Over time, Maine has affectionately earned the nickname “Vacationland,” a title that comes as no surprise to those who have made the trek to visit it. Beautiful shores, lush forests, shimmering lakes, and native wildlife abound, creating an atmosphere of untouched beauty. Charming little towns, steeped in history and brimming with stories passed down through generations, are tucked away within these natural wonders. As the weekend approaches, these towns come alive with a vibrant energy, beckoning travelers from far and wide who seek the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Swan’s Island

Swan’s Island is the ideal destination for a short weekend getaway. The 7,000-acre island is easily explorable within a couple of days. Stunning rocky coastlines and dense forests populate the island. The adventure begins during the journey to reach the island, which is accessible exclusively through the Maine State Ferry Service. Outdoor lovers can venture along the island’s 1.8-mile marked trails and explore its four public beaches, three of which require hiking for access.

Visitors can explore the island’s rich history at the Swan’s Island Lobster & Marine Museum, showcasing artifacts from its fishing industry past. The Swan’s Island Historical Society offers additional insight through various exhibits. Those wanting to disconnect can stay at the Harbor Watch Inn, one of the Island’s few hotels.

Boothbay Harbor

Those who love spending the day out on the water will love Boothbay Harbor. Many travelers take to sailing, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, enjoying the sea breeze and scenic views of the rocky coastline. The picturesque views continue, with travelers having various waterfront restaurants to select from, including McSeagull’s and 727 Ocean Sunset Bar.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, featuring over 300 acres of gardens, is also a Boothbay favorite. Charming bed and breakfasts line the downtown area, making it easy to find a place to spend the night. Harbour Towne Inn, a waterfront inn surrounded by lush gardens, will enchant visitors with Boothbay’s relaxed spirit.

Castine

Despite its modest population of just over 900, Castine’s 400-year history, adorned with Greek and Federal Revival architecture, coupled with its enchanting harbor, promises an abundance of activities for a weekend escape. Castine does not shy away from recreational activities. Between sailing, kayaking, tennis, and golf, the town has a sport for everyone.

Visitors can also hike a short footpath around the Dyce Head Lighthouse, established in 1829. Shoppers can easily spend a Saturday afternoon strolling through Castine’s village of shops and galleries before stopping at a mouthwatering restaurant. Pentagoet Inn completes the Castine experience with its charming Queen Anne Victorian architecture. It also features a wine bar with delicious food and drinks!

Greenville

Nestled alongside Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, Greenville emerges as an ideal hub for fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking enthusiasts. Positioned amidst this expansive 40-by-20-mile lake, intrepid travelers can embark on a hike up Mount Kineo, a towering 763-foot cliff, to relish breathtaking 360-degree vistas from its summit. Lily Bay State Park, nestled on the shores of Moosehead Lake, offers ample room for swimming and boasts a sandy beach perfect for sun-seekers.

Wishing for a memorable excursion? Book a Moose Safari on Moosehead Lake to encounter majestic moose in their natural habitat. The Greenville Inn is an excellent place to stay. It showcases the town’s history through photographs and paintings splayed on the walls, accompanied by a well-preserved historic interior.

Rockland

Rockland has a plethora of activities, from summer festivals to island explorations and water sports. Every July, the renowned North Atlantic Blues Festival attracts visitors worldwide, showcasing acclaimed jazz performers like Jr. Wells and Koko Taylor alongside delectable seafood, embodying the essence of the Atlantic Coast. While most beaches in Rockland host rocky shores, Barrett’s Cove on Megunticook Lake provides a rare sandy oasis for sunbathing and swimming without the usual crowds, even during peak summer.

For a sophisticated dining experience to cap off the day, 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill stands out with its upscale ambiance and locally sourced seafood delicacies, ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Nestled in Rockland’s quaint historic district, the LimeRock Inn is a Victorian mansion converted into a cozy bed and breakfast that is a great lodging option for a short getaway.

Harpswell

Harpswell stands out as a truly distinctive town, on Harpswell Neck, a cluster of sizable islands interconnected by bridges. The best way to become quickly familiar with Harpswell is by embarking on a kayak tour. Those who have always wanted to sail but have never known where to begin are in luck. Orr’s Bailey Yacht Club provides beginner sailing sessions that will take its students through racers to practice. Back on solid ground, Harpswell has lots of history to share. The colonial era Old Meeting House is a fascinating landmark, dating back to the 1750s and used by generations to host church services.

Additionally, a historic colonial burial ground lies just behind it. For hikers, Cliff Trail is a true gem. The rugged, 2.3-mile trail features stunning views overlooking 150-foot cliffs. Heading back into town for the night, The Harpswell Inn, dating back to the 1700s, offers a comfortable retreat at the waterfront.

Rumford

Fishers and hikers flock to Rumford in the summer months due to its scenic and relaxing surroundings. Androscoggin River becomes a haven as the weather warms, with locals and tourists participating in fishing, boating, and paddling. Those up for a challenge can hike up Rumford’s Whitecap Mountain, which has two trails that lead to panoramic views of the forests and hills below. Back in town, Rumford offers an array of antique, collectible, and thrift shops, making it easy to find a unique souvenir. The J. Eugene Boivin Park along the river is a great place to wrap up an afternoon before heading to your lodging. Hotel Rumford is a classic; a cozy stay right on the river.

Although travelers could easily spend beyond a month exploring Maine’s treasures, a weekend trip provides a fantastic taste of what this state has to offer. From coastal paradises like Boothbay Harbor to serene island escapes like Swan’s Island, each destination represents a unique side of Maine’s rugged culture. As you prepare your weekend itinerary for some much-needed time away, do not shy away from these memorable destinations in Vacationland.

The Maine’s Black Future podcast boldly visits stories of historic Black Mainers and the legacies they carved into the state. Then we connect this longstanding history to Black changemakers weaving Maine’s Black future today!

We define terminology, keep it real, and invite you to connect deeply with Black Mainers creating the future that we want to live in. We showcase Black excellence occurring all over Maine and feature original music production from the GEM CITY Maine collective, throughout.

Episode 6 opens with Genius Black telling the story of John D. Carter, who lived in Augusta during the 19th century.

In the 1830s and 1840s, Carter and his wife Mary lived above his barbershop. Carter was a successful businessman, and a vocal opponent of slavery, which he considered a sin. He proposed anti-slavery resolutions that challenged First Baptist Church of Augusta’s commitment to act against enslavers and the institution of slavery. He was an early activist, paving the way.

Later in the episode, Genius and Lisa Jones connect about founding Black Travel Maine, growing up in the Tri-State area, and lobbying on behalf of small businesses in Washington D.C.

Genius touches on the Black history that drew Jones to the state of Maine, and how much the people of Maine mean to her.

She talks about entering the travel industry, and early impact she created there. Jones recalls some of the reasons for starting Black Travel Maine, and how she connects travelers’ needs to the solutions she offers.

She also highlights the economic impact of increasing tourism, particularly Black tourism to the state.

As Jones shares a list of career honors and reflects on their relevance, we get a peek into Black excellence within the travel industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion about her vision and proclamations for Maine’s Black future.

You can listen below to the episode or you can find it on some of your favorite podcast hosting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Deezer, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podcast Index, Goodpods and Pocket Casts.

Past Episodes

Episode 1: The history of London Atus and an interview with Alfine Nathalie.

Episode 2: The history of Pedro Tovookan Parris and an interview with Junes Thete

Episode 3: The history of John Brown Russwurm and an interview with Adilah Muhammad

Episode 4: A story of Sherman Kentucky Ferguson and an interview with David Patrick

Episode 5: A story of Gerald E. Talbot and an interview with Angela Okafor

Podcast Series Notes

Maine’s Black Future Podcast is supported by Maine Initiative’s Grants for Change program and receives editing and multimedia support from The Maine Monitor, which also serves as the fiscal sponsor for Maine’s Black Future. 

This relationship also means you can now give your tax deductible gift or donation to the Maine’s Black Future Podcast, via The Maine Monitor.

Genius Black, or Jerry Edwards, was awarded the 2024 Media Arts Fellow for the Maine Arts Commission. This podcast is funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Theme music produced by Genius Black, composed by Genius along with Bill Giordano on bass and Ben Noyes on acoustic piano.

Podcast recorded, and produced by Genius Black at Portland Media Center, for The Maine Monitor.

Episode References & Links

Maine’s Visible Black History, The First Chronicles of its People by H.H. Price and Gerald E. Talbot.

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Blacks in Maine – Part 2

Augusta, Maine Wikipedia

Visit Black Travel Maine

Connect with Genius on Instagram

Genius Black

Genius Black, also known as Jerry Edwards, is a social innovator, entrepreneur, and musical artist based in South Portland, Maine. Naturally a storyteller and motivator, he focuses on collaboration and audio/video production as a craft. Genius curates a collaborative network and collective of musical talent, GEM CITY, driving the intersection of art, culture, and quality of place unique to Maine’s coast. He holds a degree in Africana Studies and an English minor from Bowdoin College. He is the father of two teenagers, 15 and 19 years old. Genius is a media and communications organizer for TheThirdPlace and a proud board member of Portland Media Center.

Tammy Schmersal-Burgess

Article 1, Section 16 of the Maine Constitution states the following: “Every citizen has the right to keep and bear arms and this right shall never be questioned.”

Now read the second phrase of that Constitutional section again… “and this right shall never be questioned.”

I assert that Maine’s recent passage of a 72-hour waiting period to purchase a firearm is a clear violation of its constitutional law in that, “Shall never be questioned” is indeed being questioned. Further, it is a right delayed and therefore a right denied.

It does not matter what political party you subscribe to. The Constitution of Maine is a bipartisan document. It applies to all of us and it is up to all of us to protect it.

A violation of our rights as Maine citizens isn’t the only cancerous element about the new 72-hour waiting period, there is also a very dark economic side as well.

Maine is a very rural state largely comprised of small towns and villages. This makes traveling long distances a must for most shoppers. Out-of-staters are often dismayed by the length of time and distance that we will drive to make a purchase. We don’t mind; we’ve always done it.

If you live in a small town in Western Maine, for example, you regularly shop in Lewiston or Portland. Imagine now that you travel to Portland to shop. You find an item you want but are told that after you buy it, you’ll have to return in three days to pick it up. It is not likely then that you will do that. Time and travel are expensive.

Now imagine shoppers from the very rural areas of Aroostook County, where retailers are extremely limited. Their trips may include a night or two at a hotel.

Most gun stores are also sporting goods stores and count on the sale of items other than firearms to make a profit. The 72-hour waiting period is certain to have a very harsh effect on these retailers. Even now, Maine’s largest firearm dealer, Kittery Trading Post, has publicly stated that it is considering moving its operation to neighboring New Hampshire where no such law exists. Now consider how much that move will cost Maine in sales tax revenue. That number is staggering.

Let us face the naked and painful truth. The tragedy that befell Lewiston was horrible. It was and is an egregious affront to all Mainers and especially those hundreds of thousands of law-abiding gun owners — hunters, sportsmen and women across the state — but we cannot lose sight of the fact that this was not a gun problem. This was a problem of Maine mental health agencies, supervisors and law enforcement agencies on many levels that dropped the ball where this shooter was concerned.

It was not the gun and it was not Maine gun owners who bear the burden of this tragedy. Those who were responsible for not utilizing Maine’s existing “yellow flag” law and letting this man go unchecked bear that burden.

Still, Maine Democrats of the state Legislature decided that it was time for some “feel good” legislation and, without a thorough thought process, jerked a knee and passed new gun laws. There, now that ought to make us all feel better, right? No. They have opened up a can of economic woes on retailers across the state and simply delayed a right to the people of the state of Maine and, by doing so, stepped on the Maine Constitution to deny a right.

Tammy Schmersal-Burgess of Mexico represents state House District 77.

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