(NEWS CENTER) -- Who says you can't be a tourist in your own state? Maybe you've lived in Maine your whole life or maybe you're a newbie. There are plenty of beautiful, fun and unusual places to explore. Note: while most of these are "one tank trips," it does depend on where you live.
1. Nebo Lodge on North Haven Dinner Cruise
Nebo Lodge is on North Haven Island in Penobscot Bay. You can take a boat out to the island for dinner, and then come back to the mainland after. The Equinox leaves Journey's End MArina in Rockland at 4 p.m. and arrives on the island before 5 p.m. You can take a stroll around the island or enjoy the view from the lodge. The Equinox arrives back to Rockland by 9 p.m. The lodge recommends making reservations if you are going to take the boat for dinner. The round trip cost for the boat ride is $25 per person. During the summer the transportation is Monday through Saturday. In May, June, September and OCtober, the boat only operates on Saturdays. The trip usually takes about 45 minutes each way.
It's an often overlooked scenic area, but is incredibly beautiful and offers sweeping views on rocky cliffs and cobble beaches. The are more than eight miles of hiking ytrails on the coastal side of Route 191 and there are also ATV trails and a camping area.
A five course, French restaurant tucked away in Fort Fairfield. The restaurant regularly receives accolades for its food and experience. The dining areas set up by the rules of Queen Victoria , with candelabras and silver. To control costs, diners are asked to pick their entrees when they make their reservations. The other courses are surprises and are sure to tickle the taste buds. Diners say you feel like you are royalty the moment you walk through the door.
It's described as a true Amish store - don't expect electricity. Reviews on Facebook say that there's a 1970s hand crank cash register and a wood stove heats the building. The store sells hardware, boots, kitchen supplies, spices and many homemade items. There's also hand made wood furniture. The store is located in Smyrna on Route 2, about two miles from I-95.
6. Belfast
Belfast is the up and coming city on the coast. It's not as popular as Camden or Boothbay Harbor, but it still offers coastal beauty. From the Harborwalk to the Three Tides Waterfront bar, you can enjoy the ocean and also visit the shops and galleries.
7. Classic Piece of Pie
There are two well known diners that serve up some well loved pie: Moody's Diner in Waldoboro and Helen's Restaurant in Machias. At Moody's, at 1885 Atlantic Hwy., you can order a four-berry pie, strawberry rhubarb, blueberry, and coconut cream, along with many other choices. Helen's Restaurant, located at 111 Main St., burned to the ground in 2014, but has since rebuilt and is back open for business. They're well-known for their strawberry pie, but also serve up raspberry cream, pumpkin, graham cracker and Toll House pie.
8. Weston's Farm and Markets in Fryeburg
The 219-year-old, seventh generation family farm is on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places. The market features fresh produce and maple syrup on the farm. There's also pies, breads and cookies, along with milks, eggs and cheese. Customers can cut their own bouquet of flowers from the gardens off the back deck. During the fall they build a hay fort and in the summers they host free community dinners.
9. Moose Safari
Most Mainers have seen at least one moose, but moose tours and moose safaris are a good way to see the animal and enjoy some of Maine's backcountry. At certain times of the year, it's possible to see up to 20 mooses in one tour. Many outfitters provide tours, including private outings and some tours are in canoes.
