Maine Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T11:00:26-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR MAINE VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together a Maine Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
GARDENS
Maine Gardens
Maine Gardens – Maine, the northeastern most U.S. state, is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history and nature areas like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. Moose are plentiful in Baxter State Park, home to Mt. Katahdin, endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. Lighthouses such as the candy-striped beacon at West Quoddy Head, dot the coast, as do lobster shacks and sandy beaches like Ogunquit and Old Orchard.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: This Botanical Gardens is a people’s garden, a grassroots effort that began as a casual conversation between friends and evolved into the largest botanical garden in New England. Located on more than 300 acres along the Mid-Coast, the Gardens is a true Maine experience. The buildings and central gardens are ADA compliant, making them fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. The terrain in the remainder of the campus varies – the paths range from pavers and compacted-gravel walkways to trails through wooded areas. The shuttle runs continuously throughout the day. Electric scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the front desk in the Visitor Center where there is a small charge. Rentals are $8 for nonmembers and $6 for members. Wheelchairs available at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis — simply ask at the front desk when checking in. Tours are offered daily from June through October. The one-hour accessible cart tours are led by trained Gardens’ docents. The fee for the tour is $10 per person, except on Wednesdays when the cart tours are free. This special garden is found in Boothbay.
Azalea Garden: This is such a peaceful place. When you walk into the garden, you are engrossed with an explosion of azaleas, moss, and greenery galore. It’s under five acres, but the space is used to the max. If you take the time to just enjoy the beauty, you might lose yourself. The 2.3-acre garden features Japanese-style paths & vibrant rhododendrons & azaleas around a pond. This garden is one of the best representations of Japanese gardens that you will see on the east coast. The Azalea Garden is found in Mount Desert.
Wild Gardens of Acadia: At these wild gardens you can see over 400 native plant species in thirteen sections designed to represent natural plant communities found within Acadia National Park. Habitats such as mountain, heath, seaside, coniferous forest, and nine others are represented. The gardens serve as a living field guide and educational resource to familiarize one with native vegetation. All plants are labeled and grouped by habitat. The gardens are open seasonally every morning until dusk. There is no additional fee to view the gardens; you only need your park entrance pass. You will find these gardens in Acadia National Park in the town of Bar Harbor.
The Gardens at Pineland Farms: The one-acre perennial, herb and vegetable Garden at Pineland Farms is a wonderful place to stroll along a quarter mile of paved walkways, picnic on the lawn in the shade of the apple tree, or simply sit on the Adirondack swing and enjoy the fragrant air. Highlights include more than 130 varieties of perennials, 6,000 flowering annuals, five different types of blueberry bushes, 20 apple trees, espaliered pear trees and an ornamental conifer bed. Vegetables, herbs, and fruit produced at the garden are sold at The Market Pineland Farms. Pineland Farms’ mission is to provide a productive and educational venue that enriches the community by demonstrating responsible farming techniques, offering educational opportunities, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle through recreation. This garden is found in New Gloucester.
TravelKatz is looking forward to hearing from you and your family at 352-277-7300 so we can make a personally designed vacation for you to Maine.
STATE PARKS
Maine State Parks:
Maine State Parks – The northeastern most U.S. state is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history, and nature areas – like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. Moose are plentiful, it’s home to the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail, lighthouses dot the coast as do lobster shacks, and sandy beaches. Maine boasts a total of 34 state parks. Let’s visit some of them today…
Bradbury Mountain State Park: This park is one of Maine’s original five state parks and a great place to relax and enjoy the 800 acres of forest it has to offer. Bradbury Mountain itself is a site to see, with both flat and narrow paths that will accommodate any hiker. There are also several popular mountain biking trails. In the fall, Bradbury is home to migrating hawks and eagles. Visit this park in Pownal.
Baxter State Park: This park is in the heart of Maine and is home to Maine’s highest mountain, Mt. Katahdin, at 5,268 feet. Hiking enthusiast will love exploring over 200 miles of trails, both easy and challenging. The mountains offer breathtaking views of New England and hikers have been known to run in to wildlife such as moose, bear, and deer. Camera ready? Travel to Millinocket to enjoy this park.
Two Lights State Park: This park is appropriately named for the presence of twin lighthouses, one of which is still functioning today. On-site there is a gift shop and full-service restaurant. Visitors can eat fresh seafood at outdoor picnic tables then take a walk on the rocky coastline there they can watch fisherman catching Stripers or lobstermen hauling in their traps offshore. You will also see the Victorian-inspired luxurious, coastal homes. Seaside cottages and oceanfront mansions hug the shoreline looking out toward Casco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors will drive casually along the coast and by grand mansions. Enjoy a day of picnicking on the way to Portland Head Light. Then hike scenic walks in Fort Williams Park, too. Located in Cape Elizabeth.
Sebago Lake State Park: This park begins accepting camping reservations as early as February! The park and campground offer a variety of activities including sandy beaches, hiking, horseback riding and kayaking, as well as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter. Visitors will enjoy gorgeous views of the White Mountains and Sebago Lake. Located next to Point Sebago Resort, the #1 Family Friendly Resort, there are activities for adults, children, entertainment programs, and a recognized 18-hole championship golf course all combined to create the perfect vacation destination. Visit Casco for this park.
Scarborough Beach State Park: Here you will find one of the best swimming beaches in Maine due to its water temperatures that remain warm even throughout prime summer months. Visitors also enjoy hiking on a self-guided trail, fishing, and boating in the summer months. The “Shack” offers beachside food and daily rentals of chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards. Swim at this park in Scarborough.
Camden Hills State Park: If you are into birdwatching, this park is known as a retreat for many varieties of migrating bird species. It’s not uncommon to spot great blue herons or bald eagles! A drive or hike up Mt. Battie, 800 feet above sea level, offers spectacular views of the Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The park is situated near the town of Camden.
Quoddy Head State Park: Four miles off Route 189 on the easternmost point of land is this unique park. On its 532 acres, purchased in 1962, the park features 4.5 miles of hiking trails, extensive forests, two bogs, and the lighthouse tower of West Quoddy. With its breathtaking views and opportunities for whale watching and hiking, this state park is a fun and fascinating destination. Take a Moose Safari, while in the area of Lubec.
A Moose Safari is the best way to be sure you see a Moose during Maine vacation getaway. The best moose spotting occurs at dawn and dusk, just before sunset when moose are out searching for food. Registered Maine guides lead the professional moose tours in the Moosehead region. On your moose safari, you will see deer, bear, bald eagles, osprey and more. Moose safaris and wildlife tours are found near Dennysville and Calais. A safari can last for a few hours or continue as an overnight or weekend moose camping trip.
TravelKatz wants to help you have a wonderful Maine vacation. Please call us at 352-277-7300 or chat online.
MUSEUMS
Maine Museums:
Maine Museums: This northeastern most U.S. state, is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history and nature areas like the granite and spruce islands of Acadia National Park. And of course Lobster. Check out the museums, too, which offer glimpses into the history of Maine.
Maine State Museum: The museum’s four floors of world-class exhibits provide a chance to explore and discover the best of Maine, from the Ice Age to the 1960’s; and it never seems to get old. This is a classic state museum with information about the indigenous, early settlers, industry and how the Mainers lived. A simply wonderful place to spend an afternoon with your young children or grand-children and give them a wonderful experience they will never forget when they reflect on the day of their visit to Augusta.
Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum: Named “Best Outdoor Museum in New England” by Yankee Magazine, this unique museum shares the lore of the region’s legendary woods and waters. Exhibits share the 14,000-year-old Native American through President Eisenhower’s visit to the region including local icons, Fly Rod Crosby, Carrie Stevens, Herb Welch and the Rangeley Boat. It is an incredible museum. The exhibits are presented so extremely well from baskets to boats to fly fishing and so much more. From the sporting history to lodgings to wonderful local personalities, this fabulous place has it all. There is a knowledgeable and helpful staff keeping the history alive with humor and great stories. The artifacts are true windows to the past and it is wonderful to see how well these folks bring yesterday to life. Don’t miss this place in Oquossoc.
Cole Land Transportation Museum: You will find it to be a great display of equipment, machines and vehicles. Even more impressive was the great, inspirational stories from the lives of members of the Cole family. Also a great tribute to those who protect our freedoms by serving in the military. The museum’s scavenger hunt is a “must do” and draws in all ages. A fine museum with some outstanding restored vehicles located in Bangor.
Seashore Trolley Museum: This is the world’s largest electric railway museum with a world-class collection of transit vehicles–over 320 are in the collection! Visitors experience a powerful connection to transit history – ride antique streetcars on the private heritage railroad; enjoy exhibits, view live streetcar restorations, visit the museum gift shop. You can relax with lunch at the picnic tables and enjoy the outdoors on one of the many hiking trails This museum is located in Kennebunkport.
Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum: Just past Port Clyde, you can visit Marshall Point Lighthouse, which has been operating since 1833 and was made famous in the movie Forrest Gump. Most of the year, the lighthouse is closed to the public, but if you are lucky enough to visit on one of only two days a year when it is open, you’ll really enjoy the view! You can climb the few steep stairs inside for a view of Penobscot Bay. The museum offers historic information about the lighthouse and area and features behind the scenes photos of the filming of the famous Forrest Gump scene. Interesting and great for a quick little stop in Port Clyde.
Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary: There are birds of prey in cages that cannot return to the wild because of injuries. They were fun to see up close. They also use them for educational programs. The Nature Center is nice. There is a huge glass case with a variety of bird/duck eggs. Interesting! There are a variety of mounted animals, with a few things for sale. There is a nice deck out back where you can relax and watch an employee work and share a lot of information about Ellsworth and the sanctuary.
If the state of Maine is on you bucket list, give TravelKatz a call at 352-277-7300 or “chat” with us on vacationnationradio.com or travelkatz.com. We will be happy to help with your travel plans for the summer.
FESTIVALS
Maine Festivals:
Maine Festivals: Artists and artisans have flocked to Maine for generations. The natural beauty of the state is the greatest muse to create and Maine hosts many arts festivals and craft fairs to show off the state’s talent. If you’re looking for music, there are many festivals throughout the state to enjoy rock, country, blues, big band, and folk music, and antiques, too.
Freedom Festival: Presented by the Northern Maine Fair Association with Three Fun Filled Days over the July 4th holiday to July 6; exciting celebration with family & kids games, animal experience, and a 4H Baby Beef Steak Supper Fundraiser.
Annual HarborFest: This Fest features a full day of games and activities for the family. Activities start at noon and include a kid’s fishing tournament, kayak races, lobster trap toss, talent show and bonfire. Events also include the Wells Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction from noon to 3, Wells Rotary Club Cookout from 11am-4pm, ending with a Concert at 6:30pm all on Aug 03!
70th Annual Maine Lobster Festival: Five days of feasting and fun on the fabulous coast of Maine! Enjoy fresh Maine lobster from the lobster cookers, a parade, art and crafts tents, carnival rides, Great Crate Race, Maine Sea Goddess Coronation and more. Celebrate our 70th year with us from August 2-6. The festival is a non-profit that gives all proceeds back to the community. Harbor Park, Rockland, ME.
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest: This Fest features a Volunteer and Crew Training, Presque Isle Street Fair, Mass Balloon Ascension, a Craft Fair & Vendors, Tethered Rides, a Night-time Balloon Glow, a 5K Road Race and more!. Aug. 22 thru 25th. Presque Isle.
147th Annual UNION FAIR & MAINE WILD BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL: There will be contests, live music, harness racing, the Wine Pavilion, fireworks, the Maine Wild Blueberry Queen Coronation, 2 Demolition Derby’s, exhibits, the Midway, food demonstrations & shows, 4-H, lots of food, the Matthews Museum, Lawnmower Drag Racing and more! AUG 17-24
WINDSOR FAIR: Located in the heart of Central Maine, our fairgrounds are close to the Maine Coast, golf courses and mountains. Encompassing 275 acres, it is one of the largest agricultural fairs with attendance estimated at over 150,000 with daily entertainment featuring the best of local and nationally recognized talent. A huge exhibit of farm animals. Aug. 27- Sept. 4. In Windsor.
Camden Windjammer Festival: Every Labor Day weekend, Camden hosts a windjammer celebration of maritime heritage. Watch the arrival of the windjammer fleet into Camden Harbor, enjoy the Schooner Talent Show, Bay Winds North Wend Ensemble Concert at Harbor Park, fireworks Friday night, a pancake breakfast and chowder challenge, Lobster Crate Race, Pirates of the Dark Rose, First Fish Relay Race, Schooner Open House, Treasure Hunt, Build-a-Boat Parade and Race, Nautical Dog Show and more! AUG 30 – AUG 31.
THESE ARE JUST A SAMPLING OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE DURING THIS SUMMER AND EARLY FALL. JUST GIVE TRAVELKATZ A CALL AT 352-277-7300 AND WE WILL GET YOU TO MAINE FOR A GREAT VACATION.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Portland
The Port of Portland is the largest tonnage seaport in New England. The city seal depicts a phoenix rising from ashes, which is a reference to the recoveries from four devastating fires. Portland was named after the English Isle of Portland. From ornate mansions to ocean views, this charming city – the largest in Maine – will enchant you. Saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the revitalized Old Port District, where you can browse through bookstores, explore craft shops and eat to your heart’s content. Visit the Portland Head Light, which dates to 1791, and is the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. The great poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the city’s native son, and you can visit his childhood home, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House. Land or sea is an option here, so if you’re tired of the street life, take one of the popular scenic cruises or whale watches, or hop on a ferry to the islands in Casco Bay. At the end of the day, and without kids in hand, unwind and rest your tired feet at one of the city’s brewpubs.
Narrated Sightseeing Tour aboard a Vintage Fire Engine: See what Portland has to offer on this unique sightseeing and shopping tour aboard a vintage fire engine. You can’t access a vehicle like this on your own! Enjoy an overview of Portland, from coastal scenery to historic sites, with live narration accompanied by high-resolution photographs from the Maine Historical Society on an onboard multimedia system. You’ll also have enough time to explore the city’s cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants. The tour explores the Portland Peninsula along Casco Bay, with its picturesque lighthouses, old harbors, and Civil War–era forts. As the tour continues, you’ll get live narration accompanied by high-resolution photographs from the Maine Historical Society on an onboard multimedia system. If it’s particularly chilly or foggy, borrow a fireman’s coat. Back in Portland, continue past cobblestone streets and enjoy plenty of time to browse souvenir shops and dine.
Casco Bay Islands: Make sure you take the mail-boat tour of the islands during your stay in Portland. The coastline in Maine is beautiful – be sure your camera is charged and ready to go. Plenty of opportunity to see seals, and the ever-present lobster traps floating along the bay. You can take a mail boat trip around the Islands and one to Peaks Island only. While there rent a golf cart and drive around the island. It is spectacular! Chose a day that’s a little windy… on the Atlantic side of the Island the waves crash against the rocks. Tremendous scenery everywhere and just 15 minutes on the ferry from Portland.
Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine: Whether climbing a mountain, entering a bear’s den, role-playing crew members on a 40-foot schooner or manning a space shuttle, children will have a blast at this highly interactive museum. Most of the museum is geared to children aged one to 11, but young teens will like the computer lab and the camera exhibits. There’s also a play area just for toddlers.
Tate House Museum: Go back in time to Colonial Maine with a 1-hour tour of the historic Tate House Museum in Portland. Visit the 18th-century home and its grounds, where tours by knowledgeable local guides are given hourly. Explore some of Maine’s rich Colonial history with a tour of the Tate House Museum in Portland, built in 1755 for Captain George Tate and his family. Learn about the family’s arrival five years prior, and about Captain Tate’s job as a Senior Mast Agent (managing the felling and shipping of white pine trees to England) working for the British Royal Navy. Visit this fascinating piece of Maine’s history – the only pre-Revolutionary era house that is open to the public in Portland – with its beautiful period furniture and decorations. Explore the home’s grounds, also open to the public, which feature an herb garden.
Portland Observatory: In the 1800s, Captain Moody used this observatory to monitor the routes of ships as far as 30 miles away. Today visitors can tour a museum focusing on the history of the watch tower and get a stunning bird’s-eye view of Portland and the harbor. It’s about a 30 minute, nice and interesting walk from the terminal to Portland Observatory. Climbing 103 steps to the top is not regrettable because once at the top you can observe and enjoy the magnificent and extraordinary views of Portland and Casco Bay. This 1807 signal tower is the only remaining wooden maritime signal tower in USA. It is closed during the winter months.
Give us a call at 352-277-7300 so we can make this Beautiful Maine Vacation happen for you and your family.
Maine State Capital: Augusta
Augusta was once part of a larger settlement, called Hallowell, but split off to become its own town in 1797. Initially called Harrington, town officials requested that the name be changed to Augusta less than a year after the new town was founded. Apparently, Hallowell residents wouldn’t stop teasing the people of Harrington, calling the town “Herringtown” after the pungent fish. But while the rationale for Harrington’s name change is clear, the origins of Augusta are unknown: Some believe the city was named after a previous settlement, destroyed by Native Americans in the 18th century. Others think Augusta was named after Pamela Augusta Dearborn, the daughter of Revolutionary War officer Henry Dearborn. Still others think Augusta refers to Caesar Augustus, who founded the Roman Empire.
Maine State Museum: Amazing collection of Maine Memorabilia and a great view back on life in Maine prior to the tourist revolution! Do yourself a favor and go if you really want to see what Maine was like and what makes a ” Mainer “. You can spend a very enjoyable 3 hours at the Maine State Museum. There was something for everyone. Who knew Maine has made so many things! The displays are all so well done making you feel that you are transported back to that place in time. By the time you get to the end you certainly understand Maines history and her people. I thought we would never stay there that long, but we sure did and enjoyed every minute. I would very highly recommend this to anyone interested in history. Take your children and grandchildren so they can be taught the hard work and sacrifices that were made to make this state great!
Old Fort Western: Oldest fort in the country. Any repairs are done with historians and archaeologists that ensure period accuracy. Peter was an excellent tour guide and was engaging with interesting facts of what occurred during the French and Indian war. Fort Western is the oldest continuously operated wood fort in the US at more than 250 years old. Except that most of the fort was reconstructed in modern times and “continuously operated” includes its decades of use as tenement housing for Irish immigrants. Fort Western stood ready for conflict in the French and Indian War, but never actually saw any. It might be better described as a colonial trading post and a nice residence where Benedict Arnold spent a week on his way to Quebec. This fort from colonial times (1750’s) in upper Massachusetts (now the State of Maine) is a great place to learn something of the history of that period just before the Revolutionary War.
State Capitol: The Maine State Capitol building is definitely worth the stop! There is so much history in this building. We were able to walk around and go into the House of Representatives and Senate. Beautiful artwork and decor throughout, friendly staff. Gift shop is closed on Mondays. Also, on the property is a nice memorial to EMS, Police, and Firefighters. We highly recommend visiting this state capitol building. See the hall of flags and appreciate the history! Ascend the rotunda and take lots of cool pictures! Take the tunnel underground to the next building and visit the café.
Viles Arboretum: There is a wide variety of walking trails – through a marsh, through fields and through woods. Many of the species of trees, flowers, and bushes are heirloom and there are signs throughout the area with information about each. There are also many types of wildlife – birds, woodchucks, reptiles, squirrels. Trails are clearly marked and each season brings a different experience and different views.
Holocaust Human Rights Center of Maine: This gem may be small, but packs a lot of information and exhibits in all of its available space. Despite the name, it does not focus only on the Jewish holocaust, but on all genocides past and present, and on prevention of future genocides. It focuses on education/presentations/exhibits on multiple issues of civil rights and its staff, mainly volunteer, are thoroughly knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to stop and teach. Most of their programs are free, or for donations only. Many are lunch and learn. Definitely a great place to take the family. (And leave a donation).
Sonny’s Museum: You are welcomed by the 90 year old plus owner Sonny. And it’s an experience — he makes you feel special and welcome the instant you come in and he’s got tales that’ll take you across space and time. And of course, an amazing huge collection of rocks — of all kinds — in jewelry and out — geodes and not, and on and on. Well worth a visit and if you don’t leave with a smile on your face and a warm feeling.
There are regular flights to Portland, Maine, which is about 50 miles from Augusta. Travelkatz will help you get all the particulars together for a beautiful vacation in and around Augusta, Maine. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
MAINE VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
Another option for our Maine Vacation Package is the Natural Wonder. See our selection of choice below to see if it fancies your style. Please don’t hesitate in contacting us with any questions or concerns.
MAINE: Acadia National Park
A hot spot for tourists, Acadia National Park has pristine views, hidden pathways and trails, and the tallest mountain on the US Atlantic coast
