White Water Rafting: Hold On For A Wild Ride!

Summer & Fall: The thrill and exhilaration of white water rafting in Maine is just unbeatable. During the fall, a run down the river takes on a new look with the leaves a blaze in color. Don’t let the cooler temperatures dissuade you from going rafting! This is a perfect time of year to enjoy the white water especially with the release of water from the dams. There are also fewer people in around the river which makes it a great time to enjoy some quiet time and prime camping spots. There are plenty of rafting companies that offer packages for all levels and ages. One unique way to spend a weekend is doing the Golf and Raft package. The package includes overnight accommodations at The Forks Resort Campground. The resort offers a huge lodge area with couches and a fieldstone fireplace. It is the perfect place to relax before or after your white water adventure. The rooms are comfortable, there is a full service pub which serves the local brew from Kennebec Brewing company and a great pool and hot tub on their back deck. After a peaceful nights rest get up bright and early and hit the Kennebec for some great rafting! The package includes a riverside barbeque luncheon and a video of your trip down “magic falls”. Once your rafting trip is complete it’s time to head to Sugarloaf which is only a short drive away. Spend the night at the Grand Summit and it’s up early to hit the links on Sugarloaf’s highly acclaimed golf course. This is a great way to enjoy some white water rafting as well as a round of golf in one of golf in one of the most scenic parts of Maine especially during the fall foliage season!

Coos Canyon: Pan For Gold And Strike It Rich

Fall & Summer: Looking for a great thing to do with the whole family? Take a trip to Coos Canyon in Byron where panning for gold and actually finding it isn’t just for fools! Coos Canyon is a beautiful spot to visit as the Swift River runs through the canyon and panning for gold is done in this amazing spot. The gorge was carved during the ice age and the bedrock that makes up the gorge has been known to contain gold. To make it even easier for you to find gold, stop in at the Ole Prospector Mineral Shop located across the street from the canyon where you can rent everything you need. Be sure to check out the “Big Nugget Book” which is prominently displayed. This book is a photo album of all those who have found gold in the canyon. There is no charge for entering the canyon so once you have your equipment head into the water and start sifting through the sand. You may not find an actual nugget but, flakes are possible and you can purchase a vial to store your treasure from the store as well. If you really want to make a fun adventure out of your trip then be sure to pack your camping gear and plan on spending the night at the Coos Canyon Campground nearby. While you are spending time in the area, another great thing to do if you are brave is to do some cliff diving or jumping. The canyon is actually a deep gorge where the water is over 20 feet deep in sections. Climbing the walls of the gorge can be a little tricky but, the leap off is absolutely exhilarating. Angel Falls is a half hour hike from the canyon and the 90 ft drop is stunning and definitely worth the trip. Tumbledown Mountain is also close by and is a great day hike. It’s fun to hike up the mountain, which takes about four hours, and then go back to the canyon and end the day plunging off the cliffs into the cold but, refreshing mountain water. Check out Coos Canyon and discover gold, it’s worth the trip!

House Of Horrors: Stephen Kings Home In Bangor

Fall,Winter,Spring & Summer: For those interested in the bizarre a casual stroll past Maine author Stephen King’s house is worth the trip. From the blackwrought iron spider web front gate to the black bats perched on the post it is just what you might have expected. If you are a true fan of author Stephen King, you will definitely want to take the Stephen King tour of Maine. Many of the towns in author Stephen King’s books are fictionalized versions of towns where King has lived or frequented. Towns like Durham, Bangor, Mt. Desert Island and his birthplace, Portland all served as backdrops to some of his most famous books like Cujo, Pet Cemetary and Needful Things. Halloween is the perfect time to make a trip to the King’s place. A brick victorian with turrets and rumor has it even a ghost who haunts the living area of his home…maybe this is his inspiration…

Poland Springs: It’s More Than Just Pure Water

Fall,Winter,Spring & Summer: Water and history, two things that can take a small town in Maine and make it a household name. Poland Springs is home to the legendary Poland Spring Hotel, and the world-renown Poland Spring Water, which transformed a scenic western Maine town into a state and national landmark. Unlike what most think, Poland Springs is only 35 mile north of Maine’s largest city and it is worth a visit to explore. Famous for it’s natural spring, the first documented sale of Poland Spring water happened in the mid 1800’s and has continued through present day. Poland Springs is also home to the Maine State Building and the All Souls Chapel which have become a part of our national heritage. The All Souls Chapel, erected on the very top of the hill at the Poland Spring estate, has a fabulous view and has been the setting for many weddings. The beauty and history of the town of Poland Springs is a great reason to make it a “to do” on your list.

Jet Skiing: An Unexpected Maine Ski-Sport

Summer:The skiing you typically expect from Mainers is the winter oriented, downhill, or maybe even cross country skiing. With thousands of maintained slopes and trails, its not hard to see why. The state however has another ski sport to offer that shouldn’t be overlooked. Jet Skiing is a Maine summer sport that has become popular on many of Maine’s 2,500 lakes and ponds, and countless coastal bays, inlets and coves! After the spring thaw, the summer season kicks into gear throughout Maine’s lake regions. Jet Skiing has become a must-do water sport for both residents and visitors of Maine’s lakes. Maine’s larger lakes offer many jet ski rental locations. Jet skiing is a perfect summer activity allowing the adventurous traveler to feel the wind and the water and see the picturesque landscapes of Maine’s geography.