·The first place to
see the sun rise and the Dawn of the New Millennium in the continental USA,
hence nicknamed "America's Sunrise County".
·The wild blueberry
capital of the USA, where the country's first wild blueberries were canned -to
feed Union troops during the Civil War- and where over 80 per cent of the
country's wild "low bush" blueberries still are grown.
·About the size of
Rhode Island and Delaware combined (some 2,570 square miles) but with only
34,000 people and only two fully-functioning traffic lights.
·Almost 95 percent covered by forests and lakes, with a
greater percentage of forest land than any other state.
·A 700-mile coastline
that offers the beauty of the Maine coast without the harsh commercialization
found elsewhere.
·Location of the greatest tidal range in the Continental
USA -- up to 28 feet between low and high tides.
·Adjacent to two tidal
treasures -- the Old Sow, the hemisphere's largest and
the world's second largest whirlpool, and the Reversing Falls, site of a salt
water cataract that forms alternately in two directions as the tide flows in
and out.
·Home to 10 lighthouses, including one of Maine's
most-photographed -- West Quoddy Head.
·Immersed in history:
--An entire town designated as a National
Historic District - Cherryfield
--The first naval battle of the American
Revolution - Machias Bay
--Maine's oldest building east of Bangor -
Burnham Tavern in Machias
--The former sardine capital of the world -
Eastport and Lubec
--Maine's oldest retail business - S.L.
Wadsworth & Son, Inc., in Eastport
--America's last operating stone ground
mustard mill - Eastport
--The first European settlement north of St.
Augustine - St. Croix Island, near Calais
--Nineteenth century churches, homes, and
lighthouses; museums, historical, and genealogical societies; national historic
places; and archeological sites are located throughout the county.
·Home to the
Passamaquoddy tribe whose members actively preserve
and enhance Native American culture.
·An antique hunter's
delight, with more than two dozen dealers located throughout the county.
·An outstanding
location for four-season recreation:
--Cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice
fishing, ice skating, and snow shoeing
--Opportunities
for freshwater, saltwater, and deep sea sport fishing, and for hunting
--Class I, II, and III canoeing/kayaking on
10 rivers
--Sailing
and sea kayaking along the beautiful coast
--Swimming in lakes and from black, red, and
white sandy beaches
--Golfing on two courses in Washington County
and in nearby New Brunswick
--Fall
foliage offering breathtaking views of reds, oranges, and golds
against an evergreen background.
·A nature lover's
heaven, with peace and quiet, great natural beauty, clean air, and outdoor
activities in an uncrowded and unspoiled environment.
·A bird watcher's paradise, with 1/3 to 1/2 of North
America's bird species living here or visiting each year, and a short boat ride
to a major nesting area for Atlantic Puffins -- seen in the USA only in Maine
and Alaska.
·Home to an amazing variety of wildlife, supported by
National and State Wildlife Refuges and State Parks.
·A botanist's paradise also, with hundreds of different
wildflowers blooming April - November.
·Center for many
ecologically-oriented activities, including wildlife observation in forest,
field, and wetland; horseback riding; whale watching; coastal cruises; and
nature hikes.
·A haven for hikers, with dozens of trails -- coastal,
forest, lakeside, and mountain.
·Expanding opportunities for bicycling, including the
northern gateway (Calais) to the 2,600-mile East Coast Greenway.
·Site of some of America's best opportunities for nature
photography.
·Many places to stay
while enjoying the scenery, including full-service motels, quaint but modern
Inns and B&Bs, ocean-and lake-view campsites,
old-fashioned fishing camps, and seasonal cabins and cottages.
·Home to delicious
lobster, which can be purchased fresh right off the lobster boat, to superb
trout and bass, which can be fished in local rivers and lakes, and to salmon
and other succulent seafood.
·A year-long cultural
calendar, including
--Productions sponsored by the University of
Maine Machias
--Resident
and visiting theater and concert groups
--Resident and visiting artists, crafters,
and sculptors; numerous
galleries and museums
--Craft
fairs and festivals throughout the county, including on July 4th, Maine's
largest parade (Eastport) and the world's fastest
lobster boat races (Jonesport).
·Convenient for day
trips to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park as well as to Baxter State Park
and Mount Katahdin.
·A jumping-off point for a terrific two-nation vacation in
Canada.
While you're staying in Washington County, visit nearby New Brunswick -- home
of Canada's oldest city, oldest seaside resort town, the Roosevelt-Campobello
International Park, the Chocolate Museum, and to some of Canada's
most-photographed lighthouses and most-visited attractions. If time
permits, tour the rest of Atlantic Canada -- Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island,
and Newfoundland -- as well.
The
people of Washington County invite you to come see "the way Maine used to
be."
Revised November 2011 by
The Puffin Pines Country Gift Store & Visitor Information Center
US 1, PO Box 99, Whiting, ME 04691; 207-733-9782