One of Maine’s unique and endearing characteristics is its many “foreign” place names, among them Egypt, Canton, Sweden (and New Sweden, not to discriminate), Lisbon, Lebanon and Vienna (but please: vye-ENNA).

One sign tells you how far it is to places in Maine like Washington, Clinton and Harrison … all presidential names. Who knew?

And if you go to Harrison you’ll find a very tall sign post in the square that will direct you to unique-sounding destinations including Elms Puzzles, Boos Real Estate, Camp Waziyatah and Bogey Land Motel.

These unforgettable signs and some fun places nearby them are easy to get to and in plain sight … as long as you have good directions. Bring your camera for all those unexpected things you’ll find on the way. That’s the real fun of going on a road trip. Not just the destination but the journey. You never know what you’ll find around the next curve in the road.

Presidents sign, 1 Leach Hill Road, Casco

This sign is in town, on the corner of Route 121 and Leach Hill Road in Casco, right across the street from the Casco Grange Hall. The sign faces north so you will only see it if you are traveling south on Route 121. If you are going north turn left onto Leach Hill Road and stop; it’s right there on the corner.

While there, stop in Harrison. www.harrisonmaine.org

One of the presidential names on the sign is this small town at the north end of Long Lake. They have their own sign in the town square listing 30 businesses, towns and places of interest. 

World Traveler Sign 1, Junction of routes 35 and 5, Lynchville, about a mile north of North Waterford

This sign is fairly easy to find and more scenic during the summer when everything is green. GPS may not locate Lynchville, so if you just follow Route 35 north from North Waterford you’ll find the sign.

While there, stop in Naples. www.townofnaples.org

Naples is a bustling town in summer because it is situated on both Long Lake to the north and Bay of Naples to the south. In the summer months take a cruise on the Songo River Queen, a Mississippi River Stern Paddle Boat replica. www.songoriverqueen.net

World Traveler Sign 2, on Route 118, the Lake Road, just west of the town of Norway.

This one was confusing. The online directions stated it was just two miles from the Lynchville sign in North Waterford. Disregard that. It is located on Route 118, right across the street from Lake Pennesseewassee at the Lake Store at Norway Lake. You really can’t miss it. This sign is painted with red lettering instead of the black we see on the others. It may be the original World Traveler Sign seen on postcards.

While there, visit Norway. www.norwaydowntown.org/index.php

This is a great town to visit. If you are into historical buildings there are plenty in this town, many of which are featured on a walking tour. The Books N Things store at 430 Main St. is one of the buildings on the tour, starting out as Stone’s Drug Store in 1881. The top floor served as a meeting hall for the Grand Army of the Republic and later the Knights of Pythias. 

World Traveler Sign 3, at the intersection of Jones Road and Village Street, on the northwest corner, South China.

This one is tricky to find. It is on Jones Road. If you are going north on Route 32 in South China, look for the sign at the next intersection after you cross Route 202.

Then check out China. www.china.govoffice.com

This is another town that comes alive in summer. After checking out the sign in South China, drive up Route 202 to China see if you can spot this rusty old truck and its rock companions on the way. People in Maine can get very creative with their yard sculpture.