While many come for the unique Atlantic environment, Maine is known for its large, and only, national park. Acadia National park is a jeweled location in the state of Maine that is also a national treasure. It attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually, both domestically and from abroad. Even though it is the only national park, it is one of the top ten in the country. Visitors come to hike its trails that conglomerate over 150 miles long and completely disconnect you from the fast-paced and demanding environment of the digital age.
Of course, it has many other activities as well. Birdwatchers come to identify the many bird species and insects in the area, and its vast sea body gives rise to a plethora of safe water activities and sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing. The many trails and long paths are also a great attraction for those wishing to bike, mountain bike, or camp in this region.
The Atlantic coast is home to some of the freshest seafood on the planet. Maine's coast is filled with jagged rocks, diverse ecosystems, and a unique environment that makes it thriving fishing, cuisine, and lifestyle attraction. Maine lobsters are known around the country, and the world, as being some of the best tasting and widely used ingredients in the world. Before the 1930s, lobsters were considered food for those who were less fortunate or living in poverty. This is because the lobster was considered "ugly" by upper middle class and rich inhabitants throughout the country and the world itself.
After the 1930s, an aggressive national campaign was launched to rebrand lobster, as it was a growing resource that needed to be used. This eventually took place, and restaurants would properly clean and serve lobster at extremely high prices, when they found out that the meat was just as good as other seafood, if not, better. While it is a delicacy today, Maine's abundance of resources has made the price more affordable if diners come and eat locally. This means that a one-in-a-while treat is common here, often even being consumed during dinner and lunch. Maine also has an abundance of other seafood, namely its clams.
Tourists keep their cameras and phones at the ready when dining in picturesque restaurants, as it is not uncommon to see a large wharf full of returning fishers and sailors that are bringing the fresh haul of the day. A popular dish is for restaurants to serve the catch of the day, usually fresh or in soup.
Although it is well-known for its fishing industry, Maine's blueberries are some of the best in the country. While blueberries are usually grown on farms for consumption, the mountains of Maine grow wild blueberries, just like they have done for the past millennium. The blueberry harvest from July to mid-September supplies the United States with 10% of its overall blueberry yield.