In Maine, we might all have the same area code, but that doesn’t mean we have everything in common. In fact, being in the same state just might be the ONLY thing a lot of Mainers have in common. Depending on where you live, life could look very different. There’s no denying the differences between life in northern and southern Maine! From food to language to terrain, here are the biggest differences you’ll find in these regions.
- The reason for snowmobiles.
nhoulihan / Flickr Snowmobiles (or, “sleds” as we call them) are an activity to some, but up north they’re a way to get from place to place.
- Lobster for dinner.
nataliemaynor / Flickr When guests visit southern Maine, there’s a good chance lobster will be on the menu!
- Meat for dinner.
heather_joy / Flickr Those up north might have access to seafood, but Sunday dinner could look a little more like this. Hearty meat and potatoes!
- Time!
bluebike / Flickr No, not the actual timezone but the way time goes by. Mainers tend to take things slow, but nowhere are things as relaxed as in places like The County. Take some time to unwind on a porch and you’ll understand what we mean.
- Where we buy essentials.
terrystraehley / Flickr Sure, small family owned shops can be found throughout the state, but up north you might not find a Hannaford’s every five miles.
- City sizes.
coreytempleton / Flickr Southern Maine has Portland, but you’ll notice things that remarkably more quaint as you move north. Despite there being some legitimately large towns, most have a decidedly smaller feel.
- Farming and agriculture.
joebehr / Flickr Up north you’ll find a history steeped in logging and potatoes.
- Lobster and fishing.
ugardender / Flickr Southern Maine doesn’t have the same agricultural backbone as up north, but you’ll find plenty of fishing boats!
- Snowfall amounts.
City of Caribou, Maine / Facebook As we’re seeing this winter, nobody’s safe from the snow. While coastal areas might get less snow even up north, those further inland are dealing with amounts that southerners can’t even imagine!
- The evening light show.
xdsan / Flickr You won’t find it all the time, but if you’re up north at the right time of year you may be treated to the northern lights. Those in Portland, you’re out of luck when it comes to magical sky displays. Sorry.
No matter where you live, there’s one thing we all have in common. The love for Maine and exploring her many trails. To explore the state with kids in tow, check out these 12 fun kid-friendly hikes in Vacationland!
nhoulihan / Flickr
Snowmobiles (or, “sleds” as we call them) are an activity to some, but up north they’re a way to get from place to place.
nataliemaynor / Flickr
When guests visit southern Maine, there’s a good chance lobster will be on the menu!
heather_joy / Flickr
Those up north might have access to seafood, but Sunday dinner could look a little more like this. Hearty meat and potatoes!
bluebike / Flickr
No, not the actual timezone but the way time goes by. Mainers tend to take things slow, but nowhere are things as relaxed as in places like The County. Take some time to unwind on a porch and you’ll understand what we mean.
terrystraehley / Flickr
Sure, small family owned shops can be found throughout the state, but up north you might not find a Hannaford’s every five miles.
coreytempleton / Flickr
Southern Maine has Portland, but you’ll notice things that remarkably more quaint as you move north. Despite there being some legitimately large towns, most have a decidedly smaller feel.
joebehr / Flickr
Up north you’ll find a history steeped in logging and potatoes.
ugardender / Flickr
Southern Maine doesn’t have the same agricultural backbone as up north, but you’ll find plenty of fishing boats!
City of Caribou, Maine / Facebook
As we’re seeing this winter, nobody’s safe from the snow. While coastal areas might get less snow even up north, those further inland are dealing with amounts that southerners can’t even imagine!
xdsan / Flickr
You won’t find it all the time, but if you’re up north at the right time of year you may be treated to the northern lights. Those in Portland, you’re out of luck when it comes to magical sky displays. Sorry.
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