We expected there to be a lobster culture in Maine. But we quickly realized how many lobster boats and buoys dot the water and harbors.
They're everywhere. It's hard to find any expanse of the sea without colorful lobster buoys when you look out to the water.
YOU WON'T SEE LIVE MOOSE EVERYWHERE, BUT YOU WILL SEE FAKE ONES
People associate moose with Maine. But we didn't see any live ones. That doesn't mean you won't see one because they exist there! But it's more likely you'll see lobster than moose.
The #1 food to get in Maine in lobster, and a lobster roll is an incredibly popular way to eat it.
Know that they can be very expensive and the price fluctuates with the market price of lobster.
YOU NEED TO PACK FOR COLD WEATHER, EVEN DURING SUMMER
There were days that it was 70 degrees and the sun was blazing. But then we'd go on a boat tour and the temperature dropped 20 degrees and was windy.
Pack prepared for warm weather and cold weather. Layers are key!
We thought we'd have to take a special trip or hike to see lighthouses in Maine. But they're everywhere on the coast.
There are over 60 along coastal Maine!
One of the things we learned as first timers visiting Maine is that there's a Gulf of Maine.
Move over, Gulf of Mexico...Maine's gulf is worth a visit too!
We like lobster but don't really order it at restaurants.
We're kind of “take it or leave it” kind of people when it comes to these crustaceans.
But holy cow – they are amazing in Maine.
Seafood is abundant in Maine. It's a fishermen state.
The main fish we repeatedly saw on menus was haddock. It's a member of the cod family, but a tad sweeter.
You'll find haddock sandwiches on menus nearly anywhere that serves seafood.