Kittery:
With a long history is shipbuilding, it's no surprise
to find the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a major employer
of the area. For those visitors interested in vacation
pursuits of a shopping nature, you'll be glad to hear
about the numerous outlet stores which reside in Kittery.
The Yorks:
Include York Beach, Cape Neddick, York Harbor and York
Village. York was the first chartered city in America,
becoming a Royal Colony back in 1641. The Yorks are
full of history, including one of the oldest public
buildings in English North America. A visit to the Cape
Neddick Light near Long Sands Beach is a favorite
stop in the area, which offers camping, restaurants,
and accommodations.
Ogunquit:
Ogunquit means beautiful place by the sea and when you
visit, you'll understand why. Its fine sand beaches,
art galleries, and summer theater have made Ogunquit
a popular artist's community. Liberal attitudes and
a respect for diversity assure that all who visit are
welcome.
Wells:
Just up from Ogunquit is the town of Wells, a favorite
summer destination due to its 7 miles of flat, white,
sandy beaches. The Wells Auto Museum is a must
for those interested in the history of the automobile.
More than 130 antique automobiles are on display. For
nature lovers, the Rachel Charson Wildlife Refuge
contains 1600 acres of wetlands and has walking paths
to explore the flora, fauna and wildlife here.
The Kennebunks:
This area includes Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach, and Kennebunkport,
summer home to former President George Bush. Miles of
sand beaches, offshore fishing and a quaint community
highlight this area. Access to Kennebunk by water is
make easy by way of the Kennebunk River harbor, where
there are marinas, boat yards and a yacht club. Stop
by the Seashore Trolley Museum for the worlds
largest collection of trolleys on display.
Saco-Biddeford
Area:
Divided by the Saco River, these towns are the center
for commercial activity in the county. The University
of New England, Maine's only medical school is located
here, as is the Saco branch of the University of
Southern Maine.
Old Orchard Beach:
This thriving summer vacation and amusement center is
loaded with activities, including midway rides, concerts
and a wharf full of shops, pubs and arcades. Camping,
as well as other accommodations abound in this summer
destination. This area is a favorite destination for
French-Canadians, which is reflected in the towns culture
and festive atmosphere.
Scarborough:
Just south of Portland, this was once home to Winslow
Homer. Scarborough downs offers summer horse races.
For those interested in nature, a visit to the Scarborough
Marsh Nature Center may be in order. This wildlife
refuge and wetlands area offers regular tours and canoe
trips from late June to Labor Day.
Portland:
Situated along Casco Bay, Portland is Maine's largest
city (pop 62,000). Dubbed the San Francisco of the east,
Portland offers cultural and ethnic diversity and a
thriving arts community. Shop the historic Old Port
Exchange along the waterfront, take in a concert at
the Cumberland County Civic Center. For those with more
artists tastes, you can stroll the Museum of Art or
listen to the likes of the Portland Symphony Orchestra.
Portland is accessible by road or by air at the Portland
International Jetport. The suburbs of Portland include:
Yarmouth, Gray, Windham, Gorham, and Falmouth.
Casco Bay extends 20 miles east of Portland and contains
some 130 islands. Explore Peaks Island and others by
way of a privately owned ferry service. Peaks Island
offers sand beaches and a Civil War Museum.
South Portland:
Just minutes from Portland. Maine's largest mall, the
Maine Mall is located here as are numerous smaller malls,
restaurants and accommodations.
Cape Elizabeth:
South of Portland, this area offers probably the most
famous Maine landmark, the Portland Head Light.
It was built in 1791. Cape Elizabeth is also home to
Crescent Beach State Park and Two Lights State
Park.
Freeport:
Home of the world famous L. L. Bean, this outlet town
is loaded with just about every brand name factory outlet
imaginable. Aside from shopping, several fine Inns are
located here, as are restaurants and microbrew pubs.
Within a short distance of Freeport is Wolf Neck
Woods State Park, the Mast Landing Sanctuary
of the Maine Audubon Society and yes the 40 acre Desert
of Maine.