Maine

Whether your vacation to Maine is for the seacoast or the interior, there are a few things you just won't want to miss. Maine is famous for its lobster and sea coast, but it's also famous for its wilderness where you can spot a moose or bald eagle. No matter where you go there is a surprising amount to do in this beautiful state.

The first European settlement in Maine was in 1604, and other English settlements soon followed, but the harsh weather of Maine's cool summer and freezing winter all but wiped out the settlers. In fact, Popham Colony was started at the same time as Jamestown in Virginia, but due to the unsuspected and difficult winter they did not survive. Originally part of Massachusetts, Maine became the 23rd state on March 15th, 1820 under the Missouri Compromise, coming into the union as a free state so that Missouri could enter as a slave state.

Maine accounts for nearly half of all of New England's land area, and is a vast landscape of beautiful and wild, uninhabited territory. From mountains to sea coast to forest, Maine has an exciting amount of natural land in a variety of landscapes. Of course, the cold New England coast may not make for great swimming if you're not used to it, but it does make for fantastic whale watching, costal tours, fishing and lobster catches. Maine also harbors Moosehead lake, which is the largest lake wholly in New England, and its waters get warmer than the costal waters during the summer months and make for great swimming, fishing, and water sports.

If your Maine vacation takes you close to Portland, make sure to visit Victoria Mansion, an absolutely amazing pre-civil war home. Originally a summer home for a wealthy family, the mansion is known for its opulence. The architecture and furnishings are extraordinary, and the house contains 90% of its original contents. Victoria Mansion is an absolute historical gem. Also unique to the area is the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, which housed 4 generations of this historic family, including Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow, famous American writer and poet.

If you're looking for something more coastal, make sure to visit Lucky Catch Cruises, where visitors get to see the daily routines of a lobsterman and close up views of historic lighthouses and forts. While you're on the coast make sure to have some fresh Maine lobster. Great Maine lobster can be had almost anywhere in Maine, but if you're a lobster novice you might want to try some of the roadside stands and shacks until you get the hang of this crustacean. If you're not sure you want to deal with the mess of a lobster but still want to try it, opt for the "lobster roll", a New England specialty: cold lobster and mayo with seasonings on a hoagie roll. Truly a local favorite!

After a day out on the ocean visit Lyric Music Theatre, a community theatre that's been providing affordable shows since 1952. And don't leave Portland without visiting the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum Open March to October, visitors can ride a train through Portland's working harbor and then visit a museum for more information on the trains and area. Also near to Portland is Funtown Splashtown USA, a great combination water and amusement park, with the longest and tallest water flume in all of New England!

Half way between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine, visit Wells Beach, a popular destination for New England vacationers. This great beach is the epitome of a New England beach, with seacoast grass and squawking seagulls, and a bustling little community.

A little further up the coast around Brunswick, there's even more costal fun. At the Maine State Aquarium visitors can pet a live shark, view all the different kinds of lobster, shrimp, anemones, and other great sea creatures! Families will have a ton of fun at Dolphin Mini Golf, an 18 hole themed mini-golf extravaganza. The Maine Marine Museum and the Costal Children's Museum are also great places for some family fun and learning. The Penobscot Marine Museum is a great place to see a 19th century seafaring village, plus paintings and ship models from different eras. If you like art, don't miss the Farnsworth Art Museum, one of the finest regional art museums in the whole country, where the focus is on Maine's role in American art.

Of course, there's plenty to do in the interior too. Whether it's a guided walkabout or rugged camping and hiking, there's an abundance of outdoor entertainment in Maine's interior – but the best part of the vacation is the landscape.

For your Maine vacation, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

- Starting at $81 a night this bed and breakfast is a fantastic place to get a taste of Maine. Close to tons of downtown Portland attractions, this Victorian inn features coffee, complimentary newspapers and Wi-Fi.
America's Best Value Inn - Starting at $62 a night, if you're staying in Brunswick this is a suburban value hotel. With a complimentary breakfast, picnic area, and Wi-Fi in public areas, it's a great value.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Wild Iris Inn - Starting at $145 a night, try a great family-run Inn for your Maine vacation. Near to tons of great downtown Portland attractions, this bed and breakfast has a library and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Starting at $169 a night, this great Brunswick inn is a 4 star property and a great value for the price! The inn even has a full health spa with facials! Plus, this inn is entirely non-smoking.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa - Starting at $209 a night, this Portland hotel is THE place to stay. Near to great attractions like the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the Children's Museum of Maine, Victoria Mansion and more. This hotel features a restaurant and bar, limited room service, a health club with sauna, spa and steam room, and more!
Chebeague Orchard Inn Bed and Breakfast - Starting at $509 a night, this inn may be expensive but the landscape makes it worth it. The hotel features a garden, picnic area, and beautiful grounds. With a fireplace in the lobby and complimentary hot/cold buffet, get away for a week while still being in close proximity to Portland and Brunswick!