Visit Pine Tree State Maine for a relaxing break in New England
Wednesday, 14 September 2011 1:59 PM
If you're eager to embark on America holidays that will allow you to soak up some of New England's wonderful scenery, why not consider heading to Maine? This vast state is as large as all the other New England states put together – and boasts some truly staggering scenery. Perhaps most famous for its towering, picturesque pine trees, Maine is home to a varied, beautiful landscape comprising rivers, valleys and mountains – something that makes it ideal for a relaxing break. And if you're interested in New England holidays, you may well be wondering what exactly there is to do there – aside from admiring the fabulous scenery. The answer is plenty, and you can find just a few of the fantastic things to see and do below.
Perhaps one of the best places to visit – especially among those eager to unwind – is Acadia National Park. This is the first national park to be unveiled to the east of the Mississippi River and is home to the US Atlantic Coast's tallest mountain. Standing at an elevation of some 1,530 ft, Cadillac Mountain really does make for an impressive sight.
The park provides the ideal spot for relaxation. It's easy to simply sit and enjoy the scenery here, which includes dramatic views such as sheer cliffs and towering peaks. But if you like to be a little more active while you unwind, there is plenty of scope for doing so here. Indeed, the park plays host to some 50 miles of cycle trails and a huge 120 miles of hiking routes – so you're unlikely to run out of terrain to explore!
Plus, there's plenty of fascinating wildlife to spot too. And if you're particularly interested in discovering amazing creatures, you might like to indulge in a day-long moose tour. The largest animals in North America, moose are an incredible thing to see. While spotting them during your tour is not guaranteed, you can rest assured that your guide will do his or her utmost to help you see one. What's more, you'll be shown how to look for their tracks and other signs of habitation, as well as be taken to key feeding areas.
When it comes to where to base yourself for your break, you have numerous options – particularly as the state is so large. You could opt for New England fly-drive holidays, which will allow you to enjoy the freedom of the open road and visit multiple destinations easily, while seeing plenty of exciting sights along the way.
If you would rather have a single base, rather than embark on a fly-drive in the USA, you can choose from a variety of excellent destinations. Among these is Bar Harbor, which is known for being an ideal choice if you're eager to spend a lot of time in Acadia National Park. Indeed, it is often see as the best access point to this fabulous beauty spot. However, the park isn't the only thing the destination has going for it. Fantastic seafood restaurants, great shops and fascinating museums are just a few of its attractions. You can also enjoy saltwater swimming – a truly memorable experience.
Other locations include Kennebunkport, which is a gorgeous town brimming with fine seafood eateries, quaint tea rooms and excellent art galleries. Alternatively, you could head to Portland, a traditional seaport that has an appealing selection of modern attractions too. For example, its Old Port area boasts historic streets, nestled in which are great pubs, lovely restaurants and boutiques. For a particular treat, you could ascend the Portland Observatory. Dating back some 200 years, this tower is a great place from which to survey the local area.
As the state capital, Augusta makes for another good holiday base – particularly if you're interested in learning more about local history. Among the things you can see here is Fort Western, with its fantastic restored buildings, and the Maine State Museum.