Things I Learned on My Trip to Maine

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I didn’t know this until I read it on the license plate of a vehicle I was behind, but I can see why Maine is known as Vacationland. The state has a little bit of everything; countryside, beaches, amazing food, and a wonderful national park. With only a short time spent here, I will definitely be adding Maine as a place I want to return to any time of the year.

Don’t expect to get anywhere fast while driving in Maine unless you are taking the interstate. A lot of the scenic routes I drove were 30mph-45mph. I had to add extra time not only because of the slower speed limits, but because of the extra traffic that slowed me down even more. Of course, I went during the fall and I’m used to 55mph in Tennessee!

One of the reasons the speed limit may be slower is due to the risk of hitting wildlife. I seen several deer while driving and many signs warning of the risk of moose in the area. In Maine a traffic jam could be caused by a bunch of moose crossing the street. Hitting a moose could total your car. On a side note, I was told to go to the town of Rangley if I wanted to see moose.

I went to Maine for its lobster and while there I enjoyed 5 of them! I even ate my first whole lobster that I had to take apart myself. Other seafood items that are found in sufficient supply are clams and oysters. Don’t be surprised to find seafood sold at gas stations.

Maine produces the largest production of wild blueberries in the country. There was so many blueberry foods to try; pancakes, syrup, jams, jellies, etc. There was even a blueberry lemonade and soda at Acadia National Park that was highly recommended but I didn’t have the chance to try.

When in Maine you have to try a whoopie pie. I was driving down the road and I saw a sign that read “original whoopie pie.” I was curious what it was and was so glad I tried it. It is a dessert with creamy icing smashed between two pieces of moist chocolate round cakes. There are other varieties such as the chocolate chip cookie variation that was my favorite. It is full of calories but definitely a comfort food you should try while in Maine.

I was surprised that even when I had no service on my cell phone, I had plenty of radio stations to choose from. Even when I drove towards Canada I had reception that picked up some of their stations.

Maine is known for its scenic lighthouses that line its coast. I found myself stopping at many of them for photos. Others must do the same as I noticed souvenirs in the gifts shops with multiple lighthouses on them. The easternmost point in the US, happens to have a beautiful red and white striped lighthouse at the West Quoddy Head Light Station. The Portland Head Lighthouse located just south of Portland may be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. There were a few other lighthouses close to it.

The farther I drove from Portland, the fewer fast food restaurants I saw. It was easier to stop at a gas station for a quick bite to eat if I was hungry. I found the need to plan out my meals at the nearest town. I would find a restaurant that I liked and would eat there. 

Have you traveled to Vacationland? What did you learn on your trip to Maine? Let us know in the comments below.