Mainepedia

Essential Knowledge

Maine 101

Everything you need to know before you go, from road rules to lobster etiquette.

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Guides
23
Categories
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Local
Events

The Ultimate Guide to Maine Agricultural Fairs

From tractor pulls and livestock shows to giant pumpkins and fried dough, explore the best agricultural fairs in Maine. A complete guide to dates, food, and family fun.

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Culture & History

The Complete Guide to Antiquing in Maine

Hunt for treasure along Route 1 and beyond. From high-end dealers to dusty barns full of maritime history, discover Maine's thriving antique scene.

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Food & Drink

Best Apple Orchards in Maine

Find the perfect spot for apple picking, cider donuts, and fall family fun at Maine's top apple orchards.

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Lists

Best Beaches in Maine

A guide to Maine's most beautiful and popular beaches, from sandy shores perfect for swimming to rugged coastlines ideal for exploration.

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Food & Drink

Best Breweries & Craft Beer in Maine

A guide to Maine's thriving craft beer scene, featuring top breweries, taprooms, and beer trails across the state.

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Food & Drink

The Complete Guide to Maine's Farmers Markets

From Portland's bustling weekend markets to year-round rural gatherings, discover where to find the freshest produce, artisan cheeses, and local flavors that define Maine's food culture.

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Nature & Outdoors

The Complete Guide to Maine's Botanical Gardens

From the world-class Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to hidden historic estates, discover where Maine's short but glorious growing season explodes into breathtaking displays of color.

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Nature & Outdoors

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Maine

From rugged mountain peaks to serene coastal paths, discover the best hiking trails in Maine. A guide for every skill level.

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Accommodation

Best Historic Inns in Maine

Stay in charming historic inns and bed & breakfasts across Maine, offering unique character, comfort, and a glimpse into the past.

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Recreation

Best Lakes in Maine for Swimming & Recreation

A guide to Maine's most inviting lakes for swimming, boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

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Culture & History

The Complete Guide to Maine's Lighthouses

Over 60 sentinels guard Maine's jagged coast. From Portland Head Light's iconic beauty to West Quoddy's candy-cane stripes, discover the beacons that have guided mariners for centuries.

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Food & Drink

Best Lobster Shacks in Maine

Your complete guide to finding authentic lobster shacks, from ordering like a local to choosing between butter and mayo.

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Nature & Outdoors

The Complete Guide to Seeing Moose in Maine

Maine has the highest moose population in the lower 48. Learn where to look, when to go, and how to safely experience these magnificent giants of the north woods.

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Arts & Culture

Best Museums in Maine

Explore art, history, maritime heritage, and unique collections at Maine's diverse museums.

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Food & Drink

The Complete Guide to Maine's Restaurant Scene

From James Beard-winning chefs to lobster shacks that have perfected the roll, discover why Maine has become one of America's most exciting food destinations.

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Planning

Best Time to Visit Maine: A Month-by-Month Guide

Discover the ideal time to visit Maine based on your interests—from summer beaches to fall foliage to winter skiing.

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Outdoor Activities

Biking in Maine

Comprehensive guide to cycling in Maine. Road routes, mountain bike trails, gravel adventures, and bike-friendly destinations across the state.

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Towns

Visit Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Explore Boothbay Harbor, a quintessential Maine working waterfront village known for its scenic beauty, boating, and vibrant summer atmosphere.

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Towns

Visit Camden, Maine

Explore the picturesque coastal town of Camden, known for its harbor, mountains, and vibrant arts scene.

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Outdoor Activities

Camping in Maine

Complete guide to camping in Maine, from rustic backcountry sites to family-friendly campgrounds. Find the best spots and learn what you need to know.

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Winter Activities

Cross-Country Skiing in Maine

Guide to Nordic skiing in Maine. Top groomed trail systems, backcountry routes, equipment advice, and everything you need for winter adventure.

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Practical

Driving in Maine

Navigating rotaries, avoiding moose, and understanding local road etiquette.

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Planning

Family-Friendly Maine: The Ultimate Guide for Traveling with Kids

Discover the best family activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and accommodations for an unforgettable Maine family vacation.

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Family

Farm Visits & Baby Animals

Spring is baby animal season. Here is where to hold a lamb and see the fiber arts in action.

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Outdoor Activities

Complete Guide to Fishing in Maine

Everything you need to know about fishing in Maine, from licensing and regulations to the best waters for catching landlocked salmon, brook trout, striped bass, and more.

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Seasons

Complete Guide to Fall Foliage in Maine

When and where to see peak fall colors in Maine, from the County to coastal regions, with scenic drives, photography tips, and leaf peeping etiquette.

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Events

L.L.Bean Northern Lights in Freeport

Experience the dazzling holiday light display at L.L.Bean in Freeport, a festive tradition that illuminates the campus during winter.

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Towns

Visit Freeport, Maine

Explore Freeport, a renowned shopping destination and coastal town, offering outdoor recreation and L.L.Bean's flagship store.

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Events

Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Experience the dazzling spectacle of Gardens Aglow, where Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens lights up with thousands of festive lights.

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Outdoor Activities

Complete Guide to Hiking in Maine

From Katahdin to coastal trails, discover Maine's best hikes with essential tips on difficulty levels, gear, safety, and trail etiquette.

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Shopping

Maine Holiday Shopping Guide

Discover unique gifts and festive markets across Maine, from charming boutiques to outlet stores, for all your holiday shopping needs.

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Food

How to Eat a Lobster

Don't be intimidated by the shell. Here is your step-by-step guide to cracking, picking, and enjoying a whole Maine lobster.

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Planning

How to Plan the Perfect Maine Road Trip

From route planning to packing tips, everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Maine road trip adventure.

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Winter Activities

Ice Fishing in Maine

Complete guide to ice fishing in Maine. Best lakes, target species, safety protocols, gear essentials, and where to rent heated bobhouses.

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Outdoor Activities

Complete Guide to Kayaking in Maine

Explore Maine's waters by kayak, from sea kayaking in Acadia and Muscongus Bay to lake paddling and whitewater, with safety tips and top destinations.

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Towns

Visit Kennebunkport, Maine

Discover Kennebunkport, a classic Maine coastal village known for its historic charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant summer scene.

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Events

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Kennebunkport, a festive annual event with parades, carols, and holiday cheer.

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Nature

Chasing Lupines

Where and when to find the fields of purple, pink, and white wildflowers that blanket Maine in June.

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Transport

Maine Ferry Guide

How to navigate the confusing mix of state, private, and mail boat ferries to reach the islands.

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Culture

The Maine Lexicon

Speak like a local (or at least understand one). Definitions for 'Ayuh', 'Dooryard', and 'From Away'.

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Events

The Ultimate Guide to Maine Maple Sunday

The sweetest day of the year. Discover sugarhouses, taste fresh syrup, and celebrate the start of spring in Maine.

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Planning

Maine on a Budget: How to Experience Vacationland Without Breaking the Bank

Discover how to enjoy Maine's best attractions, food, and accommodations without overspending. Budget travel tips from locals.

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Nature

Guide to Northern Lights in Maine

How to see the Aurora Borealis in Maine, with a focus on Aroostook County and dark sky locations.

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Planning

Pet-Friendly Maine: Complete Guide for Traveling with Dogs

Everything you need to know about bringing your dog to Maine, from pet-friendly beaches and trails to accommodations and restaurants.

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Events

Rockland Lobster Festival

Celebrate Maine's iconic crustacean at the annual Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, a summer tradition filled with food, fun, and entertainment.

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Planning

Romantic Getaways in Maine: Couples' Guide to Vacationland

Discover Maine's most romantic destinations, intimate restaurants, and couples' activities for the perfect romantic escape.

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Winter Activities

Complete Guide to Skiing in Maine

Everything you need to know about alpine and Nordic skiing in Maine, from Sugarloaf to Sunday River, with tips on passes, timing, and mountain culture.

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Winter Activities

Complete Guide to Snowmobiling in Maine

Navigate Maine's legendary ITS trail system, from registration and rentals to the best riding regions, sled-friendly lodging, and the unique culture of Maine snowmobiling.

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Planning

Solo Travel in Maine: The Complete Independent Traveler's Guide

Everything solo travelers need to know about safely and confidently exploring Maine alone, from best solo destinations to meeting locals.

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Seasonal

Spring in Maine: Maple Syrup, Wildflowers & Awakening

Experience Maine's renewal season with maple sugaring, spring hiking, migratory birds, and the transition from winter to summer.

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Activities

Storm Watching on the Maine Coast

Witness the dramatic power of the ocean by safely observing winter storms along Maine's rugged coastline and lighthouses.

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Events

Maine Summer Events & Festivals

Discover Maine's best summer celebrations, from the famous Lobster Festival and Yarmouth Clam Festival to agricultural fairs and windjammer days.

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Outdoor Activities

Surfing in Maine

Guide to surfing in Maine. Best breaks, seasonal conditions, cold water gear, surf shops, lessons, and lineup etiquette for riding Maine waves.

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Practical

The Ultimate Maine Weather & Packing Guide

From mud season to glorious summer days, here is what to expect and what to pack for every month of the year in Maine.

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Outdoor Activities

Whale Watching in Maine

Guide to whale watching in Maine. Best locations, species you'll see, tour operators, and what to bring for an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

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Food

The Wild Blueberry Guide

Smaller, sweeter, and more flavorful than high-bush berries. Maine produces 99% of the country's wild blueberries.

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Activities

Winter in Maine: Complete Guide to Cold-Weather Adventures

Embrace Maine's winter with skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cozy getaways. Everything you need for a perfect winter vacation.

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Events

Maine Winter Events & Festivals

Discover how Mainers celebrate the cold with unique winter festivals, from the National Toboggan Championships to festive holiday preludes.

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Food & Drink

A Guide to Iconic Maine Treats

Beyond the lobster roll—a deep dive into Maine's unique culinary heritage, from Whoopie Pies and Moxie to Red Snappers and Ployes.

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Nature & Outdoors

Maine's Best Scenic Drives

Hit the road to explore Maine's most beautiful landscapes, from the crashing waves of the Park Loop Road to the mountain vistas of the Rangeley Lakes Byway.

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Lodging

Guide to Unique Stays in Maine

Forget the chain hotels. Discover Maine's most memorable accommodations, from lighthouse keeper's houses and luxury treehouses to remote wilderness yurts.

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