As the Only in Maine writer, I spend quite a bit of time thinking of Maine. While I probably spend more time thinking about this state than the average person, I have to assume that there are a fair number of people right this second thinking about our state and wishing they were here. But, what exactly comes to everyone’s mind when they think of Maine? I know people must think of lobster (and yes, it’s on the list below) and coastline, but true Mainers and those who love this state probably think about a lot more.

In today’s list I’ve explored just a few of the things that I know come to mind when we sit and daydream about our perfect state. Take a look and, as you read it, think about how often you’ve thought these things. You might be surprised at how often your mind wanders to the glories of Maine.

  1. Beautiful beaches

Mike Timberlake / Flickr Great for summer fun, but also perfect for a sunset walk.

  1. Snow

Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr You can’t think of Maine without dreaming about that first snowy day. Some parts of the state have already had it. To the rest of the state, hang in there - your moment is coming!

  1. And along with it, skiing.

Jack Flanagan / Flickr After dreaming about that first snow, the next logical step is to dream about the first sunny day out for some cross-country skiing.

  1. Lobstah!

Thomas Cook / Flickr This just might be the first thing that comes to mind for most tourists. Lobster dinners, lobster rolls, lobster anything! To year-rounders, lobster represents a way of life and to many, a livelihood.

  1. Mud Season

jaybirding / Flickr You’ve gotta have the lows to have the highs, I always say! You can’t enjoy a Maine summer without first going through mud season, so if you’re a realist you’ll think of mud when you think of Maine.

  1. Hiking

ems18 / Flickr A hike through Maine’s forests is perfect any time of year.

  1. Fiddleheads

Dana Moos / Flickr Fiddlehead season brings with it some of the most delicious side dishes. If you’ve pulled the car over to the side of the road to grab a few, you’re a true Mainer.

  1. Smeltin'

Kim Seng / Flickr If you think of ice-fishing when you think of Maine, you’re a real Maineiac!

  1. Blueberries

@rsseattle / Flickr Make a crumble, make a pie, or just pop ’em in your mouth. Nothing says Maine summer like fresh blueberries.

  1. Nauticual “stuff”

Corey Templeton / Flickr What’s it for? Who knows! But it’s so, completely, Maine! When many people think of our state, they’re reminded of our beautiful working coastline.

  1. Lighthouses

Kim Seng / Flickr With over 60 lighthouses throughout the state, Maine can’t help but be known for the beacons on the shore. One of the best known is Portland Head Light, lit for the first time in 1791. It’s the oldest light in the state and was the first US lighthouse completed after independence from Britain.

  1. …More lighthouses

jonrake / Flickr Nubble Light after a small snow storm.

  1. …And even more lighthouses

Dana Moos / Flickr This one is West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec.

  1. Whoopie Pies

F_A / Flickr This quintessential Maine treat has been exciting both young and old for ages. I love eating one on the go. If you eat them while you’re standing the calories don’t count. Right?

  1. Marden’s

Rekha Murthy / Flickr Because, as we all know, we should have bought it when we saw it at Marden’s!

  1. Love, Heart, Home

Jenn Vargas / Flickr Because Maine is the place we love, the place our heart calls home.

Now that you’ve seen my list, share yours with us! What comes to mind when YOU think of Maine. Why is it so special to you?

Mike Timberlake / Flickr

Great for summer fun, but also perfect for a sunset walk.

Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr

You can’t think of Maine without dreaming about that first snowy day. Some parts of the state have already had it. To the rest of the state, hang in there - your moment is coming!

Jack Flanagan / Flickr

After dreaming about that first snow, the next logical step is to dream about the first sunny day out for some cross-country skiing.

Thomas Cook / Flickr

This just might be the first thing that comes to mind for most tourists. Lobster dinners, lobster rolls, lobster anything! To year-rounders, lobster represents a way of life and to many, a livelihood.

jaybirding / Flickr

You’ve gotta have the lows to have the highs, I always say! You can’t enjoy a Maine summer without first going through mud season, so if you’re a realist you’ll think of mud when you think of Maine.

ems18 / Flickr

A hike through Maine’s forests is perfect any time of year.

Dana Moos / Flickr

Fiddlehead season brings with it some of the most delicious side dishes. If you’ve pulled the car over to the side of the road to grab a few, you’re a true Mainer.

Kim Seng / Flickr

If you think of ice-fishing when you think of Maine, you’re a real Maineiac!

@rsseattle / Flickr

Make a crumble, make a pie, or just pop ’em in your mouth. Nothing says Maine summer like fresh blueberries.

Corey Templeton / Flickr

What’s it for? Who knows! But it’s so, completely, Maine! When many people think of our state, they’re reminded of our beautiful working coastline.

With over 60 lighthouses throughout the state, Maine can’t help but be known for the beacons on the shore. One of the best known is Portland Head Light, lit for the first time in 1791. It’s the oldest light in the state and was the first US lighthouse completed after independence from Britain.

jonrake / Flickr

Nubble Light after a small snow storm.

This one is West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec.

F_A / Flickr

This quintessential Maine treat has been exciting both young and old for ages. I love eating one on the go. If you eat them while you’re standing the calories don’t count. Right?

Rekha Murthy / Flickr

Because, as we all know, we should have bought it when we saw it at Marden’s!

Jenn Vargas / Flickr

Because Maine is the place we love, the place our heart calls home.

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