"A Few of Our Favorite Things" by Maine Camps

When you send your child to camp in Maine, not only do your kids enjoy incredible camps, but the whole family also gets to enjoy amazing Maine experiences. At the holidays, we wanted to share “a few of our favorite things” (now we’re singing the song!) from Maine. Whether for yourself or as a gift for family and friends, here are our recommendations:

• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens  – One of Maine’s top attractions and the largest botanical garden in New England, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine is great to visit in all seasons. Tour the gardens as part of the permanent collection where there’s always something different in bloom, and enjoy special exhibits and events. Highlights include Gardens Aglow holiday lights, Guardians of the Seeds huge troll wooden statues, and more! www.mainegardens.org
• Coastal Maine Popcorn Company  – So many incredible flavors ranging from sweet like Maine Maple Marshmallow, Maine Blueberry Pancake, and S’mores (a great “taste” of camp!) and savory like Buffalo Wing, Dill Pickle, and Rosemary & Pink Himalayan Sea Salt. They also have a great Maine’s Best Holiday Gift Box with popcorn, jam, syrup, soap, and candle. www.coastalmainepopocorn.com
• Cool As a Moose  – A fave among counselors and campers alike, Cool As a Moose has been The Original Moose Brand of Maine for over 35 years. Whether in stores or online, Cool is a Moose is great for fun t-shirts, boxer shorts, hats, hoodies, and more! www.coolasamoose.com
• FIORE Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars  – Enjoy the unique tastes, flavors, and health benefits of fresh, extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars at the retail stores with tasting rooms in Maine or by ordering online. It’s a global taste tour! www.fioreoliveoils.com
• L.L. Bean  – Nothing says Maine and outdoors like the iconic brand L.L. Bean. Headquartered in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean specializes in clothing and outdoor recreation equipment; great for camp gear. The L.L. Bean stores in Freeport are fun to visit (complete with a big fish pond!) while you shop or order online. www.llbean.com
• Luke’s Lobster  – Maine is the lobster capital of the world, and Luke’s Lobster is a great part of the Maine lobster tradition. It’s a family-owned Maine seafood business, founded by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden. Delicious steamed lobster, lobster rolls and more are at Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier restaurant in Maine and at Luke’s lobster shacks in cities across the country. It can also be ordered online and found at local grocery stores. www.lukeslobster.com
• Maine Foodie Tours  – The most fun way to explore Maine is with expert guide taking you to local places to meet the people and get tastes and sips of Maine. Now part of Maine Day Ventures, these great culinary walking tours are available in seven different cities, including Portland and Kennebunkport. Laurie our Campcierge™ shares that she’s enjoyed hearing the tales of how a local restaurant/bar got its name, drank a great craft cocktail at a cool bar/mixology shop, and ate some great ice cream while on tour. www.mainedayventures.com
• Wicked Whoopies  – Maine’s famous dessert is delicious as a Classic (chocolate outside with light fluffy cream filling) or in many delicious varieties including Red Velvet, Chocolate and Peanut Butter, Pumpkin, Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip, and Maple Wicked Whoopie. Great to visit their retail stores in Maine or order variety packs online featuring individually wrapped whoopies. www.wickedwhoopies.com
• Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections  – An incredible family-owned business making handcrafted chocolate using locally sourced ingredients. Fun to visit their retail locations in Maine or easy to order online. Chocolate Covered Blueberries, Maine Mud (yummy chocolate sauce), Gummi Lobstahs, Fudge, Holiday-Themed gift baskets and more! www.wilburs.com

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.  

Next, be sure to  to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.