Monday, Jul. 13, 2009

Maine

Photo credit: Andre Jenny / Alamy

There's one thing Maine has in common with China, Slovakia and Thailand, and it's not a fondness for L.L. Bean hip waders. All four are home to bridges that have observatories at their tops. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge, which connects the towns of Prospect and Verona Island, is the only such structure in the Western Hemisphere and the tallest in the world. Visitors ascend one of the bridge's columns and are treated to views of the surrounding countryside, lakes and mountains. Stare down 420 feet and pity the folks who just get to drive over. Admission: $5