Maine, in general, is pretty underrated. We may act like Portland is being invaded by Southerners, but in reality, throughout the state we live in a pretty nice little undiscovered enclave of the country. This means shorter lines, more authenticity and very peaceful sunsets. It also means that we have quite a few underrated places. Check out the list below for just a few of the most lovely places to visit in Maine. If you’re not already familiar with them, you’ve probably overlooked them.
- Melby’s Market & Eatery, Waterford
Mike Corthell / Facebook Melby’s is certainly not underrated to those who have visited, but it’s so good the entire state should have it on their must-try list. Basically, if you love breakfast you’ll love Melby’s. Actually, if you love comfort food and a legendary staff then you’ll also love this place. Come to think of it, if you’re breathing you’ll love this place. Visit them at 927 Valley Road, Waterford / 207-583-4447.
- Vaughn Woods & Historic Homestead, Hallowell
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr Many locals refer to this serene preserve as “Hobbitand,” referring to its green and secret feel. However, there is so much more to these lush woods. The area is preserved by the non-profit Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead and is perfect for exploring small streams and paths. Learn more about visiting the woods here.
- Maine Potato Blossom Festival, Fort Fairfield: July 9th – 17th, 2016
Maine Potato Blossom Festival / Facebook If you love the agricultural history of Maine, this event is for you. Over the course of nine days, people from all over The County come together to enjoy live music, craft vendors, a huge beer garden, a food court and (perhaps best of all) mashed potato wrestling! Learn more at their website.
- Maine Huts and Trails, Various Locations in Maine’s Western Mountains
Maine Huts & Trails / Facebook If you’ve utilized the Maine Huts & Trails system, you’ll be surprised that more people don’t know it and love it. This is truly an amazing service. This nonprofit organization has a mission to create and operate a world-class system of backcountry trails and eco-lodges for people-powered recreation in Maine’s Western Mountain region. You’re welcome to stop in during a hike for some hot soup, or reserve a place to stay in advance. But, don’t let the word “hut” make you think you’ll be roughing it. The food here is top-notch!
- The Blueberry Barrens, Washington County
Jim Dollar / Flickr The 200,000 acres of barrens in Washington County are perfect for raising lowbush blueberries due to the glacial deposits left ages ago. Check out this vast area if you’re interested in one of the most exported products in Maine.
- Smokin’ Good BBQ, Bethel
Chris D. / Yelp Smack in the middle of Maine ski country, you’ll find Graceland - an ironically named blaze-orange trailer serving some of the best stick-to-your-bones BBQ this state has to offer. Order at the window and tuck into massive piles of meat, cooked slow and low in the on-site smoker. On the menu: North Carolina pulled pork plate, with two sides, cornbread and a pickle.
- Quoddy Head Lighthouse, Lubec
J Labrador / Flickr The Portland Head Light gets all the glory, but we think the candy-striped Quoddy Head is just as - if not more - photogenic. Its way-out-there location right on the Canadian border makes it a less-popular stop on the tourist trail, but we think it’s worth the trip.
- The Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville
Colby College Museum of Art / Facebook This art museum on the Colby campus has, what we think, is Maine’s most diverse collection of American art. With over 8,000 influential works in a stunning glass-and-steel space, it’s the perfect way to introduce outsiders to Maine’s incredible, and often overlooked, art scene.
- Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Aroostook to Piscataquis County
Jack Heddon / Flickr If you’ve spent any time in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, you already know why it’s worth visiting. For those who haven’t made the trip, don’t forget to add it to your list. If you have the means, a great trip is one that takes you via boat on a multi-day trip. Grab some friends and some camping equipment and see the real Maine!
- Bangor, Penobscot County
Axel Drainville / Flickr The Queen City is bursting at the seams with great restaurants, a burgeoning cultural scene and the best summer concert venue in the state. Plus, it’s a great home base for outdoor adventures in Baxter and Acadia.
Have you been to any of these places? What do you think are the best underrated places in Maine? Head to our Facebook page and let us know!
Mike Corthell / Facebook
Melby’s is certainly not underrated to those who have visited, but it’s so good the entire state should have it on their must-try list. Basically, if you love breakfast you’ll love Melby’s. Actually, if you love comfort food and a legendary staff then you’ll also love this place. Come to think of it, if you’re breathing you’ll love this place. Visit them at 927 Valley Road, Waterford / 207-583-4447.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
Many locals refer to this serene preserve as “Hobbitand,” referring to its green and secret feel. However, there is so much more to these lush woods. The area is preserved by the non-profit Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead and is perfect for exploring small streams and paths. Learn more about visiting the woods here.
Maine Potato Blossom Festival / Facebook
If you love the agricultural history of Maine, this event is for you. Over the course of nine days, people from all over The County come together to enjoy live music, craft vendors, a huge beer garden, a food court and (perhaps best of all) mashed potato wrestling! Learn more at their website.
Maine Huts & Trails / Facebook
If you’ve utilized the Maine Huts & Trails system, you’ll be surprised that more people don’t know it and love it. This is truly an amazing service. This nonprofit organization has a mission to create and operate a world-class system of backcountry trails and eco-lodges for people-powered recreation in Maine’s Western Mountain region. You’re welcome to stop in during a hike for some hot soup, or reserve a place to stay in advance. But, don’t let the word “hut” make you think you’ll be roughing it. The food here is top-notch!
Jim Dollar / Flickr
The 200,000 acres of barrens in Washington County are perfect for raising lowbush blueberries due to the glacial deposits left ages ago. Check out this vast area if you’re interested in one of the most exported products in Maine.
Chris D. / Yelp
Smack in the middle of Maine ski country, you’ll find Graceland - an ironically named blaze-orange trailer serving some of the best stick-to-your-bones BBQ this state has to offer. Order at the window and tuck into massive piles of meat, cooked slow and low in the on-site smoker. On the menu: North Carolina pulled pork plate, with two sides, cornbread and a pickle.
J Labrador / Flickr
The Portland Head Light gets all the glory, but we think the candy-striped Quoddy Head is just as - if not more - photogenic. Its way-out-there location right on the Canadian border makes it a less-popular stop on the tourist trail, but we think it’s worth the trip.
Colby College Museum of Art / Facebook
This art museum on the Colby campus has, what we think, is Maine’s most diverse collection of American art. With over 8,000 influential works in a stunning glass-and-steel space, it’s the perfect way to introduce outsiders to Maine’s incredible, and often overlooked, art scene.
Jack Heddon / Flickr
If you’ve spent any time in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, you already know why it’s worth visiting. For those who haven’t made the trip, don’t forget to add it to your list. If you have the means, a great trip is one that takes you via boat on a multi-day trip. Grab some friends and some camping equipment and see the real Maine!
Axel Drainville / Flickr
The Queen City is bursting at the seams with great restaurants, a burgeoning cultural scene and the best summer concert venue in the state. Plus, it’s a great home base for outdoor adventures in Baxter and Acadia.
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