Maine is the largest state in New England, and it is the most thinly populated.
Vast forests cover much of northern Maine, which definitely lives up to its
nickname, the Pine Tree State. But, it is the long, serrated coastline, the
famous "stern and rock bound coast," that draws the most visitors.
The capital is Augusta, in the center of the state on the Kennebec River; but
Maine's cultural and commercial center, chief port, and all around big city
is Portland. There are a number of coastal resorts of great character and charm.
Ogunquit, on the south coast, is a famous art colony; while nearby Kennebunkport
has long been a retreat for artists, writers, and the well to do. Old Orchard
Beach boasts one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in the Northeast,
and it has a boardwalk that in summer is thronged with French-speaking vacationers
from Quebec. Inland lakes, ponds, and rivers draw summer visitors to old resorts
like Bridgton, Bethel, Rangeley, and Greenville. In winter, skiers flock to
resorts such as Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Big Squaw Mountain, and Sunday River.