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 Ferries: The Casco Bay Line

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Casco Bay's rocky shorelines and forested islands are a beautiful sight in summer. However, you can't see them by car. You have to take a ferry on the oldest ferry service in the country. Just a few miles from downtown Portland, you can see secluded coves, lobster boats, lighthouses and wildflowers in front of summer cottages and fishing piers.



To the islanders, the ferries are a lifeline, carrying kids to school on the mainland and residents to doctor's appointments, cars, groceries, building supplies and mail. Almost without fail, the ferries of the Casco Bay Line make their regular daily runs through all kinds of weather.



Peaks Island, Little Diamond, Great Diamond and Cliff Island are all part of the City of Portland. Although there are only 1,000 year round residents on Peaks Island, there are several times that many in the summer months. Peaks Island is only 20 minutes from Portland by ferry and there are several ferry runs a day depending on the season. You can explore the whole island on foot or bike in less than an hour, because it's only a mile wide and about two miles long!



Great Diamond Island has seen many famous visitors, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Henry Longfellow and early 19th century landscape painters attracted by the beautiful scenery and stately mansions. However, Diamond Cove was also the site of Fort McKinley, which was built during the Spanish American War to protect Portland Harbor. The Fort was in active service until 1945, but is now on the Register of Historic Places in the United States. There is currently a museum and gift shop there, operating on a volunteer basis.



Special cruises feature lobster bakes in a rustic "summerhouse" on Peaks Island for groups of up to 400. Or you can take a music cruise and listen to everything from jazz to blues to rock to country. There's something for everyone on the Casco Bay Ferry Line, even if you just go along on the Mail Run and never set foot on land. The beautiful islands and rocky coastline are at their best when viewed from the ocean. You might even see a porpoise or harbor seal! At any rate, you'll return from your ferry trip refreshed and relaxed from the salt air and good company aboard the Casco Bay Line ferry.
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.

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