Maine is the most easterly state in the country and has the nickname “Vacationland” so you know you will find plenty to hold your interest. There are lakes, beaches, mountains and cities all within a couple of hours drive from one another and southern Maine is only an hour and a half from Boston. Blueberries and lobsters abound and you can see miles and miles of unspoiled forest, have dinner in a four star restaurant or visit places frequented by Andrew Wyeth or Stephen King. Check out the state of Maine website for exact details like population and industry and what the state song is!

Where to Stay:
There are several different ways to experience Maine – the beaches, the cities, “Down East”/Acadia – and I would not miss any of them. Either start up North and work your way down or vice versa

Food/Drink:
Go down to the Old Port (which is the port area of Portland) and just walk around and find anything you might want. Portland, Maine has more restaurants per capita than New York City so you are in for a serious treat!! It depends what you like (and how much you are going to spend). As Bill recommended above, taking the mail boat in Casco Bay is an excellent way to see the area and a few hours well spent.

Shopping:
Freeport – about half an hour’s drive North of Portland is shopper’s heaven. Freeport has every outlet store imaginable including the open-24-hours mecca of Maine – LL Bean

Kittery – Freeport’s little sister – Kittery is just over the NH border and has way less stores, but you can get some good deals and go to the beach!\ in near by York where there are 3.

Museums & Parks:
Acadia National Park – As Sissy also said. Did you know that Maine has fjords?
Portland Museum – an excellent small collection in a wonderful building with views of the port.

Let us know how your trip goes! Have fun.