The Highlands
Nestled in the heart of Maine, the Highlands region offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the coastal regions. This vast landscape is home to Baxter State Park, the magnificent Mt. Katahdin, and the sprawling Moosehead Lake, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area through four seasons of outdoor recreation- whether it's hiking the rugged trails of Baxter State Park, canoeing on Moosehead Lake, or simply enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside.
As you enter the Highlands region from the south, stop in Newport for a visit to Abraham's Goat Farm & Creamery. This family-owned farm, now with a delightful country store (Abraham's Country Store), offers a range of handmade cheeses, goat meat, and even pizza. The goats here are among the happiest you'll ever see, and their products reflect the care and dedication of the Wardwell family. As you make your way further into the Highlands, a stop at Abraham's is a delicious and heartwarming introduction to the region's agricultural charm.
A short drive from Newport brings you to the town of Etna, home to Mossy Ledge Spirits. This eco-friendly distillery is powered entirely by solar energy and prides itself on its sustainable practices. The story of Mossy Ledge is one of passion and innovation, beginning with founder Jesse’s fascination with moonshining and evolving into a full-fledged distillery offering a variety of unique spirits. A visit here includes free tastings and a tour of the facilities, giving you a firsthand look at their commitment to local ingredients and environmental stewardship.
No trip to the Highlands would be complete without experiencing the local flavors at Root Down Market in New Sharon. Founded by Erica Emery of Rustic Roots Farm over in Farmington, Root Down aims to bring the freshest, most local ingredients to folks traveling through the Highlands on their way to their next outdoor activity. Beyond just serving delicious food, Root Down is often host to special events like maple tastings and trivia nights!
End your day with a full meal; in Monson, The Quarry, run by Marilou "Lulu" Ranta, has put this small town of 670 residents on the map. Opened in 2018, The Quarry offers classic American fine dining with a Filipino twist, honoring Ranta’s heritage. Known for dishes like baked pork belly with pickled apples and seared scallops with strawberry jus, the restaurant emphasizes local ingredients to showcase regional flavors. Lulu’s exceptional hospitality earned her the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Hospitality prize, making her the first graduate of a Maine culinary school to win such an award.