National Geographic Spotlights Maine as a Lifestyle Beyond Vacationland

Maine has long been known as “Vacationland,” but a recent feature by National Geographic shines a light on Maine as more than just a vacation destination, but a way of life. Focused specifically on the Greater Portland area, the article touts its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. With its stunning coastline, beaches, parks, and abundant outdoor activities, this region is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.  

A Lifestyle Rooted in Nature

National Geographic photographer Michael George recently spent time exploring the stretch of coastline from Scarborough to Freeport, and here is what he found just minutes from downtown Portland. Click here to read, “In Maine, the escape to nature is more than just a getaway—it’s a lifestyle”

Experience Three Distinct Beaches

• Two Lights State Park: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, tide pools, and a historic lighthouse. “The park offers colorful tide pools and many benches hidden among its pathways to relax and take it all in”
• Scarborough Beach: “With its long stretch of white sandy beach, is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers.”
• Higgins Beach: “An inviting small town with classic houses right along the shore, a special spot to catch striped bass”

Walk Scenic Trails in Portland

• Back Cove: “A 3.6-mile loop around an estuary basin with a picturesque view of the city skyline. Driving the cobblestone streets, Portland feels like someone took the small port from another city and hit it with a growth ray. The charming neighborhoods here are the whole thing.”
• Presumpscot River Preserve Trail: “This 48-acre preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and fishing.”
• Fore River Sanctuary: “A natural area located in Portland, Maine, spanning 85 acres. This urban sanctuary offers a diverse landscape of wetlands, forests, and tidal estuaries, providing a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.”

Get Out on the Water

• Paddle to Fort Gorges: Kayak through the waters of Casco Bay and explore nearby islands. Visit Fort Gorges, the historic military fort dating back to the mid-1800s and built on a small island not far from the piers.

Visit a State Park

• Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park: Explore a dynamic peninsula with salt marshes, forests, and rocky shorelines. “Visitors at Wolfe’s Neck can legally clam here without a license. In a few hours, the park will be unrecognizable. Islands become islands again, and water fills in the gaps between large slabs of rock. “

As National Geographic puts it “It is a bold choice to make your state’s motto ‘Vacationland.’ In Maine, the phrase is spotted on license plates, welcome signs, and t-shirts. It is an open-arms invitation for visitors, but also a mantra for the year-round Mainers who live a more laid-back lifestyle compared to their neighbors in the Northeast. Maine offers an escape to nature that’s more than a getaway; it’s a lifestyle.”

Ready to make Maine your home? At Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, we specialize in connecting clients with exceptional properties. Contact us today to explore the endless possibilities of Maine living and start your journey toward the Maine lifestyle.