Rainy Day in Maine? Visit a Museum

When traveling to Maine on vacation you don't always get good weather. So have "Plan B" ready to implement. A good stop for the family on a rainy day is one of the many museums found in Maine. Our museums depict a full range of topics from Native Americans, early Maine settlements, maritime history, art, and more. View our listing of Maine museums.

Kennebec Messalonskee Trails (Maine)

As we get further into spring and closer to summer - local trail organizations are sprucing up the hiking trails in their respective geographical areas. These trails are usually maintained by hiking enthusiasts who volunteer their free time on weekends to make the outdoors more enjoyable for others. One such group of volunteers is the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails organization. Read more about their work in "Volunteers prepare trail for hiking", Morning Sentinel, May 30, 2008. The trails run along waterways connecting the communities of Waterville, Winslow, Benton, Fairfield, and Oakland and are designed for walking, running, cycling, and cross-country ski use. For more information about trails in Maine see info on hiking trails in Maine.

The Sounds of Maine

Maine is a wonderful place to get back to nature. Sometimes we all need a break from the sounds of the city, roar of the highway, clank of machinery, disheartening news offered by TV and radio, and overhearing the never-ending conversations of other people in malls, stores, and at work. There is no better place to get away from these sounds of civilization than in the woods and on the mountains of Maine. In late spring and summer one of the best places for listening to nature's sounds is along the hiking trails of Maine while on a camping trip. Read an article by Steve Fagin entitled "Nature's Sounds" (TheDay.com, 5/28/2008). He describes in detail the various sounds of nature while on a recent mountain climbing trip to Maine. Click here for more information on hiking and camping in Maine.

Spring Running Riverfront Festival 2008 - Augusta, Maine on June 14, 2008

Augusta, Maine will hold its 3rd Annual Spring Running Riverfront Festival in June.

The Spring Running is a celebration of life in, on and along the Kennebec River. The festival celebrates and promotes the historic, cultural and economic connections of Augusta to the spring herring run and the Kennebec River. The event runs at Mill Park, and Old Fort Western. Local artisans will have their products for sale at Mill Park beginning Friday, June 13th, from 3-7pm, and the event will be in full swing from 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 14th. Rain date is Sunday, June 15th. The Spring Running draws multigenerational visitors who want to connect with the revitalized Kennebec River and have a good time doing it!

Read more information at http://www.springrunning.org/.

Old Port Festival (Portland, ME, Sun 1 Jun 08)

The 35th Annual Old Port Festival will take place in Portland, Maine on Sunday, June 1st, 2008. The event features music, crafts, arts, food, shopping and other activities. The parade starts the event off at 11:00 am at the top of Exchange Street. Click here for more info about Portland, Maine.

Sunset Cruise and Lighthouse Tour of West Penobscot Bay Lighthouses (Maine, June 27, 2008)

A sunset cruise on the M/V Monhegan will provide close-up views of four Midcoast Maine lighthouses. The cruise will benefit the American Lighthouse Foundation. The cruise takes place on Friday night, June 27th - so you have plenty of time to make preparations to take part in this event. Learn more about this benefit cruise in the recent news article - "Sunset Cruise to Benefit Lighthouse Preservation", MaineBusiness.com, May 27, 2008. Click here for more information on lighthouses along Maine's coast.

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport, ME

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park is a five minute drive from the center of Freeport, Maine. The park of more than 200 acres contains varied ecosystems, including climax white pine and hemlock forests, a salt marsh estuary, and the rocky shorelines on Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. Ospreys nest on nearby Googins Island. Visitors can enjoy picnics at the park. This is a wonderful place to walk if you are visiting Freeport, Maine. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

A recent news article describes a whitewater rafting trip along one of Maine's' rivers. Read about the trip along 16 miles of water and four Class 4 rapids on the river. See "Go 'n' Do Rafting the Dead", Sun Journal, May 25, 2008. Click here for more info on whitewater rafting in Maine.

Ogunquit, Maine Heritage Museum

If you are visiting the Ogunquit, York, or Wells, Maine area then the Ogunquit Heritage Museum is a great place to spend some time. Exhibits at the Museum include maritime history providing information and exhibits on coastal trade and fishing in early Ogunquit. There is a section devoted to the "artist colony" that developed in Ogunquit. In addition, there is a section or more recent history, early hotels and inns as well as Ogunquit Theatre and town photos. The museum and its programs and cultural activities will provide residents, visitors, and particularly the children of Ogunquit and surrounding communities the opportunity to learn about the unique history, culture and early architecture of Ogunquit. Click here for information on dining, lodging, and recreation in Ogunquit, Maine.

Mountain Bike Race - Bradbury Mtn Sep 20, 2008

There will be a mountain bike race on September 20, 2008 at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine. Click on "12 Hours of Bradbury Mountain" for more info. Click here to find out more about Pownal, Maine.

Memorial Day 2008

Today is Memorial Day. Let's remember Maine's fallen military members who have died in service to their country. View a listing of those Mainer's who have died in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars.

Historic Forts of Maine

The state of Maine has an abundance of old, historic forts along its coastline. These forts were erected over the past 400 years for a variety of reasons - usually in response to the need for protection against first the French and Indians during colonial times, then against the British during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and later for protection against enemies during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Some are in remarkably good shape while others remain only as earthworks present in a field. These forts make for a good destination during the upcoming vacation season. Click here for more info on historic forts of Maine.

Camden, Maine Garden Tour (July 17, 2008)

The Camden, Maine Garden Tour will take place on July 17, 2008. Enjoy a day visiting lovely homes and gardens during one of Maine's oldest garden tours. Click here for more information on Camden, Maine dining, lodging, attractions, and events.

Kayaking Safety Tips

An article in USA Today provides insight as to how quickly kayakers can run into trouble in the ocean. See "Kayakers keep rescue crews busy", USA Today, April 29, 2008. The Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors have two web pages on safety for kayakers. One is about cold water immersion and the other is on kayaking instructional safety programs. Click here for more information about kayaking in Maine.

Maine State Parks Look to Busy Season

Maine state parks are gearing up for a busy season. The rising gas prices are causing folks to consider vacations closer to home. Day-use of the parks have increased by 20 % - somewhat caused by the longer than usual cross-country ski and snowshoeing season. A number of improvements are being made to several state parks this year to include new picnic tables, rest room facilities, and children's playgrounds. Read more in "Maine's parks anticipate busy season", Bangor Daily News, May 23, 2008 or click on Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. For more information on traveling in Maine click on http://www.travel-maine.info/.

Sunday River, Maine Opens Mountain Bike Park

Sunday River will be offering lift-served mountain biking once again. Read more in the following news article: May 22, 2008. "Resort re-opening mountain bike trails". The Sun Journal. Go to the Sunday River Mountain Bike Park website. Visit here for more information on mountain biking in Maine.

Down East Spring Bird Fest - Memorial Day Weekend

The Downeast Spring Bird Fest will take place over Memorial Day Weekend in the Cobscook Bay area of Maine. Local areas to go birding include Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and Quoddy Head State parks. Visit here for more information on Maine birding.

Medomak Nature Trail - Waldoboro, Maine

A new nature trail is being blazed in Waldoboro, Maine. It is nearing completion it will serve as a school cross-country running trail, walking trail, and cross-country ski trail. At 3,000 feet it will not be a long trail but it is will be very beautiful judging by the attention to detail in the construction and landscaping. Read more in "Medomak Nature Trail project underway", Maine Coast Now, May 21, 2008.

Walking Museum in Searsport, Maine

The coastal town of Searsport, Maine is planning a "Museum in the Streets walking tour". It should be in place and offering tours by September 2008.

Searsport joins other towns along the coast and inland that are part of a trail encouraging the public to consider that museums exist beyond the walls of traditional institutions. Many objects of ordinary life first belonged in this broader environment. The Searsport tour will consist of 15 strategically placed panels displaying vintage photographs and accompanied by descriptive text. There will also be a large introductory panel and brochures with maps will be available in shops at no charge.

Read more of this story in "Stroll into Searport's past", Waldo VillageSoup, May 17, 2008.

Vacation Destination - Belgrade, Maine

Belgrade, Maine is a vacation spot for many out-of-state boaters. With its seven lakes the town of Belgrade offers a nice vacation spot for families. Many out-of-staters own second homes in this area. Read more in "BELGRADE: Another season arriving - Residents restock, repair and prepare for summer", Kennebec Journal, May 11, 2008.

Kayaking in Maine

Maine has numerous rivers and lakes for kayaking. And, of course, we have that long, island dotted coastline. For information on guided kayak tours visit Kayaking in Maine.

Heavy Snowfall for Season Helps Maine Ski Resorts

Maine's ski resorts had a very good year as a result of the heavy snowfall during this past winter. See "Snowfall windfall helps ski resorts break record", Portland Press Herald, May 13, 2008. Click here for more info on skiing in Maine.

Cabela's Opens in Scarborough, Maine

The outdoor outfitter, Cabela's, has opened its store in Scarborough, Maine. If you hunt or fish this is a store to buy from. Most people recognize the name of the store from the mail order catalog that shows up in their mailbox. Read more in "Cabela's fans flock to store's grand opening", Portland Press Herald, May 16, 2008. Click here for more info on shopping in Maine.

5 Hikes for the Family in Maine Outdoors

The Kennebec Journal published an article about five hikes for the family in Maine. See "Outdoors: 5 hikes to get the entire family into the outdoors".

Kayaking on the Maine Island Trail

Maine's rugged coastline offers fine kayaking journeys. The Maine Island Trail Association has mapped trips for those seeking a Maine kayaking adventure. Read more about the possibilities in "Afloat on the Atlantic Rim: Local kayakers find beauty, exercise and adventure in Maine", The Daily News Online, April 29, 2008. Click here for more info on the Maine coast.

Maine's Isle au Haut Inn Gourmet Experience

The Isle au Haut off the coast of Maine is surely one of the hidden treasures for those seeking an out-of-the way island vacation. The Ellsworth American, a local Maine newspaper, has published an article, "Island Inn Offers Foodie Getaway", describing a culinary adventure offered by residents of the Isle au Haut. The weekend getaway is offered by the Inn at the Isle au Haut, lobsterwoman and author Linda Greenlaw, and the gourmet chocolatier Kate Shaffer. My wife and I stayed at the Isle au Haut in June 2007 to celebrate our wedding anniversary and my recent return from a tour in Iraq. It was a wonderful time. The inn has only four rooms so the atmosphere is quiet and cozy. The guests who shared the weekend with us included a mother and daughter from Mississippi and a folk singing trio from the mid-west. The innkeeper, Diana Santospago, is a wonderful host and excellent cook. The island is simply lovely with superb rocky seacoast walking trails in the park along the southern coast. If you bring a bike you will have traffic free roads and great biking trails. To learn more about this lovely island see information about the Isle au Haut, Maine.

Salmon Fishing on Maine's Penobscot River

Fly fishermen can now fish for Atlantic salmon on the Penobscot River in Maine. This is the first time in over ten years that salmon fishing in the spring has been allowed. Read more in "Penobscot salmon season opens today", Bangor Daily News, May 1, 2008. Click here for more info on fishing in Maine.

Interactive Map of Maine

The Maine Office of Tourism has an interative map of Maine that allows you to select one of Maine's eight different regions. Within the map regions you will find towns, state parks, airports and historic sites. Click here for more information about maps of Maine.

Spring Events on Maine's Kennebec River Rail Trail

The Kennebec River Rail Trail (KRRT) that runs through the towns of Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale, and Gardiner has posted a listing of events taking place this spring (2008). See Kennebec River Rail Trail Events. Scheduled are volunteer cleanup days, walks along the trail, and more. The KRRT is a public path paralleling the existing rail bed along the Kennebec River from Augusta to Gardiner. The trail offers the opportunity for walking, running, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.

Maine Bicycle Safety Course (May 16, 2008)

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will offer a free, one-day course on May 16, 2008 in Augusta to train teachers, police, parents, educators, and others on how to teach bicycle safety. The Bicycle Safety Instructor Training Course is 8 hours long. Click on the following link for more information on biking in Maine.

Maine Canoe Symposium (June 6-8, 2008)

The Maine Canoe Symposium will take place at Camp Winona, Moose Pond, in Bridgton, Maine. The dates are June 6, 7, and 8 (2008).

MCS Mission Statement: Established in 1986, the Maine Canoe Symposium is a volunteer-run, nonprofit weekend event held annually at Camp Winona on Moose Pond in Bridgton, Maine. The Symposium allows participants of all ages to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of North American canoeing heritage and to develop canoeing and related skills through educational workshops, presentations, and hands-on instruction.

Thoreau and the Maine Woods

Read a wonderful post by a writer who took a trip very similar to that of Thoreau's trips to the Maine woods. See "In Woods Where Thoreau Got Lost", Eyes on the Wild Blog.

Camping in Maine

A news post was recently published about camping in Maine. See "Going Camping?" by The Maine Switch (May 7, 2008). The article talks about several activities to do this summer in Maine including camping, skydiving, and whitewater rafting. Some Maine campgrounds are also listed.

Fishing in Maine: Internet Resource Web Page

Our companion website - http://www.travel-maine.info/ - has established a new web page for those wishing to enjoy the sights and sounds of our beautiful state. For you sportsmen we now have the "Fishing in Maine" web page. This page has a listing of Maine fishing associations and organizations, Internet informational resources and links, a listing of firms offering fishing tours and guides, a listing of fishing equipment supply shops and stores, and forums and blogs about fishing in Maine. Enjoy the upcoming fishing season!

Maine Rivers are Stocked with Fish

Maine rivers are being stocked with fish by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Read a report by a DIF & W Fisheries biologist posted in the Morning Sentineal on May 3, 2008. "Fishing Report: Rivers being stocked with legal size fish".

Maine Weekly Open Water Fishing Report (May 1, 2008)

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Weekly Open Water Fishing Report has been posted on the MaineToday.com Outdoors web site. See the report.