Montana or Maine for first time US visitor?
Aug 2nd, 2008, 08:04 AM
#1
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Montana or Maine for first time US visitor?
I have never visited the United States. I will be in Canada for two months this winter, and twice in that time close to the US, once at Lethbridge in southern Alberta and the other time at Fredericton in New Brunswick. So for a first time visitor, is it best to go for Montana (crossing the frontier from Alberta) or for Maine (entering from New Brunswick). Which state is best to get the flavour of the country in a couple of days? Of course I know I'll need to get a visa and realise that's not easy. But I need to decide on Maine or Montana as they ask the entry point on the visa form.
Aug 2nd, 2008, 08:25 AM
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I live approximately 60 miles from the border with Canada in Northwest Montana.
I have also lived in Northern Maine for 4 years in Ft. Kent which is directly on the border.
My choice would be to visit Montana. Much less of a Canadian feel to it, as in northern Maine French is spoken in many places.
No offense to Francophiles as I am of Frech Canadian descent.
Can you not visit both places? Where are you coming from that you need a visa?
I have also lived in Northern Maine for 4 years in Ft. Kent which is directly on the border.
My choice would be to visit Montana. Much less of a Canadian feel to it, as in northern Maine French is spoken in many places.
No offense to Francophiles as I am of Frech Canadian descent.
Can you not visit both places? Where are you coming from that you need a visa?
Aug 2nd, 2008, 08:27 AM
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They couldn't be more different places. What are your interests? Northern Maine is very snowy and cold in the winter, and lots of businesses in tourist areas(restaurants, stores and accommodations) are closed. I assume Montana is the same but don't know.
Aug 2nd, 2008, 08:40 AM
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I thank you for your kind replies. I have a passport from Malta. There are a tiny number of countries eligible for the Visa Waiver programme, and Malta is not yet one. That may change but not by late October when I travel. The visas are really expensive, and famously difficult to get. I cannot get one that would allow me to make two entries into the US. A pity, as otherwise I'd have gone for both Maine and Montana. I veer towards Montana, but other views welcome.
Aug 2nd, 2008, 09:18 AM
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Northwest Montana is not as cold OR as snowy as Northern Maine as we are in a valley protected by mountains.
Crossing the border near Lethbridge will bring you close to small towns and larger "cities" without travelling very far.
Crossing over at Sweetgrass Montana will connect you to Interstate 15 (4 lane hiway) that will take you smaller towns and down to Great Falls which is much larger.
Crossing over near Houlton Maine also will connect you to another 4 lane hiway, Interstate 95, and eventually to Bangor Maine which is also a larger "city".
My choice---Montana
Crossing the border near Lethbridge will bring you close to small towns and larger "cities" without travelling very far.
Crossing over at Sweetgrass Montana will connect you to Interstate 15 (4 lane hiway) that will take you smaller towns and down to Great Falls which is much larger.
Crossing over near Houlton Maine also will connect you to another 4 lane hiway, Interstate 95, and eventually to Bangor Maine which is also a larger "city".
My choice---Montana
