BANGOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- When you think of a tourist destination, you probably think of Maine's beaches and lakes.
But what would you think a new tourist destination was away from the coast?
Well American Express has named Bangor, Maine one of the cities emerging as a top summer destination.
Much of this has to do with all the new venues in the area. The Cross Insurance Center, Darlings Waterfront Pavilion and the Hollywood Casino. Many people come to events at these venues and fall in love with the city itself.
"In recent years we have done such a great jo with festivals and activities like the American Folk Festival is a great attractor. Waterfront concerts, the Cross Insurance Center and all the programing that happens there." Kerrie Tripp, Executive Director at the Greater Bangor Conventions and Visitors Bureau, said.
Once people see Bangor, they can't help but come back.
"And I've always said, just bring people here and they'll come back," Dan Cashman, Hollywood Casino Spokesman said.
Some people even come back to say thanks to people who impacted them.
"Things as simple as the troops coming through with the troop greeters greeting them. They are coming back to visit because they want to meet and talk to the people they were really exposed to." Tripp said.
I spoke to tourists from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Alabama. They all went to Bangor to see Stephen King's house and the Paul Bunyan statue. But they say they enjoyed their day.
"It's really beautiful and we picked a perfect day," Toni Tudgay or Wilkes-Barre, Pensylvania said.
"We love the state. Everyone's friendly and lobster, come on." Anna Lamb, of Woodstock, Alabama said.