Bangor: Art, Music, Dining, Sport Events You Can Find It All

Spring,Summer,Fall & Winter: Bangor is Maine’s largest cities in the north half of the state. It is known for lumbering in days past and the gateway to the great north woods. Now it is a growing city with plenty to offer visitors fun things to see and do. There are great annual events that have been drawing visitors for years like the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race which has been going on for 42 years. Another great annual event is the Bangor Folks Festival that draws big name performers and big crowds every summer. Bangor is filled with great shops in the downtown district as well as a shopping mall that rivals the Maine Mall in South Portland. If you have kids the Maine Discovery Museum is a great place to spend the day and explore. Bangor is close to Orono and the University of Maine’s largest college campus. There are plenty of sporting events that are happening on a regular basis. From UMaine hockey to baseball, basketball, football and more you can find a college sporting event going on around the calendar during the school year. Not into sports…not to worry you can still find plenty to do in Bangor. There is the University of Maine Art Museum which houses a permanent fine arts collection that is open to the public and worth a trip to see. If it’s time to eat than look no further, Bangor has some great restaurants like the Café Noveau and Whig and Courier Pub. Bangor is a great place to visit and while you are there you will be sure to find plenty to do to keep you and the whole family busy.

Candlelight Ghost Tour: Go To Bangor For A Ghoulin’ Good Time!

Summer & Fall: Halloween is the perfect occasion to check out the local haunts and if you find yourself in Bangor the Candlelight Ghost Tour is great thing to check out. Hosted by the Bangor Historic Society, this walking tour of the downtown areas “local haunts” is quite interesting. With the banks of the Penobscot River in Bangor being the center of commerce during the late 1800’s the downtown area was full of stores offering their goods as well as brothels and taverns who saw their fair share of the action as a result. Visitors can walk through these old buildings learning about their history and experiencing the possibility of encountering paranormal activity of the spirit world. These tours are actually held from July to October so it’s not just during Halloween. While you are in Bangor make sure you stop in at the Bear Brew Pub. The pub is just north of Bangor in Orono, home of the University of Maine Orono campus. This is a great local hangout where the beer is cold and the food is great, I would try the ribs on Wednesday nights, they are the best! During the end of the week, Thursday through Saturday, this place is hopping with the local college crew. Sundays are usually game day at the pub so if you want to catch your favorite team this is a fun place to hang. During October, spend some time exploring the Ghost Tour and enjoying a Bear Brew Pumpkin Ale to toast the season!

Hiking: Take A Hike Through And On Katahdin

Summer & Fall: When someone says they went hiking what do you envision? Finding your way across the most difficult trails above the tree line or casually walking through a well beaten path in the woods. Whatever comes to mind, Maine has it to offer. From the most difficult paths to make your way through, to your local state park offering well groomed trails, there is a place for all level of hikers. Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak and beckons hikers from all over to find their way to the summit. The final steps of the Appalachian Trail actually end at the summit of Mt. Katahdin. If the difficulty of quick elevations and unpredictable weather is not your idea of taking a hike then enjoy the miles of trails that meander their way through the deep north woods at the base of the mountain. With so many options to choose from you are sure to find just the right spot to take a hike no matter what your comfort level. You can take a hike and enjoy the site around you, the wildlife and the majestic pines that the Maine forest has become famous for around the world.

Rock Climbing: Claw Your Way To The Top!

Summer & Fall: If you are looking for a great adventure for the whole family you should consider booking a rock climbing and camping adventure. Maine has some great outdoor adventure companies that offer trips of this nature. One great place to visit that is definitely a bargain vacation is in the heart of Maine near Baxter State Park. Rock climbing adventures can begin with Penobscot Adventures. This husband and wife team own and operate a great rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking and Eco Tour business. Located in Millinocket the McDonalds offer a rock climbing adventure suited for all ages. The trips are safe and usually last all day. This is a great way to test your abilities while experiencing an adrenalin rush while climbing your way to the top. A great way to spend the day is enjoying their “Rock and Roll” trip which includes rock climbing and white water rafting. All the trips are guided excursions with all the equipment supplied. They provide transportation to and from the site as well as a campfire meal so all you need to do is enjoy the trip. After your climbing adventure, grab your tent and set up camp at the Big Moose Inn Campground where you can enjoy the quiet of authentic Maine woods camping. It’s a great way to discover some quality family time and a trip you won’t forget!

ATV Adventures: Hit The Trails For ATVing Fun

Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring: Four wheeling fun on the back trails of the Maine woods is a past time many ATVer’s love! If you have had a ride on an ATV you can appreciate the fun of hitting the trails and doing a little mud running. Whether it’s on a wooded trail, a back country road or an open field, there are plenty of places to ride. If you enjoy outdoor adventure and riding ATV’s you should check out Jackman. Known as the Moose River Region and for its white water this area is loaded with over 300 miles of great trails to ride on. The fall is a great time to ride and enjoy the changing colors and cool air. If you don’t own your own there are plenty of places to rent from and the Chamber of Commerce has trail maps for all riders visiting the area. There is even access to the border trails connecting Maine and Quebec and many of the overnight accommodations offer trailside access. While you are there be sure to take some time to go moose watching because it is known as a hotspot in Maine. September and October the moose are out and about getting ready for the cold. This is also the time of year when the males have developed their full antlers. Some of these bulls are over 7 feet in height and can weigh in at 1000+ lbs so they are an awesome sight to be seen. You can usually spot them on the trails while ATVing. Take some time and discover what has become one of Maine’s most popular past times, ATV riding!