Located just south of Portland, these towns are minutes from the bustling city yet provide the serenity of a quiet getaway.

This lively beachside town is known for its summertime cocktail of amusement park rides, boardwalk kitsch, fried food, and, of course, a seven-mile sandy stretch that has drawn tourists for as long as Maine has been a state. We spoke with Old Orchard Beach resident Gabe Bornstein, who is a partner and director at Rove, a creative production studio, about how to make the most of a day at OOB.

The coastal towns of Freeport and Yarmouth are a short drive from Portland and offer plentiful walking trails and Main Street shopping.

Known as a creative mecca, thanks in no small part to the “rusticator movement” that brought artists from populous (and expensive) cities into downeast Maine, the Blue Hill peninsula has become a destination for artists, writers, musicians, and food artisans—some famous, although the locals are notably low-key about that. We asked Chrissy Allen, president of the Blue Hill Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and development director at the Blue Hill Heritage Trust, who also happens to be a multigenerational native of the area, what an ideal weekend looks like in Blue Hill.

The charming towns of York and Kittery at the southern tip of Maine offer a satisfying weekend away, no matter the time of year.

The Boothbay region may be best known for its bustling coastline and Boothbay Harbor’s walkable downtown, but there’s so much more to explore. We caught up with longtime resident Danielle Betts, director at Knickerbocker Group, to find out how she likes to spend her time in the area.

These teams of sled dogs embody the “Dirigo” spirit as they take you for a wintry ride.

From the Old Port to cobblestone streets, eclectic shops and fine dining, Portland is a bustling hub to all that is Maine.

Western Maine’s mountain and lakes region is perfect for a wintery weekend escape, with lots of opportunities to enjoy the cold weather with a beer in hand or strapped into skis.