What comes to mind when you think of Maine?
Many picture lobster shacks, endless pine trees, and misty roads. The state is also home to millions of travelers each summer who seek the small-town charm and seaside attractions.
Favorite Things About Maine
For John, summer in Maine means family and adventure, and the getaway can become all he thinks about. Returning each year gives him the chance to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy traditions that make each summer special.
So, what keeps John counting down to his next trip north? Here are five of John’s favorite things about Maine.
1. Family Comes First
John loves everything the Pine Tree State has to offer, but family draws him back each year. Summer trips to Maine let John reconnect with his brothers and cousins, many of whom don’t live close to John.
“I only get to see my cousins when we go to Maine. They’re a big reason I come back to the beach.”
2. The Family Cottage
Thankfully, getting everyone together at once isn’t much of a challenge. John’s summer starts at the family’s beach cottage in Maine, and his cousins own a cottage next door. The families often switch which homes they meet at between outings.
3. Old Orchard Beach
Unlike beaches further down the Atlantic Coast, Maine’s ocean water can be chilly, even in the summer. Still, John likes to go on walks across the shore. The sand is cool enough that walking on the beach is never a problem. When he’s looking to step into the water, John heads to a nearby brook and hunts for seashells.
“I like looking at the boats and birds on the beach,” John says. “The seagulls look funny but can be scary if you leave food for them, and there are cute little birds you can see on the sand near the water.”
4. Palace Playland Amusement Park
A visit to Maine wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Palace Playland, an amusement park that guests can enter directly from the beach. The park is home to over two dozen rides, including those that flip, spin, and send riders soaring. The rides’ sizes or speed don’t scare John, however.
“John is fearless. The two-mile walk from the cottage gives him energy for the park, and he goes on all the rides, even the ones where he hangs upside-down.”
5. “The Best Food Out There”
Every day, John looks forward to dining at a restaurant with his family. The beach is home to endless seafood dishes, but John’s meal of choice is a hamburger for the main course and ice cream for dessert.