How to Do Summer Right in Maine

Camping

Fish out your old gear from the attic and get yourself to one of Maine’s scenic parks. Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, or even your backyard are some of Vacationland’s top picks.

Visiting Funtown Splashtown USA

Photo: Funtown Splashtown USA

The rickety wood of Maine’s only wooden roller coaster, the Excalibur, has sent so many of us right to the chiropractor. Still, every time summer comes around, Mainers can’t stay away from the park. It’s just that classic.

Heading upta camp

Heading upta camp is different than camping. Most Maine families have a small cabin, shanty, or structure that is filled with childhood memories and the days of old. Camps are usually north of the families original house, hence the “upta,” and are stocked with a colorful selection of booze.

Taking boat rides

Photo: David Kay/Shutterstock

Whether it be via ferry, speedboat, dinghy, or skiff, the final destination does not matter. Getting out on the rolling blue-green of the mighty Atlantic is a journey of its own and can only be enjoyed in the short three/four months of summer.

Listening to live music outside

All those freezing months bundled up inside make the sweet sounds of summer that much sweeter. You’ll find us at Thompson’s Point in Portland and Bangor’s Waterfront Pavilion checking out the national musical acts on outdoor stage, dancing to the licks of your favorite guitarist in the sunshine or moonlight.

Going to the beach or to the lake

The Pine Tree State has nearly 3,400 miles of shoreline and more lakes than can be counted. Northern Maine folk typically make the pilgrimage to the ocean at least once a summer, and vice versa for the coastal folk heading up to the lake.

Supporting your garden or local farmer

Photo: ER_09/Shutterstock

Maine is an agricultural state with rich, fertile soil. As such, Mainers take their veggie and flower gardens seriously. You will hear locals chit-chatting over how many cucumbers they’ve yielded, or how their tomatoes are doing. Those who don’t have gardens buy strawberries from roadside stands or fresh veg from outdoor farmers markets.

Quirky festivals

There are hundreds of local festivals to be enjoyed, but some are weirder than others. Local favorites are The Moxie Festival (July 13-15) in Lisbon that celebrates the famed Maine soda, the Highland Games in Topsham (August 18) that takes you back to your Scottish roots, and the Maine Whoopie Pie & Strawberry Shortcake Festival (June 23) which allows you to sample the best tasty treats in the north.