| You may hear words pronounced a little differently | | | | stroll around the area. Your property blends right into |
| (hint: baah haabah translates to Bar Harbor) and the | | | | the wilderness, but you don't feel isolated due to the |
| deeply rooted traditions and influences of maritime, | | | | fact that several towns are just a short drive away. |
| French, and Native American life might be a bit | | | | Take a load off on the deck while you transition into |
| intimidating, but Maine is in fact one of the friendliest | | | | vacation mode, and then pile in the car for a visit to |
| and welcoming places you can visit. Settle down for a | | | | Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, or Northeast Harbor |
| spell during any season you please for a foray into this | | | | (there are lots of harbors here). Have a seafood |
| fun-filled and fabulous corner of the country. | | | | dinner, grab an ice cream cone, and get a feel for this |
| One of the best ways to experience Maine is from | | | | whole new world. |
| the perspective of a vacation home guest. By renting | | | | Your subsequent days will be filled with choices; |
| a unique log chalet atop a hill that overlooks one of the | | | | Acadia National Park is just a few miles away, and will |
| region's famous bays or charming islands that hug the | | | | interest everyone in the group with its sheer beauty |
| shore, you'll be seeing the countryside at its best. Maine | | | | alone. Maine is enamored with the sea and with its |
| is definitely a bit rugged and untouched by typical | | | | many freshwater lakes, as you will be too after |
| tourist trappings, so realize this and then embrace it. | | | | chartering a boat or setting off on a cruise of the |
| You won't exactly be roughing it by choosing to book | | | | coast. The salty air has a certain energy to it that is |
| a cottage or a cabin, but you will be setting off for a | | | | found no where else, and you'll even feel its benefits |
| bit of an adventure. | | | | from your vacation rental. |
| By this, it is meant that you'll be breaking away from | | | | You may find it a good idea for your family, and your |
| the usual hotel experience that just doesn't quite | | | | family's budget, to stop by a local grocery store and |
| belong in this setting. Maine has mountains, hills, forests, | | | | pick up a few staples. The kitchen in your chalet is |
| beaches, and parks that are better enjoyed when | | | | modern and well-laid out, and has amazingly inspired |
| you're in your most individualistic and free-spirited | | | | you to whip up a special meal. The grill out back and |
| mood. Walk the trails, watch for moose and birds, | | | | the patio chairs will make a party out of your culinary |
| marvel at the ancient arbors that tower above you, | | | | efforts, and everyone will eat, drink, and be merry with |
| and realize that this is a one-of-a-kind experience that | | | | Maine as the backdrop. Lobster will become |
| deserves more than just an average place to lay your | | | | everyone's favorite meal, thanks to the unbeatable |
| head at night. | | | | freshly caught samples that beat out the offerings of |
| Picture yourself, and your traveling companions of | | | | the fanciest restaurants back home. |
| course, unlocking the door to a cabin that oozes charm | | | | When darkness falls, the sleepy heads can retire to |
| and authenticity. The walls are solid and look like they | | | | their beds, shutting the door behind them until it's time to |
| were built by lumberjack, and the faint scent of pine | | | | enjoy another day. For the hyper ones not yet ready |
| greets you as you enter. Instead of fighting over who | | | | to slow down, a game room will allow for a fun outlet |
| gets stuck on the sofa bed, the kids will be running | | | | and will encourage interaction that normally takes a |
| around to each of the bedrooms, gladly realizing that | | | | back seat to the television and real world |
| they'll all have plenty of space this time. After | | | | responsibilities. There's a TV and DVD player here too, |
| unpacking your bags (into actual closets), meet in the | | | | but try to keep those turned off as you focus on the |
| family room to discuss your trip and all that you plan to | | | | things that are really important. Like a boys vs. girls |
| do during these few privileged days. They're sure to fly | | | | game of charades. (Or whatever it is that gets |
| by, so hang on tight. | | | | everyone riled up and laughing). |
| You might begin with something simple, like taking a | | | | |