Maine Statehood Day!

Happy Birthday to my home state of Maine!!!  I've been very blessed to spend most of my life in one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.  As the state of Maine turns 196 today, I thought I'd do a little tribute to celebrate.  If you've ever wanted to know more about where Eliot and I live, here's your chance!

Maine is the northern most state on the east coast of the United States.  We're well known for our lobster, blueberries and potatoes.  (And if you happen to be Sharpay Evans from High School Musical- turkey.)  Maine is also known for it's breathtaking natural beauty including it's rocky coastline, picturesque mountains, many forests, rivers, Atlantic ocean views and lakes.

The state of Maine's largest city is Portland, which is just north of Eliot and me.  (For a frame of reference, South Portland is where we do most of our shopping at the craft stores and the Maine Mall.)  The state capital is Augusta and it's about an hour and a half from us.  Most of the population is located in the southern half of the state.

Maine's residents go by the term "Mainers" -not to be confused with "Downeasters" who are people living on the northeast coast of Maine.  (For example, one could say that my parents live "downeast" from Eliot and me.)

On March 15, 1820, Maine was admitted into the Union as the 23rd state.  Maine used to be part of Massachusetts from 1652 to 1820.  During those years, the land was fought over by the French, English and natives.  Maine is known as the "Pine Tree State".  In fact, 83% of the land in Maine is still forest.  Another fun fact is that Maine is always the first place to see the sunrise in the United States.

Maine is the home of my beloved Acadia National Park, which is the only national park in New England.  It is the oldest American national park east of the Mississippi River.  It was established in 1916 and will be celebrating it's centennial year this summer!!!

Maine is a great place for outdoor sports.  In the summer months it's a popular location for boating, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and more.  In the winter, people like to ski, snowmobile, go sledding, ice skate, play hockey, go snowshoeing and go ice fishing.

Tourism is very important part of the economy in Maine.  We are a huge destination for tourists.  Acadia National Park has over 4 million people visit every year.  Quiet coastal towns are also popular.  Tourists flock to Bar Harbor, York, Freeport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockport, Kennebunkport and more.

We are very proud of our Maine based companies.  Two of the more well known ones are L.L.Bean and DeLorme.  Both are located within minutes of each other.  L.L.Bean is a retail store located in Freeport Maine.  It specializes in clothing and outdoor recreational equipment.  Delorme is located in Yarmouth.  They are known for their navigation technology, printed atlas and topographic products.  Of course, growing up here, I also know L.L.Bean as the giant store with the indoor fish pond that's open 365 days a year and Delorme is the place with the world's largest revolving globe.

A few current television shows "take place" in Maine.  For those of you with kids, you're probably familiar with "Camp Kikiwaka" form Disney Channel's show Bunk'd.  The fictional camp is supposed to be in Maine.  The summer hit Under the Dome also takes place in Maine in the fictional town of Chester's Mill.  Of course, my favorite show, Once Upon a Time, takes place in the fictional coastal Maine town of Storybrooke.

We also have quite a few famous celebrities who were from or reside in Maine.  A few of them include: author Steven King, actress Anna Kendrick, actor Patrick Dempsey, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and comedian Bob Marley.

Maine State Symbols

State berry: Wild blueberry
State bird: Black-capped chickadee
State cat: Maine Coon
State dessert: Blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries
State fish: Land-locked salmon
State flower: White Pinecone and Tassel
State fossil: Pertica quadrifaria
State gemstone: Tourmaline
State herb: Wintergreen
State insect: European honey bee (although the locals will tell you it's the mosquito)
State mammal: Moose
State soft drink: Moxie (a very potent drink I have never had the guts to try)
State treat: Whoopie pie (yum!!!)
State tree: Eastern White Pine
State motto: Dirigo (which means "I lead")

I am very proud of my home state of Maine.  Happy Birthday Maine!  Here's to many more years of accomplishments, splendor and beauty!!!  °o°

(Note: While I knew most of these facts from living here two thirds of my life, I did double check those facts and gather some of the state symbols from Wikipedia.)