Looking for fun in Vacationland? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Maine for 2015.
BEST BREWERY TOURS
THE MAINE BREW BUS, Greater Portland & Beyond
Leave the driving to Lenny, the Maine Brew Bus, as you sip and tour Southern Maine breweries, brewpubs, wineries and distilleries. Tickets includes transportation, tours, tastings, and
gratuities. Most tours depart from The Craft Beer Cellar on Commercial St. 207-200-9111;
themainebrewbus.com
BEST MARITIME MUSEUM
MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM, Bath
Spread out on 20 riverside acres are five original 19th-century buildings from the Percy & Small Shipyard, a late-Victorian home, a contemporary museum, and plentiful hands-on exhibits detailing Maine’s rich seafaring heritage. Reserve in advance for a Bath Iron Works yard tour.
243 Washington St. 207-443-1316;
mainemaritimemuseum.org
BEST RAILWAY MUSEUM
BOOTHBAY RAILWAY VILLAGE, Boothbay
All aboard! Ride a narrow-gauge steam train through a rural village setting, view more than 60 antique vehicles, and explore informative exhibits in historic buildings at one of Maine’s oldest railway museums.
586 Wiscasset Road (Route 27). 207-633-4727;
railwayvillage.org
BEST GIFT STORE GALLERY
GIFTS AT 136, Damariscotta
Maine-made fine and folk art and crafts in all price ranges, along with Maine-made chocolates, make for intriguing browsing and delicious buying at this downtown shop.
136 Main St. 207-563-1011;
giftsat136.com
BEST WINDJAMMER FOR WINE LOVERS
SCHOONER STEPHEN TABER, Rockland
Sips ahoy! Not only does the Taber serve wine with dinner every night, it also offers three- to six-day wine-themed cruises, with guided discussions and tastings. From $618 per person inclusive.
Windjammer Wharf. 800-999-7352;
stephentaber.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST LIGHTHOUSE
WEST QUODDY HEAD, Lubec (1858)
Visit the exhibits in the keeper’s house and climb the candy-striped tower; then picnic overlooking Grand Manan and hike the trails over the cliffs and around the bogs as you watch for birds and whales.
South Lubec Road. 207-733-0911;
westquoddy.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST CEMETERY TOUR
MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY, Bangor (1834)
America’s second-oldest garden cemetery is the final resting place for luminaries
including Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, painter Waldo Pierce, and gangster Al Brady as well as a filming location for Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. Download a map for a self-guided visit, or join one of the Bangor Historical Society’s guided tours.
1048 State St. 207-945-6589;
mthopebgr.com. 207-942-1900 (Bangor Historical Society)
BEST DIVA DIVERSION
NORDICA HOMESTEAD MUSEUM, Farmington
Turn-of-the-20th-cenutry American Wagnerian opera star Lillian Nordica comes to life through artifacts, jewelry, musical scores, costumes, and props displayed in her birthplace.
120 Nordica Lane. 207-778-2042;
lilliannordica.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – BEST HISTORIC PERFORMING-ARTS HALL
DEERTREES THEATRE & CULTURAL CENTER, Harrison (1936)
Stars ranging from Rudy Vallee to Henry Winkler have performed at this 1936 theatre, built of rose hemlock and renowned for its acoustics. Concerts, plays, and arts events keep it humming.
156 Deertrees Road. 207-583-6747;
deertrees-theatre.org
