Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions, or personal experiences.

As the winter blues set in for many, planning our the places they'll travel to in any given year can brighten the mood. Maine is no stranger to tourism with many of the state's coastal towns thriving and maintaining off of tourism dollars year after year. With so many wonderful towns and cities to visit throughout New England, it can be tough to narrow down your choices. According to TravelAwaits, they've already done that for, naming the two places in Maine that are the best to visit in 2023.


 

Ogunquit

The beach along the Marginal Way in Ogunquit.
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For many, a weekend trip to Ogunquit is literally a breath of fresh air. The town is vibrant in the summer, filled with unique shops and bustling restaurants. Ogunquit also offers decent nightlife options compared to other towns nearby. What Ogunquit really does well is offer a variety of shops and restaurants that don't take away from one another.

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For those seeking accommodations, Ogunquit is home to some incredibly luxurious resorts but will also mix in a quaint bed and breakfast too. Another bonus is the amazing views throughout the town along with some incredible beachfront where you could park yourself in a chair all day long.

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As TravelAwaits states in their review of Ogunquit, "the town never disappoints".


 

Portland

Lobster boats tied up to a pier, Portland, Maine.
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Portland remains the top destination in Maine to visit any time of the year, offering tourists plenty of shopping, recreation and world class dining whether it's winter or summer. In recent years, Portland has built up with new hotels offering a more posh experience for those visiting.

Monument Square in Portland, Maine
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As TravelAwaits points out, perhaps the most underrated portion of Portland is its vibrant arts scene. Portland is home to several concert venues that play to many different musical tastes. The city also boasts museums that range from pure art to the peculiar and strange. Not only that, a simple stroll through the Old Port can result in seeing an artist practice their craft in a public park.

A plate of fries, melted butter, and a Lobster Roll sandwich.
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In the summer, Portland also boasts a very lively waterfront filled with restaurants, outdoor live music and customized tours throughout the city.


 

50 Maine Restaurants to Try in 2023

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's great restaurants that Mainers want to try in 2023.

These great spots can be found across the state and waiting for you to give them a try.

How many have you been to? How many would you like to try for the first time?

LOOK: What is the coldest city in every state?

Stacker analyzed data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine the coldest cities in every state.

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