Getting the Maine Idea
So you’re interested in Maine, the Pine tree state? I’m glad to hear, I love it too. The vast forests, rocky coasts, and a surprisingly diverse food scene make this small state great. While not as flashy and glamorous as California or Florida, Maine is a treasure for those willing to find it’s value hidden beneath the rough wintry exterior. I love my home and want to help others enjoy it as well. Here are some things to know about vacationland:
When people think of Maine, lobster and lighthouses often are the first things that come to mind, and thanks to the state’s 228 miles of coast that comes as little surprise. There is plenty of access to the ocean for fishing and lobstering when Maine has the 9th largest coast in the union. A fair number of these fishermen live on islands for convenience with their work. There are about 4,402 residents spread over Maine’s vast network of 4,600 Islands. Vinalhaven, the most populous island, has a surprising 1,165 people while Great Cranberry which rests south of Acadia national park only has 40 residents.
Maine’s most exported fruit is the blueberry and it can be found in many many of the pine tree state’s products and dishes. Maine produces a staggering ten percent of North American blueberries and is the largest exporter in the world. These berries are grown on 44,000 acres of land mostly in the eastern counties of Hancock and Washington. Most of the blueberries harvested are frozen to be used as ingredients while one percent are sold fresh directly to consumers. Next time you buy frozen blueberries check their label, there’s a good chance they are from Maine.
If there is one thing that makes Maine unique compared to other states it’s the trees. I am serious there is a reason it’s nicked named the pine tree state. The pine tree is on Maine’s flag, seal, and even the state quarter, the white tassel and pine cone is the state’s floral emblem. Why would Maine go this far to celebrate it’s pine trees? The answer is that Maine is the most wooded state by far with 89% of the land as forests. Not just is it the highest forested land in the nation but the pine tree state leads its closest rival and neighbor new Hampshire by 11.5%. That’s a lot of trees. You can feel the difference when visiting the state everywhere in Maine except for the city of Portland feel’s as if you are living in nature it’s self. When I lived in Massachusetts I noticed the lack of nature in comparison and was delighted with the deep woods and clear starry sky when coming back to Maine.
There are many things that make Maine a great place and I hope to have been able to shine a light on a few of those aspects for you. If you are a fan of nature or fancy the ocean Maine is a splendid is a place to visit. Is the city life more your style? Portland Maine only city is a spectacular culinary hub that I’ll cover in the future. Thank you for reading.
