Bangor, USA - Maine

Maine's third largest city, Bangor is a crisp, environmentally sensitive block of...blocks, infused with the eccentricities of rooted urbanity that would seem more fitting in the cultural meccas of New York and LA. You will not come across a citywide collage of graffiti in Bangor, nor watch "ghetto-fabulous" low-riders take to the streets every night to provide rolling concertos of bass-driven hip-hop to the masses. Instead you will encounter a seemingly diminished scene of individuals of Generation X and Y showcasing a city ripe with musical performances, budding careers in artistry, and a landscape that is nothing short of astonishing. Genuineness is the term that comes to mind when describing Bangor. There is no place else quite like it, and it is too unlike any other. Though the sun is not as close a friend to residents of Maine as it is to portions of the globe further south, you can't help but enjoy the never-ending supply of mountain air gusting through the valleys, a trait which attracts many an adventurous climber, trekker, and biker. Historic Bangor, resembling a period chock full of lumber mills, does have a way of showing through the facades of newly established businesses, but chances are you'll find more interest in the city's present than its past.

When to go

Never too busy, nor ever desolate, Bangor keeps its wheels running throughout the year at more or less the same pace. Of course, when winter hits and you're left with trudging through mounds of snow whilst falling flakes whip at your presence, the streets are hardly filled with pedestrians. However, for most of the year (about 300 days), you're offered reasonably docile avenues - as well as their stores and restaurants - and only the weatherman can thus tell you your best chance for a successful trip. A wonderful aspect of Bangor is that whether rain or shine graces the hours of the day, there is always something to make of the circumstances. (Call it the ingenuity of the people.)

Getting there and around

Accredited with providing Bangor with its continually increasing schedule of international flights, Boston's main flight center was from the start the biggest provider of direct access for travelers looking to get a few peeks at the industrial center of Maine. Today, Bangor International Airport runs an independent roster of connections to/from Europe and Canada, with even a few between Africa as well. Bangor has a long way to go before achieving full-fledged global recognition, so if you happen to find yourself without a flight from the nearest international terminal to Bangor, Boston can still be your solace. If you tend to wander past borders and city limits on your travels, renting a car would be a smart choice when in Bangor. Fares are reasonable, but with today's rising fuel costs, you may wish to keep to public transit to get around.

Attractions

Not only a place where city planners and preservers routinely discuss the progression of Bangor, the Historical Society is also a site which offers tours. Lasting roughly an hour each, these tours take you through a 19th century museum of living quarters and artifacts. Note: The Bangor Historical Society is only open to the public for 3/4 of the year, beginning in April and ending in December; Guided tours are $4 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Vintage cars and other former modes of transit can be viewed in the Cole Land Transportation Museum. Because the city is well known as an industrial center, oddly interesting displays of cement mixers, tractors and other utilitarian vehicles are also shown.