While it might feel like Spring will never come, rest assured that (at least for now) seasons are pretty reliable. The hard winters in Maine give way to the absolute best summers and in between we have the magic of spring. It's a strange time of year - with the fluctuating temps and rain - but it's also one of our favorites. There's nothing like the first string of days when the weather is warm and we remember why we stick around for the winter. In anticipation of these days coming soon (we change the clocks in just a few days!) we've put together a list of some of our favorite attractions. While you might be able to do a lot of them year-round, we think they're especially great in the spring.
The Fore River Sanctuary is comprised of 85 acre off Congress Street. Here, the Fore River meets the ocean creating a marshland, which provides a wonderful opportunity to see local wildlife, such as birds. Learn more about where to park (it's a bit secret!) and what you might see here.
This hikeable waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Maine. A 1-mile hike leads directly to the base of the falls, allowing you to gaze up in wonder. There's also a slightly more challenging route hike that will take you to the top. In the spring, this will be rushing with fresh snow runoff making this one of the best times to visit. For 9 more spring-strong waterfalls, check out this article.
Nubble Light was built in 1879 and is the southernmost of our lighthouses. The name refers to the rocky island on which it sits, just off shore. It flashes red every six seconds, and is visible for 13 miles. For the best view, head to the end of Nubble Rd. in York.It looks great in the snow, but come Spring it has a special kind of glow. Check out some of our other favorite Maine lights here.
Really, any farmers' market in Maine is sure to be a hit so you can plan on finding whichever market is closest to you. What makes this time of year extra special is that the winter markets come out of their school-gym hiding places and into the sunshine. You'll find flowers, fresh veggies and lots of fruit. What could make it feel more like spring than fresh, local food in the sunshine? You can read more about the Portland version right here!.
The small town of Greenville is situated along Maine's largest lake, which is 10-mile long and 20-mile wide Moosehead Lake. There area is known for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and there are tons of fun things to do for those here on Vacation. Go on a boat road, go on a moose-spotting mission or visit the fun campy store that those who have been visiting for decades will definitely remember. Find out everything there is to do by clicking here.
Head to the Bangor City Forest to find your way onto the Orono Bog Boardwalk. A few minutes of walking will lead you to the town line of Orono, officially beginning the trail. The boardwalk runs through natural wetland as well as a mixed wooded area, eventually looping around to a peat bog. While the wooded areas include black spruce and a variety of conifers, there are also beautiful blooming plants and flowers along the way including bog rosemary, rhodora, sheep laurel, bog cranberry, and four different species of orchid. Learn more about it here.
Built in 1872, the Sunday River Bridge is also known as "Artist's Bridge" due to its common use in photographs and art. It's easy to see why! in 1958 it was closed to traffic when another bridge was built nearby, but it's still worth a sightseeing visit. Some say this place is best in the fall, but we love it when everything is just turning greet, too! You can learn about more of the incredible covered bridges in Maine right here.
You'll probably remember this from a very recent article, but we couldn't resist including here because the views are even more stunning in the spring. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory is a cable suspension bridge measuring at an impressive 2,120 feet. It connects the towns of Verona Island and Prospect by spanning the Penobscot River, which is also known as "the Narrows." The best part, though, is the observatory at the top! Learn more about how to visit and what you'll see here.
This park is close to those of you who live near Lewiston and Auburn. It features a 1,000-foot sand beach for summer swimming in Lower Range Pond. This is a great choice for families. Get away from the water and enjoy the 750 acres for hiking and walking. This is a great spot for spring because if you're tempted to go swimming you might get some slightly warmer weather.
History buffs will love visiting this spot. Sure, it's green and lovely, but Fort McClary also has some great Maine history. It was used to protect the harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Today, the Fort and the surrounding structures are owned and operated by the State of Maine as Fort McClary State Historic Site.
This organic coastal butterfly habitat offers paths and trails to meander through the grounds which are full of organically grown gardens. While the meandering paths do not require much effort, there are plenty of spots to rest along the way - and you'll want to take a break if only for the impressively calming views. You can read more about how this place came to be as well as how to visit by clicking here.
Bubble Rock is a large boulder sitting atop the South Bubble of Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park. This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock. It's actually a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. Hikes are great any time of year, but we love doing this one before the crowds of the summer arrive. You can learn more about the history and how to tackle is in this article.
These yurts are a great way to get closer to the nature of Maine when everything begins to thaw. They sit in the remote Maine woods on some of the 100 acres that Rob and his wife acquired over the course of the last 30 years. These yurts offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. Want to visit? Check out what we had to say about this place here. Hint: We love it!
And, just in case our predictions are incorrect and we are in for a much longer winter than expected you might as well make the best of it. Check out these 10 winter attractions that will keep you warm until it's time to hit the beach. Whenever that may be!
Winter throughout New England offers a wonderful mix of both beauty and fun activities outdoors but Maine is extra special in the winter. If you love the change of seasons, including soft snow and the exhilarating cold, it gets no better than winter in Maine. People flock to our great state throughout the year to enjoy everything nature has to offer, but I tend to love it even more in the middle of the winter season. If you agree, or if cold-weather exploration is new for you, a great spot to visit is this frozen waterfall in Maine. Located near Byron, Angel Falls is fun to hike to and the views are out of this world.
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Angel Falls is just one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Maine. You'll find it near Byron, accessible via a simple one-mile trail. The route to get to the waterfall is about one mile and includes both a dirt trail and a few rocky bits.
For most of the year, the route is surrounded by bright green trees, making for a beautiful hike through the forest. Of course, for this, you'll want to visit during late spring or summer. Reaching the falls feels like a prize. In the spring and summer, the waterfall will be flowing with winter snow melt and rain. In the fall, you'll find gorgeous foliage. But it's the winter we really love.
During the winter months, the trail becomes even more beautiful. If you choose a sunny day, expect lots of great views. When the weather gets cold enough, snow and ice combine to create a winter wonderland. You can’t help but fall in love with the pretty scenery.
While the water flows as a trickle during the winter season, the sight is still magnificent. Views of icy conditions are what a lot of people imagine they'll see during winter in Maine. And to see the frozen Angel Falls, you'll need to be willing to head inland. While a lot of people prefer to stick to the coast, we love that this exists for those who appreciate the entire state.
To check out Angel Falls in Maine, you'll want to make your way to Bemis Road. Then, drive about 3.5 miles down a gravel road where you'll find the trailhead.
Follow the red blazes knowing that this awaits! The trail crosses the creek a few times, so you'll also want to be sure you have strong hiking boots. Crampons can't hurt either. When the falls are flowing, you'll probably hear them before you arrive. But this time of year, it might just take you by surprise!
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Once you've enjoyed the sight for a while, you'll simply turn around and head back the same way you came to return to the trailhead. This exhilarating winter hike in Maine belongs on your list this year!
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Angel Falls is accessible year-round but be sure to be careful as you walk, as conditions can be slippery and unpredictable in the winter. To see pictures and learn more about the hike to Angel Falls, you should download AllTrails+ on your phone. You’ll have access to offline maps and trail conditions too.
Dogs are welcome to come along on this adventure, just be sure to keep them on a leash. Before heading out on any outdoor trip, be sure to tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back. And, during winter in Maine, you'll certainly want to make sure you've got all the right gear.
If you love seeing as many waterfalls in Maine as possible, you'll love taking my favorite scenic waterfall loop leading to eight of the best examples in the state.
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...
