The dining in Maine’s coastal towns like Portland and Kennebunkport is simply sublime. Naturally, seafood plays a starring role on most menus, especially local lobster. But a rich farming culture from New England supports the daily catch with fresh produce, breads, and craft beers. The nightlife in Maine is fairly subdued, being more about the local blueberry ale in the brewpub than big name DJs from the State’s party hubs. There are fun, colorful bars in most towns, but again the coast seems to draw the most attention. Check out Portland’s Old Port district for a whole slew of bars and restaurants within walking distance. If anything of note is happening in Maine, it’s probably taking place in Portland.

Portland has the most developed dining scene in the state though you can easily find world-class lobster shacks in little fishing hamlets like Camden. The restaurants in Maine put a lot of emphasis on sourcing their ingredients locally, a logical move considering the wealth of seafood, vegetables, and berries on hand. For a true celebration of food, come in August for Lobster-Palooza.

Normally expensive seafood delicacies like lobster, scallops, and haddock are reasonably priced here. Lobster is served steamed with drawn butter, bibs, and claw crackers all year round. Boreal red shrimp, also called Maine shrimp, come in seasonally between November and March, and are a real treat. The state is also the top spot in America for blueberries, which make for a delicious and healthy snack.

Fore Street (288 Fore Street, Portland) requires reservations weeks in advance for its creative cuisine, while the ever-popular Becky’s Diner (390 Commercial Street, Portland) is the quintessential working man’s joint, with tasty, unpretentious meals on the cheap side. In Ogunquit, be sure and plan a night at Arrows (41 Berwick Road, Ogunquit) for expensive New American cuisine or the White Barn Inn (37 Beach Ave, Kennebunkport) for both its unbeatable rustic ambiance and quality fare.