Maine: 29 Things To Know Before You Move There

1. No One Does Lobster Better Than Maine

I hope you brought your lobster bib to Maine, you’ll be needing it. And don’t think you have to go to a swanky upscale restaurant for a great dish of the food—some of the best lobster in Maine can be found in small seaside lobster shacks, like 5 Islands Lobster Co or Shaw’s Fish & Lobster Wharf.

2. The Gorgeous Seaside Views Will Take Your Breath Away

Maine is full of spectacular spots that are so beautiful and scenic they look like something straight out of a painting. Seriously, they’ve got coasts for miles and miles, quiet coves, tall light houses and steep ocean cliffs. You’ll never want to leave once you get a peek at the landscape.

3. You’ll Need To Try Moxie At Least Once

Moxie is a household word in Maine. Whether they love it or hate it, everyone’s had a taste of the drink at some point or another. The soda has a unique, bitter taste. But, regardless of the flavor, the Maine likes that soda so much that they even throw a festival for it each year.

4. Acadia National Park Is A Nature Lover’s Dream

Acadia’s got everything that a lover of the outdoors could ever need. The oldest eastern national park has hiking trails, bike paths, large granite peaks, some of the tallest mountains on the US Atlantic coast and old historic carriage roads. Talk about the perfect place to get a great big breath of clean mountain air.

5. Want To Fit In? Strap On A Pair Of Skis Or A Snowboard

There may be tons of other stuff to do in the area, but people in Maine like best to head to the mountains each winter. If you already love skiing or snowboarding, you’ll feel right at home. If you’ve never tried it, then there’s no better time to learn.

6. Some Of The Best Seafood Comes Out Of A Shack

Don’t be put off by those little hole in the wall clam shacks in Maine. Some may look small and dingy, but there’s a reason they have some of the longest lines in town. One of the best is in Kennebunk. You won’t find fried clams or lobster rolls like theirs anywhere else.

7. Tubby’s Ice Cream Will Keep You Coming Back For More (And More, And More…)

Tubby’s, with two locations in Wayne and Winthrop, is one Mainers’ favorite ice cream spots. They dish out some of the creamiest and most delicious treats around. What makes it even better (if possible) is that everything’s homemade in their kitchen with natural ingredients. Go for classic vanilla or try one of their more unique flavors, like Tree Hugger (maple and granola).

8. You Can Get Up Close And Personal With The Whales

It’s easy spot to whales breaching in Maine’s ocean waters each year. Hop aboard a whale boat tour and watch as they rise above the surface right in front of your eyes. Just make sure to have your camera ready—you don’t want to miss a sight as cool as that!

9. You’ll Never Grow Bored Of Portland’s Old Port

If you’re in Maine’s largest city, don’t you dare miss checking out the Old Port. Its cobblestone streets and historic 19th century buildings are reason enough to visit, but there’s also fishing piers, cute little boutiques, great restaurants and plenty of bars for a dose of nightlife.

10. And, When In Portland, Get Your Fill Of Duckfat

Speaking of Portland, stop into Duckfat, a small sandwich shop in the city, and your taste buds will be thanking you for years. Their signature offerings are Belgian fries (made with Maine potatoes and fried in duck fat) and hot, delicious paninis. But don’t pass up one of their milkshakes or beers either.

11. Katahdin Has Some Of The Best Views Around

Well, if you dare climb it, that is. Katahdin, in Baxter State Park, is the highest mountain in Maine, clocking in at 5269 feet tall. Climb or hike up it if you want, but keep in mind that the mountain has claimed 19 lives since 1963. Let’s put it this way: the mountain is gorgeous from the bottom too.

12. Crazy Cat Ladies (And Men) Are Welcome

Maine ranks highly in categories like percent of households with cats, average lifespans, facebook likes for cats and number of no-kill shelters. Maine even has a state cat (only three states do): the Maine Coon. So don’t worry, no one in Maine will judge you if you want to hole yourself up alone in your house with your precious eight (and counting) cat children.

13. Everyone Scrambles To The Beach When Summer Hits

Maine may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach destinations, but they’ve got enough sand and ocean waves to give places like California and Florida a run for their money. Whether you try out stand up paddle boarding, collect some beach glass or just sunbathe on the shore, you’ll fall in love with Maine’s coast in a heartbeat.

14. You’ll Want To Cover Everything You Eat In Blueberries

Maine is famous for its delicious fresh blueberries. They’re even the official state fruit. You can tell the difference right when you bite into them too—they’re sweet and juicy and impossible to resist. And I’ve never met anyone who’d pass up a jar of Maine blueberry jam or a slice of hot blueberry pie.

15. And Speaking Of Pie…

If you’re looking for a slice of tasty pie in Maine then scout out one of the several pie ladies there. You can find them selling delicious desserts out of their homes or on the side of the road at places like Mt. Desert Island, Bucksport and on the way to Bar Harbor. The pies don’t just taste like something grandma would make; there’s a good chance a grandma did make them. Just ask around and a local will point you in the right direction.

16. Like Lobster? Then You’ll Love The Maine Lobster Festival

The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland is one of the most anticipated events of the summer season. It’s got several days of fun with music performances, a cooking contest, local artists, a parade and, of course, more lobster than you could ever imagine.

17. You Can’t Run OR Hide From The Long Cold Winters in Maine (But You Can Make The Best Of Them)

When in Maine, be prepared for some serious winters. No matter where you are, snow is pretty much guaranteed, and temperatures in Portland reach an average low of 13 degrees in January. But, even if you claim you’re allergic to cold weather, strap on a coat and some snow boots and you’ll be fine.

18. You’ll Expect Cutesy Settings And Breakfast Each Morning From Every Place You Stay in Maine

Maine has been taken over by some the quaintest little bed and breakfasts ever, but no one minds. They have comfy rooms, a homey feel, and serve up delicious breakfasts each and every morning. They also make the perfect destinations for couples who want a romantic getaway that’s not too far from home. What’s not to love?

19. With All The Great Boating Opportunities in Maine, You’ll Be A Sailor In No Time

This seaside state is home to a bunch of boat lovers. People like to take to the sea on any sort of water-vessel (they’re not too picky) and enjoy that salty ocean air. If you like boats or sailing of any kind, you’ll fit right in. And, if you don’t, you’ll learn to love ‘em.

20. Mainers Knows How To Do New England Clam Chowder Right

Mainers have got crafting a bowl of that creamy, seafood-filled goodness down to a perfect delectable science. Depending on who you talk to, you’ll be told that a variety of places have the best chowder. But you can’t go wrong with Isleford Dock Restaurant. Many claim that their clam chowder can’t be beat.

21. Mainers Heart Their Wildlife

Maine is home to some pretty neat wildlife, especially in more rural areas. They’ve got puffins that stop by from time to time and lots of moose, which are the official state animal. Wildlife reserves and centers like the Wells Reserve at Laudholm preserve the Maine wildlife and environment and help educate the public.

22. You’ll Only Find The Freshest Apples And Maple Syrup in Maine

You don’t have to go all the way to Canada for great maple syrup—Maine taps into its own trees each spring. And, don’t worry, Maine’s got you covered in the fall too. When the leaves start to change you can head out to farms and pick your own apples. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, and there’s nothing like biting into a crisp apple fresh off the tree.

23. Island Hopping Isn’t Just For The Tropics

If you need an island getaway, you don’t have to travel far. Just don’t expect any palm trees. The Maine Coastal Island Registry lists a total of 3166 coastal islands in Maine so you have plenty of escapes to choose from. You can spend several days on the 350 mile long Maine island trail, kayaking or boating from island to island and camping out on their shores.

24. Discount Shoppers Will Feel Right At Home in Maine

Maine has got tons of deals and sales going on all the time at its many outlet shopping centers. Popular ones are the Kittery outlets and Freeport outlets, both with more stores than you could imagine and prices that’ll make your jaw drop. They’re what discount shoppers’ dreams are made of.

25. No, That Wasn’t A Bird—It Was A Mosquito from Maine

Don’t forget your bug spray when you come to Maine because no one will feel sorry for you when you get bombarded by gigantic mosquitos or hordes of blackflies. People there are used to the pests and they come prepared, so you better too. If not, you’ll be itching for days.

26. When Primo Says Farm To Table, They Mean It

The Primo restaurant in Rockland is one of the top places to eat in the state. The restaurant sits right on an almost four-acre sustainable farm, so you can literally dine just a few feet away from where your food came from. Just make sure to finish your steak before you gaze into the big brown eyes of the cow out back.

27. Maine Is Home To The King Of Horror

The world famous master of all things scary, Stephen King, originally hails from Maine. He was born in Portland and, today lives in Bangor. You can pass by his house and maybe even catch a glimpse of him, just don’t expect to get past the wrought iron gates.

28. Perry’s Nut House Is The Ultimate Roadside Stop in Maine

Perry’s Nut House is Maine’s classic roadside attraction and an essential stop when on Route One in Belfast. Its ultra touristy with plenty of Maine themed gifts, but locals still love it. To get the full experience, try a taste of their homemade fudge and take a picture with one of the giant painted animals outside.

29. You Can Thank Maine For Your Warm, Toasty Ears

When winter rolls around and you pop on some earmuffs to keep your ears warm, think of Maine. It was a Maine-born 15-year-old, Chester Greenwood, who invented the winter necessity after getting fed up with having cold ears while ice skating. If you’re not thankful now though, you will be when that cold Maine weather rolls around.