Maine is an incredible state to live in, but if you don’t live here, you need to at least visit. Living in Maine for 19 years, I’ve had my fair share of Maine summers, and this is a complied list of 10 things you have to try and do while visiting Vacationland.

1. Eat a lobster

It’s a pretty well known fact that Maine is known for catching lobster. And when visiting Maine, you have to try this sea creature at least once or how can you even say you even went to Maine? Beware, lobster is addicting, especially with butter. One place I recommend to get lobster is Mike’s Clam Shack in Wells, and make sure to try their desserts while you’re there.

2. Eat Gifford’s Ice Cream at a stand

It’s a Maine ice cream, of course it should be on your to-do list! There’s only five stands across Maine; in Skowhegan, Waterville, Bangor, Auburn, and Farmington, so finding one could be a hassle. But for the ice cream, it’s totally worth it! With world winning vanilla and chocolate flavors, it’s worth a bit of a drive. As an added bonus both the Skowhegan and Waterville stands have a mini-golf course to boot! And the Waterville stand also has a batting cage.

3. Eat at a Maine diner

Don’t worry, I promise this list is not all food. All the local diners in Maine that I’ve been to have had wonderful food, and the décor felt like it really entrapped the Maine spirit. Some diners I personally recommend is Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro, Becky’s Diner in Old Port Portland and the China Dinah in China (Maine of course).

4. Old Orchard Beach

Miles of beach, shops, games, concerts, fireworks, it is a wonderful place to go. And also one of the most popular. It’s a must see but hold on to the kids, it gets busy. But definitely get out there and go!

5. Go moose watching

The plural of moose is not meese, I promise you. As a Mainer, I know how fun it is to mess with tourists, I’ve done this one myself. So I’m telling you right now, moose is the plural of moose. Seeing a moose is pretty incredible, even if you have lived in Maine your entire life. Some of the best places I know of to see moose is in the areas of Jackman and Greenville.

6. Fort Knox

Fort Knox is in Prospect and filled with history. Or, well, kind of a lack of history. It was built to protect the Penobscot river, but never actually participated in any battle. But it is fun to tour, I’ve been there multiple times and still want to keep going back. As the story goes, Fort Knox is haunted, so keep an eye out for ghosts!

7. Go to a waterfall, and maybe swim

Maine is full of gorgeous waterfalls, so of course it has to be included. Whether it’s Moxie Falls in the Forks or Smalls Falls near Rangeley, any waterfall is a good one to see and Maine is literally overflowing with them. With over 118 notable water falls your options maybe daunting but each one more breath taking than the last. Many are even deep enough to swim in, so jump right in! Be warned though, Maine has some cold water!

8. Lighthouses

If you don’t visit one of Maine’s many light-houses, you aren’t allowed to leave, sorry. Not really, but why would you want to leave knowing you did not get to see one of these beautiful buildings along the rocky coast. And the Marshall Point lighthouse in Port Clyde was actually featured in the movie Forrest Gump!

9. Tour a downtown area

Whether it is Farmington, Waterville, Portland, Freeport or Damariscotta, they all have the same brick building, close knit feel to them. It’s a downtown feeling you can’t ever really find anywhere but Maine.

10: Go to a state park

Maine isn’t called Vacationland for no reason. There are over 38 state parks covering 400,000 acres of Maine’s diverse gorgeous landscapes. To travel to Maine and not visit one would be a disservice to yourself. Visiting a state park and going for a hike should be one of the top things on your to do list while visiting. Between the beautiful views of Cadillac mountain on the coast in Acadia, to the twisting lakes and streams of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, to the highest point in the state Mt. Katahdin (which is also the ending point for the Appalachian Trail) in Baxter State Park. There is a flavor for everyone.