Take the Kids to Maine!   by Macon Gravlee

It is always a difficult task to try and come up with interesting activities for the children when they accompany you on your trips around the country. Notice I say it may be difficult but it is not impossible. As an example, we decided to take a vacation to the state of Maine and as anyone would guess there simply is not an abundance of things for children to do. We still decided that there was sufficient interest on our part to visit this great part of America and as such we decided to still complete our travel plans.

Most visitors to Maine never consider the possibility that Maine could also be considered a farm rich area. There are in fact a vast number of actual working farms located in this section of the nation. We decided that one way in which we could enjoy the state's great outdoor environment as well as to provide the children with some interesting activities was to spend the day on one of the many animal farms in the state. The children were actually excited about this prospect as they would be able to see what happens on the farm while getting to know and understand other children.

We were fortunate enough to locate a farm in Rockport that does exactly that. It was the Aldermere Farm. As you approach this vast farm you will begin to see acres of beautiful pasture land filled with the cows known as Belted Galloways. These are an interesting breed of cow in that they have a band of white which goes completely around their mid sections of their bodies. Besides seeing these unusual cows the farm offers the visitors a variety of seasonal tours as well as established activity programs.

No farm visit of course could be complete without a side trip to nearby Jefferson's Blueberry Hills Farm. You will find a vast array of farm animals here ranging from cows, and cattle, pigs, Shetland ponies, chickens and goats. Before you depart this farm you are offered the opportunity to purchase some of the finest organic produce in the area. In addition you can even watch them make their own syrup as they tap into their maple trees each year.

In the fall you will see how busy the farms apple orchards become as the harvest begins. There is always something going on around the farm at all times of the year. Often you will find that many of the farms act as bed and breakfast inns allowing you to remain on the farm as long as you so desire.

As you can readily see traveling to just about any area of the nation can be an exciting adventure for not only the adults but the children as well.

You could stay at a Bed and Breakfast. These accommodations offer a pleasant alternative to the crowded and mass produced lodgings of more heavily populated areas. Each B&B, house, or cottage has its own unique rural setting with accommodations which range from basic to exceedingly comfortable. Come experience the best in rural Maine and life on a farm.

By their very nature, these lodgings are as different as people, each with its own flavor, personality, and - best of all - its own host. Our goal is to provide our guests with a total change of atmosphere from the urban environment, and our primary product is peace and quiet at an affordable price.

If you love to travel across the United States and are planning a trip to the east coast, the state of Maine is one state you want to be sure you set aside plenty of time to see. Maine is bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, New Hampshire to the southwest and Canada in the easter portion of the state. Maine is well known for its coastline, and the low, rolling mountains and beautiful forests. This state is also well known for its seafood and most notably for lobster and clams.

Maine hotels enjoy brisk business in the summer months as tourists from near and afar come to the state to enjoy all it has to offer. Maine is the least populated state in the United States that is located east of the Mississippi River. Maine is called the pine tree state due to ninety percent of its land being forested. There are 3,500 miles of shoreline to enjoy in this lovely state and the state has lakes, rivers, mountains and bays with lighthouses, fishing villages, jagged rocks and cliffs for the sightseers to enjoy.

The village of Ogunquit is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Ogunquit ME hotels are booked to capacity in the peak summer tourist season. This quaint village of just 1,200 offers spectacular white beaches, charming shops and art galleries and is just a few short minutes from large factory outlets in the nearby towns of Kittery and Freeport.

Ogunquit Maine hotels are popular during the warm weather months as people come here to frolic in the surf, enjoy the pristine beaches and relax in this picturesque village. Ogunquit Maine is a well-know gay destination as well as it boasts several gay oriented bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other businesses. For the outdoor enthusiast, the state of Maine is a natural utopia. Campers, hunters, fishermen, skiers and surfboarders regularly book several nights in the hotels in Maine to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Maine is also well known for its fresh seafood. Lobsters, clams, clam chowder and fresh fish are offered in award-winning restaurants in Maine as well as in family owned eateries all across the state. Whale watching is an activity that is highly recommended for any visitors planning on staying in the state for a few days as the sheer excitement and awe of seeing a whale in nature is spectacular and unparalleled.

The state of Maine is one state that should not be overlooked when traveling across the United States. It is beautiful, spectacular and offers visitors a wide range of activities and sights.