While some of these places may not be completely new to some readers, they are constantly evolving. A visit tomorrow may be much different than the time you went last year. Because the most incredible part of nature is its constant evolution, we urge you to experience these places even if you feel you’ve seen them a hundred times. They are some of the most enchanting in Maine, as long as you keep your eyes and heart open.
- Cliff Island, Casco Bay
Bre LaRow / Flickr This photo of Cliff Island was taken from nearby Jewell Island, another enchanting gem in Casco Bay. Cliff Island is located a bit further off, 8 miles from Portland and accessible as the last stop on the Casco Bay Lines ferry. There are no real overnight facilities to speak of, unless you have a lobsterman friend willing to take you in. But, come for the day if you don’t.
- McLaughlin Garden & Homestead, South Paris
McLaughlin Garden / Flickr McLaughlin Gardens was started by Bernard McLaughlin in 1936. He welcomed anyone who wanted to visit whenever his doors were open. The garden and homestead have now been open for about 70 years. The garden is about two acres and is now owned by a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic home, barn and garden for the public. You can visit between May to October for no charge. For more information, click here.
- Sebago Lake, Various
Paul / Flickr Sebago Lake is beautiful any time of day, but head here at sunset or sunrise and you’ll experience something completely different. The families during the day are great, but if you want true enchantment make a visit during quieter times.
- The Carriage Roads of Acadia. Mount Desert Island
David Brossard / Flickr Construction of the John D. Rockefeller Jr carriage roads lasted from 1913 to 1940. The efforts lead to a system of roads and stone bridges meant only for non-motorized traffic. These roads are a beautiful way to experience Acadia without all the exertion of some of the more serious trails.
- Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Seal Harbor
JR P / Flickr This private garden is typically open one day a week from July to September, but is worth the advance planning to see the green of the moss. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and her husband, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the 1920s. The garden was designed by Beatrix Farrand and combines Eastern and Western landscape traditions in a summer season display.
- China Lake, China & Vassalboro
Anna McDermott / Flickr China Lake is located near Augusta, northwest of Rockland. Ignore the worry of “China Lake Syndrome” from the 80s and enjoy the calm landscape of a lake that often gets overshadowed.
- Clayton Lake, Aroostook County
Paul Williams / Flickr While this particular photo was shot in Clayton Lake, you’ll have similar experiences in just about any place in more rural Maine. The lack of light pollution here will lead to some pretty special experiences.
- Great North Woods of Maine
Lal Beral / Flickr With so much accessible wilderness in Maine, it’s easy to forget about THE wilderness. The vast North Woods is a natural playground, offering immeasurable beauty and amazing wildlife with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find elsewhere.
- Belgrade Lakes, Central Maine
Malcolm Carlaw / Flickr During fall, the scenery of the Belgrade Lakes Region explodes with color, and the quaint little Main Street is alive with local flavor. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Harvest Festival in early October - your friends will feel like they’re stuck in a Norman Rockwell painting.
- Rangeley Lake Region, Rangeley
alanszalwinski / Flickr Rangeley Lake is one of the most mystical places in Maine. Due to its location halfway between the North Pole and the Equator, you might find yourself feeling a bit more spiritual than usual when you’re at camp by the lake.
What do you think are the most special places in the state? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
Bre LaRow / Flickr
This photo of Cliff Island was taken from nearby Jewell Island, another enchanting gem in Casco Bay. Cliff Island is located a bit further off, 8 miles from Portland and accessible as the last stop on the Casco Bay Lines ferry. There are no real overnight facilities to speak of, unless you have a lobsterman friend willing to take you in. But, come for the day if you don’t.
McLaughlin Garden / Flickr
McLaughlin Gardens was started by Bernard McLaughlin in 1936. He welcomed anyone who wanted to visit whenever his doors were open. The garden and homestead have now been open for about 70 years. The garden is about two acres and is now owned by a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic home, barn and garden for the public. You can visit between May to October for no charge. For more information, click here.
Paul / Flickr
Sebago Lake is beautiful any time of day, but head here at sunset or sunrise and you’ll experience something completely different. The families during the day are great, but if you want true enchantment make a visit during quieter times.
David Brossard / Flickr
Construction of the John D. Rockefeller Jr carriage roads lasted from 1913 to 1940. The efforts lead to a system of roads and stone bridges meant only for non-motorized traffic. These roads are a beautiful way to experience Acadia without all the exertion of some of the more serious trails.
JR P / Flickr
This private garden is typically open one day a week from July to September, but is worth the advance planning to see the green of the moss. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller and her husband, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the 1920s. The garden was designed by Beatrix Farrand and combines Eastern and Western landscape traditions in a summer season display.
Anna McDermott / Flickr
China Lake is located near Augusta, northwest of Rockland. Ignore the worry of “China Lake Syndrome” from the 80s and enjoy the calm landscape of a lake that often gets overshadowed.
Paul Williams / Flickr
While this particular photo was shot in Clayton Lake, you’ll have similar experiences in just about any place in more rural Maine. The lack of light pollution here will lead to some pretty special experiences.
Lal Beral / Flickr
With so much accessible wilderness in Maine, it’s easy to forget about THE wilderness. The vast North Woods is a natural playground, offering immeasurable beauty and amazing wildlife with a fraction of the crowds you’ll find elsewhere.
Malcolm Carlaw / Flickr
During fall, the scenery of the Belgrade Lakes Region explodes with color, and the quaint little Main Street is alive with local flavor. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Harvest Festival in early October - your friends will feel like they’re stuck in a Norman Rockwell painting.
alanszalwinski / Flickr
Rangeley Lake is one of the most mystical places in Maine. Due to its location halfway between the North Pole and the Equator, you might find yourself feeling a bit more spiritual than usual when you’re at camp by the lake.
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