Maine seems like the perfect place for a peaceful retreat or a beach getaway in the summer, especially for LGBT travelers looking for an eclectic mix of fun and sun.
From its numerous beaches and beautiful state parks and hiking trails, to its historic port towns and quaint shopping areas and art districts, there's something for every LGBT traveler to enjoy in Maine this summer.
"Trust me, Maine is so much more than ocean beaches and exceptional seafood," said Susan Eldridge, president of Portland, Maine-based Rainbow Business & Professional Association (RBPA), an affiliate of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce®. "Many know that the Southern coastal cities of Ogunquit, Wells and Portland are synonymous with safe destinations for the LGBTQ community. Our live-and-let-live philosophy, coupled with a variety of exceptional art galleries, restaurants, bars and historical sites, makes Southern Maine an unforgettable place to visit."
But the state has more to offer than its Southern coastal beauty.
"As you move up-state and inland, beautiful lakes and mountains offer themselves for hikers, campers, hunters and kayakers seeking outdoor recreation," Eldridge added.
Here's what to do, where to stay and where to eat and drink while visiting the beautiful state of Maine.
What to Do
Cobblestone street-lined Old Port, Portland's historic waterfront district, is a hub for shoppers, diners and bar-goers. Boutiques, cafes and pubs fill the 19th-century brick buildings in Old Port, offering an antique charm to the district that sits along the Portland Harbor at the mouth of the Fore River and Casco Bay.
The Arts District, which calls Congress Street home, is where many of Portland's art galleries and museums are located. The Portland Museum of Art houses a range of works from sculpture and impressionist paintings to glass, ceramics and contemporary art. First Friday Art Walks give residents and visitors a chance to tour galleries in the Arts District, Old Port, East End and Bayside areas of Portland on the first Friday of each month. Download a brochure for a listing of those featured in the art walk here.
Interested in the outdoors? Maine's countless hiking trails that run along the water, beaches and State parks, offer visitors a taste of everything. Portland Trails, an urban land trust that works to build a network of multi-use trails in the greater Portland area, is a great resource for trail maps and descriptions.
Sebago Lake State Park, spanning 1400 acres of forest, is a great place for hiking, biking, camping, swimming and boating activities. The popular resort town of Naples is just a 10-minute drive from Sebago Lake, offering shopping and restaurants.
Ogunquit, one of the state's many gay-friendly areas, has plenty to offer travelers. From the moment they arrive, visitors will notice the rainbow flags hanging above storefronts, which range from craft and gift shops to clothing and specialty food stores. Those interested in the outdoors will enjoy Ogunquit's beautiful beaches, where they can lounge, walk the pristine shoreline or spend time kayaking.
Camden, another area popular among the LGBT community, is a great stop for art-lovers and outdoorsy folks alike. Small galleries and art studios exhibit a variety of styles and media, and Camden Hills State Park offers scenic views at the top of Mount Battie of Camden, Penobscot Bay and other surrounding islands.
Bar Harbor is home to Acadia National Park, which has a unique combination of mountains, lakes, streams, a rocky coast and sand beaches, as well as the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard atop Cadillac Mountain.
Where to Stay
In Portland there are a number of quaint inns and more mainstream chain hotels, all of which offer guests a home away from home.
The Inn at St. John, which is an RBPA member, is located in the west end of downtown Portland on Congress Street. The historic Victorian-style inn houses 39 guest rooms, each with its own unique décor and all with modern-day amenities, including wireless Internet. Situated in close proximity to the airport, the Portland Museum of Art and other sites and attractions the city has to offer, the Inn at St. John is a great option for those looking for down-home comfort in the middle of it all.
The Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, about an hour's drive from Portland in Hallowell, is set on 130 acres and surrounded by 800 acres of beautiful public land, and is great for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore nature. The inn, another RBPA member, is environmentally conscious with its solar electric and hot water system, and was the recipient of Maine's first Environmental Leader Green Lodging Inn Certification. For those interested in taking a "farm vacation," the inn's farm animals and wildlife roaming the grounds are sure to be a hit.
Lafayette Hotels Group, another RBPA member, owns and operates a number of hotels throughout Maine. Find the list of Maine Lafayette Hotels available here.
Where to Eat & Drink
Clayhill Farm in Ogunquit was the first restaurant in the country to be certified a wildlife and bird sanctuary by the National Wildlife Federation. It offers diners a truly unique experience. The restaurant, which is housed in a farmhouse that dates back to 1780, offers a menu that changes with the seasons.
To get a true taste of the old port town, try DiMillo's restaurant in Portland. The largest floating restaurant on the east coast, seating more than 400 on its two-story ship, DiMillo's offers great seafood and one-of-a-kind views of the harbor.
Since it opened in the 1970s, Three Dollar Deweys has been known for its extensive beer selection and Portland charm. Deweys carries 36 different draft beers as well as up to 10 different seasonal drafts that change regularly.
Blackstone's bar, the self-proclaimed oldest neighborhood gay bar in Portland, is an RBPA member and a great spot for drinks and entertainment.
Styxx bar, another RBPA member in Portland, is a great place for those who like to dance and take the stage singing karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
"As President of the Rainbow Business & Professional Association, I welcome LGBTQ travelers to our great state," Eldridge said. "Come enjoy all that Maine offers, and support our many LGBTBQ businesses."
For more information about all that Maine has to offer, visit the RBPA's website here, or the Maine Office of Tourism's site here.
