Maine: Traveling along scenic Route 1

Scenic Route 1 in Maine runs from Kittery all the way to the New Brunswick border at Calais and then north to Fort Kent, 734 miles in all. A variety of different attractions are located along the way and are sure to please every member of the family. Several beaches are worth a visit and located just slightly off of Route 1 including Old Orchard Beach which has a lot of attractions and Ogunquit Beach which is much quieter. Both are located in Southern Maine.

Kittery

Time was when Kittery was one of the major outlet destinations in the Northeast. It still has a lot of outlets but there is a lot more competition today. What they have over outlet areas like Westbrook and Clinton CT is lobster. What could be better than a day browsing through outlet stores or the Kittery Trading Post where even the most reluctant husband is happy to spend a few hours.

The Weathervane is one of several restaurants on Route 1 in Kittery where you can get a whole lobster, lobster pie, lazy mans lobster or a lobster roll. If lobster isn't your thing, there are plenty of other choices but in Maine, it is a lot easier to just love lobster.

Portland

While Maine is known more for spectacular scenery, there is also culture available. Portland has a wonderful art museum, the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House and enough entertainment at the old port to justify a full day or more.
Freeport

When everyone thinks of Maine one thing that doesn't usually come to mind is a desert. That is wrong, however, outside of Freeport off of Route 1 is The Desert of Maine. Freeport is also the home of LL Bean and for many people, the main reason to make the trip to Freeport.

Camden



Camden is the home of Camden Hill State Park. If you are into hiking this is a great place to stop on Route 1. There is a small fee involved but you can opt to hike the tallest of the coastal mountains. If hiking isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the spectacular views from Mount Battle at the lookout on top of the mountain which is drivable. Besides Mount Battle, Mount Megunticook offers hikes from easy to challenging.

Belfast

If you are into sea kayaking, Belfast is a great place to stop. There are kayak rentals as well as several tour companies offering a variety of options for kayaking in Penobscot Bay.
Calais

If you are looking for a place to play a little golf, Calais has a nine-hole course. If however, you want a better option, you will have to have your passport with you and cross over into New Brunswick where there are several options quite close.

Presque Isle

This is the home Aroonstook State Park where you can enjoy a picnic, swim in a crystal clear lake, boat, canoe and paddle boats are available to rent. This is a very family friendly place to visit.

Van Buren Maine

The home to the Acadian Village which celebrates the heritage of these displaced French Canadians who made their home here in northern Maine. Houses have been moved to the village from all over the area.If you are up for taking a vacation of more than 700 miles, a drive on Scenic Route 1 in Maine will offer these attractions and many more. Take the drive and make enough memories to last a lifetime and fill several vacations.