With nearby recreational opportunities, longtime cultural institutions, and a burgeoning downtown, the Bangor region is a worthwhile weekend destination.

The villages of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport have picturesque views all year, but come alive in the summer months with a mix of new and old dining and shopping establishments.

Famous for its accessible lakes and mountains, Rangeley is a recreational destination any time of year, offering outdoor activities from snowshoeing in the winter to boating in the summer months.

First a gritty shipbuilding town, then a chicken-processing one, Belfast is now a hub for artists and artisans, with a restored waterfront and a bustling downtown lined with shops and restaurants. The more rural Lincolnville boasts a small beach community tucked along the shoreline.

Pairing Harpswell’s small-town charm and stunning coastal vistas with the diverse culinary, cultural, and retail options on Brunswick’s Maine Street makes for an eventful and picturesque weekend experience.

The southern Maine corridor of Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and South Portland is known for its immediate adjacency to one of the world’s finest coastlines. This makes each town ideal for a summer trip to the beach, but there is much to be gained by venturing to these coastal jewels in the colder months.

Ogunquit and Wells are popular vacation destinations in the summer, but these beach communities offer plenty of options and exploration after the temperature gets cooler and they transition to the off-season.

Portland’s reputation as a travel destination is well deserved, with its celebrated restaurants, breweries, and coastal sights.