An Open Letter To Maine’s Summer Visitors

Dear Summer Visitors,

Let me start by saying, despite what some people may say, we love our summer visitors (and the visitors that come up during the other three seasons, too).  We really enjoy your company – some of us have even become friends with those of you that come for visits on a regular basis.  And, we rely on the millions of dollars that you pump into our economy annually.

Yes, we do look forward to seeing you later this year.  However, now is probably not the best time for you to visit.  There are several reasons for this...

First, the entire state remains under a stay-at-home order until at least April 30^th.  However, as Governor Janet Mills has chosen to extend the State of Civil Emergency until May 15^th, there is a decent chance we’ll see the stay-at-home order extended, as well.

Second, Governor Mills has ordered that anyone entering the state for any reason, other than those deemed necessary (like medical staff or truck drivers delivering essential items), needs to spend 14 days in self-imposed isolation.  This is to ensure that they will not contribute to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Additionally, our hotels, state / national parks, and non-essential businesses remain closed.  And, restaurants are limited to take-out orders.

So, even if you came for a visit, you’d have nowhere to stay and not much to do.

And, it would only be wise to wait for the nationwide curve to flatten a little more.

But, things are getting a little better each day.

For example, Governor Mills and her staff are working a plan to re-open the state.  But, at the time of this writing, they have yet to announce any specifics regarding this plan.

So, let’s make a deal.  You give us another month-or-so (maybe a few months) to get things back to normal, and we’ll roll out the red carpet for the nearly 37 million of you that visit each year.  We’ll welcome you to our amazing restaurants or have a beer with you at our unique bars and taprooms.  We’ll greet you when we see you exploring the streets of our historic downtowns, give you suggestions on the best hiking trails, and we’ll say “hi” when we see you hanging out on our beaches.

Here's a video to remind you of what you're waiting for...

Until then, make your summer plans and save your money so you can really kick back and enjoy your Maine vacation.  I think we can all agree, when this is all over, we’re going to need a vacation!

Sincerely,

Cooper Fox

Before moving back to his home state of Maine in 2016, Cooper spent over a decade working in the tourist town of North Conway, New Hampshire.  As a result, he understands home important tourist dollars are to a place like Maine.