Seems like the rest of the country is finally realizing what Mainers have known all along — we are the coolest state in the country! But, we’ve been trying to keep it quiet to make sure it stays that way. From the most epic outdoor options to the best breweries and restaurants, we’ve slowly but surely proven our worth in the cool department. Not sure you agree? Check out these reasons and then make plans to never leave Maine again!
- Our food scene is exploding.
Eventide Oyster Co. / Facebook Eventide Oyster Co. was named as one of the best restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, but the feast doesn’t end there. From Portland to northern Maine, the state’s got chefs trying new dishes and new venues for dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
- But, we love the history that exists in the restaurants that have stood the test of time.
Moody’s Diner / Facebook (Taken by: Paddy Roach) Places like Moody’s in Waldoboro prove that Mainers knew what was good way before we landed on the culinary “cool” map. With this type of history, there’s lots of proof that we’ll be cooking up special food for a very long time!
- We’ve got a cool, new National Monument.
Katahdin WoodsandWaters / Flickr While its future might be uncertain, we’re pretty proud of the fact that this natural beauty exists here in Maine.
- And we’ve got some absolutely wacky places to visit.
Bryan Bruchman / Flickr Check out Wild Blueberry Land for one of the best! A visit to this story will entice you to walk away with blueberry pies, blueberry candy, blueberry souvenirs, and perhaps best of all, some epic blueberry memories! They’re located at 1067 US Highway 1, Columbia Falls, Maine 04623. Give them a call at 207-483-2583.
- You can meander through our land on an incredible byway for hours.
Lisa Donoghue / Flickr There aren’t many states where you can hop in the car and be surrounded by nature right away. In Maine, we’ve got tons of rural roads and scenic byways to do exactly that. We recommend Routes 17, 16 and 4, which make up the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway.
- Maine’s got more microbreweries per capita than any other state.
Allagash Brewing / Flickr Yup, that includes places like Colorado! Does anything scream “cool” more than America’s favorite drink? We think not.
- And we’ve even got wineries for those who prefer some fruit with their booze.
Cellardoor Winery / Facebook Check out Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, who prides themselves in Maine grown grapes. We love their rustic barn tastings and interesting history! To read an article we wrote on the winery, click here.
- We’ve got things that are half quirky, half totally cool.
Mylene C / TripAdvisor Did you know that an entire scaled model of our solar system is hiding out in Presque Isle? While educational, we think this is totally cool. Try to find this in any other state!
- Our small towns make their way onto national best-of lists.
smilla4 / Flickr Little and lovely, Belfast (also known as “Moonbat Kingdom”) was named by travel website Matador as one of the best places in the world to visit. Stop by to enjoy the decidedly hippy vibe and enjoy the local restaurants.
- Maine is home to the best outdoor store in all the land.
Cassandra H. / Yelp We recently wrote all about this place, but if you missed and need a summary here you go: you can eat every meal at the store, buy anything for any outdoor endeavor, AND see some outdoor concerts. What else do you need in a retailer? For the entire article, click here.
- We love to share our opinions!
Justin Grimes / Flickr In day-to-day life, we have no problem speaking our mind, but more importantly — we vote. In fact, Maine was second in the country for voter turnout in the 2016 election. And we think that’s pretty cool!
Maine is cool AND beautiful. Check out these 13 photos that prove our beauty is unmatched.
Eventide Oyster Co. / Facebook
Eventide Oyster Co. was named as one of the best restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, but the feast doesn’t end there. From Portland to northern Maine, the state’s got chefs trying new dishes and new venues for dining experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Moody’s Diner / Facebook (Taken by: Paddy Roach)
Places like Moody’s in Waldoboro prove that Mainers knew what was good way before we landed on the culinary “cool” map. With this type of history, there’s lots of proof that we’ll be cooking up special food for a very long time!
Katahdin WoodsandWaters / Flickr
While its future might be uncertain, we’re pretty proud of the fact that this natural beauty exists here in Maine.
Bryan Bruchman / Flickr
Check out Wild Blueberry Land for one of the best! A visit to this story will entice you to walk away with blueberry pies, blueberry candy, blueberry souvenirs, and perhaps best of all, some epic blueberry memories! They’re located at 1067 US Highway 1, Columbia Falls, Maine 04623. Give them a call at 207-483-2583.
Lisa Donoghue / Flickr
There aren’t many states where you can hop in the car and be surrounded by nature right away. In Maine, we’ve got tons of rural roads and scenic byways to do exactly that. We recommend Routes 17, 16 and 4, which make up the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway.
Allagash Brewing / Flickr
Yup, that includes places like Colorado! Does anything scream “cool” more than America’s favorite drink? We think not.
Cellardoor Winery / Facebook
Check out Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, who prides themselves in Maine grown grapes. We love their rustic barn tastings and interesting history! To read an article we wrote on the winery, click here.
Mylene C / TripAdvisor
Did you know that an entire scaled model of our solar system is hiding out in Presque Isle? While educational, we think this is totally cool. Try to find this in any other state!
smilla4 / Flickr
Little and lovely, Belfast (also known as “Moonbat Kingdom”) was named by travel website Matador as one of the best places in the world to visit. Stop by to enjoy the decidedly hippy vibe and enjoy the local restaurants.
Cassandra H. / Yelp
We recently wrote all about this place, but if you missed and need a summary here you go: you can eat every meal at the store, buy anything for any outdoor endeavor, AND see some outdoor concerts. What else do you need in a retailer? For the entire article, click here.
Justin Grimes / Flickr
In day-to-day life, we have no problem speaking our mind, but more importantly — we vote. In fact, Maine was second in the country for voter turnout in the 2016 election. And we think that’s pretty cool!
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