You won't go hungry visiting Maine. Whether you've got a hankering for a lobster dinner, a fine micro-brew, maple sugar, blueberries or all four, Maine's got you coveredand then some.
Maine Lobsters
Succulent, sweet, and much of what makes Maine famous the world over... yes, those dual-clawed, many-legged crawlers that we call lobsters. And we like them steamed, fried, battered, baked, fancied up and fra diavolo... any which way as long as they're on the plate. Hard to believe that back in colonial times, these treats washed ashore by the hundreds, only to land in the slops for some farm pig's dinner. Indeed; it's odd but trueit took us many a year of deprived existence before we learned to love them. Maine is responsible for an approximate 40 million pounds of lobster harvest annually. And we still can't get enough.
And exactly how does one go about eating this sea dwelling finery? Learn to eat like a local with help from the Maine Lobster Promotion Council.
Maine Maple Sunday
On the fourth Sunday in March, sugarhouses open their doors to the public to show a classic Maine tradition - refining maple sugar into syrup. Throughout the state, these operations offer tastings and demonstrations to give people an appreciation of how syrup flows from tree to bottle.
Get a complete listing of Maine Maple Sugar Houses from the Department of Agriculture.
Breweries
Maine takes its beer seriously. Nearly two dozen breweries produce tasty ales of all sorts here. Revealing both a pride in their home state as well as a sense of humor, beer names range from geographic "Penobscot Pilsner" to the downright silly "Old Baggywrinkle." Many breweries are open to the public for tastings and tours, so you can get out there and toast Maine. Cheers!
Bear Brew Pub 35 Main Street, Orono
(207) 866-BREW
Sea Dog Brewing Company 26 Front Street, Bangor
(207) 947-8004
www.seadogbrewing.com
DinersDiners in Maine come in all shapes and sizes and serve varied fare -- from traditional fried eggs and homefries to avocado and tomato omelettes ... and that's just breakfast. A good diner is worth the detour and, whatever you order, be sure to try the pie.
Search Maine Diners >
One diner at a time
Colleen just can't get enough of Maine's diners. Come along on a tour of three. [MaineToday.com 1/05/04]
Fruit Picking/Farmer's MarketsMaine's farms and orchards bring everything from blueberries, apples, strawberries and cranberries to pumpkins. There is nothing like a pie made from blueberries fresh off the bush or the pure sweetness of a local ripe strawberry. Many farms allow visitors to share in the bounty and the experience, letting all pick their own fruits. If you're not up for some tree climbing or getting your hands in the dirt, there are plenty of roadside farm stands and weekly farmers' markets to indulge in.