What makes it so alluring to summer visitors and residents alike is its unrivalled diversity. In Maine you can experience watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, eating lobsters in a charming seacoast town, or visiting two of America’s best art museums.

And with its historic landmarks, amazing beaches, nationally ranked golf courses and even moose safaris and whale watching trips, Maine can provide enough enjoyment for a lifetime.

For Mac McKeever, spokesperson at L.L. Bean, the Freeport area is the place to be.

“Summertime at L.L. Bean means lots of outdoor fun. Our Summer in the Park series, features concerts, farmers markets, circus artists and animal events. Our Outdoor Discovery Schools offer a variety of courses, trips, tours, seminars and clinics for activities such as kayaking, cycling, fly fishing, camping, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and much more.

“Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have something for everyone, with all programs set amongst a spectacular natural setting.”

They also host guided tours.

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“They range from our Monhegan Island Birding Hike, our Sunset Kayaking Tour to our Lobster and Lighthouse Bike Tour. Each tour promises to be a world-class experience, led by expert guides and naturalists amongst the most majestic natural settings Maine has to offer.” For more information, visit llbean.com/llb/ods.

Summer in Maine also means festivals.

The Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland serves over 20,000 pounds of our famous crustaceans and it runs from July 30 through August 3. Beside the many tasty treats, there are crafts, entertainment, children’s activities and even a parade. For more information, visit mainelobsterfestival.com.

The Yarmouth Clam Festival will be held July 18-20. The festival is overflowing with traditional Maine fair food, live music, artisans and the famous clam shucking contest. For more information, visit clamfestival.com.

If music is what you like, then visit the North Atlantic Blues Festival, held on July 12 and 13 overlooking Rockland Harbor. One of the most prestigious blues festivals on the east coast, it promises to entertain with names such as Joe Louis Walker and the Mannish Boys. For more information, visit northatlanticbluesfestival.com.

Coastal towns, such as Camden, Bar Harbor and Boothbay offer picturesque ports as backdrops to quaint shops and boutiques. Those who love antiques and the arts will be in heaven. Don’t forget to stop by a local eatery for lobster rolls or homemade ice cream.

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Golf anyone? Players are sure to find one that matches their skill while seeing Maine mountains and lakes.

Top-ranked clubs from Old Marsh Country Club on the southern seacoast to the Sunday River Golf Club in the western mountains are family-owned and/or operated by Harris Golf, a Maine-based company.

“We say that our clubs offer everything ‘from the mountains to the sea,” said Matt Barnard of Harris Golf. “Whether that’s the dramatic backdrop of the Mahoosuc Mountains at Sunday River, the beautiful coastal areas of southern or Mid Coast Maine, the historic setting of the Greater Portland region or Bangor, ‘the gateway to Bar Harbor,’ you’ll find that our bottom line is always a memorable golf experience.” For more information, visit harrisgolfonline.com.

With all those miles of coastal beauty, Maine beaches are a “must visit.” York beach offers unspoiled views and pristine lighthouses. A great place to sunbathe, shop or visit its many museums.

Old Orchard beach is a favorite with its seven miles of beach, a boardwalk and seaside amusement park.

If the theater is your cup of tea, Maine offers many exceptional playhouses.

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Ogunquit Playhouse will open their curtain with musical hits including “Grease,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Addams Family.” For more information, visit ogunquitplayhouse.com.

The Maine State Music Theater, located on the grounds of Bowdoin College, will be home to productions of “Footloose,” “Godspell” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” For more information, visit msmt.org.

One of the most visited national parks in the U.S. is Acadia National Park. And activities are endless with miles and miles of biking and hiking trails as well as campgrounds for those seeking nature. The park, made up of a cluster of islands, has quite a diverse landscape: granite-domed mountains, lakes and rocky shores, sure to enthuse. Take the 27-mile Park Loop Road which will take you to the scenic summit of Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and Otter Cliffs. For more information, visit nps.gov/acad.

Summer in Maine is all about sandy feet, Adirondack chairs, smelling the salty breeze, and watching the lobster boats bobble at a marina. Enjoy your summer in this great state of Maine.


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