The following is a list of eight peculiar and peculiar things that nobody tells you about living in Maine, pulling from peculiar local practices, distinctive cultural characteristics, and peculiarities of the region:
The obsession with lobster is quite real.
Not only is lobster a staple meal in Maine, but it’s also essentially a way of life there. Even if you don’t live in close proximity to the shore, you can find yourself not only discussing which lobster shack or stew is the greatest, but you might also find yourself eating lobster on a weekly basis.
You will begin to use the phrase “Up-to-Camp”
“Up-ta-camp” is the phrase that Mainers use when they are about to travel to a second home or to the north of the state. A cabin is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a mentality and a term that’s exclusive to Maine that describes weekends spent away from the grid, on a lake, or deep in the woods.
Everywhere You Look, There Are Unique Museums
There are museums in Maine that are dedicated to some pretty peculiar subjects, such as the International Cryptozoology Museum (think Bigfoot and lake monsters), the Sardine History Museum, and even an umbrella cover museum. These are sites that you are not likely to find anywhere else.
Hot Dogs Stuffed with Red Snapper and Top-Split Buns
“Red snapper” hot dogs are a favorite among residents of Maine. These hot dogs are vivid red in color, with natural casings, and are typically served in a top-loading bun that most people find surprising.
Beans baked in the oven for breakfast? Also not out of the ordinary here.
Roads Exempt from Billboards
You won’t find any highway billboards in Maine because it is one of the few states in which roadside advertising is prohibited. As a result, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views of nature rather than being distracted by commercial clutter.
Dogs are allowed into storefronts with no problems.
It may come as a surprise to you that the majority of retailers, like T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, allow dogs to enter the premises. Shops in Maine frequently inquire as to why you did not bring your dog with you because the state has a robust dog culture.
A peculiar “Town Name Tour”
There are towns in Maine that are named after countries and regions from all over the world, including Poland, Sweden, Mexico, Norway, Peru, and even China. Local car trips are transformed into a peculiar geography test as a result.
Dialect & Nicknames That Are Unique to Each Individual
You will get skilled at distinguishing between a “Yankee” and a “Mainah.” Mainers have their own distinctive accent, as well as a casual and eccentric vocabulary (for example, “bub” is a pet name, and “from away” refers to anyone who is not from the area), and a friendliness that is notable even in New England.
All of these peculiarities come together to give Maine its own distinct flavor, which makes living in this state deliciously unpredictable for both long-time residents and visitors alike.
