Every Independence Day weekend, the Maine Turnpike sees an uptick in traffic - but even they're doing a double take at this years Fourth of July forecast - 1 million vehicles, up 4.5 percent from last year.
Lower gas prices and sunny skies may be why more vehicles are coming to Vacationland now, after what was the busiest month of May and Memorial Day weekend in Maine Turnpike history.
"At this point, we're on pace to have our best traffic year ever," said Erin Courtney of the Maine Turnpike Authority.
Visitors from away are feeling the difference.
Justin LaPlante drove from Worcester, Massachusetts, to spend the holiday Sebago Lake State Park. He said that while it was supposed to take about two and a half hours, it ended up taking between four and five.
"Worcester's pretty good about having nature and green around, but nothing like this," he said.
About 2,000 other people have the same idea - Sebago Lakes's campgrounds are at full capacity.
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The park manager suspects they're feeling the trickle down effect from the increase in turnpike traffic.
Meanwhile, Portland is preparing to host around tens of thousands of people for Fourth of July fireworks.
