Image courtesy of Bowdoin College Museum of Art’s “Edward Hopper’s Maine”
Chances are, you’ve seen at least some of Edward Hopper’s works. One of his most famous, Nighthawks (1942, seen below), has appeared in and influenced everything from The Simpsons to Blade Runner. What you may not know, however, is that before he was known for his stark urban paintings, he was developing “his skill for depicting the beauty of solitude on the coast of Maine.” According to The Wall Street Journal’s Chaney Kwak, Hopper’s nine summers spent in Maine painting “the state’s whitewashed lighthouses, rocky shores and ubiquitous fishing boats” inspired her to visit the Maine coast, and see the state through his eyes.
Nighthawks (1942) courtesy The Art Institute of Chicago
The tale of her trek through Hopper’s Maine is a wonderful read, taking you to beloved landmarks like the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Monhegan Island, and the vibrant city of Portland. But it’s also an inspiring reminder that Maine is Vacationland – a place people get away to in their dreams. Between the picturesque settings, the fresh salty air, the sparkling lakes, and the tart blueberries, there is a quality to Maine that is unlike any other place we know.
One of our many passions for the summer camp experience in Maine is the chance for whole families to make it a tradition to head up to this beautiful corner of the country once a year. Whether it’s an extended visiting day trip, adding on to the end of a camp session, or just going to have a similar experience to the camper, it is truly a special opportunity. I know, we say it all the time, but there is just so much to do! Hiking, boating, kayaking, swimming, climbing, lobster-ing, making ‘smores, making camp, making friends, rafting, eating, gazing, biking … it’s a pretty long list. If you’re feeling as inspired as we are, here are some resources from MCE to get you started. Because it’s never too early to start daydreaming and looking forward to a trip to Maine!
What’s your favorite Maine travel memory?
Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools
Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child? Try out our helpful tool where you can select a camp by choosing: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks). It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates. Then you can research these camps in more depth.
Next, be sure to contact our Maine Campcierge™ to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.
You can share your own Maine camps memories & expressions of gratitude on our Memories of Camp section of our website.
Talk to Laurie, our Maine Campcierge®, about choosing the right camp for your child and what to do in Maine.
Call 877-92-MAINE
