What if you could follow a road trip that feels like a journey through Hawkins, Indiana?
Explore these eight retro locations in Maine that are perfect for any Stranger Things fan.
Holy DeLorean, Batman!
Spare Time Entertainment in Portland is like a time machine that's crash-landed into a bowling alley.
As soon as you walk in, you're hit with a wave of neon so bright, you'll wish you'd brought your Wayfarers.
The place is a veritable cornucopia of retro fun.
Bowling lanes stretch as far as the eye can see, their polished wood gleaming under the glow of cosmic lights.
It's like the 80s threw up all over the place - in the best possible way, of course.
They've got an arcade that would make even the most jaded mall rat weak at the knees.
From classic pinball machines to the latest video games, it's a smorgasbord of bleeping, flashing, ticket-spewing joy.
And let's not forget the laser tag arena.
It's like stepping into a real-life video game, complete with fog machines and techno music that'll have you busting out your best Robot moves.
Just try not to pull a Dustin and scream at the top of your lungs when you get tagged.
If Spare Time is the popular kid at school, Orono Arcade LLC is the cool, slightly mysterious transfer student that everyone wants to know more about.
Tucked away in the college town of Orono, this place is a hidden gem that'll make you feel like you've discovered your own personal Upside Down - but, you know, without the flesh-eating monsters.
The moment you step inside, you're transported to a world where high scores reign supreme and "Game Over" is just a suggestion.
The air is thick with the sweet symphony of 8-bit soundtracks and the satisfying clunk of joysticks.
From Pac-Man to Street Fighter, they've got all the classics that'll have you exclaiming, "Oh my God, I haven't seen one of these since I was knee-high to a grasshopper!"
But what really sets Orono Arcade apart is its community vibe.
It's the kind of place where friendships are forged over heated Mario Kart battles and where "I'll just play one more game" turns into an all-night marathon.
Who needs sleep when you're busy saving the princess, right?
Imagine if the Hawkins AV Club grew up, discovered craft beer, and opened their dream hangout.
That's Arcadia National Bar in a nutshell.
This Portland hotspot is where geek chic meets retro cool, and the result is nerdvana.
The bar itself is a love letter to all things vintage gaming.
The walls are adorned with pixelated art that would make Mario proud, and the drink menu reads like a who's who of pop culture references.
Want a "Sonic the Hedgehog" cocktail that'll make you feel faster than the blue blur himself?
Arcadia boasts an impressive collection of both classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines.
It's like someone raided Flynn's Arcade from Tron and added a generous splash of Portland hipster charm.
And let's not forget the events.
From trivia nights that'll test your knowledge of obscure 80s cartoons to tournaments where you can prove once and for all that you are the true Donkey Kong champion, there's always something happening at Arcadia.
It's the perfect spot to gather your party before venturing forth into the night.
Hold onto your scrunchies, because Palace Playland is about to take you on a ride wilder than Steve Harrington's hair.
This Old Orchard Beach institution is New England's only beachfront amusement park, and it's been serving up summer fun since before the Upside Down was even a twinkle in the Duffer Brothers' eyes.
As soon as you set foot on the boardwalk, you're hit with a sensory overload that's pure 80s beach movie magic.
The air is thick with the smell of salt water, sunscreen, and fried dough - a combination that should be bottled and sold as "Essence of Summer Vacation."
The rides are a mix of classic and modern, but even the new attractions have a delightfully retro feel.
The Ferris wheel offers views of the Atlantic that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world (or at least on top of Maine).
And if you're feeling brave, the Galaxy coaster will have you screaming louder than Nancy Wheeler facing a Demogorgon.
But for my money, the real heart of Palace Playland is the arcade.
It's a cacophony of flashing lights and victory jingles, where you can still win oversized stuffed animals by demonstrating your superior skeeball skills.
Pro tip: Challenge your friends to a dance-off on the DDR machine.
Loser buys the cotton candy!
If there's one thing that can unite the Party faster than a Demogorgon attack, it's ice cream.
And in Maine, Round Top Ice Cream in Damariscotta is the holy grail of frozen treats.
This place is so old school, it makes Scoops Ahoy look like a newfangled fad.
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Housed in a charming white barn that looks like it could have been plucked straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, Round Top has been serving up scoops of happiness since 1924.
That's right, folks - this place was dishing out ice cream when Calvin Coolidge was in the White House.
Talk about staying power!
The flavors here are a perfect blend of classic and quirky.
Sure, you've got your vanilla and chocolate, but why not live a little and try the Maine Blueberry or the Grape Nut?
It's like a flavor adventure for your taste buds, minus the risk of being chased by interdimensional monsters.
And let's talk about portion sizes.
These scoops are so generous, they make Eleven's Eggo obsession look like amateur hour.
One cone from Round Top, and you'll be fueled up for a full day of bike riding, walkie-talkie chatting, and monster hunting.
Holy Batman, Robin!
Joker's Family Fun and Games in Portland is like someone took all the best parts of your childhood, threw them in a blender, and created a paradise of pure, unadulterated fun.
It's the kind of place that would make even the brooding Mike Wheeler crack a smile.
As soon as you walk in, you're hit with a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that'll make you feel like you've just stepped into a real-life cartoon.
The arcade is a treasure trove of both classic and modern games, ensuring that whether you're a Pac-Man purist or a Dance Dance Revolution devotee, you'll find your happy place.
But the real showstopper at Joker's is the indoor playground.
It's a labyrinth of tubes, slides, and ball pits that would make the Hawkins Lab look like a walk in the park.
Watch as your kids (or, let's be honest, you) navigate this neon jungle gym with the determination of Steve Harrington wielding his nail-studded bat.
And let's not forget the laser tag arena.
It's like stepping into a Tron-inspired fever dream, complete with glowing vests and fog machines.
Just try not to get too carried away and start yelling "Demo-dogs!" every time you tag someone.
Trust me, it doesn't go over well with the birthday party crowd.
Alright, cinephiles and mall rats, buckle up because we're heading to the Bangor Mall Cinemas.
This place is more than just a movie theater; it's a portal to another dimension where the smell of popcorn hangs in the air like a buttery fog and the carpet patterns are wilder than the special effects in a 1980s sci-fi flick.
Walking into the lobby is like stepping into a time warp.
The neon signs, the larger-than-life movie posters, the sound of popcorn popping - it's all delightfully retro in the best possible way.
You half expect to see a group of kids on BMX bikes pulling up outside, ready for their big adventure.
But don't let the nostalgic vibes fool you - this cinema has kept up with the times.
The screens are big, the sound is crisp, and the seats are comfier than Dustin's favorite La-Z-Boy.
It's the perfect blend of old-school charm and modern amenities.
And let's talk about the concession stand.
It's a veritable wonderland of movie snacks that would make even the voracious Dart drool.
From classic buttered popcorn to those suspiciously blue slushies that turn your tongue into a smurf, they've got it all.
Pro tip: Mix your popcorn with some M&Ms for a sweet and salty combo that'll blow your mind faster than one of Eleven's psychic nosebleeds.
Last but not least on our Stranger Things-inspired tour of Maine, we're rolling into Saco Valley Sports Center.
This place is like the love child of a bowling alley and an 80s sports montage, with a dash of small-town charm thrown in for good measure.
As soon as you lace up those oh-so-stylish rental shoes, you're transported to a world where the biggest worry is whether you'll pick up that 7-10 split.
The lanes stretch out before you like a neon-lit highway to victory, the sound of crashing pins providing a satisfying percussion to the 80s hits blasting from the speakers.
They've got an arcade that would make even the most jaded teenager put down their smartphone in awe.
From classic pinball machines to the latest racing games, it's a smorgasbord of bleeping, flashing fun that'll have you digging for quarters faster than you can say "Friends don't lie."
And let's not forget the snack bar.
It's a treasure trove of guilty pleasures that would make Steve's hair go flat with envy.
Nachos dripping with radioactive-looking cheese?
Check.
Hot dogs that have been slowly rotating under heat lamps since the Reagan administration?
You bet.
It's the kind of food that nutritionists warn you about, but your taste buds will thank you for.
So there you have it, fellow adventurers - a tour of Maine's most radical retro spots that would make even the Hawkins gang jealous.
Adventure is calling!
Use this map to steer your road trip in the right direction -- and maybe discover a surprise or two along the way.
Now grab your friends, hop on your bikes, and start exploring.
Just keep an eye out for any suspicious-looking vans from Hawkins Lab.