Discover Maine

Maine is the 23rd state, but it's had a lot of firsts.

It was the site of the first sea battle of the Revolutionary War when the British ship Margaretta was captured by colonists near Machias. It leads the country in low-bush blueberry production - 98% of the crop. It also leads in sardine canning.

Maine has Acadia National Park, one of the most visited parks in the system. Almost completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia is a breathtaking mix of rugged coastline, historic carriage roads, woods and islands. There are several museums and nature centers and a rich variety of animal and plant life.

Maine's motto is "Dirigo", Latin for "I lead."

The state tree is the White Pine, which is appropriate because Maine is 89% forested and the forest products and pulp and paper industry play a big part in Maine's economy. Early in Maine's history, its forests provided giant trees for the masts of sailing ships. Now, the wood products industry provides the world with everything from toothpicks to wooden bowls to furniture to boats.

The State Animal is the moose, that hardy denizen of northern forests. Moose can be spotted feeding on water plants in the shallows of ponds and lakes, especially around Greenville, which is known as the moose capital of the world. These huge animals, which can be six feet tall at the shoulder, are popular with tourists and hunters alike.

Maine is one of the few states to have a State Cat, the Maine Coon Cat. These cats are large, ruggedly built and have thick, water-resistant fur. They're known for their playfulness and intelligence and are one of the oldest American breeds.

Maine even has a State Insect, the Honeybee. Because apples and blueberries are important agricultural crops in Maine, honeybees are very important to Maine's economy.

Maine is one of the most scenic states in the country, with miles of coastline, thousands of islands, mountains, glacial valleys, forests, farmland and orchards. There are ski resorts, campgrounds, convention centers, year-round and seasonal resorts, first-class restaurants and everything from 4 star hotels to cozy bed and breakfast inns.

The Maine Dept of Tourism maintains a very informative website where you can find out much more about our beautiful state and also send for a tourist guide. Enjoy the articles and come back often to Discover more about Maine.

For a mostly humorous look at homeschooling and country living, visit News From Hawkhill Acres.

Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys you'll find safe toys for Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.

Nov 4, 2007

Maine Drives: The Schoodic Scenic Byway

Get Paid to Submit Article like "Maine Drives The Schoodic Scenic Byway"

Maine is famous for its seacoast, for lobsters, lighthouses and beaches. Many people drive up US RT 95 to RT 1 and through Portland, Freeport and Old Orchard Beach. While this is a great way to see the coast and visit the factory outlets in Freeport and Kittery, there's much more to Maine than you can see from the highway or busy RT 1. Off many of the exits, just a few miles from the bustling outlets and busy highways, there are many lesser known roads that will thrill sightseekers.



One of the most spectacular scenic drives in Maine is the Schoodic Scenic Byway, which starts in the town of Sullivan. If you look out over Sullivan Harbor, you'll be able to see the famous "Reversing Falls" and Mount Desert Island with its mountains in the distance. There are many scenic "turnouts" on this route and at Long Cove there's even a picnic area with restrooms. While you eat, you can look out over the cove and may even see a harbor seal, lobster boats and many different sea birds.



The Porcupine Islands, Cadillac Mountain and Frenchman Bay appear as you near The Schoodic Area Chamber of Commerce Information booth at Mile 7, where you can get information on the area during the summer months. And shortly after that, you'll turn right on RT 186, and head toward the Schoodic Point Loop Rd of Acadia National Park, one of the most scenic areas of the United States.



Before you reach it though, enjoy the views of the working waterfront in Winter Harbor, where lobster boats and fishing boats still leave daily and return with their catch. Park at the public pier and watch the action as the boats are unloaded, equipment is mended and boats are maintained.



Its bold shoreline is covered with massive granite rocks, tumbling down to the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Spray sometimes actually reaches the road and care must be taken if you decide to walk on the rocks, although the view is breathtaking and the salty air has an exhilirating tang you'll find nowhere else.



Heading North again, you'll leave the Loop Road and head back toward Gouldsboro, Birch Harbor and Prospect Harbor where the 27 mile long Byway ends. From there, you can head to Ellsworth for a meal at one of the many restaurants in the area, or stay at one of the many motels and hotels. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance during the summer months, because many people make this part of Maine their destination, and if you've driven the Schoodic Scenic Byway, you know why.

Lill Hawkins lives in Maine and writes at News From Hawkhill Acres. It's a mostly humorous look at home schooling, writing and being a WAHM, whose mantra is "I'm a willow; I can bend."

Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys Lill blogs about resources for finding safe toys for Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.

No comments: