This summer, we’re taking some virtual road trips and exploring the country, courtesy of DCG staffers. Depending on where you live, you’ll travel north, south, east, or west through cyberspace to get inside information on both small towns and larger cities. We hope you learn something new and find inspiration for when you feel comfortable traveling again.
The next blog in our series focuses on Greene, ME. Alli Woodard, account executive for the HRA/OSP team, grew up there.
When I graduated high school, I could not wait to get out of Maine. As I prepared to move to New York to attend Elmira College, I was excited to leave my small town of Greene behind and start a new chapter 500 miles away. Besides my family, I didn’t think that I would miss it.
I was so wrong.
I would have never considered myself a homebody — and homesickness has always been quite a rarity for me — but when I left Maine, that quickly changed. Since leaving Maine in 2014, I have lived in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and nothing compares to the Pine Tree State. Here’s why:
The beauty
From soft fields of purple lupines to the enchanting mountains, lush forest, and pristine ocean, Maine’s beauty is unlike any other. It was a privilege growing up with all four seasons and, although the winters can be quite blistering cold, there is something truly magical about waking up to a foot of fresh, untouched snow in the morning (that is, until you must shovel your car out of the driveway). If I had to choose, though, I will always say that there is no better place to be in summer than in Maine. It rarely goes above 90 degrees and, with over 3,000 miles of coastline, there’s always room to relax on the beach! If you plan on visiting Maine (and you definitely should!), make sure you leave it better than how you found it.
The cuisine
I will not lie — I’m not a huge lobster fan, but that doesn’t matter when Maine has a variety of local cuisine! One of my favorites, and most unique, is the “Maine Italian,” a sandwich unique to central and southern Maine. Unlike a traditional sub (or hoagie or grinder), the sandwich is made on a long roll, cut New England style, and always includes sub oil. My personal preference is from Sam’s, but the original home of the Italian sandwich — Amato’s — is still in business today across northern New England!
The people
While I must admit I’m biased, Maine people have had a long history of hospitality. That is because so much of our state relies on tourism and welcoming those from around the world to our national and state parks, beaches, and breweries — and the L.L.Bean Flagship Store. No matter if you’re visiting the Old Port in Portland, Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Saddleback Mountain in Sandy River, or the snowmobile trails in Jackman, Mainers will always be happy to see you.
It would be impossible to list all the incredible things that Maine has to offer, but with each visit, I always leave with a fresh and newfound appreciation for my home state. Perhaps the old saying is right: Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I hope you’ll come visit this summer.
