In my travels around Maine, I encounter people, places and things I consider truly amazing. In this trip, I want to share just a few of those finds so you too can know what a truly amazing state we live in.

Some examples of Maine’s uniqueness before we begin our trip:

Blueberries! Maine supplies 90 percent of the country’s blueberry harvest.

The state is home and/or the birthplace to many famous notables, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Stephen King, Patrick Dempsey, Margaret Chase Smith, Edmund S. Muskie and Governor Percival Baxter, who presented Maine with the great gift of Baxter State Park.

Moosehead Lake is the second largest lake in New England (after Champlain, in Vermont), covering 117 square miles; Sebago comes in fourth in New England, with 45 square miles.

Eastport is the easternmost city in the U.S., and supposedly where the sun rises first. Recently that sunrise fact was challenged, and experts confirmed that the sun actually hits the top of Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island a few minutes before it graces Eastport.

This story could go on forever. Read on for more amazing Maine shops, sights and food. And if you have an amazing Maine place, person, sight or experience you want to share, send a note to Joie Crockett at the Sun Journal (in care of the b section, 104 Park St., Lewiston, Maine 04240) or e-mail her at bmail@sunjournal.com.

Soll’s Antiques

Route 2

Canaan

www.antiquestainedglass.net

I was on my way to another destination when I drove through Canaan and found Soll’s Antiques. This store has the largest collection of antique stained and leaded glass windows I have ever seen, and in mint condition. They also carry a small inventory of period furniture, but the main attraction is their window collection. This is a must see.

Musical Wonder House

PO Box 604

16-18 High St.

Wiscasset, 04578

882-7163

www.musicalwonderhouse.com

This museum and gift store in Wiscasset is in a league of its own. It houses hundreds of antique music boxes ranging from cuff-link-size to grand-piano-size. Closed for the season, but owners will be bringing one of their music boxes to the Victoria Mansion in Portland for the Christmas season. Make this a destination next summer.

Victoria Mansion

109 Danforth St. in Portland’s Arts District, just steps from the Old Port

772-4841

www.victoriamansion.org

Don’t miss Christmas at Victoria Mansion from Nov. 27 to Jan. 3, when it will be lavishly decorated for the season and you’ll be able to hear the wonderful music box from the Musical Wonder House. This is not to be missed.

Penobscot Narrows Observatory

On the campus of Fort Knox State Historic Site

711 Fort Knox Road

Prospect 04981

469-7719

www.maine.gov/doc/parks/parksinfo/observatory

Not only will you see fantastic views from the observatory, but the ride up in the elevator is unique. It takes you 420 feet up in 50 seconds, the fastest elevator in northern New England. It is the highest bridge observatory in the world. The observatory is not open in winter, so mark your calendars for next spring.

Mount Kineo

Rockwood

www.moosehead.net/hiking/kineo.html

On an island in Moosehead Lake, Mount Kineo stands out with its glacial cliff face. I hiked up to the fire tower and was rewarded with the most amazing 360-degree views I’ve found anywhere in Maine.

Bailey Island Bridge (also known as Cribstone Bridge)

Route 24

Orr’s and Bailey islands

www.maine.gov/mdot/covered-bridges/baileyis.php

This bridge is made out of huge blocks of granite and is the only bridge of its kind in the world. Right now it is in the middle of some repair work and they have erected a temporary bridge until it is finished, so be aware of the construction work if you are in the area.

Red’s Eats

Route 1

Wiscasset

You can’t miss Red’s Eats during the summer. A lobster shack made famous for its legendary lobster rolls filled with over a pound of clear lobster meat. Be warned there is always a long line of people, but if you love lobster, you’ll love Red’s Eats.

Bryant Stove & Music Inc.

27 Stovepipe Alley, Thorndike 04986

www.bryantstove.com

568-3665

If you’re looking to find that special antique wood stove for your home, Bryant Stove & Music Inc. is the place to visit. Amazing. They are located in Thorndike and also have a museum that contains everything from stoves to music boxes to a doll circus. Definitely worth the trip.

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