lake to the historic Ambajejus Boom House. For many years, this boom house was vital to the lumber industry, providing a resting spot for workers managing the flow of logs downstream. Today, the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a free museum celebrating this industrious past. It’s located just outside the expansive Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which encompasses 87,500 pristine acres.

In the Maine Highlands, the beautifully appointed rooms at the Blair Hill Inn offer breathtaking views of Moosehead Lake, a pristine glacial lake. After a day filled with outdoor adventures, unwind with a massage at the inn’s spa or relax in the inviting waters of a deep soaking tub that overlooks the lake.