When it comes to things to do and see around Maine, there are so many options that it would be difficult to put them all into one list. Believe me, we've tried.

However, how do we determine what the absolute BEST place to visit in Maine is if you are running short on time or just looking for the best bang for your buck?

Well, for that, we've turned to one of the most trusted travel sites on planet Earth: Tripadvisor.

I'll be totally honest with you, I've used TripAdvisor a lot over the years, but I have never used it (until today) to look anything up in the state of Maine.

After all, as native Mainers, we know all the things about our state without the help of the internet, right?

According to a "Top 5" list from Tripadvisor, there is one hidden Maine gem that everyone who comes to the state of Maine, or who lives here, needs to visit at least once. But, before we get to that, let's run down the other four from the list, shall we?

Number 5 on the list is the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Located near Maine's popular Pemaquid Beach in New Harbor, Maine, Pemaquid Point Light is one of the most beautiful, and photographed, lighthouses in all of Maine.

Number 4 on the list, and one of my personal favorites, is the Allagash Brewing. It's no secret that Maine is home to a gazillion breweries, but Allagash Brewing in Portland has to be on your "must-drink" list.

Number 3 is Mount Battie in beautiful Camden, Maine. I have been there many times, and it is great for couples and families alike. You can either take the auto-road to the top or you can do a super-easy hike up. At the top, the stone tower provides excellent views of Camden Harbor (if it's not cloudy out!).

Number 2 on the Tripadvisor list is another gorgeous Maine light. Located near York Beach, the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse is a must-visit Maine spot.

Number 1, and really no surprise here, is the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. While most of us have certainly visited this place, how many of us have been outside of the spectacular winter light show?

According to Tripadvisor,

The Gardens is 323 acres, 19 of which are ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and others suited to northern coastal conditions. Trails and points of interest extend over 150 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and a mile of tidal shoreline.

How many of these have you been to or plan to visit?

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