Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of Maine
1.) Marginal Way Marginal Way is a scenic 1.5-mile cliff walk that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, starting at Shore Road in Ogunquit and ending at Perkins Cove. As you stroll along this easy paved walk, you'll get stunning views of the ocean, and pass by rocky cliffs, tide pools, shallow beaches and also the Lobster Point Lighthouse. There are also plenty of stops along the way where you can rest and watch the sunset. It gets busy during summer, so visit during fall or spring to beat the crowds and heat.
You can also book a stay at one of the B&Bs along the coast, and explore the rest of coastal Maine on a guided tour. – Tripadvisor
Perkins Cove This charming fishing village is one of the most picturesque spots in southern Maine. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood, such as lobsters, oysters, clams, and crabs, which you can catch on a private or group fishing tour. After a sumptuous seafood meal, tackle the Marginal Way, a cliff walk famous for its excellent harbor views and scenic lookouts. This coastal enclave is busiest in the summer when vacationers descend on its turquoise beaches. It’s also a haven for art lovers—check out the galleries and local boutiques selling quirky knick-knacks and handicrafts.
2.) Cadillac Mountain Cadillac Mountain is a must-see within Acadia National Park in Maine. At 1,527 feet, it's the highest peak on the East Coast. Reach the summit on a hike through the lush pine forest, or take a leisurely drive up and park at the overlook. Once you're there, be wowed by the incredible views of Mount Desert Island and the Porcupine Islands. If you're visiting in the winter, you can catch the first sunrise in the continental U.S. from the mountain top. You'll need a pass to visit Cadillac Mountain, usually included on a tour of Acadia National Park
3.) Portland Head Light located in Cape Elizabeth hours of operation are 10-4pm Although Maine’s oldest lighthouse is closed to the public, there’s plenty to do within the grounds of Fort Williams Park. Stop by the adjacent museum to learn about the lighthouse’s history and enjoy the lawns—perfect for a picnic as you watch boats entering and leaving the harbor. You can also hike one of the trails along the rocky shore or explore several ruins within the former Fort Williams, which include two batteries, a powerhouse, and a bunker. More adventurous travelers can snorkel or scuba dive at the stunning Ship Cove.
4.) Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens located in Boothbay closed until April 2024 The Gardens is 323 acres, 19 of which are ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and others suited to northern coastal conditions. Trails and points of interest extend over 150 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and a mile of tidal shoreline. Advance tickets are required for admission; visit MaineGardens.org. The campus includes innovative landscape designs, impressive stonework, unique sculpture, and scenic views inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to explore nature’s connections at their leisure. Hailed as one of Maine's top attractions, a visit to the Gardens is a memorable experience, no matter the season.
5.) Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse located in York This 41-foot lighthouse sits on the summit of Cape Neddick Nubble, a small offshore rocky islet overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. While the lighthouse and grounds aren't open to the public, you can view and snap a photo of it from Sohier Park on the mainland—there's even a small gift shop for souvenirs. Visit at sunrise or sunset for exceptionally stunning views. The holiday season is also a magical time to visit when the lighthouse is decorated with twinkling lights. Parking is free but limited, so get there early to secure a spot. Otherwise, you can also drop by on a tour of coastal Maine.
6.) Pemaquid Point Lighthouse located in New Harbor It costs $4 a person to enter the site & an additional $1 per person if you want to climb the small lighthouse tower. There is a small fisherman's museum here & the shoreline is very rocky & stunning to see.
7.) Maine Maritime Museum located in Bath hours of operation are 9:30-5pm Maine Maritime Museum is located on a beautiful 20-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River in historic Bath, Maine, and open year round. May through October, visitors can enjoy one of our daily lighthouse cruises. Our BIW Story tour provides an exclusive look at modern-day shipbuilding. Indoors, visitors enjoy air-conditioned galleries with exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. Outdoors, visitors can join a guided tour of the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, learn about lobstering, enjoy lunch under the sculpture of the schooner Wyoming (the largest wooden sailing vessel built in North America), see a blacksmith at work in their shop, watch wooden boats being constructed in the Boatshop, or play on a pirate ship. There's so much to see, admission is good for two days & children under 18 receive free admission. See why USA Today named Maine Maritime Museum the best museum in Maine!
8.) Victoria Mansion closed until May 1st Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is the finest example of residential design from the pre-Civil War era in America. With superb architecture and well-preserved original interiors that were among the most lavish and sophisticated in their day, it is an unparalleled document of America’s highest aspirations in architecture, interior design, and the decorative arts. Our history, a guided tour, and our present-day efforts at restoring the Mansion convey an impression of the significance of this unique site, which is of national and even international importance.
9.) West Quoddy Head Light located in Lubec Lubec is quite a ride but it is worth it to see this iconic lighthouse. There is a small museum and shop inside that is definitely worth seeing. They sell some nice artwork and other things. There are a few picnic tables available and plenty of parking. Such great scenery on the coast of Maine
10.) Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory located in Prospect hours of operation are 9-5pm The Tallest Bridge Observatory in the World (open to the public)! The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is located in the heart of mid-coast Maine. The bridge spans the Penobscot River, linking the town of Prospect with Verona Island, just off Route 1 across from the town of Bucksport. Visitors can take the elevator 420 feet for breathtaking panoramic views of the nearby Maine coast and Fort Knox Historic Site.
11.) Portland Observatory Breathtaking views and fascinating history at America’s last standing maritime signal tower. In the 1800s, Captain Moody used this observatory to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird's-eye view of Portland and the harbor.
12.) Cole Land Transportation Museum located in Bangor closed until May1 Museum dedicated to preserving and displaying Maine's land transportation equipment.
13.) Owls Head Transportation Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm Featuring a world-class, operating collection of antique ground vehicles, engines and aircraft the Owls Head Transportation Museum is open seven days a week, year-round. Exhibits include "Faster: The Quest for Speed" featuring racing vehicles from some of New England's premiere collections.
Owls Head Lighthouse Take a stroll to one of Midcoast Maine’s most popular lighthouses..Owls Head Light, where from its lofty perch, the beauty of Penobscot Bay sparkles before you! Visit the 1854 Keeper’s Quarter’s Museum, which features exhibits on Owls Head Light, the Coast Guard’s modern lighthouse keeping role. Stop in the Gift Shop where you will find unique lighthouses and nautical gifts,books, clothing & more! Enjoy a climb up the lighthouse...tours offered Memorial Day to Columbus Day on Sat. & Sun. & Mon. afternoons. Tours are volunteer and weather dependent. Grounds are open 9am to sunset, year-round.
14.) Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse One of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. Very cool old lighthouse on the coast. part of Acadia Nat Park, had a ranger there who had very helpful info about the island and Acadia. You can see the lighthouse from 2 diff viewpoints with a short walk. Only negative is there is very limited parking so unless you are super early, expect to wait in line for a spot. The location is also very close to Wonderland Trail and Ship Harbor trail that are both great easy-ish hikes.
15.) Katahdin Cruises and Moosehead Marine Museum hours of operation are Sun/Mon 10-4pm Tue-Sat 9-5pm Travel Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine, and enjoy its natural beauty and history on an early 20th century steamboat. The Katahdin has spacious decks with ample indoor and outdoor seating. A full galley serves beverages, sandwiches and snacks. It is handicap accessible. Reservations required only for special events and special cruises.
16.) Stephen King's House This spooky Victorian mansion in the heart of Bangor’s Whitney Park Historic District was, up until recently, the home of famed horror author Stephen King. Snap a picture in front of the iconic iron gate, adorned with spiders, bats, and even a three-headed dragon. There's even a frighteningly intricate tree sculpture that sits on the lawn. While you can't explore the interiors of the house—it's now a nonprofit and archive of King's work—there are tours that will take you to spots in Derry that have inspired his most famous work. The beautiful, century-old homes in the quiet neighborhood are worth it also.
17.) L.L. Bean Factory Store located in Freeport This store is open 24 hours a day, and it offers substantial discounts.
18.) The Seal Cove Auto Museum hours of operation are 10-5pm The Seal Cove Auto Museum exhibits a wide variety of antique autos, from a 1900 De dion Bouton to a 1921 Mercer, with a special emphasis on examples from the "Brass Era" (1895-1917). Antique car enthusiasts as well as those who simply enjoy cars from the past will delight in the beauty, mystery and romance of this unique collection. Open May 1st through October 31st, 10-5, seven days a week. Contact us for an appointment if you wish to visit the museum during the winter!
19.) Maine Wildlife Park hours of operation are 9:30-4:30pm The Maine Wildlife Park is open for the 2019 season! The wildlife park is home to over 30 native species of Maine wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild. View moose, bears, big cats, eagles, owls, turtles, brook trout and more! Nature trails, nature store, picnic area, snack shack, visitor center.
20.) Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum located in Port Clyde hours of operation are Saturday 10-5pm Sunday - Friday 1-5pm Nice lighthouse and museum. We were able to climb up the lighthouse for free. Made famous by Forest Gump, this beautiful lighthouse is easily accessible and the museum is informative. Go at sunset for the biggest wow factor but be prepared to repel mosquitoes in the summer and check the hours for the museum.
21.) Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum located in Portland hours of operation are 9:30-4pm The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves and operates Maine's two foot gauge railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of the public. Visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride along Casco Bay or explore the museum which features historic rail cars, exhibits and activities for children. The museum is open daily from mid-April through late October (9:30am-4:00pm) and seasonally for events including the Polar Express. Visit our website for more information including a full schedule of events.
22.) Boothbay Railway Village We invite you to travel back in time to vintage Vacationland with us. Nowhere else in New England can you ride the rails behind a vintage steam or diesel locomotive surrounded by historic Maine buildings preserved in a recreated village, and view a collection of 60 antique autos. When you visit the Museum you'll learn about how technologies like steam engines and the automobile changed life along the coast of Maine between 1850 and 1950. In addition to the opportunity to ride in a vintage coach behind a vintage locomotive, the Museum also occasionally offers rides in one of our Ford Model Ts. Two of our most popular attractions are the resident goats who delight visitors of all ages with their antics. From a display of hundreds of salt & pepper shakers to a collection of engines that powered everything from small boats to whole factories, there truly is something for everyone in your family here. Throughout the season a wide variety of special events are hosted on the Village Green from vintage ball games to car shows and family festivals. The Museum is also a unique location for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
23.) Funtown Splashtown USA located in Saco As Northern New England’s largest water and amusement park, Funtown Splashtown USA attracts families from around the region. tickets are roughly $45-60 for a day pass season passes are roughly $99-160
24.) Maine Lighthouse Museum located in Rockland There is a lot of lighthouse history to be seen here, and the displays are changed every 2 or 3 years which means if you go every couple years there will be new things to see. The staff is kind and knowledgeable. Parking may or may not be a problem depending on the time of year. The gift shop has all kinds of lighthouse items (books, shirts, hats, toys, coloring books, photos, paintings, etc). Worth an explore if you are in Rockland.
25.) Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine Wed-Sun 9-4pm Every exhibit at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is designed to let kids lead the way. These interactive spaces are grounded in the science of play and the latest research on how children learn. Each exhibit is an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about their world through dramatic role play, hands-on exploration, navigating immersive environments, and taking safe risks. The 30,000 square foot building features a state of the art theatre and art, culture, community, and STEM exhibits spanning three floors. These spaces reflect Maine’s unique character and encourage exploration across a broad range of subjects.
26.) Wells Reserve at Laudholm The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is a place to discover. Open every day from 7 am to sunset, with 7 miles of trails through field, forest, and salt marsh to an undeveloped beach, it is a favorite spot for birders and wildlife lovers, photographers and artists, walkers and runners, natural resource managers and history buffs. Each year, the Wells Reserve offers nearly 200 education programs for every audience from K to gray. Guided walks, camps for kids, workshops, and lectures are regular offerings. The reserve hosts several fundraising events annually, including the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival on the weekend after Labor Day. The site is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country. Each reserve supports coastal research, education, and training. In Wells, support comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the nonprofit Laudholm Trust. FMI Visit our website and social outlets.
27.) York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park This amusement park and zoo has something for every member of the family, from a petting zoo and kiddie rides for the tots, to mini-golf and a Haunted House to thrill visitors of all ages.
28.) Fort Western located in Augusta Home of the country's oldest wooden garrison building, built in 1754, Old Fort Western is a living history museum offering tours to groups and individuals, engaging hands-on activities and unique interactive experiences involving the history of the Kennebec Valley and New England during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
29.) The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum located in Alna opened Saturday 10-4pm The WW&F Railway in Alna, ME, operates a historic steam-powered two-foot 'narrow gauge' railway through the Sheepscot Valley. The Railway traces its roots to 1894 when the Wiscasset & Quebec Railroad was built north from Wiscasset. With mounting debt & little business, the W&Q reorganized as the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington. Dreams of reaching Quebec, Waterville or Farmington never materialized yet, against the odds, the railway continued to provide a valuable service. Winding through pine forests, farmlands & hamlets, the WW&F connected Maine's interior to the coast until 1933. Brought back from extinction, the railway reopened in 1989. Today, you can ride our historic steam train for a trip back in time, explore our facilities and experience the art of running a steam-powered railway. See why the WW&F’s attractions & events are some of the best things to do in the Midcoast. Enjoy Maine as it was a century ago. It is yours to discover and explore – we will take you there.
30.) Maine Granite Industry Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm closed on Mondays A non-profit (your donation is tax deductible) organization dedicated to collecting and preserving any and all historic information and artifacts pertaining to the granite industry of Maine. In the museum you will find hundreds of old tools that were used in the industry, photos of the quarries in operation and the buildings and monuments which were erected from Maine's beautiful granites. Curator and founder Steven Haynes is there to guide you through this once important history of our state.
With over 700 things to do and see here in this state you really can find a hidden gem around every corner. I hope that you take the time to really deep dive into this state.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
