Getting There -- Bangor is located just off the Maine Turnpike. Take I-395 east, exit at Main Street (Rte. 1A), and follow signs for downtown.

As with many smaller regional airports, Bangor International Airport (tel. 207/947-0384) has had a tough time persuading airlines to keep a schedule of full-service flights; thus, many flights begin or end via commuter planes to or from Boston. Due in part to recent airline turnovers, many travelers have reported problems with delays and lost luggage at Bangor. Airlines currently serving Bangor include Delta Connection (tel. 800/221-1212) and US Airways Express (tel. 800/428-4322).

One exception to the downward trend is the arrival of a relatively new discount carrier. Pan Am (tel. 800/359-7262) came back to life under new ownership and with a limited flight schedule serving Bangor, currently two flights daily from Bangor to Baltimore and onward to two Florida airports.

Concord Trailways (tel. 800/639-3317) and Vermont Transit (tel. 800/451-3292 or 800/642-3133) offer bus service to Bangor from Portland; there's also connecting service to Bar Harbor, Houlton, and the Downeast coast, including Machias and Calais.

Visitor Information -- The Bangor Visitors Information Office is staffed in summer near the big, scary statue of Paul Bunyan at the convention center on Main Street near I-395. Contact the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, 519 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401 (tel. 207/947-0307), open year-round from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours in summer depending on volunteer availability.