Which region are you interested in staying?
i need you to tell me that. more of a mountains and moose fan than lobster and whales.
Ah yes, the mountain and lakes region, that's my favorite region. I love it because it's so close to everything and the lobster and whales are only an hour or so away if you need a change of pace, and that's to the warmer south Maine coast. BTW Maine is split into regions for tourism purposes
Mountain & Lakes
Maine Beaches
Mid Coast
Maine Highlands
Aroostook County
Acadia & Downeast
Kennebec Valley
Portland & Casco Bay
I'll give you a mountain & lakes breakdown tomorrow, I'm worn out today. I will let you know that you have 3 airport options, Portland, Manchester, NH, & Boston. Boston would definitely be the most options, it's 2-3 hours away from wherever you would be staying in the region but that's the easiest, most beautiful stretch of interstate on the east coast and some of the recommendos I have for you will be on the way. Portland is closest, but Manchester is also very close, those two airports are indistinguishable.
Okay I'm Maine'd out right now, but I got you, I promise.
When I lived in Boston I would go up to Maine all the time. Loved the crap outta that state. Aroostook is my jam.
Would go to Baxter state park every Labor Day weekend. Really fantastic spot.
Saw the most fantastic display of Northern Lights there ever, literally half of the entire sky looked like it was on fire with green flames, pretty trippy.
Bar Harbor/MDI is whatever but I can see why it's popular with tourists.
Yeah, now that I think about it either Aroostook County or the Maine Highlands might be more of what sys is looking for.
I don't have many tips for either place. I've never been to Aroostook County, but I imagine it's pretty rugged and beautiful up there with lots of moose and bears.
I have been to the Highlands and it's awesome there, no real touristy stuff there at all. Sys, the Highlands are where Baxter State Park is that passranch mentioned. Baxter State Park is home to Mt. Katahdin. It is a mountain, highest peak in Maine well over 5000 ft., and it's the end of the Appalachian Trail. Very cool place. I also go whitewater rafting in the Highlands, there are a few outfits up there. I have used Three Rivers, threeriverswhitewater.com and Moxie, moxierafting.com. The rafting is awesome, they have multiple class 4 and 5 rapids. I also had the best steak I've ever had on one of those trips, the guides are really good cooks as well.
Since these places aren't really touristy at all then there's no more tips I can give you, honestly I'm usually only up there for no more than 24-48 hours each visit.
If you want more tips on the mountains & lakes region, home of Sunday River, and really close to the New Hampshire mountains, Portland, and the southern Maine coast, much more touristy, then I'll hook you up.