In a world that is ever-changing, it is good to come back to a place that has been the same for decades. Nostalgia is a powerful force that will draw people in from miles and miles away. Moody’s Diner has created their own culture and keeps bringing people together. When you go to Moody’s, you are treated as family. This restaurant has been around since 1927, and they invite you to be a part of their growing story.
Moody’s Diner has an amazingly friendly staff that will take care of you while you are there.
The food is an exceptionally good mix of homemade dishes. In the mornings they offer a large and highly sought-after breakfast menu for the early birds. Many people will come every single day to partake in these amazing breakfast items.
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They also offer great lunch and dinner options. Everything from sandwiches to burgers and seafood to stake can be served and enjoyed by all.
Then the claim to fame is their made-from-scratch pies, which you should save room for. These pies are sweet and delicious. It is abundantly clear with each bite that much time and effort went into perfecting this craft.
Make sure to go to Moody’s gift shop after for a souvenir.
They sell a puntastic "I’m a Moody person" shirt which is a great way to remember your dining experience. The shirt has been woven into the fabric of Moody’s culture. Dozens of people have taken a picture of themselves with the shirt in front of all kinds of monuments from all over the world. Then those pictures are hung on the wall throughout the diner. Grab a shirt and take it on your next trip to be a part of the story.
Moody’s has that too with Twist of Moody’s. Stop by and pick up an ice cream or even add to the notalgia and sip on a good old-fashioned frappe. These frappes are thick and creamy just like the classic soda fountains of yesteryear would make.
After all the tasty food and wonderful treats maybe a night’s stay is really the best thing to do.
Book one of the Moody cabins for a beautiful stay among the pine trees. Your stay is sure to be quiet, peaceful, and a great way to spend the night. These cabins started it all and are still around to this day. When you wake up head on over to the diner for another great breakfast meal.
We couldn’t possibly write an article about Moody’s without telling you about the whoopie pies.
They are huge and perfect to take with you if you are on the go. Whatever way you want to dig into Maines's official state treat we know you will not be disappointed.
For a diner to be around for decades you know they are doing a lot of things right. They treat their customers well, have delicious homemade food, and offer a nostalgic experience you will not find anywhere else. Join in on all the fun Moody’s Diner has to offer. For times, specials, and more interesting information please visit Moody’s Diner’s website or stop in and at least try the pie.
For another diner that has been around for a while and has some great history check out The A1 Diner in Gardiner Maine.
Life is too short just to spend the weekends at home. If you want fun and excitement in your life or a place to relax, you just have to chase it down. That does require a lot of planning and we understand that, so we took on the hard work for you. We created a list of getaways in Maine for the whole year. You can pick one for each month and get away from it all. So now that the hard work is out of the way the next thing to do is fill your year with fun and pack your bags. Let's go on some incredible adventures this year!
The Black Bear Lodge is located in the town with the most snowfall in all of the state. Up north, the landscape is completely covered with a blanket of snow and this little cabin is the perfect place to go and enjoy it. The Black Bear Lodge can sleep up to 11 people and is the perfect jumping-off point for some epic northern Maine snowmobiling. If you are not into sleds then bunker down and watch the snowfall in this cozy winter retreat. To book your stay at one of the best vacation rentals in Maine, head to The Black Bear Lodge Vrbo page
We love unique stays and we think you’ll love this one too. Located right near Sugarloaf, this restored caboose is the perfect place for a mountain getaway. With proximity to the ski resort, you can take full advantage of the slopes. Surrounded by trees, you will have a private place to enjoy this antique and restored relic of the past. Make sure to visit the restored caboose Airbnb page to book your stay. I think this is one of the best vacation rentals in Maine!
Take a look at this drone video of Sugarloaf Mountain by @skijay1997 and then book your stay at the Restored Caboose:
One thing you may have noticed in Maine is our rich history and the effort that goes into preserving it. Little places in the woods have been enjoyed by hunters, campers, and vacationers alike and are cherished pieces of property. Colby's Cabin is the perfect place for a wooded retreat while staying in a place that holds significant value to the owner. Not only has it been restored and enjoyed for years, but a night stay also goes to a great cause. The owner is a mother caring for her precious child with Down syndrome and a night stay helps her get the care he needs. She named Colby’s Cabin after him and it just feels good knowing that your money is going to something well spent, and you get a sweet spot to enjoy the Maine, woods as a bonus. Make sure you visit the Colby's Cabin Airbnb page to book your stay.
You don’t have to be a lonely fisherman to enjoy staying the night on a lobster boat. This cabin and lobster boat property rental will have you enjoying the beautiful scenery of the mighty Atlantic Ocean in this little private bay. You won’t even need sea legs to enjoy this stay because all of it is positioned on land. This is truly a unique way to experience Maine culture and do something a little bit different for the weekend. This Lobster boat rental is really a one-of-a-kind opportunity you will not want to miss this year, so head on over to the Lobster Boat Lounge Vrbo page and book your night stay. It's one of the best places to stay in Maine.
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Take a look at this drone video of Machiasport by @deviproductions4450 then book your stay at the Lobster Boat and Cabin:
Bucksport/Fort Knox KOA may not be one of those "get away from it all" kinds of places, but once you see this luxurious treehouse you won’t care. Sitting in the middle of this campground you will have your own private driveway leading to the back of the treehouse and will be treated like royalty in the trees. The owners of this campground have been awarded multiple awards for hospitality and for good reason; they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. If you want to use this campground as a jump point to Acadia, Fort Knox, or other interesting attractions on Route 1 you can, but you might want to just relax in the treehouse for the weekend. However, all the amenities here make it one of the best vacation destinations in Maine. Make sure to visit the Bucksport/ Fort Knox KOA web page to book a trip to the treehouse.
6. June: Medawisla Lodge & Cabin - Greenville
Time for some stargazing. This section of Maine has some of the best dark skies in the state and if you don’t want to spend the whole night traveling home you can stay in this lodge to make the most of the dark skies. With plenty of hiking and wilderness all around this truly is a place to get away from it all. Make sure to check out the Medawisla Lodge & Cabin website for more information.
7. July: Nature Lovers Paradise Island - West Gardiner
Get away from it all on your very own private island. This 0.25-acre island on Lake Cobossee has a cozy cabin and beautiful views. Nothing is quite like sitting along the shore of a lake with no one else around. This peaceful getaway takes you back to a simpler time and the focus is on the scenery and relaxation. Head to the private island's Vrbo page is where you will want to go and book a chill weekend on the lake.
Head off to the secluded and quiet town of Appleton, Maine, for a romantic weekend getaway. This treehouse in the woods sits on a big plot of land away from everything else. The remote location makes this treehouse a sweet place for a quiet retreat. The treehouse itself is cozy and impressive in design and decor. Clever use of space brings to mind a well-built tiny house -- but three stories up in the trees! This one-of-a-kind treehouse is a perfect place to get away from it all, so make sure to visit the Breeze Airbnb page to book your stay.
9. September: Log Cabin on the North Shore of Beautiful Rangeley Lake - Rangeley
Stay in a luxurious waterfront log cabin sitting just 75 feet from the shoreline of Rangeley Lake. This beautiful spot is the ideal place to wake up to the call of the loons, sip coffee on the water, and start the day in this small secluded town. You can take to the woods, explore downtown, or spend some time kayaking on the lake. Whatever way you want to enjoy this getaway is up to you, but you will be sure to fall in love with this rental. To book your stay head over to the Log Cabin on the North Shore of Beautiful Rangeley Lake Vrbo page. This is one of the best vacation rentals in Maine.
10. October: The River View Resort - Bethel
When it comes to the fall, there are few places as magical as Bethel. This mountain town lights up with color everywhere in the autumn and is well worth the visit. You are sure to love it so much that you will want to spend the rest of the weekend driving around and hiking. The River View Resort offers excellent views of the foliage and is a great hub for all your fall adventures. Make sure to visit Hotels.com to book The River View Resort. This is one of the best vacation destinations in Maine.
Jackman is the perfect place to go when you want to spend a weekend at a camp. Many Maine residents have flocked to this tiny town in the middle of nowhere to get away from the busy sections of our state. This log cabin is rustic and cozy but has been fully upgraded to make the most of the four seasons. So spending some time at camp shouldn't be an issue when it's cold, because this beautiful property will keep you warm. Access to the river and the remote location allows for a quiet place to relax. Make sure to visit this log cabin’s Vrbo page to book your night stay.
12. December: Picturesque Maine Cabin with Lake Access on a 33-Acre Tree Farm - Fairfield
The Christmas season is all around us in December and what better time to spend the night on a 33-acre tree farm? This Northern Maine farm property is absolutely gorgeous with a coat of snow over it and you can walk among the fresh smell of pine needles. This cozy 1,600-square-foot cabin with a hot tub and a fire pit is a great place to get away for the holidays and spend it surrounded by nature. Book your stay by visiting the Picturesque Maine Cabin Vrbo page.
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These getaways in Maine will keep you busy throughout the year. So make sure you book your year and enjoy these amazing locations all around our beautiful state. The question is, which of these best vacation rentals in Maine will you book first?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
