Bangor:  Maine’s “Queen City.” For those who live in Northern, Eastern, and Central Maine, this city is a huge part of life in the northern end of the state as it has been for centuries. The third largest city in Maine is the center of commerce, culture, and healthcare for those living in the north country. Built on the banks of the mighty Penobscot River, this city was built in part by businesses who used the river to transport goods, and many fortunes were made here.

   In the past, Bangor was known for being a shipbuilding community as well as a major player in the lumbering trade. In fact, many of the magnificent homes that were built by the “lumber barons” still stand today and are used primarily as office buildings. And speaking of architecture: Bangor is one of those Maine cities that has an incredible array of old buildings that add to the city’s beauty by embracing the past. Combine this with the modern amenities of new construction and a multitude of shopping malls, and it is easy to see why so many people from neighboring Canada consider Bangor a must-visit shopping destination. One thing is sure: if you are going to visit the Queen City, you might want to plan on staying several days if not a week to take in all Bangor has to offer!