N = Nicknames

For a state that holds such tremendous beauty, it is remarkable that our name is so dull.

Maine. The only U.S. state that contains just one syllable. And as for the meaning behind it? The origin is debated with no definitive answer.

So a simple name with no grand story behind the selection of it. Thankfully, we have nicknames. This post will cover two of our most well-known.

The Pine Tree State

Maine has trees…just about everywhere. According to the Maine Forest Service, “Maine is the most heavily forested state in the nation with 90% (17.8 million acres) of its land base growing trees.” There are vast areas of woods with no towns or paved roads. This is particularly the case in the northwestern section of the state which is home to the non-creatively named, “North Maine Woods.” If you examine a map of Maine, you’ll see 155 places with the designation “T-number-R-number.” The “T” means township and the “R” is range.

The official state tree is the Eastern white pine. In total, Maine is home to 65 tree species. We are probably better known for our deciduous trees which turn vibrant colors in the autumn.

Vacationland

Maine’s second nickname has been displayed on the state’s license plates since 1936. During the summer seasons, our tiny population swells with tourists. Maine’s population stands around 1.3 million. In 2018, just over 37 million visitors arrived.

Maine relies heavily on the industry surrounding tourism which employs approximately one in six jobs throughout the state. Businesses related to hospitality, as well as food and beverage establishments, are some of the primary beneficiaries of this wave of incomers. Many of these places located along the coast are only open during the tourist season which is busiest from the end of May to early autumn. The western region of the state is most popular during the winter due to skiing.

The concept of Maine as a place to get away is not a new phenomenon, but began prior to the Civil War. Famous artists who began to paint Maine’s coast were the first to advertise the region. As transportation options improved and multiplied later in the nineteenth century, larger numbers arrived. Some bought second homes and made the trek an annual summer tradition.

Not to be forgotten, even Mainers take advantage of vacationland. Many prefer not to travel out of state, but to use their vacation time in another region within Maine’s boundaries. When you have a state that is 320 miles long and 205 miles wide — and one that is overflowing with forests, islands, mountains, lakes and rivers — it is easy enough to spend a lifetime of vacations here without ever growing tired of it.

If you are reading this “from away,” here is Maine in about 90 seconds…

This post is part of my A to Z Challenge Series with the overall theme, “This Maine Life.” I am covering a Maine-related topic with a different letter of the alphabet every day except Sundays throughout the month of April 2020.