Due to its proximity to Pennesseewassee Lake and Maine’s western mountains, Norway has long been a stopover for both summer and winter excursions. At one point it was even known as the “Snowshoe Capital of the World.” We spoke with

The County is a winter playground for ice-fishing, snowmobiling, and dogsledding, but Maine’s largest territory also has much to offer post-thaw.

The Damariscotta River is world-famous for its oysters, and there’s never been a better time to shuck and slurp your way through the region. Many of the river’s oyster farms provide tours of their growing operations, and some now have markets for taking their bivalves home with you as well as outdoor seating for on-site sampling.

Nirvana for freshwater enthusiasts, this is where vacationers mingle with locals all summer long. By day’s end almost every adult seems to have a sunburn on their neck and a beer in their hands. It’s a kids’ playground, too, of course, with numerous water sports available, from pontoon boat rentals and fully rigged fishing trips to simply jumping off a gigantic rock again and again…and again.

The islands reachable via Casco Bay Lines ferry service out of Portland don’t just boast pine-dotted shores, protected harbors, tight-knit fishing communities, and sea life galore. They also offer a slew of activities: from hiking and biking trails to tennis and golf to fine dining and camping. And one thing they all have in spades is a notably slower pace of life and the bliss that comes with it.