The picturesque New England state of Maine lies in the
easternmost reaches of the United States, bordering on the Canadian
provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. Similar to its Canadian
neighbours, Maine is a lovely contrast of rugged coastline dotted
with picture perfect lighthouses, fishing villages and sandy
beaches, and an interior covered with lush forest, towering
mountains and mirror-like lakes.
Maine is the largest state in the New England area, but remains
one of the most sparsely populated states in the country, creating
a wide expanse of unspoilt wilderness. The original inhabitants of
the area were Native Americans of the Algonquin group, while
European settlement by the French occurred in 1604. Over subsequent
years, control of the region was fought over by the English, French
and the Americans - evidence of which remains in the large number
of historic forts still standing today. The strong Acadian and
French Canadian heritage of the area can still be felt,
particularly in the Acadian Village in Aroostook county and other
parts of central Maine, while the coast boasts a fierce maritime
heritage.
The warmer months bring a flood of holidaymakers to Maine and
summer homes pepper the landscape. With plenty of outdoor
activities, this is the nature lover's and outdoor enthusiast's
paradise. The state experiences harsh winters, but this brings its
own charms. Snowboarding, skiing and snow-shoeing replace the
summer activities of canoeing, kayaking, camping and hiking. In
true New England style, autumn brings a festival of colours to the
foliage and spring is a riot of blossoms. The Acadia National Park,
on Maine's Mount Desert Island, provides an opportunity to enjoy
the spectacular beauty of the state, as well as its wildlife and
birdlife.
History buffs can enjoy plenty of historical sites, including
visits to the house of poet and Maine native Henry
Wadsworth-Longfellow; food lovers can feast on the region's fine
seafood and blueberries, and city lovers can roam the streets of
the capital Augusta and the bustling city of Portland. Maine is
big, beautiful and charming, and is well worth exploring from top
to bottom, whatever the season.
Time Zones
Climate Info
Maine has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm
summers. Winter temperatures drop between 20°F and 30°F (about
-4°C), while summer temperatures range between 80°F and 90°F (30°C
and up). The northern part of the state tends to be drier and
colder in comparison to the southern and coastal areas, while the
sea keeps the coastal temperatures moderate. Snowfall occurs in
winter.
Portland International Jetport is located five miles
(8km) from downtown Portland.
Time Difference:
GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to
November).
Contacts:
Tel: (207) 774 7301.
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available at a flat rate from the first flight in the
morning to the last flight at night. Limousines are also available.
The Portland Explorer shuttle service connects the Jetport with
Portland's main transportation facilities and certain other
locations. Visit the Ground Transportation Booth outside baggage
claim for more information.
Car rental:
There are several major car rental agencies represented at the
Jetport, including Alamo, National, Hertz, Budget and Avis.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities in the Jetport include a full-service restaurant,
ATMs, Starbucks, gift shops, a business centre and Visitor
Information. Disabled facilities are good.
It is no surprise that the Portland Head Light lighthouse is the
most photographed lighthouse in the world. Every view of this 18th
century lighthouse is spectacular. The lighthouse took four years
to build and was completed in 1791. The lamps originally used to
power the light were of whale oil, r....
It is no surprise that the Portland Head Light lighthouse is the
most photographed lighthouse in the world. Every view of this 18th
century lighthouse is spectacular. The lighthouse took four years
to build and was completed in 1791. The lamps originally used to
power the light were of whale oil, replaced by an autobeacon in
1958. The lighthouse is situated in Fort Williams Park and has an
interesting museum housed within the old lighthouse Keepers
Quarters. It is well worth packing a picnic and enjoying the beauty
of the park and exploring the historic forts within its
parameters.
Built between 1785 and 1786, the Wadsworth-Longfellow house was
home to three generations of a Portland family that formed an
integral part of the cultural, political and literary life of New
England and the rest of the country. Revolutionary War General
Peleq Wadsworth was its first inhabitant and....
Built between 1785 and 1786, the Wadsworth-Longfellow house was
home to three generations of a Portland family that formed an
integral part of the cultural, political and literary life of New
England and the rest of the country. Revolutionary War General
Peleq Wadsworth was its first inhabitant and Anne Longfellow Pierce
(younger sister of poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow) its last. It
was Anne's foresight that left the house, grounds and furniture to
the Maine History Society, allowing public access. The house was
the first brick building in Portland and visitors can enjoy a
ramble through the three-storey house (containing effectively all
original furniture and artefacts) and the Maine Historical Society
Museum. Several different tours are also available throughout the
year.
Opening Time:House and garden guided tours: (May to October)
Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 4pm, Sundays 12pm to 4pm. Museum:
Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Admission:$8 (adults); $3 (children). Prices include Museum
admission. Concessions available
Stretching from upper Congress Street to the West End, the Arts
District incorporates several galleries and museums, including the
Portland Museum of Art, the largest of its kind in Maine and dating
back to 1882. A great way to explore the Arts District is by
participating in the First Art Walk - a....
Stretching from upper Congress Street to the West End, the Arts
District incorporates several galleries and museums, including the
Portland Museum of Art, the largest of its kind in Maine and dating
back to 1882. A great way to explore the Arts District is by
participating in the First Art Walk - a self-guided tour that runs
on the first Friday of every month from 5pm to 8pm. Local
businesses, museums and galleries are open to the public and aim to
highlight what is new in the art community. The Portland Art Museum
offers free admission for the Art Walk.
Address:Upper Congress Street to the West End. Portland Museum of
Art: 7 Congress Square
The Acadia National Park encompasses 60 square miles (155 sq km)
of rugged coastline, forest, granite peaks, lakes and plenty of
wildlife. Roughly four million visitors flock here each year to
drink in the beauty of the park, hike up Mount Cadillac, spot
wildlife or enjoy a ranger-led programme. Su....
The Acadia National Park encompasses 60 square miles (155 sq km)
of rugged coastline, forest, granite peaks, lakes and plenty of
wildlife. Roughly four million visitors flock here each year to
drink in the beauty of the park, hike up Mount Cadillac, spot
wildlife or enjoy a ranger-led programme. Summer is a popular time
to visit, but winter offers cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing
(though several roads close due to snow), and of course autumn is a
spectacle of colour. Acadia National Park remains one of the most
visited parks in the United States.
Transport:The Island Explorer fare-free shuttle operates late June
to Columbus Day, stopping at lodges and campgrounds on the island
and parts of the park; an entrance pass for the park is required to
ride the shuttle
Opening Time:Park open daily. Hulls Cove Visitor Center: open
mid-April to October 8am to 4.30pm, closing at 6pm in July and
August
Admission:From May to October: $20 per vehicle, $5 for
individuals, for 7-day pass (23 June to October), $10 the rest of
the season
