| You've never been one to use "summer" as a | | | | good time. |
| verb, no, that habit is reserved for wealthy | | | | In a land that sees its fair share of cold and |
| patricians with sailboats, perfectly tousled hair, and | | | | dreary weather, come summertime, you know |
| gorgeous children who all look alike. You've also | | | | that there's going to be an air of celebration. The |
| never taken a quick weekend during the winter to | | | | locals know how to squeeze every drop of |
| escape holiday stress and cold weather doldrums, | | | | wonderful-ness from their short and sweet |
| as you just have too much to do. Just because | | | | springs and summers, so follow their lead and live |
| you consider yourself a regular person who takes | | | | like there's no tomorrow. A number of festivals |
| regular vacations, if any, doesn't mean that you | | | | and special events will get you in the mood, and |
| wouldn't feel more than comfortable heading to | | | | will expose you to unmatchable delights like fresh |
| Maine for a few days. Its welcoming atmosphere | | | | blueberry pie, lobster bakes, and a number of art |
| and surprisingly varied activities make it a gold | | | | and music events. Native American and French |
| mine for travelers looking for relaxation and | | | | influences, along with an eternal connection to the |
| rejuvenation, so fight the urge to stick to | | | | sea and the distinctive landscape, combine to |
| stereotypes and discover this New England | | | | make the Maine experience unlike any other. |
| charmer of a destination. | | | | Continuing on your way down the path of Maine's |
| The heat of the city and the forever-unshakable | | | | ample vacation offerings, be sure to save some |
| feeling that you should be spending your summer | | | | time for Aroostook State Park where you can |
| months on a break from all responsibilities always | | | | fish for trout or take a hike. Several lighthouses |
| have you pining for the perfect warm weather | | | | will lead you up the coast and add to your |
| jaunt that will at least temporarily relieve the | | | | collection of landmark snapshots, and an |
| stresses of the adult world. You want to go | | | | assortment of museums will put the history of |
| somewhere hassle-free and laid-back yet | | | | this state into perspective. Learn a little or a lot, |
| somewhat exciting, and you're kind of over the | | | | either way you'll return from this trip feeling |
| whole anonymous-beach-getaway-thing. You want | | | | changed for the better. |
| personality and a good bargain, which makes | | | | Of course, Maine is also worth seeing in its winter |
| Maine look better and better by the minute. | | | | splendor, so if skiing or snowshoeing through the |
| Maine, with its maritime roots and agrarian | | | | countryside is your idea of fun, consider heading |
| background, is down-to-earth yet sophisticated in | | | | north when the weather cools and the days |
| an accented, zest-for-life kind of way. The people | | | | shorten. There's also tobogganing, sleigh rides, |
| are friendly yet set in their ways, and the physical | | | | shopping, and hot cocoa drinking near a roaring |
| surroundings are rock-steady in their simple and | | | | fire, so plan to alternate between exhilarating |
| understated beauty. Plan a tour of one of the | | | | frostiness and cozy warmth to cover all your |
| four scenic byways and you'll see what we mean; | | | | winter vacation bases. |
| from archeological points of interest to | | | | Yet to be mentioned but not to be missed is |
| recreational set-ups perfect for picnics or a game | | | | autumn in Maine. The trees smolder with reds and |
| of Frisbee, you'll be able to enjoy, among other | | | | oranges, putting on a brilliant display before |
| things, the coastline, the old-growth forests, and | | | | shedding their leaves for a quiet winter. Driving |
| an impressive range of shops, restaurants, and | | | | through the country would be an especially smart |
| wildlife sightings. | | | | decision at this point in time, as would booking |
| If getting closer even closer to the water is what | | | | accommodations that face a grove of especially |
| floats your boat, sign up for a whale watching | | | | flashy trees. Imagine settling back on a comfy |
| cruise or hop aboard a yacht for some | | | | couch in front of a picture window and letting the |
| sightseeing. The peninsulas and outlying islands of | | | | ebb and flow of nature wash over you. |
| Maine are picturesque, and inland lakes and ponds | | | | There are literally hundreds of Maine Vacation |
| will whet your appetite for waterskiing or a | | | | Rentals to choose from that would make your |
| leisurely pontoon cruise. Don't let 5,500 miles of | | | | trip a delight during any season. Come explore the |
| coastline and 6,000 fresh bodies of water go to | | | | features of this versatile and idiosyncratic state, |
| waste while you're here, and don't worry, boat | | | | letting yourself withdraw from one hectic world to |
| shoes and polo shirts aren't necessary to have a | | | | join one that's a bit easier to handle. |