Maine is known world over for its spectacular rugged coastline, with over three thousand islands and picturesque harbours. Maine is full of traditional New England towns and quaint costal villages that feature excellent shopping and fine family friendly restaurants. Maine evokes images of ship building and nineteenth century sea captains. By the middle of the nineteenth century Maine had established itself as the ship building capital of the USA. Some of the world’s finest sailing boats are still built here.

Up and down the coast there are mansions built by wealthy sea captains, and ancient lighthouses, many of which have been converted into bed and breakfasts. Maine has several well known lighthouses such as the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. It was commissioned by George Washington in 1790, and is the oldest one in the state. There are sixty working lighthouses up and down the Maine coast.

The town of Freeport is known internationally for its impressive range of outlet stores, making it an international shopping mecca. The main street is home to Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and the L.L. Bean flagship store, which is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year! There is also a Brooks Brothers and a Jockey store. Many of these outlet stores sell at a heavily discounted price, so you are bound to find a bargain or two!

Maine is famous for its cranberries and blueberries… blueberry pie… drinking fresh cranberry juice on a summers day… picking delicious wild blueberries.

No mention of Maine is complete without a word on lobster. Marching steadily across the Atlantic’s rocky floor into the waiting traps of local lobstermen, the tasty crustacean is the state’s most noteworthy culinary claim to fame. Clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels are also found in abundance off the Maine coastline, and can be enjoyed in one of the many great restaurants on the coast.

Away from modernization and technical advancements in present America there is a place, New England best known for its rich historical importance and exotic natural beauty. New England plays a very important role in the making of what America is today. The history here is full of proud tales relating to revolutions and fight for independence of the country. Such powerful history of the region adds to the tourist attraction of this place. New England in presently well known for opportunities of outdoor games and activities that it offers. The location and geographical structure of the country makes it an ideal spot for water games, skiing, hiking, rafting, golf and many other physical activities.

Almost all the cities in New England are famous for the facilities the offer for food, lodging, sightseeing, physical sports and a rich cultural extravaganza. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine are some of the more popular cities. Apart from the sports facilities New England also has a scope for nightlife, historical museum, and elaborate parks.
The country offers mouthwatering recipes in its cuisine. The food habits are inspired by the ancient traditions but are well adapted to suit the modern platter. There are exquisite restaurants throughout the country to satisfy one’s palate. Adding to the attraction of New England is the shopping options presented here which makes it rightly a shopper’s paradise. Articles like jewelry, gift boxes, fine art, souvenir, prints and posters are all immensely popular at this place.

New England has a well-developed air transport system connecting all its domestic cities, other important cities in America and the world at large. One can find a suitable flight schedule easily by checking with the air ticketing office. Even the airports in most cities of New England are very well equipped and cover a large area. Cities like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire have wide opportunities for family entertainment. The amusement parks there offer great entertainment by way of kiddy rides, paddleboats, wooden roller coaster rides, etc. With such variety of attractions New England is a favorite of all ages be it an old, the adult or the young ones everyone can find a reason to cherish the place.

The zoo, oceanic beauty and aquariums in many popular cities are an added treat for the traveler. The zoo here is amongst the largest in world and is inhabited by the most unique and very diversified animals gathered form around the globe. The sea creatures which one sees here is amazing, the varieties found are marvelous the sight beneath the ocean is beyond the visualization unless one actually visits the place. The beaches that extend to miles and offer an exotic view of the ocean are an added advantage to the popularity of this place. Symbolic of New England are the covered bridges that are great attraction for the tourists visiting the cities here.

The rich history of this country also accounts for the grand museums and monuments located throughout the important cities. The museums and architectural sites are a proof for the countries rich historical background. A guided tour to any of these spots can well make a tourist acquainted with the customs, art and craft, military information and the architecture of ancient New England

The sun may have set on the English Empire of history books, but by no means is England’s worldly cultural influence waning. The cosmopolitan hot-spots of sophisticated London and avant-garde Manchester speak to the global future while the Roman remnants in Bath and Celtic heritage at Stonehenge stand as monumental tributes to a time past but not forgotten.

Experience England – Culinary Intrigue

The Brits may not traditionally be known, or even praised, for their gastronomic heritage; however, England has recently experienced a culinary renaissance of sorts and can proudly boast 14 of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Erase thoughts of porridge and stodge – the British dining experience has abandoned its starchy past and embarked on a journey through multicultural and international cuisine, particularly in the South. England’s colonial history comes forth in London’s exquisite choice of Indian restaurants. Despite this new food wave, make sure not to pass on the Yorkshire pudding and Beef Wellington when traveling through the North, which offers exceptional renditions of more traditional dishes.

From London to Land’s End

Upon arrival in the English region of this massive island, it is important to include travel outside of London for the full British experience. England’s most southwestern tip of Cornwall is home to the legendary sea-cliffs below Penzance and the dramatic peninsula of Land’s End where a 25 mile trail will take you along some of the most beautiful stretches of ocean. Cornwall is also known for its architectural landmarks, including Cotehele, a most impressive Tudor mansion and museum along the river Tamar. Travel northeast to encounter ancient towns nestled in the picturesque countryside of The Cotswolds. This region is extremely popular for a glimpse into the idyllic English lifestyle with its 14th century stone and thatched roof cottages and cobblestone alleys. Keep in mind that the southern regions are heavily traveled in the months of July and August by locals and foreigners alike due to the warmer weather.

Farther north, the ancient spa town of Bath is famous for the 2000 year-old Roman bathhouses, which are still open to the public, in addition to Saxon ruins and the history of local Christianity told by the Heritage Vaults. Shakespeare buffs should not miss Stratford-upon-Avon, his home town located in the Midlands. Shakespeare and his family are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in the heart of town. While visiting the most northern regions, travel through York to see Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and walk along the immaculately preserved medieval street of The Shambles. Even more enchanting are the still-standing city walls that enclose a magical mix of history and modernity in a city that was once the Danish capital of Viking England.

A Region of Global Heritage

Aside from England’s ancient history, no other nation has had such a hand in human progress in the modern era. At one time the English Empire encompassed stretches of the globe from Australia and India to Canada and America. England helped push the world stage into Industrial Revolution; the Midlands are home to the world’s first industrial cities. The land of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens, Saxons, Celts and Normans, is an intriguing and essential journey for anyone interested in the formation of contemporary global culture.