Lonely Planet has put Maine at number four of its "Best in Travel 2020: Top Regions" list, behind Central Asia Silk Road, LaMarche, Italy and Tohoku, Japan.
The hype will reach fever pitch as Maine celebrates its bicentennial. The said event was the hook for Maine. Aside from that, the site credited the state's burgeoning culinary scene.
According to Lonely Planet, "The culinary scene has exploded in recent years, and you'll find farm-to-table restaurants, coffee roasters, artisanal bakers and craft brewers all across the state. And despite Maine's growing popularity, it's easy to escape the crowds amid the state's vast forests and its dramatic, lighthouse-strewn coastline."
To have some peace, the travel publication recommends "it's easy to escape the crowds amid the state's vast forests and its dramatic, lighthouse-strewn coastline."
The state reported about 37 million tourist visits last year.
Lonely Planet's recommendation focuses primarily on three areas in Maine, USA: the midcoast, Acadia National Park and the North Woods, with a particular focus on the Katahdin region.
The best adventures in Maine include: hitewater rafting on the west branch of the Penobscot River, bass fishing in Katahdin Woods and Waters, and hiking the 100-mile Wilderness stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Maine draws in cultural and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It encompasses all of the outdoor beauty and cultural pleasures of New England. Highlights are historic lighthouses and spot wildlife along the rocky coast. Basically a living postcard of lighthouses, tall trees, beaches, blueberry patches and bountiful lobster.
The Acadia National Park is a popular attraction where you could explore and hike through. You can not miss seeing the lighthouses along the coastline. See the sun rise in the U.S. atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is the park's main tourist hub, a port of call for whale-watching and sailing tours, lobster shacks, and lodging.
Portland is Maine's biggest city flocked by serious foodies and craft beer enthusiasts. Maine's largest city has a cobblestone-lined Old Port district dotted with galleries, cafes and creative eateries.
You also can not miss tucking in to a local lobster (and by all means, using the bib which is the "propah" way at The Lobsterman's Wharf in East Boothbay, or at one of dozens of seafood restaurants and waterside shacks along the coast). Crack open a whole lobster or enjoy a fresh lobster roll on a warm summer day. Whoopie pies have also grown in popularityas an official state treat of Maine.
The rugged coast of Maine inspired Maine artists Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth. Marvel at their works at the Portland Museum of Art.
The peak travel season is Summer - or more specifically, July 4 through Labor Day. If you come in the off-season, you'll be rewarded by distinctly lower hotel rates. Spring is especially for fishing and canoeing. September to October for is ideal for fall activities (Peak foliage is during the middle of October for many parts of the state). January to March is for winter sports.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
