So, you've made the decision to move to Maine! Pack up the car, load up on cold-weather gear and head north to your new future. But, be warned, there are a few things you'll learn pretty quickly upon arriving. We're not trying to scare you! Mostly, the things you'll find after moving to Maine are wonderful. But, whether born here or from away, we all remember the moment we truly experienced Maine for the first time!

1. That you might need to purchase a second home to get along with new friends.

The home doesn't need to have running water or anything, but it SHOULD be sitting on a hearty block of lake ice.

2. That this does not mean you have a snow day.

Work is on, school is open, and it's business as usual in any snow storm that was reported on the news and expected. Less than a foot? Set your alarm, life goes on.

3. The tide charts if you live near the coast.

If you head to the beach, you're likely to find out the hard way that Maine has some of the most dramatic tides on the east coast.

4. That you can't get there from here, bub.

As you learn your way around and stop to ask for directions, you'll realize that there are a few specific ways to go east and west and if you're not in the right place, it might just be easier to go home.

5. That finding a good bagel won't be easy.

If you came from New York, you might want to make sure you've got a friend who will send you a supply! Maine does a lot of things right, but bagels are not one of them.

6. But, you'll find lobster to buy just about everywhere!

If you can't make it to a lobster pound, you'll love that some of our pharmacies actually sell lobsters. Grab yourself a People Magazine and two lobsters for dinner!

7. That directions are given in Gazetteer pages.

If you're lucky, your real estate agent will give you one of these. It's basically the key to the state. You'll learn pretty quickly that not having the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer in your car is a major no-no.

8. That Acadia National Park gets all the attention, but our state parks are awesome.

From Baxter to Mount Blue, you'll want to dedicate a few weekends to exploring all the nature that the state park system in Maine has to offer. You can always visit Acadia when your friends come to visit and you're obligated to take them.

9. That you won't need to figure out how to say this word.

Just saying "The County" will do the job!

10. That Maine isn't ALL coast.

While you might have seen tons of coastal photos before you moved here, the reality is that some of the best beauty of Maine lies inland. From western Maine to the North Woods, don't be afraid to venture away from the sea!

11. That you won't be needing this anymore.

It's not an important part of our language. So, you can just leave this behind.

12. That no two places in Maine are alike.

We have only a few counties, but they each make up very distinct places in the state. If you're lucky, you'll meet some nice friends who will teach you a Mainer's favorite song - The Counties Song!

13. That this is not your friend.

When you're a visitor you can spot a moose and take a photo with the beautiful naivete of someone who has never collided with one in a car. This is not a friend. It is a deadly weapon if you're not a careful driver.

14. That you can wear this pin, but...

...you'll never be a Mainer. While we love having you hear, you might hear the term "from away" quite a bit. Only people born in Maine can be from Maine. So, no matter how long you stay you'll always be "from away."

15. That this is spring in Maine.

Sure, the trees turn green and the flowers bloom. But, for the most part, your first spring memories will include mud. Lots and lots of glorious mud.

16. That you'll like driving on a snowy road more than any road in April.

Don't fear the snow. Snow is your friend. It covers the many holes and rocks in the road that become exposed throughout the year. When the snow falls, you'll find yourself on a much smoother ride.

17. That you'll never want to leave.

Now that you're here, consider yourself home. We're happy to have you.

If you're new to Maine, you'll want to explore. Start by dedicating your weekends to some run road trips. We've got tons, but you can start with this article telling you about our 9 favorite road trips!