Sea Kayaking: Endless Opportunity

Spring, Summer, Fall: There are many outfitters in Maine that specialize in sea kayaking tours. Most trips are scheduled as half, full or multi-day and all equipment is provided. The coastline of Maine is steeped in tradition; sea kayaking is a great way to explore the local culture. The tours can also be catered to your own interest. Sunset, wildlife and overnight island paddles are a few of the most popular options. Sea kayaking is an exhilarating recreational activity that you will not soon forget.

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Related Maine To Do’s: Sightseeing, Parks, Beaches, Camping, Cookouts, Lakes

Old Orchard Beach Maine: Palace Playland

Spring, Summer, Fall: Palace Playland is an amusement park located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. This park features over 25 rides and attractions including numerous water slides and two roller coasters. Palace Playland also features the “giant sun wheel” a 70 foot high gondola style ferris wheel. The park also features great food, gift shops, palm readers and much more. Whether you are just young at heart or are looking to entertain the entire family, Palace Playland is an excellent option.

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Related Maine To Do’s: Sightseeing, Parks, Beaches, Entertainment, Shopping

Sugarloaf: Don’t Ski? Plenty Of Things To Do

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Sugarloaf is known for its big mountain ski adventures but, for those of you who don’t ski, it’s still worth the trip. Kingfield is the Aspen ski town of the east and with that comes some great places to go and fun things to do. For those looking for outdoor adventure the Black Fly Loop is a perfect trail system to ride snowmobiles on. With over 228 miles of trails you will encounter some great scenic spots along with places to stop and grab something to eat. As a matter of fact Judson’s Pub is at the end of one of the trails so you can enjoy some hot food and warm up by the fire. Not into the great outdoors, no problem! The Grand Summit Hotel on Sugarloaf Mountain offers guest some luxury accomodatins along with great services and wonderful views. Schedule a deep tissue massage at the spa or plan to spend the day soaking up the warmth in their hot tub overlooking the Bigelow Mountain range. The Loaf offers some happening night spots like Gepetto’s Side Bar and The Widowmaker, known for their music and dancing. The Kingfield area is a great place to vacation even if skiing isn’t your thing!

Mountain Biking: Choose Your Ride

Spring,Summer & Fall: Mountain biking is a sport I have grown to love. The challenge of making my way to the top of some of the best biking trail in the state and then enjoying the beauty that surrounds me is addictive. Even if you aren’t looking for the challenge of making it on rugged terrain it is a sport which can be enjoyed by many. There are some great family oriented trails that offer scenic beauty and easy riding in the wilderness. One of those trails that I have come to love is the Wild River Trail which runs from Gilead into New Hampshire. This is a 16 mile trail which was once a railroad track that has since been covered and now offers mountain bike enthusiast a way to follow the Wild River on a great ride. The surface is packed dirt with only a few spot of loose gravel so almost any age could handle this ride. The sounds of the rushing water and the peace of the wooded trail offers riders a break from the craziness of everyday life. Another easy riding trail which is located is the Carrabassett River Rail Trail. This is another trail that follows the railroad tracks which means it’s a flat easy ride. The trail actually runs between Sugarloaf Mountain and the Bigelow Range the sites are amazing and in the fall the leaves are spectacular. If you are looking for more challenging backcountry riding there is access to the Bigelow Preserve where you can ride until your hearts content. The terrain is more varied and there are some great climbs and great views along the way. There are plenty of great mountain biking spots and here is a few to get to you going.

Mining For Gem: Go Treasure Hunting In Maine

Spring, Summer & Fall: I remember as a kid digging in the dirt behind my house hoping to find a buried treasure. My neighbors showed me the collection of rocks they had discovered while mining for minerals which sparked my interest and fueled my enthusiasm to continue to dig amongst the worms and bugs. I can still see those beautiful chunks of milky and rose quartz. My favorite was the piece of green tourmaline shimmering amongst the rock it formed in. Maine is actually a mineral rich state and mining for gems can be a fun activity for all ages. You don’t even need special equipment but, I would recommend a pair of gloves and safety glasses, a hammer and a chisel if you have one. There are places around the state where mining is permitted. One such place is Western Maine Mineral Adventures in Paris. This mine is open to the public and is also home to the famous Mount Mica mines. There visitors can find albite, beryl, pyrite and quartz to name a few. If you are looking for quartz and tourmaline you may want to visit Mt. Apatite in Auburn. The mines there are a short walk on a marked trail system and the minerals are plenty. Take some time and go on a mining adventure, it is a great family activity with older kids. You never know what treasures you may find!