I visited friends in a small town in Maine and found a hidden gem I'd travel to again and again

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Two images. Left: The author stands in front of an ocean shore. Right: An aerial view of Belfast with fall trees behind buildings and boats on the shore behind the bay
The author visited Belfast, Maine, and thinks it's a hidden gem destination.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider, halbergman/Getty Images

I thought moving abroad was exactly what I needed. I ended up finding something even better in a small US city.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer, her husband, and their dog standing in front of a car and a Christmas tree.
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Jennifer Henry

After visiting all 50 states, there are 5 small towns I can't stop thinking about

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Emily takes a selfie with snow-covered mountains and a river in the background.
Abiquiu, New Mexico, is one of my favorite small towns in the US.

Emily Hart

At 35, I won a beauty pageant. I wanted to show my kids I could do anything.

Tech Insider : Business
Kristan Vermeulen headshot
Kristan Vermeulen won Ms. Maine in 2025.

Courtesy of Jen Dean

I started a list of Black-owned businesses in Maine 6 years ago. I took it down when ICE showed up.

Tech Insider : Business
Rose Barboza headshot
Rose Barboza founded Black owned Maine in 2020

Courtesy of Rose Barboza

ICE has ended increased enforcement efforts in Maine, says Sen. Collins

Tech Insider : Politics, Business
ICE protesters in Portland, Maine
Protesters rally against the presence of U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement in Maine, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Portland, Maine.

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

I own a restaurant in Maine and trained my staff to prepare for ICE raids. We're all terrified.

Tech Insider : Politics, Business
Andrew Volk headshot
Andrew Volk owns Hunt & Alpine, a restaurant in Portland, Maine.

Courtesy of Andrew Volk

I visited 29 states last year. If I had to pick a new place to live, it would be this stunning coastal destination.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Emily and her husband stand in front of a lighthouse.
After visiting 29 states last year, I would choose to move to Maine.

Emily Pogue

I'm a café owner in Maine. I'm feeding those about to lose their SNAP benefits for free.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman holding cake
Rebecca Coffin owns Hailey's Kitchen Cafe & Bakery in Windham, Maine.

Courtesy of Rebecca Coffin

I thought my move from Massachusetts to Maine was temporary. I've been here for over 20 years.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Portland, Maine.

Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

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