Maine

I've spent time at the book stores recently researching books for my upcoming trip to Maine. My wife and I plan to spend 4 nights and 5 days there and wanted plenty to see and do where we wouldn't necessarily meet thousands of other travelers since I'm not too much into the whole crowd experience. Brandes' book is so well researched that you can't go wrong with it!While other typical books that are similar, such as Fodors and Frommers, have quite a bit of information in its own right, I think that this particular Moon Handbook is better equipped to give better detail of interest whether site seeing, dining, entertainment, lodging, etc.I recently completed a Web site for a bed and breakfast located in Machiasport (down east) and had to do quite a bit of research on the area to enhance their site. My research was conducted primarily via the internet over the course of a few days. I'm glad to say that after I received my book and compared information, everything I could find on the Web in and around Machiasport was already included in sufficient detail in this book! I would have saved myself a few days of searching.If you want to tour Maine or already live there but need to places to explore, the second edition Moon Handbook on Maine is the way to go.When I vote with 4 stars, that means the product was excellent. When I vote with 5 stars, it goes beyond excellence in my view and is considered best in class. This book is "THE" authoritive book on touring Maine. Excellent purchase!

First of all, I have to mention that I live in Maine. And I can tell you from experience that the beauty of Kathleen Brandes' book lies in the sheer span of coverage, which is considerable, matched with a propensity for detail, which is astounding! Even the "Native" Mainers will find much to enjoy in this book. This is a rich, dense, and completely user-friendly volume, folks!I'll give you an example. I'm a photographer based in the Bangor area. I bought this book for my personal library which aids me in seeking out photographic areas of interest. Last week I traveled to Lubec, Maine - and I used this handbook for lodging and dining info. I located the Eastland Motel in Lubec based on this handbook, and met the proprietor - Lee Aragon - who cheerfully provided suggestions for exploration in the Lubec-Eastport-Campobello region. I mentioned to Lee that I had read about her in The Maine Handbook...and that she was correctly described by Kathleen Brandes as a "Lubec booster". Lee was tickled pink by this, and by extension, I was able to get some nice local insights that I would never have known about otherwise. Paging through this Maine Handbook, you get the feeling that Kathleen Brandes is a scholar of "All Things Maine", and she is enjoying every minute of it. And who can blame her? Maine truly is.....well.....the way life should be. Buy the book, come to Maine....and if you already live here, buy the book anyway! It has become something of a "state bible" for me. Can't image traveling without it.And there is something in this book for everyone. Kathleen has you covered, whether you are single, married with children, an armchair traveler or someone who simply wishes to know more about the Pine Tree State. Longtime locals and prospective tourists alike would do well to mine this gem of a book. I have two dog-eared copies....one for home, and one for my car - enough said.

This book nearly saved my life when I moved to Maine and didn't know a darn thing about the place except: lobster and Acadia National Park. The author lives here and definitely has a huge fondness for the people, land and language of Maine. It really is like having a knowledgeable local to show you around. She gives great information on cultural events (fairs and festivals..some pretty obscure), great day-trips and off-the-beaten-path hikes and trips (some of which I mentioned visiting to long-time residents..and they didn't know about them!), local-isms (and they abound in Maine), tips on lobster eatin' and blueberry pickin' and more! And, most importantly for the visitor or newcomer, really good driving directions. I've heard that there is a new (2nd.) edition of this book..but this first is such a classic that I hope they didn't goof it up. However, it would probably update the visitor on some items that are no longer in existence: for example, the Bangor Blue Ox minor league baseball team. It also reveals the exact location of Stevie King's house..which is not often given out!

"Maine Handbook" is the most comprehensive guide to the state of Maine I've come across. In addition to all the usual tourist information, this book includes wonderful little off-the-beaten-path finds, and even has information on where the nearest laundromats and drug stores are, and where you can get film developed! I used this book on a trip to Deer Isle/Stonington last summer, and was very glad to have it!

My family and I have used this excellent guidebook extensively in our travels throughout Maine. The information is extensive and helpful. Don't travel in Maine without it!