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Maine
The Maine Office of Tourism
www.visitmaine.com
1-888-95-MAINE
Why Maine?
The question asked by my family before embarking on this adventure was “What is there to do in Maine?” My answer to this question was, “Eating lobster of course!” As you can see, my knowledge about Maine was just as limited, so I was determined to seek out the best that Maine had to offer.
My first and only stop was the Nancy Marshall Communications group, which handles the public relations inquiries for the state. My point of contact for this assignment was Charlene Williams, who was very knowledgeable about the activities that were abundant throughout the state.
I informed her that we were history adventure seekers and that we would love the opportunity to learn more about the culture, history, economics and environment of this state. After a few days, Charlene sent me a diversified schedule for us to undertake, which would give us an opportunity to get a real sense of what it would be like to live in the most northern state on the eastern shore. Our activities included visiting several museums (living, science, cultural, historic), a riding tour, and trade and industry opportunities, which gave us a look at the economic environment that has shaped the culture of this great state. From the ever present large boot outside of the LL Bean headquarters to the Desert of Maine (yes, I said desert), all of our adventures were unexpected, delightful and fun.
I believe the most gratifying and rewarding of our experiences while we were there was the hospitality that was demonstrated from the people who live there. The individuals that we encountered on this journey were very friendly and accommodating. This especially helps when you are traveling with two children with a trailer attached to the back of your van. I will never forget our experience while traveling down the main street in Brunswick on our way to the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum. As we were driving, the trailer disconnected from the van! When I got out to determine what happened and what to do, there were individuals already lined up assisting me with this disaster. A gentleman helped me move the trailer out of the street, another woman stopped and gave me directions to the nearest boat shop to purchase a pin, which had come out while I had been traveling, which caused this catastrophe; and another person guarded my trailer vigilantly while I went to make the purchase. When I returned, he helped me to hook the trailer back up to the van. I was astonished and very grateful for the hospitality that was given to me while I was there, because believe it or not this was not the only mishap we had while we were there and as before, the people in this community were more than helpful to aid me in my endeavors. Through all of the drama, we still managed to make it to the museum on time. Needless to say, I would have to say that Maine has been by far the friendliest state we have visited on our journeys thus far.
Hotels
The Meadowmere Resort
http://www.meadowmere.com/public/index.cfm
PO Box 2347
74 S. Main Street
Ogunquit, ME 03907
Phone: 207-646-9661
Toll Free: 1-800-633-8718
Fax: 207-646-6952
 The rooms are comfortable and clean and cater to every need, delivering affordable luxury accommodations close to Ogunquit Beach. The hotel rooms at The Meadowmere Resort are the ideal location for experiencing a Southern Maine getaway every season of the year.
Every resort room comes with air conditioning, color cable television, private bathrooms, telephones, complimentary wireless internet, data ports and comfortable beds.
The amenities are unparalleled, unduplicated and luxurious. They are designed for indulgence - Catering to an affordable Maine vacation for every season. Experience their New England charm on the Southern Maine coast. Open year round, their hotel in Ogunquit features indoor pool, outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, indoor jacuzzi, game room, arcade, pub, tv room, fitness center, spa and resort accommodations. Great for winter escapes, fall getaways, summer vacations and holiday weekends!
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Embassy Suites
http://www.embassysuitesportland.com/
1050 Westbrook Street
Portland, ME 04102
(207) 775-2200
Conveniently located at the Portland International Jetport (PWM) and minutes from Exit 46 off Interstate 95, the Maine Turnpike, and I-295 which travels through downtown Portland. This location offers their guests easy access to all of the area attractions that Southern Maine has to offer, such as: The Maine Mall, L.L. Bean, The Sebago Lakes Region, The Old Port, and coastal destinations such as Portland Head Light and other famous lighthouses.
Every suite consists of a private bedroom with one king-size, one queen-size, or two double beds. It also has a separate living room with a sofa bed and well-lit desk. The kitchen galley provides a wet bar, refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee maker. Each suite also has two, twin-line telephones, with voice mail, and two remote-controlled televisions with cable, On Demand movies, and Nintendo 64® video games.
Also included is free parking, a complimentary newspaper, a gift shop, guest laundry, valet and room service.
Children under 18 stay free in the same suite as their parents.
The Suites also provides for their guests complimentary ground transportation to and from the Portland International Jetport, all major bus lines such as Greyhound, Concord Trailways and Vermont Transit, and the Amtrak Downeaster. Please contact us for more information.
This hotel has everything you need to stay fit or simply enjoy a relaxing vacation. Relax in a hot sauna or Jacuzzi, take a cool swim in the pool, or keep up with your exercise routine.
This hotel is centrally located to nearly everything you will want to do while staying in Maine. You are just minutes away from The Maine Mall, Casco Bay, and downtown Portland.
There are nearby activities ranging from golf, squash, racquetball, and indoor/outdoor tennis, to sailing, fishing, and Maine's scenic, coastal beaches.
You are also near to Portland's historic Old Port district, which provides galleries, a unique shopping experience, and quality, nightly entertainment.
Freeport Inn
http://www.freeportinn.com/
32 US Route 1, Freeport, Maine 04032
Toll Free: 800-99-VALUE
Phone: 207-865-3106
 Set high on a hill, the Best Western Freeport Inn overlooks 25 windswept acres and a tidal river. Many rooms feature a view of the river and its surrounding wetlands. Conveniently located, with newly renovated rooms, it continues to be the Inn of choice for value conscious travelers.
Children under 18 yrs of age stay free in parent’s room. Designated "Pet Welcome" Rooms. Corporate, Government, and Group Rates available.
If you feel you need more space and maybe a microwave for quick meals, they suggest a suite at the Comfort Suites, their sister facility located just a mile down the road. You'll be pleased with the comfortable accommodations and friendly staff. Believe me their delicious breakfast will make up for anything you feel you might be missing from this wonderful hotel!
Senator Inn & Spa
http://www.senatorinn.com/
284 Western Avenue
Augusta, Maine 04330
Toll Free: 877-772-2224
Direct 207-622-5804
The Best Western Senator Inn & Spa offers the finest in Augusta, Maine lodging and hotel accommodations. Centrally located in the capital city of Augusta, Maine, the Senator Inn and Spa is a perfect vacation hotel getaway, relaxing spa retreat, full-service meeting place and a convenient home-base for exploring the Midcoast, Acadia and the western mountains of Maine.
Voted the #1 hotel in Augusta for 11 consecutive years, the Best Western Senator Inn & Spa offers guests in need of lodging a range of accommodations. From luxury spa suites to traditional hotel rooms at economical rates, the Senator & Spa meets the lodging needs of travelers to the Augusta area.
No matter where you’re going in Maine, the Senator Inn and Spa is on your way! Whether you want to go antiquing or clothes shopping, hiking or biking, golfing or skiing, whale watching or fall leaf peeping, the Senator Inn and Spa provides easy access and a central location from which to locate attractions in Augusta and throughout Maine.
Popular attractions in Maine’s capital city, include the State House, the Blaine House which houses Maine’s governor, historic Hallowell, Belgrade Lakes and the Maine State Museum. Other attractions in Augusta include some of the finest golf courses in Maine, summer theater at the Theater at Monmouth and the Gas Light Theater, concerts at the Augusta Civic Center and year-round shopping at a variety of stores and malls.
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Places to visit
Portland
Mainely Trolley Tours
http://www.mainelytours.com/tours.html
Children’s Museum of Maine
http://www.childrensmuseumofme.org/
Portland Museum of Art
http://www.portlandmuseum.org/
Freeport
L.L.Bean Inc.
http://www.llbean.com/
Wolfe’s Neck Farm
http://www.wolfesneckfarm.org/
Desert of Maine
http://www.desertofmaine.com/home.html
Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum
http://www.curtislibrary.com/chamberlain.htm
Bath
Maine Maritime Museum
http://www.bathmaine.com/
Norlands Living History Center
http://www.norlands.org/
Augusta
Old Fort Western
http://www.oldfortwestern.org/
Maine State Museum
http://www.state.me.us/museum/
Children’s Discovery Museum
http://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.org/index.php
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