Must See Maine: 5 Great Things to Do in Maine in the Summer

Are you planning a trip to the Pine Tree State this summer? We put together a list of some of our favorite things to do in Maine during the summer. Check them out and start planning your adventure:

1. Go Berry or Fruit Picking

Maine is known for a variety of berries and fruits that you can head to a farm or orchard to pick yourself. Whether you eat them plain or cook up something scrumptions, this activity is great for all ages. What you can pick depends on the season:

Strawberries: June/July
Blueberries: July/August
Blackberries: July/August
Raspberries: July/August
Peaches: Late July/August/September
Apples: Late July/August/September

Find out where you can pick your own on PickYourOwn.org.

2. Explore the Old Port in Portland

Portland is Maine's largest city with a population of about 65,000. It is right on the water and the part referred to as the "Old Port" is quite charming day or night. The Old Port is famous for it's small shops and cobbled streets. We recommend shopping there in the afternoon and having dinner or drinks in one of the many restaurants becoming more and more famous in the Portland night scene. Whether you love a pub with local micro brews or modern fusion cuisine, you're sure to find just the place you and your family will enjoy.  

Bonus: If you want to check out a lighthouse while you're in Maine, the Portland Head Light is one of Maine's most photographed and is nearby in Cape Elizabeth.  

3. Acadia National Park

Maine's only National Park is famous for being where "America's Day Starts." Acadia National Park features the rocky coast that the state is famous for along with lots of great places to hike, camp and explore. It's a bit of a drive up the coast so you will want to be sure to plan a few days up there. Bar Harbor is a cute nearby coastal town that you'll enjoy exploring if being in nature over night is not something you love to do. 

4. Eat a "Lobstah" and a "Whoopie Pie"

Perhaps two of Maine's most famous foods - lobsters and whoopie pies. A trip to Maine wouldn't be complete without trying some seafood and a dessert like a whoopie pie. You can find lobster in a variety of forms such as lobster rolls, lobster stew, lazy man's lobster (regular lobster meat served out of the shell) as well as a regular ol' steam lobster throughout the state. We recommend sticking to the coast to find the freshest, most delicious lobster.

When it comes to whoopie pies, we can't get enough of Wicked Whoopies. They come in lots of flavors from original chocolate on the outside an a sugarie vanilla inside as well as pumpkin, red velvet, carrot, and more. Wicked Whoopies is located in Farmingdale, Maine but you can find them for sale in most country stores as your are venturing around the state. 

5. Freeport -- Famous for LL Bean

Once you're done exploring Portland and are starting to head north to visit us in Monmouth, be sure to stop by one of Maine's most famous names, LL Bean in Freeport. LL Bean started in 1912 and is famous for their outer wear and gear. In just the last decade, LL Bean has expanded their flagship store to include specialty stores focusing on different activities. In addition to LL Bean, you'll find lots of great outlet shopping in Freeport including most big brands.

We hope you have a fantastic time visiting Maine and that you'll be sure to come up to our store and factory in Monmouth. If you do plan on visiting us, get in touch and we'd be happy to recommend some great activities right here in our hometown for you to explore.

Photo Credits:

Photo 1: Roaring Brook Nursery

Photo 2: Portlandmaine.com

Photo 3: Parks.mapquest.com

Photo 4: Downeasterpackages.com