Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WISE WORDS:
Basically, like anywhere else, respect
private property, drive safely, treat people as you'd
like to be treated and don't pester them if they don't
seem like they want to chit-chat.
Other Things
Visitors Should Know...
Maine has a general
sales tax
of 5.5%. The tax on lodgings is 7%.
Smoking
is against the law in any enclosed public space, including
stores, hotel lobbies, etc. No smoking is permitted in hospitals. Maine's
legislature just passed a bill banning smoking in restaurants, although
it will still be permitted in some cocktail lounges.
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess
tobacco
products in
Maine. Store clerks must - by law - ask to see identification of anyone
purchasing tobacco products who appears to be under the age of 27.
While it is seldom enforced, Maine law restricts people coming into the
state from bringing with them more than one gallon of whiskey, one gal-
lon of wine or liquor, or one case of beer. State police have been known to
skulk around New Hampshire's State Liquor Store (where booze is
cheaper) and jot down the license plate numbers of northbound vehicles if
they leave the store with mass quantities of liquor. They radio ahead and
the cars are pulled over in Maine.
The legal
drinking age
is 21.
Parks & Preserves
M
aine sports dozens of parks and literally hundreds of nature and
wildlife preserves scattered along the coast and inland. Some have
only a few short trails while others would take weeks or even years to com-
pletely explore. Most are administered by a handful of agencies and orga-
nizations.
State-Managed Lands
Many nature preserves and wildlife areas do not charge fees, although
donations are appreciated. Where fees are charged, they run from $1 per
adult (over age 12) per day to $5.
