Maine Events

Maine, the largest state in New England, has seven distinct regions, with everything from the mountain peaks to beach resorts. Here is a small sampling of things to do in Maine.

Parks Aplenty

Maine has 32 state parks, for those who like to hike, canoe or just enjoy the scenery. The largest is Baxter State Park, north of Millinocket. This 357-square-mile park includes Mt. Katahdin, Maine's tallest peak, where the Appalachian Trail stops.

One of Maine's most famous parks, Arcadia National Park, is where the mountains practically meet the sea. Find out more about the area at the Arcadia Information Center.

Apple Picking, Leaf Peeking

August, September and October is apple picking time. Dozens of orchards around Maine allow you to pick your own fruit; many offer picnic areas. For a listing, visit the Maine Food & Farms page of the state Department of Agriculture site.

Should this season prove promising for colorful leaves, find out about fall foliage at the Maine Tourism Association site.

Whale Watching

For those hankering to get up close to the world's largest mammal, many boat charter companies will take passengers to watch the whales and hear their calls. For a list of a few such charter companies in Maine, consult the www.DestinationMaine.com.

L.L. Bean, Outlets Galore

Before heading out on the trail, outfit yourself with rugged gear at the L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine, which boasts a wide assortment of outlet stores.

Farnsworth Museum

The Farnsworth Museum houses a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, including works by John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper. The museum, located in downtown Rockland, on the central coast, includes art with images of Maine.

Lighthouses

Get a peek into the maritime culture of the past. There are 63 lighthouses along the coast of Maine, with many dating back to the 17th century, when lighthouses were a necessary and integral part of marine life. During the 1800s, the U.S. government commissioned hundreds of lighthouses to be built along the coasts to aid ship navigation. Many housed families who would spend months in isolation tending the lights so that ships could pass safely into harbor. Fo a listing of Maine lighthouses, and some history, check out www.visitmaine.com. For a history of U.S. lighthouses, scan the National Maritime Initiative page.

Compiled by Sarah Katt