Orono

The Penobscot County town of Orono has undiscovered recreational trails, an interesting downtown, and the perks of being home to Maine's largest university.

Visitors can explore the four-season parks, natural areas and trail systems maintained by the Orono Land Trust. Ten properties offer recreation, wildlife viewing or access to waterways.

The Orono Bog Boardwalk is a one-mile loop trail through four distinct types of peatland bog environment. The boardwalk is open May through November and has more than 100 species of birds and dozens of varieties of ferns, flowers and plants.

Orono's Main Street is lined with stately homes built by 19th century lumber and railroad barons and bank owners. Stop by the town office for the brochure to a self-guided walking tour of the street's historic section. The small downtown has a nice mix of restaurants, coffee shops and stores.

Main Street crosses the Stillwater River to Marsh Island which is also bordered by the Penobscot River. The southern part of the island contains the University of Maine campus and its recreation trails that are open to the public. The university's Collins Center for the Arts hosts concerts and national Broadway tours, and is home to The Hudson Museum and its exhibits on world cultures.

Golfers visit Orono to play the scenic 18-hole Penobscot Valley Country Club, and Pushaw Lake is a favorite destination for fishermen.