MaineCarmen Willings
itinerantjoy.com April 25, 2025 Maine is known for its rugged coastline, iconic lighthouses, and world-famous lobster. It's a haven for outdoor lovers, offering stunning national parks like Acadia, dense forests, and scenic lakes. The state is rich in maritime history, charming coastal villages, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors flock to Maine for its natural beauty, fresh seafood, and peaceful, down-to-earth atmosphere.
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National Parks
Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor)
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Website: Acadia National Park
Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia boasts diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coastline. Notable Locations within the park include Cadillac Mountain, which offers panoramic views, and Jordan Pond, known for its clear waters and the iconic Bubble Mountains in the background. Must See: Mount Desert Island, Park Loop Road, Sand Beach (pink sands), Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond House, Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor Whale watching.
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Coast of Acadia NP
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- Bar Island Trail Accessible only during low tide, it is reached via a sandbar that appears for a few hours each day. The 1.4-mile round-trip hike includes coastal views, a quiet wooded trail, and overlooks of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
- Bass Harbor Head Light Station One of Acadia National Park’s most iconic landmarks, perched on dramatic pink granite cliffs on the island’s southwest side. Built in 1858, this red-roofed lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can explore short trails that lead to scenic viewpoints above and below the cliffs.
- Cadillac Mountain Standing at 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the tallest peak on the U.S. Atlantic coast and offers sweeping views of Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay, and the surrounding islands. From October to March, it’s famously the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise, drawing early risers for a breathtaking experience.
- Carriage Roads. 45 miles of historic, vehicle-free paths built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Great for biking or walking, featuring stone bridges and gentle grades.
- Echo Lake Warmer, calmer water than Sand Beach—ideal for a refreshing swim or family picnic. Nearby Beech Mountain offers hikes with lake views.
- Hulls Cove Visitor Center A great place to grab maps and talk with rangers.
- Isle au Haut Part of Acadia National Park, Isle au Haut is a remote and rugged island accessible only by ferry. It offers quiet hiking trails, dramatic coastline, and a more secluded experience of Acadia, perfect for solitude and nature lovers.
- Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond House Known for pristine waters and a view of the twin Bubble Mountains. Dine at the Jordan Pond House (famous for popovers and tea) and visit the gift shop. Trails circle the pond.
- Long Pond A long, narrow lake perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Quiet and scenic.
- Park Loop Road A scenic 27-mile drive through the park’s top sites.
- Sand Beach Pinkish sand beach nestled between granite cliffs. Swim or hike Great Head Trail for views, or Beehive Trail for a steep ladder climb.
- Thunder Hole Where ocean waves rush into a small cavern with such force that they create a deep, thunderous boom—especially dramatic about one to two hours before high tide. For the best experience, check tide schedules in advance and arrive early, as it’s a very popular spot.
National Monuments & Historic Sites
Frances Perkins National MonumentHonors the legacy of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet and her work in labor reform and the New Deal. Guided tours of the Perkins Homestead, by reservation only (no general walk-ins).
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Frances Perkins NM
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National MonumentThis remote, rugged landscape near Mount Katahdin, offers scenic drives, hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Limited services and mostly gravel roads.
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Katahdin Woods and Waters NM
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Roosevelt Campobello International ParkFDR’s summer retreat in Lubec. Tour the 34-room Roosevelt Cottage, beautiful gardens, and explore hiking trails with ocean views. The park also features Tea with Eleanor—a storytelling program about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. Bring your passport to cross the U.S.–Canada border.
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Roosevelt Campobello International Park
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Saint Croix Island International Historic SiteCommemorates the 1604–1605 French settlement—one of the first in North America. While the island itself isn’t open to the public, the mainland visitor center features exhibits, a trail, and bronze sculptures of early French settlers and Passamaquoddy people.
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Saint Croix Island International HS
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National Scenic Trails & Drives
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Maine)Website: Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail in Maine offers some of the most rugged and remote hiking on the entire trail. This scenic stretch features steep climbs, alpine lakes, and dense forests, culminating at Mount Katahdin—the northern terminus of the trail. It's a wild and rewarding challenge for experienced hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
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Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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Rangeley Lakes National Scenic BywayWebsite: Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
This 52-mile scenic drive traverses the western mountains of Maine, intersecting the Appalachian Trail near Saddleback Mountain. The byway offers breathtaking vistas, access to lakeside towns, and opportunities to witness the trail's rugged terrain from the comfort of your vehicle.
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Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
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Maine State Parks & Lighthouses
Camden Hills State ParkKnown for Mount Battie, which offers breathtaking views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Visitors can reach the summit by driving or hiking. The park has over 30 miles of trails, plus picnic areas and campsites.
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Camden Hills State Park
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Quoddy Head State ParkWest Quoddy Head Light, 973 S Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652
Website: West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Museum Marks the easternmost point of the continental United States, with a rugged, dramatic coastline and the iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse with the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Museum. Scenic coastal hiking trails, wildlife watching, and interpretive signs about the area’s ecology and maritime history.
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West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
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Wolfe’s Neck Woods State ParkJust a few miles from downtown Freeport (and L.L. Bean), is a peaceful park that offers a mix of coastal forest, estuaries, and rocky shoreline. It’s a favorite for quiet walks and birdwatching. The Casco Bay Trail offers stunning views of Harraseeket Bay and Osprey nests in season. Flat, accessible trails make it great for all ages.
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Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
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Maine Lighthouses
Portland Head Light & Fort Williams ParkMaine’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1791. The surrounding park has oceanfront trails, picnic areas, historic ruins, and a seasonal museum in the keeper’s house. It's especially beautiful during stormy weather.
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Portland Head Lighthouse
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Marshall Point Lighthouse & MuseumMade famous by its appearance in Forrest Gump, it features a striking wooden walkway leading to the light tower. The adjacent keeper’s house now serves as a small museum, showcasing local maritime history and life along the rugged Maine coast.
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Marshall Point Lighthouse
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Nubble LighthouseAlso called Cape Neddick Light, it is located just offshore in York. It’s not open to the public, but easily viewed from Sohier Park, which has picnic areas, ocean views, and a seasonal gift shop. It’s a favorite spot for photography, especially at sunrise.
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Cape Neddick (Nubble) Lighthouse
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Owls Head LighthousePerched high on a rocky bluff overlooking Penobscot Bay. It has been guiding ships into Rockland Harbor since 1825. A brief wooded walk from the parking area leads to the lighthouse and adjacent keeper's house. The site is part of Owls Head State Park.
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Owls Head Lighthouse
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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse ParkOne of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses and even appears on the Maine state quarter. The park features rugged rock ledges, a maritime museum, and a memorial to local seafarers.
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Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park
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Seguin Island Light StationMaine’s tallest lighthouse and one of the oldest. It’s only accessible by boat. The light still uses its original Fresnel lens, and the site includes a small museum and guided seasonal tours.
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Seguin Island Light Station
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Spring Point Ledge Lighthousea “spark plug” style lighthouse located at the end of a granite breakwater. Visitors can walk right up to the active light. The site is next to Southern Maine Community College and offers views of Casco Bay and Fort Preble.
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Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
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Coastal Walk
Marginal Waya 1.25-mile paved path along rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It connects the town center to Perkins Cove and features 39 benches for resting. Donated in 1925, it’s a scenic and accessible way to enjoy Maine’s coastline.
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Marginal Way Rocky Coast
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Cultural & Historical Highlights
Farnsworth Art MuseumA must for art lovers, this museum houses over 15,000 works of American art, with a strong focus on Maine’s influence. It features the nation’s largest public collection of Andrew Wyeth's work and includes exhibitions by N.C. and Jamie Wyeth. The museum also comprises the Wyeth Center and the historic Farnsworth Homestead.
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Farnsworth Art Museum
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L.L.Bean Flagship StoreOpen 24/7 and an icon of Maine outdoor culture, the flagship store of L.L.Bean is much more than retail. Visitors can enjoy outdoor discovery programs, check out the famous giant boot sculpture, and explore multiple adjacent stores focused on hunting, biking, and home goods.
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L.L. Bean Flagship Store
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Maine Maritime MuseumLocated on a historic shipyard, this museum explores Maine’s seafaring legacy. Exhibits cover shipbuilding, navigation, and maritime life. Guests can walk through a blacksmith shop, board real schooners, and cruise along the Kennebec River.
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Maine Maritime Museum
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The Wadsworth-Longfellow HouseStep into 19th-century Portland at the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This well-preserved house museum features original furnishings, artifacts, and a peaceful garden. Operated by the Maine Historical Society, it’s one of the oldest brick houses in the city.
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The Wadsworth-Longfellow House
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Coastal Towns & Maritime Charm
Bar HarborWebsite: Bar Harbor
This scenic town is the gateway to Acadia National Park and offers beautiful ocean views, quaint shops, and fresh seafood. Walk the Shore Path along Frenchman Bay, go whale watching, or hike Acadia’s carriage roads and Cadillac Mountain.
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Bar Harbor, Maine
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Boothbay HarborWebsite: Boothbay Harbor Tourism
Known for puffin and whale tours, this charming town is also home to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Its walkable downtown features shops, restaurants, and a scenic footbridge connecting the two sides of the harbor.
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Boothbay Harbor, Maine
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CamdenWebsite: Camden Tourism
A seaside village where the mountains meet the sea, Camden offers a scenic harbor, quaint shops, and great hiking. Camden Hills State Park, especially the view from Mount Battie, is a must-see.
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Camden, Maine
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KennebunkportWebsite: Kennebunkport
This upscale coastal town boasts historic homes, boutique shops, and fine seafood dining. Ocean Avenue provides beautiful ocean views, including Walker’s Point, the Bush family’s summer compound.
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Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine
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OgunquitWebsite: Ogunquit
Ogunquit blends natural beauty with a rich arts scene. Its beach and Marginal Way coastal path offer stunning views. Perkins Cove adds charm with shops and seafood spots, while the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and Playhouse highlight local culture.
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Ogunquit, Maine
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Old Orchard BeachWebsite: Old Orchard Beach
This nostalgic beach town features a classic boardwalk, amusement park, and lively pier. With seven miles of beach and summer fireworks, it’s a family-friendly spot for old-fashioned seaside fun.
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Old Orchard Beach Pier
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Unique Places
Stephen King's House47 W Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Fans of the famed author flock to this Victorian-style home at 47 West Broadway. Although not open for tours, the iron gates adorned with bats and spiders make it a popular photo stop.
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Stephen King's Bangor Home
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Sunday River Covered BridgeSunday River Resort, Newry, ME 04261
Website: Covered Bridges of Maine Website: Sunday River Covered Bridge Nicknamed the "Artist’s Bridge," this 1872 Paddleford truss bridge spans the Sunday River. Though closed to vehicles, it’s a scenic pedestrian spot maintained by the state.
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Sunday River Covered "Artist's Bridge"
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The International Cryptozoology MuseumLocated at Thompson’s Point, this one-of-a-kind museum features over 10,000 artifacts related to cryptids like Bigfoot and the Yeti. Founded by Loren Coleman, it’s the only museum dedicated to hidden animals.
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The International Cryptozoology Museum
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Notable Islands
Deer IsleWebsite: Deer Isle Tourism
Connected by a suspension bridge, Deer Isle offers quiet coves, working harbors, and a rich artistic community. It's a haven for scenic drives, cultural exploration, and coastal charm.
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Deer Isle
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Monhegan IslandWebsite: Monhegan Island Tourism
Located 10 miles offshore, this car-free island is popular with artists and hikers. Dramatic cliffs, scenic trails, and a lobster fishing community make it a rustic, peaceful escape.
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Monhegan Island
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Peaks IslandWebsite: Peaks Island Tourism
A short ferry from Portland, Peaks Island is perfect for a relaxed day trip. Walk or bike around the island to enjoy beaches, shops, and views of Casco Bay.
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Peaks Island
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Vinalhaven IslandWebsite: Vinalhaven Island Tourism
Accessible by ferry from Rockland, Vinalhaven features ocean views, coastal trails, and a strong lobster industry. Its unspoiled nature and working waterfront offer a true Maine island experience.
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Vinalhaven Island
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Scenic Drives
Route 1 Coastal Drive (Kittery to Lubec) This iconic route travels through charming towns and fishing villages. With lighthouses, beach stops, and seafood shacks, it’s the ultimate Maine road trip.
Route 2 - The Moosehead Trail. Winding through Maine’s highlands, this scenic drive passes forests, rivers, and small towns. Moose sightings are common, especially near Moosehead Lake.
Route 3 - 26 - Maine’s Western Foothills Perfect for a fall drive, this route features rolling hills, lakes, and views of the mountains. It passes through quaint towns and by Grafton Notch State Park.
Route 4 - Schoodic Peninsula (Acadia National Park). Less crowded than Mount Desert Island, this area offers a one-way loop road with stunning coastal views, rocky shores, and forested trails—ideal for a peaceful escape.
Dark Sky Location
- Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Woods. At the edge of the North Maine Woods, a largely uninhabited forest land bordered by Canada that sees what may be the last remaining truly pristine night skies in the US east of the Great Plains.
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Iconic Maine Foods
- Anadama Bread. A traditional New England yeast bread made with cornmeal and molasses. Slightly sweet and hearty — often served warm with butter.
- Fiddleheads (in spring). Young, curled ferns foraged in the spring. Mild and nutty — often sautéed in butter or garlic. Very seasonal and distinct to New England.
- Haddock and Seafood Dishes. Fried haddock sandwiches, baked haddock, and fish chowders are staples. Often freshly caught from the Gulf of Maine. Red Snapper Hot Dogs. Bright red natural-casing hot dogs unique to Maine. Crisp when bitten into, often grilled and served on a buttered split-top bun.
- Lobster. Maine’s #1 food icon. Hot lobster roll: Served warm with melted butter on a toasted bun. Cold lobster roll: Mixed with a little mayo and herbs. Lobster bake: Traditional meal with lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes cooked together.
- Maine “Cranberry Beans”: A regional favorite for hearty, bean-based dishes.
- Maine Oysters & Clams. Especially Damariscotta oysters, known for their clean, briny flavor. Steamer clams: Soft-shell clams served with melted butter. Often included in clam bakes or served in chowder.
- Maine-Made Ice Cream. Unique local flavors like Maine sea salt caramel, blueberry basil, or maple walnut. Many creameries use organic or locally sourced ingredients.
- Maple Products. Maple syrup, candy, and cream are locally made, especially in inland and northern Maine. Best found at farms and roadside stands.
- New England Clam Chowder (Maine-style). Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and onions. Maine versions are sometimes lighter than Massachusetts' but just as rich and comforting.
- Vegetarian Chowders. Creamy potato-based chowders (without clams) made with corn, mushrooms, or root vegetables. Some restaurants offer these as a meatless alternative to clam chowder.
- Whoopie Pies A beloved sweet treat: two chocolate cake-like cookies with a creamy filling. Official state treat of Maine. Variations include blueberry whoopie pies!
- Wild Maine Blueberries. Smaller and more flavorful than typical cultivated blueberries. Used in pies, pancakes, jams, muffins, syrups, and ice cream. Must-try: Maine blueberry pie — the official state dessert!
Sensory Souvenirs
- Balsam Fir Sachets or Ornaments. Balsam fir is the scent of Maine’s forests—fresh, piney, and calming. Available in pillows, sachets, or ornaments, often shaped like trees or animals.
- Handmade Maine Candles or Soaps. Common scents: sea breeze, balsam pine, blueberry, lilac. Great for smell and touch (especially textured or molded soaps).
- Handmade Wool or Flannel. Maine winters mean cozy fabrics. A flannel square, mini mitten, or felted wool item can give students a feel of Maine fashion.
- Lighthouse Figurines or Textures. Tactile model of a lighthouse from places like Portland Head Light.
- Maine Maple Syrup: The Sugarloaf area is especially known for its syrup.
- Maine Pottery: Look for handmade ceramic items from local potters to experience Maine's artisan traditions. (e.g. Bennington Pottery)
- Maple Products. Syrup, maple candy, or maple sugar.
- Molasses or Brown Bread (a New England tradition). Molasses-based treats like cookies or small loaves. Rich, dark scent and chewy texture.
- Rocks & Minerals. Maine is known for tourmaline (the state gemstone) and mica, which has a sparkly, flaky texture. You can find touchable rock samples or small, polished stones from local rock shops.
- Rope or Buoy-Inspired Items. Maine’s fishing and lobstering culture is symbolized in nautical rope and buoy designs. Look for miniature buoys, coasters, or bracelets made from lobster rope.
- Seashells & Driftwood (from the Maine coast). Look for smooth clam shells, bumpy oyster shells, and spiraled snail shells are all common on beaches like those in Acadia or along the southern coast. Driftwood offers a weathered, natural texture.
- Sound Souvenirs. Recordings of whale songs, foghorns, or seagull calls.
- Textured or relief art available at many coastal gift shops.
- Wild Blueberry Treats (Maine's state fruit). Dried wild blueberries, blueberry jam, or blueberry tea.