New England — the birthplace of America — is a northeastern region of the United States comprising the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Known for its Colonial past, Atlantic coastline, changing autumn foliage and forested mountains. Boston, Massachusetts, the region’s hub, pre-dates the American Revolution, and its Freedom Trail passes sites that were critical to the nation’s founding.
My story
At first, my husband and I planned an amazing trip to Thailand and South Korea with our closest friends. All set with business class round trip tickets, luxury hotels, restaurants reserved. We were over the top to show our friends my motherland, my family, my childhood friends, culture, and savor world class Thai food. Unfortunately, the trip was cancelled 2 weeks before the traveling date in March due to a global pandemic, (damn) COVID. We have stayed home since then until late August and started to plan a summer trip to other states that welcomed tourists.
We were talking and thinking where we could go for a nice break, of course, we should go to places we have never been before. Amid some craziness and wild-fires happening across the U.S., out of nowhere I said let’s go visit Maine – nicknamed Vacationland! The Northeastern most state. Why Maine? What is Maine famous for? LOBSTER. Ahh lobster!!!! Seriously, there is no lobster on the planet as good as in Maine. We flew to Portland, Maine, with masks required along with the COVID negative test results 72 hours prior to entering Maine (or you quarantine 14 days as an option).
Traveling to new places always make my heart flush. Maine, nicknamed Vacationland, is more than a destination – it’s an experience that will take your breath away. Maine embraces all that is authentic, unique and simple, and Mainers take pride in enjoying the wide-open spaces of the state’s deep woods and vibrant coastline. We centered in Portland and planned a day trip to explore other areas such as Portsmouth in New Hampshire (checked off another new state of my list), Cape Elizabeth, Kennebunkport, Acadia National Park. Mostly we just enjoyed being outdoors - walking around the city, food and drinks.
My recommendation when in Maine
Places to Stay:
Places to Eat: Portland is the foodie destination. My first Maine thing is Lobster roll. Surprise!!
Street and Co (Favorite)
The Highroller Lobster Co. (Favorite)
Via Vecchia
Eventide Oyster Co
Central Provisions (Portland)
Union restaurant
Blue Fin North Atlantic Seafood restaurant
Places to Visit:
The Old Port
Portsmouth, New Hampshire (An easy day trip, 45 minutes from Portland)
Kennebunkport
Cape Elizabeth – Portland lighthouse
Acadia National Park
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