Bangor, the cultural and economic lifeline of northeastern Maine, is the biggest city in the Maine Highlands where sparkling lakes are entwined with rolling hills and lush forests, and the air is fresh and crisp. Wildlife thrives in the arms of nature, where bulldozers and cement have not yet come.
Steven King's hometown overflows with museums and galleries from firefighting and local history to transportation and aviation. At summer's end, Bangor celebrates the arts with a festival of music, dance, crafts and great food in a free, 3-day bash along the riverfront ? a great way to punctuate a vacation.
With a population of only 31,595, Bangor manages to maintain a "small town" image while providing all the conveniences of a big city. It is a refined city with The University of Maine generating a rich environment for the arts. Furthermore, it has its own ballet, theater, and symphony orchestra.
If Bangor is at the heart of Maine, then the heart of Maine is a happy one with a playful spirit. It presents a multitude of activities to keep busy for a long time. Hiking, biking or cross-country skiing along nine miles of trails at the Bangor City Forest; hiking in Caribou Bog; or whitewater rafting in Kenduskeag Stream Park ? these are mere samples of the fun that can be found here.
The world's most renown fishing spot is the Penobscot River in Bangor. Years ago, the President of the United States was given the first salmon caught in the River as a gift. That's no longer the case, but whoever snares the first salmon of the season nowadays gets a commemorative plaque to celebrate the occasion.
Fishing in Bangor is a year-round sport. In spring, streams and rivers overflow with bass and trout. Throughout the winter, anglers fish for tongue and salmon in the icy waters. A definite wintertime favorite is zipping around in snowmobiles on meticulously groomed trails. An awesome experience!. Other activities include golf, tennis, and martial arts.
Beautifully sporty Bangor is about 75 miles northeast of Augusta on I-95.
