I can answer your Maine questions. What do you like to do? There are many short hikes within an hour or so of Portland (as well as within Portland). There are also breweries, boat trips, islands, etc. But I'd say food/drink are the easiest attractions in the Old Port. Sightseeing in Portland can really be done in a day - it's not that big.
You can also check out Portsmouth NH, which is a smaller version of Portland. Other options include the beach life in the area of Old Orchard beach (think lots of Quebeckers coming south for the beach...to Maine).