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Remote Maine boasts some 5,500 miles of coastline and 3,000 coastal islands, so it's no surprise that the seafaring culture here is strong. Rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, lighthouses and lobsters are never far away, but there's more to this state; Portland ranks among the nation's hippest small cities, and inland – particularly in the Western Lakes and North Woods – lies an outdoor enthusiast's playground.
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Maine Windjammers
Rockland & Camden
Maine is home to one of the nation's largest fleets of historic schooners, and during the summer months, visitors can embark on a range of themed cruises from both Rockland and Camden. Each vessel is unique, making this one of the state's most singular experiences.
Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association
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Pemaquid Point Light
Bristol
John Quincy Adams commissioned the Pemaquid Point Light in 1827. Today, the historic property houses the Fisherman's Museum on its first floor and a rentable apartment on the second. The museum collection includes items from the lighthouse itself and artifacts of Maine's maritime history.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Maine Maritime Museum
Bath
Located on 20 acres along the Kennebec River, The Maine Maritime Museum celebrates the state's maritime history and heritage through galleries, exhibits and narrated excursions along the area's waterways. The museum's collection includes more than 20,000 items, including the world's largest collection of shipbuilding tools, 550 model ships, 140 historic watercraft and 475 maritime paintings.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Boothbay
The Coastal Mine Botanical Gardens opened in 2007 to celebrate and display the natural landscape of the region. On these 270 acres of tidal shoreline in mid-coast Maine, visitors follow granite pathways snaking through rustic woodland, manicured and themed gardens, including the interactive Lerner Garden of the Five Senses.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Moosehead Lake covers some 120-square-miles of Maine's North Woods wilderness. Shaped somewhat like a moose when viewed from above, the lake is dotted with island and attracts anglers with its brook trout, togue and landlocked salmon.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Highlighting the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park spans 49,600 acres and diverse habitats – granite mountains, sandy beaches, lakes, ponds and woodlands – much of it on Mount Desert Island. Some 125 miles of scenic trails wind throughout the park, with an additional 57 miles of carriage roads for biking. The 20-mile Park Loop Road leads to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, so visitors need not leave the car to enjoy the views.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Owls Head Transportation Museum
Owls Head
The history of transportation comes alive at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, where visitors are treated to a collection of pre-1940s aircraft, engines and ground vehicles. Highlights include a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer and an 1886 Benz, the first ground vehicle designed to be powered by an internal combustion gasoline engine.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Outdoor enthusiasts in Maine have access to four off-the-grid eco lodges spaced out along an 80-mile trail network. Each European-inspired hut features shared bunkroom accommodation, as well as hot showers and drying rooms.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth
Commissioned by George Washington in 1790, Portland Head Light is perhaps one of Maine's most recognizable landmarks. The keeper's quarters of the white stone structure, located within Fort Williams Park, now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the lighthouse and surrounding area.
Photo courtesy of Maine Office of Tourism
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The Marginal Way
Ogunquit
The Marginal Way, a mile-long footpath hugging the Ogunquit coast, is one of New England's most beloved coastal walks. The paved path edges the Atlantic, passing rocky coves, quiet beaches and stellar sea views. The path's 39 strategically placed benches offer plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.
Photo courtesy of iStock / pictus photography
We asked a panel of Maine travel writers to nominate their favorite state attractions, and for the past four weeks, our readers have been voting for their favorites. The results are in!
The top 10 winners in the category Best Maine Attraction are as follows:
- Maine Windjammers - Rockland & Camden
- Pemaquid Point Light - Bristol
- Maine Maritime Museum - Bath
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - Boothbay
- Moosehead Lake
- Acadia National Park
- Owls Head Transportation Museum - Owls Head
- Maine Huts & Trails
- Portland Head Light - Cape Elizabeth
- The Marginal Way - Ogunquit
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Eric D. Lehman and Hilary Nangle (MaineTravelMaven.com) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of travel in Maine.
Congratulations to all these winning attractions.
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About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Eric D. Lehman
Eric D. Lehman teaches literature and creative... Read More
Eric D. Lehman teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Bridgeport and his essays, reviews, and stories have been published in dozens of journals and magazines, from Edible Nutmeg toThe Wayfarer. He is the author of a dozen books, including Afoot in Connecticut, A History of Connecticut Food, Shadows of Paris, Becoming Tom Thumb, History of Connecticut Wine, and the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut. Follow him on Twitter or Instagram.
Eric D. Lehman
Eric D. Lehman teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Bridgeport and his essays, reviews, and stories have been published in dozens of journals and magazines, from Edible Nutmeg toThe Wayfarer. He is the author of a dozen books, including Afoot in Connecticut, A History of Connecticut Food, Shadows of Paris, Becoming Tom Thumb, History of Connecticut Wine, and the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut. Follow him on Twitter or Instagram.
Hilary Nangle
Freelance writer and Maine expert Hilary... Read More
Freelance writer and Maine expert Hilary Nangle shares her love for her home state in her three Moon-series guidebooks: Maine, Coastal Maine, and Acadia National Park and offers insider’s tips for exploring Maine and beyond at MaineTravelMaven.com. Follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter.
Hilary Nangle
Freelance writer and Maine expert Hilary Nangle shares her love for her home state in her three Moon-series guidebooks: Maine, Coastal Maine, and Acadia National Park and offers insider’s tips for exploring Maine and beyond at MaineTravelMaven.com. Follow her adventures on Facebook and Twitter.