Here’s 3 Brutally Honest Slogans We Should Give Maine Instead of ‘Vacationland’

Let me start out by saying this, I absolutely adore Maine or I wouldn't choose to live here. We'd all be lying though if we tried to say it still feels like a "vacationland" during the colder months because it looks like this:

Once summertime hits here, Maine beats out any state in the summer,  but that's the exact reason our 'Vacationland' slogan isn't 1000 percent accurate in my opinion.

Maine State Slogan Vacationland

As most of us know, there's two iconic billboard signs off the highway that let you know you're in Maine. One says 'Vacationland' and the other says "The Way Life Should Be".

Everytime I pass the "The Way Life Should Be" sign, I agree but I also get angry the times I pass it while i'm barely holding on while driving in a snowstorm. Life absolutely shouldn't be like that. It should be like this:

Gosh Maine is gorgeous in the summertime. THAT is the only time it's accurate to call the state a vacation land.

ALSO READ: 3 Things That Continue To Shock Tourists From Away That Visit Maine

I had an idea. Imagine re-writing our slogans with brutal truth behind how it actually feels to live in Maine outside of the summer months? Here's what I got.

"Maine, Where Only the Strong Survive Winter"

"Suffering the Cold in Exchange For Summer"

"Maine, the way life should be, but for only 3 months"

How long is winter in Maine?

As a 9 year resident of Maine I'd say your peak winter months are from December up until the end of March.

Can you tell I'm freezing cold in Portland right now as I'm writing this? Is it that obvious?

ALSO READ: 3 Unwritten Rules About Portland, Maine, That Mainer's Just Know

The funny thing about local Mainer's is that they'd still choose to suffer through the snowy, gloomy cold months to get rewarded by our summer life than move to Florida full-time and I love that about us.

I guess it's still true what they say; Maine, "Worth a Visit Worth a Lifetime".

40 Maine Restaurants That are Worth a Long Drive to Get to

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's great restaurants, cafes, pubs and bakeries that are worth a long drive to get to.

These great spots can be found across the state and waiting for you to give them a try.

How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

104 Main Public House via Facebook

104 Main Public House - Topsham

This local gastropub offers dining in, takeout, even catering of their outstanding fare. The Topsham restaurant touts its local ingredients and attention to detail.

Allison's Restaurant via Facebook

Allison's Restaurant - Kennebunkport

For over five decades Allison's has been a go-to destination in the town of Kennebunkport. The menu is loaded with delicious items for the sea and land. That includes some very famous lobster rolls.

Archer's on the Pier via Facebook

Archer's on the Pier - Rockland

Enjoy freshly caught seafood, while enjoying the views of Rockland Harbor at this popular spot. Talk about the perfect way to enjoy Midcoast Maine.

Bay Haven Lobster Pound via Facebook

Bay Haven Lobster Pound - Cornish

Mainers love their pasta, seafood, and lobster. You will find that out here. Bay Haven was one of the highest-supported restaurants from the survey.

Boda via Facebook

Boda - Portland

Specializing in Thai street food, this hip joint has been killing it for over a decade. I must say, the Sticky Rice Ball might be the best small dish in Portland.

Chick-a-dee via Facebook

Chick-a-dee - Lewiston

This family-owned institution has been a popular spot for locals for decades. It's not surprising to see it get so much love from the voters.

DiMillo's on the Water via Facebook

DiMillo's on the Water - Portland

The iconic Portland seafood restaurant is a Maine must. How can you live in the state without a delicious meal on the converted old boat?

The Dolphin Marina via Facebook

The Dolphin Marina - Harpswell

You will not find a better location to enjoy local fare than here. This seasonal spot wows with incredible views of northern Casco Bay.

Eagles Nest via Facebook

Eagles Nest Restaurant - Brewer

Who would think this little spot in Central Maine would be known for having one of the best lobster rolls in the state? Without crowdsourcing, I'm not sure I would ever know.

Ebeneezer's Pub via Facebook

Ebeneezer's Pub - Lovell

How could we not include a world-famous beer bar that's right in the heart of western Maine? Even better is you can camp right there.

El El Frijoles via Facebook

El El Frijoles - Sargentville

The popular Mexican joint has numerous tasty bites, including a spicy lobster burrito that's been featured on national television.

Fairgrounds Pizza via Facebook

Fairgrounds Pizza & Pub - Cornish

This was the top pizza joint vote-getter in our crowdsourcing survey. Fairgrounds is doing a lot right, considering the strong demand.

Five Islands Lobster Company via Facebook

Five Islands Lobster Shack - Georgetown

Located in one of the prettiest spots in Midcoast Maine is this popular lobster shack. This is where you will find some of the freshest seafood around.

Google Maps

Flo's Hot Dogs - Cape Neddick

Flo's has been pumping out delicious hot dogs since 1959. It's a

"can't miss" for tourists and locals alike. It's true Maine.

FLUX via Facebook

FLUX Restaurant & Bar - Lisbon Falls

A family-run joint that's locally sourcing as much as possible. This is a recipe for success in this state. It's a can't miss.

Frog & Turtle via Facebook

Frog & Turtle - Westbrook

One of the first gastropubs to open in Greater Portland, the F & T has had a magical run. The casual ambiance is a perfect speed for Westbrook and the surrounding area. Make sure to get a

'Real Man" shot.

Helen's via Facebook

Helen's - Ellsworth

There's nothing like a slice of pie from Helen's, especially after a day of exploring Acadia. Plus, the menu is vast and delicious. It's a definite bucket list stop when Down East.

The Hichborn via Facebook

The Hichborn - Stockton Springs

The coastal seasonal restaurant has been a hot spot since its inception. Call early, The Hichborn requires reservations.

Kennebec River Brewing via Facebook

Kennebec River Brewing Company - The Forks

The best "rest stop" in Maine, the Kennebec River Brewery is a destination for thousands of tourists and Mainers alike. Located in The Forks, Kennebec Brewing has been keeping the river hounds hydrated for 25 years.

Ken's Place via Facebook

Ken's Place - Scarborough

Southern Maine has its fair share of seafood joints. However, none get as much love as Ken's Place does. The voters came in strong for the tasty seasonal spot.

The Knotty Moose via Facebook

The Knotty Moose - Roxbury

Enjoy true Western Maine madness at this fun bar. You can even rent a cabin there and make a weekend out of it. It's a true bucket list joint for those who love the outdoors and fun.

Lakeview Restaurant via Facebook

Lakeview Restaurant - Saint Agatha

Easily the farthest drive that most would have to make to a joint on this list. However, it will be worth it. Folks swear by this beautiful and delicious restaurant near the Canadian border.

Le Mu Eats via Facebook

Le Mu Eats - Bethel

The small Asian-inspired joint has been a great find for both locals and tourists in the ski resort town of Bethel.

Moody's Diner via Facebook

Moody's Diner - Waldoboro

One of the most famous diners in the state has been rocking and rolling since the Coolidge administration. And they won't be slowing down anytime soon.

Peace, Love & Waffles via Facebook

Peace, Love & Waffles - Dover-Foxcroft

Three things that everyone should long for, especially the waffle part. That's where this joint can really help you out. Don't worry, you will probably fall in love with them as well.

Pier French Fries via Faecebook

Pier French Fries - Old Orchard Beach

A Maine summer can't go by without at least one trip to Old Orchard Beach to grab some delicious Pier French Fries. They are an iconic Maine snack.

Pizza By Alex via Facebook

Pizza By Alex - Biddeford

Nothing says Maine pizza like a personal 10" Greek style. Pizza By Alex has been banging them out since 1960.

Red Barn via Facebook

The Red Barn - Augusta

This iconic establishment is known for its great food and for helping out the community. It seems there's nothing the Red Barn doesn't do.

Red Curry via Facebook

Red Curry Thai - Augusta

Another popular choice with the voters. This Asian restaurant has been a hit for those in Maine's capital city for some time.

Salt & Pepper and SugarToo via Facebook

Salt & Pepper and Sugar Too - Wilton

It's not just a great name, it's also a great and very popular spot in Wilton. The menu is vast and absolutely mouth-watering.

Smoke & Steel via Facebook

Smoke & Steel BBQ - Bangor

Delicious BBQ mixed with axe throwing is a wondering combination. No time for meat sweats when you need to toss a few hatchets.

State Lunch via Facebook

State Lunch - Augusta

This is Capital City's "go-to" gastropub for lunch and dinner. The highly decorated establishment just continues to gain in popularity with a creative menu and tasty drink menu.

Stow Corner Store via Facebook

Stow Corner Store - Stow

Nearly in New Hampshire is this absolute diamond. The menu is insanely large, and the food is absolutely delicious. Well worth the stop out west.

Google Maps

Susan's Fish-N-Chips - Portland

Looking for a good fried haddock dinner to satisfy the hunger? The one from Susan's is a very popular pick.

Tavern on the Hill 305 via Facebook

Tavern on the Hill 305 - Winthrop

Located right between numerous bodies of water is this little Winthrop gem. Enjoy pub favorites, while enjoying live music.

Tao Yuan via Facebook

Tao Yuan - Brunswick

This is the kind of restaurant you would find in Manhattan. However, it just happens to be in Brunswick. It's the ultimate in Chinese upscale fare.

Three Robbers Pub via Facebook

Three Robbers Pub - Bowdoinham

Located in a cool old building is this eclectic pub. The homemade food is accompanied by a vast selection of local and national beer.

Village Tavern via Facebook

Village Tavern - Kennebunk

This popular, eclectic restaurant in Southern Maine garnered a lot of recommendations. It's not surprising, considering the impressive food they are kicking out.

Warren's via Facebook

Warren's Waterfron Restaurant - Bucksport

Enjoy views of the amazing Penobscot Narrows Bridge, while chowing down on local fare at this Bucksport institution.

The Woodshed via Facebook

The Woodshed - Manchester

Owned and run by the crew from 'Maine Cabin Masters,' this joint features delicious food in a fun, laid back atmosphere. Plus, you never know when the Cabin Masters might be around.