Yes, we freely admit it. Sometimes it's very easy to complain about things here in eastern Maine.

The cold winter months seem to drag on forever, and then when it warms up, the roads, restaurants, and stores are jammed packed with tourists. We don't have any professional sports teams like both Portland and Boston do, and you may think that the nightlife pales in comparison to what's available elsewhere.

But, there's a reason why we live, work and raise families here.  There's a reason why people drive for hours on end to get here and then just stay for a week or two.

There are actually many reasons, and here are just 5 of them.

The seafood:

When it comes to fresh delicious seafood, few areas of the country come close to eastern Maine! Really, one of the reasons that millions of tourists flock to this area is because of the lobster, haddock, halibut, clams, crab, mussels, oysters, and scallops.

With places like the Eagles Nest in Brewer and McLaughin's Seafood & Take-Out in Bangor, and then places further Downeast like Jordan's Snack Bar in Ellsworth and The Travelin' Lobster in Bar Harbor, seafood lovers are loving the good life in eastern Maine.

Fudio
Fudio
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Then, there are the blueberries. We can't forget those as well, especially when it comes to dessert! Both Hancock and Washington counties are filled with blueberry fields which not only provide income for the area but yet another sweet-tasting treat that the area is known for.

Hasmik-Fhazaryan-Olson/Unsplash
Hasmik-Fhazaryan-Olson/Unsplash
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The trails:

Whether you like to strap on the hiking shoes or cross-country skis, ride a mountain bike, ATV, snowmobile or horse, there are certainly enough trails in eastern Maine to keep you busy and healthy as well.

There are 45 miles of the world-famous carriage roads and trails within Acadia National Park that intersect with another 12 miles of woodland trails on Mount Desert Island. Then there are another 7.5 miles of freshly made trails at Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Penisula that'll take you to picnic areas and to the rocky outcroppings of the Point itself.

Schoodic Woods Trail-TSM
Schoodic Woods Trail-TSM
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Can't get enough? Ride, walk or pedal the 96 miles of the Downeast Sunrise Trail that'll take you from Ellsworth to the town of Perry in Washington County. Or follow our very own Wolfe In The Wild series for even more hiking trails in beautiful eastern Maine.

Killkenny Stream Bridge on the Downeast Sunrise Trail-TSM
Killkenny Stream Bridge on the Downeast Sunrise Trail-TSM
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Not that adventurous? Then take a walk on the Bangor Waterfront trail or the Brewer Riverwalk on the other side of the Penobscot River. If you really want a treat, then walk the City of Belfast Harbor Walk that runs along the waterfront and then crosses the Passagassawaukeag River.

TSM
TSM
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Belfast Harbor Walk over the Passagassawaukeag River - TSM photo
Belfast Harbor Walk over the Passagassawaukeag River - TSM photo
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The scenery:

Yes, we know, there are gorgeous views everywhere across America, but certainly, some of the best ones are right here in Downeast Maine. Roads like Routes 1A and 3 may be jammed packed with tourists during the warmer months of the year, and for good reason, but the views of the mountains of Acadia, Fort Knox from across the Penobscot in Bucksport, and Jasper Beach in Machiasport, continue all year-long.

Summit Road to Cadillac Mountain - Michael and Diane Weidner/UnSplash
Summit Road to Cadillac Mountain - Michael and Diane Weidner/UnSplash
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The concerts and shows:

We were living the good life before the nasty COVID-19 pandemic set in, and with any luck, we'll soon be doing the same once again. Darling's Waterfront Pavilion on the Bangor Waterfront has hosted Kiss, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Rod Stewart, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Van Halen. Just up the road James Taylor, Ringo Starr, Brad Paisley, Motley Crue, and Elton John have all played the Cross Insurance Center.

Add in other venues like the Collins Center For the Arts, The Gracie, The Grand, and the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, and there's more than enough music, arts, and plays to enjoy.

Kevin Bennett
Kevin Bennett
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Neighbors helping neighbors:

Mainers are all about helping others, and that's clearly evident by the outcomes of the many charitable events that they either participate, volunteer, or donate to. The yearly Bar Harbor Bank Community Food Drives, the United Way campaigns, Children's Miracle Hospital in Bangor, the Special Olympics, the work that the Rotarians do, and the Free The Z Turkey Drive, are just a few of the numerous campaigns and organizations that do good in eastern Maine. Not to mention the efforts of those that we seldom hear about, neighbors helping neighbors, it's another way of life around here.

Turkey donations at the Free The Z Turkey Drive - TSM
Turkey donations at the Free The Z Turkey Drive - TSM
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Peek Inside The Most Expensive House Currently For Sale In Maine

This $10.5 million compound on Hope Island in Casco Bay is the stuff that dreams are made of. With expansive grounds, a couple of guest houses, a horse barn, and a dock that connects to deep water frontage, what more would one desire?

 

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