Welcome to ‘Vacationland’: Tips from locals
Friendly advice for tourists enjoying Maine’s natural beauty—and more—this summer
July 28, 2026
By Joey Jett
BLUE HILL—Every year, Maine welcomes over 14 million tourists—more than half of those arrive in summer–exploring everything the vacation state has to offer—hiking, camping, sailing, or dining on fresh seafood.
The Rising Tide asked locals what advice they have for visitors. Here’s what they said.
Patrick Harris, Blue Hill
Personal Assistant
“If you’re staying for long enough, try some smaller places for food and drink that are a little off the beaten path– Club Marina & Bar in Stockton Springs, Alamoosook Lakeside Inn in Bucksport, or Naiad Country Brewery in Orland. Devil’s Half Acre, Brooklin Inn’s Pub and the Whale’s Rib Tavern [now called The Ark] in Deer Isle village deserve a mention too!”
Chas Pitts, Bucksport
Content creator
“People will try to convince you to drink Moxie. Do not do it. It tastes like every horrible thing that’s ever happened to you.”
Nikki Gsell, Deer Isle
Entrepreneur
“Be respectful of those of us who work our butts off to catch, cook, and serve you that famous lobster. If you feel you know more than us, fish on a lobster boat offshore for a month, rake blueberries by hand for a few weeks, serve or work in our many restaurants during a season. Be respectful, be kind, and be humble.”
Stephanie Carter, Brooksville
Library Director
“Arrive with eyes wide open. Observe. Keep an open mind. No need to change or ‘fix’ things. Enjoy, admire and respect lifestyles from all walks of life. And, fall in love with every bit of Maine.”
Kyle Chick, Penobscot
Bread Baker at The Bakery
“I recognize this place is not mine. And it’s not really yours either. It belongs to deer and birds, the ocean and the clouds, it belongs to the berry fields and it belongs to the first people who lived here way before anyone in my lineage. I think all we can do as the current inhabitants here is to remember to give back to what’s always been here and to respect what was. I always try to create community. It’s what I see as this place's greatest resource.”
Cam King, Verona Island
Lead Guitarist and Singer for ‘Mood’
“Just be considerate and kind. Mainers are the nicest, most helpful people in the country. In a sense, a lot of us expect that from everyone. So when you get to Maine, do as the Mainers do, be considerate of the people and the land, and be kind to both.”
Jason Carter, Blue Hill
IT Coordinator, Blue Hill Co-op
“A lot of visitors go to Bar Harbor and Acadia National park for their summer stay. I would suggest that they wait until fall to visit Maine. The foliage is very beautiful and the temperature is cooler than in the summer. Plus, it isn’t as busy in Bar Harbor during that time compared to the summer traffic.”