Where history becomes the Maine event

Maine by Alan Moore

Pit stop:visitors should stop off at Portland to visit the revitalised Old Port Exchange district

Where history becomes the Maine event

State holds cultural appeal

Bordered by the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, Maine is one of the first points of land between the UK and North America.

It is the most northerly and largest state in New England and its appeal to visitors lies in its strong maritime history and great scenery. Maine is a three-four-hour drive from Boston, and can easily be included in an itinerary with other New England states, such as Vermont and New Hampshire.

In the interior of the state, Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park provide some exhilarating hiking trails and river rafting, combined with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. The Western Lakes region is also ideal for healthy outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking and fishing.

Late spring/early summer is one of the best times to visit. In May, the Maine State Parade at Lewiston celebrates its nautical heritage with dance, cultural events and traditional seafood, such as Maine lobster and clam bakes.

The next month visitors are treated to the Windjammer Days event at Boothbay Harbour, which sees the annual gathering of schooners that sailed the trade routes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Boothbay is the largest boating and fishing harbour northeast of Boston. In summer it is a busy resort, with visitors attracted to its boutiques, galleries, pubs and naval museums.

June and September are quieter months when it is easier to book into the many bed-and-breakfast inns on a self-drive holiday and tour the small islands around Penobscot Bay.

Other worthy stops include the revitalised Old Port Exchange district of Portland.

No description of Maine is complete without mentioning that it has more than 5,500 miles of Atlantic coast, a similar number of islands, and miles of beaches and coves dotted with fishing villages.

Bordered by the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, Maine is one of the first points of land between the UK and North America.

It is the most northerly and largest state in New England and its appeal to visitors lies in its strong maritime history and great scenery. Maine is a three-four-hour drive from Boston, and can easily be included in an itinerary with other New England states, such as Vermont and New Hampshire.

In the interior of the state, Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park provide some exhilarating hiking trails and river rafting, combined with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. The Western Lakes region is also ideal for healthy outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking and fishing.

Late spring/early summer is one of the best times to visit. In May, the Maine State Parade at Lewiston celebrates its nautical heritage with dance, cultural events and traditional seafood, such as Maine lobster and clam bakes.

The next month visitors are treated to the Windjammer Days event at Boothbay Harbour, which sees the annual gathering of schooners that sailed the trade routes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Boothbay is the largest boating and fishing harbour northeast of Boston. In summer it is a busy resort, with visitors attracted to its boutiques, galleries, pubs and naval museums.

June and September are quieter months when it is easier to book into the many bed-and-breakfast inns on a self-drive holiday and tour the small islands around Penobscot Bay.

Other worthy stops include the revitalised Old Port Exchange district of Portland.

No description of Maine is complete without mentioning that it has more than 5,500 miles of Atlantic coast, a similar number of islands, and miles of beaches and coves dotted with fishing villages.

sample

Osprey Holidays offers inns and cottages in Maine. They include the Inn at Kennebunkport, Castlemaine Inn at Bar Harbour and The Dunes at Ogunquit. Prices here are £48 per person per night in a one-bedroom cottage, including kitchen.

New England Vacations has introduced Windward House in Camden’s historic district near the town’s harbour. All rooms have antique or reproduction furniture, queen-size beds anden-suite bathroom. Rates are from £39 per person per night.

New England Country Homes introduced bed-and-breakfast inns to its houses and cottages in Maine. The York Harbour Inn offersfour-poster beds, restaurant and a Wine Cellar Pub. Two nights for two peoplesharing with breakfast cost around £170.

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Autumn in New England

Description: from the middle of September to the end of October, New England is ablaze with the famous colourings of its fall foliage. The fall colours move south as the season progresses, and each state stages many celebratory festivals.

Getting around: flydrives and escorted coach tours are popular. Clients can also hire a bike within one of the states or even walk, as many routes are mapped out.

Where to go: the most famous fall route in Massachusetts is The Mowhawk Trail, featuring a collection of some of New England’s oldest and most beautiful villages. It is 63 miles long and passes through 50,000 acres of state parks and forests. Visitors can also drive west from Boston to view the rolling hills of the Berkshires in their autumn splendour or meander alongside the Housatonic River on Route 183. Other good areas in Massachusetts include Pioneer Valley, with its picturesque villages, valleys and hills, and Wachusett Mountain.

Who offers packages: all the main operators to the US, including Osprey Holidays, Virgin Holidays, Travel 4, American Connections, New England Vacations, New England Country Homes, Travelpack, Thomas Cook and North America Travel Service.

Sample package: Cosmos features a 12-day New England Splendour escorted tour from £1,095, including flights, that takes in all six states, as well as New York. Travel 4 offers a number of self-drive itineraries, based on overnights in country inns, during September-October from £551 per person twin share, including car hire.

Extra commission: offer a Boston break and combine it with one of the fall foliage areas as an add-on. Then book separate car hire, plus en route accommodation in an historic country inn as an additional feature.

Colourful: New England’s fall foliage is famous worldwide