Maine, bean suppash, flannel, family first.
Maine is a state that wears its identity on its flannel sleeves. For those who have never been, the Pine Tree State might conjure images of lighthouses, lobsters, and postcard-worthy coastlines. While those are quintessential parts of the Maine experience, there’s so much more to this rugged yet welcoming state. In Maine, community, resilience, and authenticity define the culture—traits reflected in everything from the way Mainers volunteer to how they approach a traditional Saturday night bean suppah.
The Culture of “Bean Suppahs”
Maine’s famous bean suppers, or “bean suppahs” as they’re affectionately called, are more than just meals—they’re an institution. These gatherings, often held in church basements or community halls, bring together people of all ages to enjoy heaping portions of baked beans, brown bread, hot dogs, coleslaw, and pies.
The unspoken rule is that no one leaves hungry, and everyone pitches in, whether it’s by cooking, serving, or cleaning up.
It’s not just about the food; it’s about connection. Maine small town living is like one big family experience. Mainers use these local home grown events as opportunities to support their neighbors. To strengthen the ties that make their communities feel like extended families.
Personalized License Plates and Maine Humor
When you drive through Maine, one thing you’ll notice is the abundance of personalized license plates. Mainers love to use their plates as a form of self-expression, often adding a dose of humor or a glimpse into their lives.
Whether it’s a witty pun or a nod to their profession, these Maine license plates show off a playful side that’s quintessentially Maine.
And while Mainers may love to joke, they’re equally quick to call you out—respectfully, of course. They have a knack for delivering a sharp observation or a dose of truth in a way that’ll leave you chuckling and maybe even a little wiser.
I saw one with THOR and the bumper sticker for golf and skiing. Thor’s two passions.
Flannel and Practicality
Comfort is king in Maine, and flannel is the unofficial uniform of the state. Whether you’re stacking firewood, heading out to a bean suppah, or enjoying a brisk autumn hike, flannel is the perfect blend of practicality and timeless style.
Mainers don’t feel the need to impress anyone with flashy clothes or expensive cars.
Here, substance, practical always trumps style. It’s this down-to-earth mindset that makes Maine feel like one big small town. Keep it simple, nothing wishy washy or up in the air about it.
Maine residents have their heads screwed on right. There is a wicked clarity and common sense still works just fine here in Maine.
A State That Pitches In
One of the most remarkable things about Maine is the way people help each other.
Volunteering isn’t just encouraged; it’s a way of life.
Make someone else’s life easier. From shoveling a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm to organizing fundraisers for local causes.
Truly, Mainers embody the idea that many hands make light work.
This sense of community isn’t limited to small Maine towns either.
Even in larger cities like Portland, Lewiston, etc you’ll find the same spirit of generosity and cooperation.
Family First and Hard Work
Maine’s residents are known for their strong family values and tireless work ethic.
It’s a place where weekends are for family cookouts, fishing trips, and cheering on the Red Sox.
Hard work isn’t seen as a chore but as a way to build a good life.
You start off the smallest, newest family member with chores. More gets added and the skill set grows as they do.
Whether it’s lobstering at dawn, crop or critter farming long after sunset, or running a Mom and Pop small business 365-24-7.
Mainers take pride in earning their way.
The “Unspoiled State”
Maine’s natural beauty is one of its most cherished treasures.
Unlike many places, Maine remains largely unspoiled by over development.
From the jagged coastlines to the serene forests and countless lakes, Maine’s landscapes feel untouched and timeless.
Each of the four seasons, Maine serves up something one of a kind for outdoor experiences.
Looking for new habits to add to your daily grind?
Look forward to traveling to Maine to get here what you can not where you call home now.
The state of Maine is where you can still drink clean water from a mountain stream, spot a moose on a quiet back road, or catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring above in clear blue skies.
Mainers are deeply connected to their environment and take their stewardship seriously, ensuring these natural resources remain pristine for generations to come.
Mainers know and respect the outdoors. Know how lucky we are to live in the great state of Maine. And able to zip across the Maine border into Canada with ease. Or on the yearly trip to Mt Katahdin to hike and take in one incredible view that is a past down Maine family tradition.
Here in the winter? Look up, check out the black velvet sky and the blow you away number of stars of all sizes. That’s Maine, something you don’t get everywhere to experience.
Fun Facts About Maine
- Maine is Red Sox Nation. Even though it’s a state unto itself, Maine is passionately loyal to Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox. During baseball season, you’ll find conversationsdominated by stats, game highlights, and predictions for the next game.
- Home of the Whoopie Pie. The whoopie pie is the official state treat, and Mainers take their desserts seriously. This delicious confection of chocolate cake and fluffy filling has been a staple in Maine kitchens for decades.
- More coastline than California. With over 3,478 miles of coastline, Maine boasts more shoreline than California. This includes thousands of bays, inlets, and islands waiting to be explored.
- Largest producer of blueberries. Maine produces nearly 99% of the nation’s wild blueberries, making it the undisputed wild blueberry capital of the world.
- A knack for inventiveness. Did you know that Maine is the birthplace of earmuffs? Chester Greenwood of Farmington invented them in 1873 to keep his ears warm while ice skating.
The Heart of Maine
What truly sets Maine apart is its people.
Mainers have an incredible ability to balance practicality with humor, kindness with grit, and tradition with adaptability.
It’s a state that doesn’t need to chase trends because its charm lies in its authenticity. From bean suppahs to flannel shirts.
Maine’s culture is a celebration of simplicity, community, and the beauty of living life on your own terms.
Whether you’re a visitor or a lifelong resident, Maine has a way of making you feel at home.
Thank you for stopping by to read read read a blog post on Maine.
Seems many of these pieces are just to describe the state of Maine, what it is like living here. What goes on, how you define the unique location up in the right hand top corner of the country.
Unspoiled, nothing messed up the natural outdoor beauty like development, traffic, over crowding.
In rural Maine which most of the big state is, backyards are in acreages not feet. Your neighbor may be half a mile away not even in sight.
There is space living in Maine part of full time. Is it like that where you live now?
Maine is a place where neighbors look out for one another, where nature inspires awe.
Where you can still find joy in the little things—like a warm plate of baked beans shared with friends. Maine isn’t just a state; it’s a way of life, and it’s one worth celebrating.
I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |
MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA