Rain or shine, on the mountains or at the shore, wherever you find yourself in Maine this summer you are guaranteed to find thrilling adventure and world-class entertainment, as well as relaxation and superb family fun that delivers big value. Your only difficulty will be choosing what to do.
Classic Camping
If affordable adventure is what you seek, try the classic Maine summer experience — camping. Pack your s’mores supplies and head to one of Maine’s State Park campgrounds. Wake up to a view of the Atlantic Ocean or a serene inland lake and enjoy a cup of coffee as the sun rises. Plan ahead, reserve early, and don’t forget your flashlight!
Bike the Coast
Want to head out on the road? Check out Midcoast Maine’s bike tours that wend their way through the forests to the rocky coast and through some of Maine’s most stunning locales. With numerous loops to choose from, you can select the distance and difficulty level best suited for your group. Bring your own equipment or rent affordable bikes, if you like.
Surfing and Fishing
While in the Midcoast region, check out New England’s best beach for surfing, according to The Boston Globe. Reid State Park has beautiful, long sandy beaches ideal for catching a wave. They’re also ideal for catching a fish, so it’s little surprise that another popular pastime at the park is surfcasting, with fishermen using herring or mackerel to lure schooling striped bass.
If lake fishing is more your style, then cast a line in Cobbosseecontee Lake between Winthrop and Manchester, voyage out on Sebago Lake close to Portland or head up to Kezar Lake in Lovell. All three lakes ranked nationally in 2013 for the best bass fishing in the country.
Summer Food and Drink Festivals
When it’s time to celebrate the summer with your family, Maine’s festivals are second to none. From the delightfully odd Moxie Festival in Lisbon, July 10-12, an annual celebration of the state’s unique soda, to the beloved Yarmouth Clam Festival, July 17-19, Mainers love their food and fun. Of course, there’s no place like Maine for lobster so head over to Rockland for the 68th Maine Lobster Festival to eat your fill of this tasty crustacean from July 29-Aug. 2. Open Farm Day is on July 26 and is a fun, annual family adventure during which farms throughout all 16 counties open their gates to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture. You can enjoy hayrides, sample produce, or try your hand at milking.
Cities Worth a Detour
When you’ve had your fill of nature’s solitude, why not visit one of Maine’s unique downtowns? Bath, Rockland and Portland are three Maine communities that the National Historic Trust named as Distinctive Destinations, noting their important historic value. Each city is wonderfully walkable, with vibrant downtowns offering award-winning cuisine, boutique shops and delightful attractions. Wear your comfortable shoes and head out for a day of discovery.
And while we’re talking cities, Bangor and Portland are home to waterfront concerts held throughout the summer. Big names like Van Halen, Eric Church and Kenny Chesney will grace the stages at Portland’s Maine State Pier and Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor. Be prepared to be wowed.
For a list of Maine’s varied and plentiful activities this summer, visit www.VisitMaine.com.
For more I-95 information, visit www.i95exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to America’s Interstate Main Street. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Maine to Florida!
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide , and I-75 Exit Guide.