Maine is accessible via airports in two major cities—Bangor and Portland—both of which offer several conference and meeting facilities ranging from intimate rural retreats to expansive conference resorts capable of hosting thousands. While the state is known for its lobster bakes and fishing excursions, groups can also take some interesting tours to learn more about Maine’s growing beer scene or its relationship with Stephen King novels. Here are five Maine tours for groups to check out.
Stephen King’s Bangor
SK Tours of Maine LLC offers a 3-hour tour that explores Bangor—or Derry in the Stephen King World—through the eyes of a Stephen King fanatic. Attendees will visit about 30 sites that pertain to author Stephen King, who was born in Portland. They will explore places he lived and worked, places that have inspired some of his stories and even film locations from his movies. Each tour is hosted by Stuart Tinker, a leading expert on everything Stephen King, for an in-person introduction to some of King’s most horrifying tales.
Fire & Brimstone
Groups will explore Bangor’s history from Temperance to Prohibition via Dawnland Tours. The 2.5-mile waking tour takes attendees to sacred spaces in Bangor. Along the way, they will learn tales of purity and hope mixed with scandal and ruin. Attendees will get to see historic stained glass as they walk the footsteps of some of the area’s most devout and most rebellious residents. Dawnland Tours can also personalize tours for groups of more than 10 that can’t meet during a scheduled tour time.
The Great Fire of 1911
The Bangor Historical Society offers a tour that goes into detail about the 1911 fire that destroyed much of Bangor’s downtown. The fire started in a riverside hay shed, and attendees will follow the flames’ path to learn about which structures survived. The tour also shows how the city and its residents recovered from almost total destruction.
Maine Brew Bus
Attendees can step aboard this bright green school bus to get a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s craft breweries, distilleries and wineries. Tours are led by expert guides as groups visit up-and-coming producers and taste the new varieties they have to offer. While the Maine Brew Bus offers daily scheduled tours, it also offers private tours for groups in Greater Portland and Southern Maine. The company’s fleet now includes two buses and additional staff to help accommodate larger groups.
Greater Portland Landmarks
The Portland Observatory is owned by the city of Portland and operates as a museum and historic site by Greater Portland Landmarks. Groups can take guided tours that focus on maritime history and how it’s changed over the last 200 years. Meeting planners can also use the observatory for smaller functions up to 48 attendees.
