Museums in Western Maine

There are a number of museums in Western Maine that showcase the early cultural and industrial life of Western Maine. These museums include the Shaker Village Museum, Wilhelm Reich Museum, The Stanley Museum and more.

The museums of the Lakes & Mountains Region of western Maine contain some of the most impressive collections of historical, cultural, and industrial exhibits found in New England, with world-class artifacts pre-dating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From lumberjacks to shoemakers, inventors and folk artists, western Maine's museums tell the story of interesting people and the places where they lived, worked, and thrived, utilizing the Yankee ingenuity that New England is famous for. This summer or fall, visit a museum to experience three centuries of inland-Maine life including both the rural Maine story and the emergence of industry in the Lakes & Mountains Region.

Click here to read the rest of the article on Western Maine Museums. To learn more about museums across the state of Maine click on info about museums in Maine.

Ogunquit, Maine Playhouse

Maine has a number of summer theatres and one of the finest is located in Ogunquit, Maine. For an enjoyable evening take a trip to Ogunquit and see a performance at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Click here for more information on activities in Ogunquit.

Hiking on Sears Island, Maine

Sears Island, located north of Searsport, Maine along Route 1, is a lovely destination for hikers. This is fully documented by Tom Seymour - an outdoorsman who recently wrote an article published on MaineCoastNow.com entitled "Hiking Sears Island". This island is currently completely wild; however, plans for the future could see some development taking place that will change all of that. See it now while you can!

Black Flies in Maine

Maine is well known for its many species of black flies. Generally the black flies emerge just after Mother's Day and tend to go away right after Father's Day; however some are still around until mid-July. Some bite and some don't but all are very annoying. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide in your breath which is why you always find them gathering around your head. They are tiny things and are sometimes called "no-see-ums". If you are outdoors - hiking, camping or whatever the best protection is a head net. Head nets are are lightweight and will easily fold into a pocket but if you need it will be invaluable. Repellents sometimes help. Read a recent article in the Boston Globe about Maine's black flies - "Black flies surge in Maine's clean rivers", The Boston Globe, June 23, 2008. So how do you fend of the bothersome Maine black flies? The Globe article offers the following suggestions:

"So how to protect yourself? Wear light-colored clothing. While it may not look fashionable, tuck pant legs into socks or boots and wear tight-fitting, long-sleeved shirts because the flies often crawl into snug regions of the body to feed. Insect repellents also work".

More information can be found on the website of the "Maine Blackfly Breeder's Association". This organization is located in Machias, Maine and provides "facts" about black flies. Another source of information is Maine Nature News that provides "Some questions and answers about black flies in Maine". Also, check out "What about those Black Flies and other flying pests I have heard about?, MaineOutdoors.com.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art (Maine)

The magazine Architechture Week recently published an article about the Bowdoin College Museum of Art on June 18, 2008. Click here to view the article. To learn more click on info about museums in Maine.

Deer Checking Out Recently Hayed Field in Maine

Our back yard was recently hayed. As we were eating dinner my wife looked out the dining room window . . . . and spotted this deer. I took a quick picture (not the best). Looks like the deer was wondering where all the tall grass went!

Bikes and Maine

The culture in Maine is slowly changing and some towns and cities are making an attempt to recognize that there are alternatives to cars for transportation. Hopefully, the rise in gas prices will help more and more state and town officials realize that bike paths are a good thing! Read a recent news article on this topic. "Bikers slowly making inroads in Maine". Morning Sentinel, June 21, 2008. Visit this link to learn more about biking in Maine.

Haying Time in Maine

It is haying time in Maine! Everywhere you drive you see the tractors out in the hay fields cutting, tethering, and baling hay. If you live near the Maine coast like I do you get treated to seagulls gathering over the newly cut fields. I suppose there is some type of food out there for them to eat - I won't explore that subject! Here is a picture of the hay field just outside my back door.

Birding in Maine - Blog Reports

Birding in Maine is an activity that has many participants. There are some notable "birders" who post their activities on blogs. Here are a couple of recent posts: "The Bicknell's Thrush Experience; and Outer Green Island Boat Trip", by Derek Lovitch of Outdoors MaineToday.com and "Bird Feathers #5", by John Briggs of Birding in Maine. Visit this link to find more information about birding in Maine.

Monmouth Fair 2008 (Jul 30 - Aug 2)

The Monmouth Fair 2008 will take place on July 30 to August 2, 2008. It is a small family agricultural fair with entertainment, rides, animal exhibits, frying pan throwing contest, hay bale throwing contest, crafts, dairy and beef cattle judging, pig scramble, oxen pulls, draft horses, and more.

New Hiking Trail in Lubec, Maine (Mowry Beach Trail)

The Quoddy Regional Land Trust of Whiting, Maine will be opening the Mowry Beach Trail. While not a big trail (only 2100 feet long) it is a project that took a lot of work and adds value to the community by linking a local school to beachfront. Read more in "New hiking trail in Lubec to open", Bangor Daily News, June 21, 2008. For more information about hiking and hiking trails in Maine see "Hiking in Maine: Info, maps, trails, guides, and tours".

Museums of Old York (York, Maine)

The town of York, Maine (located along the coast of Maine south of Portland) has nine historic buildings that are called the Museums of Old York. Also included with this grouping is a nature preserve, contemporary art gallery and some gardens. The museums depict over 300 years of New England history and experience. Click here for more information about museums of Maine.

Museums of Old York P.O. Box 312, York, Maine 03909 Phone: (207) 363-4974

From the website:

The Museum Buildings are within walking distance to charming York Village shops, restaurants, and art galleries. A walking tour through the historic district leads to the sparkling tidal waters of the York River and an 17 acre nature preserve. From the center of York Village it is a short drive to beautiful sandy beaches and the famous Nubble Lighthouse.

Online Tutorial for Open Water Kayaking

Visit http://www.kayakpaddling.net/ for an online tutorial on openwater kayaking. Click here for more information on kayaking in Maine.

Boothbay Harbor and Windjammer Days (June 24-25)

Boothbay Harbor will be hosting Windjammer Days on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 24-25, 2008) of this coming week. The annual festival of ships encompasses waterfront entertainment, boat parade, games, crafts and fireworks. Read a recent description of the Windjammer Days on ExploringMaine.com entitled "Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor". For an event schedule see The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce website.

Baxter State Park, Maine Now Open

Trails and campgrounds in Maine's Baxter State Park are finally open. The past winter season with its heavy snowfall delayed the opening of some trails and camps by over two weeks. Read more in the Bangor Daily News article of June 16, 2008 entitled "Trails Opened in Baxter State Park". For more information about hiking in Maine see "Hiking in Maine: Info, maps, trails, guides, and tours".

Web Resources for Paddling in Maine

A recent news article posted online discusses web resources for kayaking in Maine. See "Surfing the Web for Paddling Resources", Waldo Village Soup, June 17, 2008. In addition to the links in the article see Kayaking in Maine. Click here for more information on kayaking in Maine.

Castine, Maine - Seacoast Town

Castine, Maine is a lovely town on the coast located on the Penobscot Peninsular. It looks out to Penobscot Bay. Castine is one of the earliest settlements in Maine and changed hands several times between the Dutch, French and English. It is also the home of Maine Maritime. There are great places to eat, drink, and stay overnight. It is worth stopping in to visit. Check out a recent news post about Castine by the Salt Lake Tribune on June 14th entitled "Castine" A hidden gem in the Down East region".

Maine Blogs about Vacation and Travel

There are an abundance of writes who post on blogs about Maine. This blog you are reading is only one of many. Click here for a listing of blogs about vacationing, travel, politics and life in Maine. If you know of a blog that should be added let me know.

Maine Folk Art Trail

The Maine Folk Art Trail is a collection of museums located in Maine that will be exhibiting their interpretation of what Maine folk art is. The website - Maine Folk Art Trail - will provide more information. Below is a partial description taken from the website. Click here for more info on Maine museums.

"In the spring, summer and fall of 2008, eleven of Maine's Art and History Museums will exhibit their folk art collections simultaneously as part of a coordinated statewide exhibition. Maine people and out-of-state visitors will be able, in the course of a few days, to follow Maine's Folk Art Trail from York to Waterville to Searsport to see this vast collection."

Recompence Shore Camping, Freeport, Maine

Enjoy a wonderful camping experience along the beautiful coast of Maine! Stay at the Recompence Shore Campground in Freeport, Maine. These lovely campsites are affordable, close to the ocean shore and in close proximity to Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park and the Wolfe's Neck Farm. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

If you are in the Ogunquit, Maine area and like museums then visit Museum of American Art located in Ogunquit. Here is a description of the museum from its website. "The Ogunquit Museum of American Art engages and educates a diverse audience by collecting, exhibiting, preserving and interpreting American art from the nineteenth century to the present. The Museum integrates its unique artistic heritage and setting to enhance visitor enjoyment and understanding of art." Click here for more travel information on Ogunquit, Maine.

Maine Fishing Report (June 15, 2008)

A fishing report - wrote by a Maine fishing biologist - and posted by the Portland Press Herald is available. See "Fishing Report: Summer is nearly here on lakes and ponds" dated June 14, 2008.

Tate House - Historic House in Portland, ME

The Tate House, a historic house in Portland, Maine is now open to receive visitors. A description from the Tate House website follows:

"A large and elegant dwelling, Tate House was built in 1755 for Captain George Tate (1700 - 1794) and his family. Tate arrived in the colonies around 1751 to act as Senior Mast Agent for the British Royal Navy. . . " " . . . Tate House is one of two residences in Maine with an unusual clerestory in the gambrel roof. As the only pre-Revolutionary home in Greater Portland which is open to the public, the impressive period furnishings, beautiful grounds and herb gardens, and unique architecture
of Tate House offer an insightful glimpse at the 18th century and life in colonial Maine".

Visit www.tatehouse.org for more info.

Summer Camps in Maine for Boys and Girls

If you haven't already, then now is the time to be searching for summer camps for your boys and girls. Maine has an abundance of camps with lakes, mountains, woods and more! See a listing of these camps - visit Summer Camps in Maine for Boys and Girls.

Art Galleries and Studios in Stonington, Maine

Stonington, Maine, a small working fishing village located on the southernmost tip of Deer Isle, is home to over a dozen small art galleries and studios. If you are vacationing along the coast of Maine then consider Stonington. Stonington is a great place to visit for a day or even a few days. There are boat trips you can take to view small islands just off the coast. One trip worth taking is a boat trip for either the day or overnight onto the Isle of Haut. If you are going to the Isle of Haut overnight make sure you have reservations as there are only a few places to stay.

Brunswick, Maine - St. Johns's Bazaar

The 33rd Annual St. John's Bazaar will take place at 39 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine. There will be a carnival, games, entertainment, food, fun for everyone in the family. For more information about the bazaar call (207) 725-8756. Click here for more information about Brunswick, Maine.

Shipyard Brewing Co of Portland, Maine - Brewery Tours

The Shipyard Brewing Company of Portland, Maine offers tours to those interested in the brewing and bottling process. They also have a gift shop . . . and you get to taste their wide selection of ales and beers. The brewery is located near the tourist district of Portland so it is convenient. Click here for more information about brew pubs and breweries in Maine.

Recreation Adventures with L.L. Bean

If you are spending time in the Freeport, Maine area then you should check out the recreational opportunities provided by L.L. Bean. Their "Walk-On Adventures" provide a days' worth of fun and enjoyment in a outdoor setting along with an opportunity to learn a new sport or activity. Some of the activities include kayaking, fly fishing, bike tours, and more. Click here for more information on recreation in Freeport, Maine.

22 June in Kennebunkport, Maine: "Paint the Port"

The "Paint the Port" event will take place on June 22, 2008 in Kennebunkport, Maine. This is presented by the Heartwood College of Art and the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Painters from all over come to Kennebunkport, paint some scenic paintings and then auction them off to benefit the college and society. Click here to learn more about Kennebunkport, Maine.

Lake George Regional Park, Maine

A popular summer destination for Mainers and others from out of state is Lake George Regional Park in Maine. The park offers swimming, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing. The park is located on U.S Route 2 near Canaan and Skowhegan, Maine. For more information call 474-1292, visit the Lake George Regional Park website, or read a recent news article on the park - "Sensing a summer of opportunity", Bangor Daily News, May 31, 2008.

Acadia National Park, Maine and Kayaking

Maine is a wonderful place to kayak - with its long coastline, harbors, and many islands just offshore. One of the best places for kayaking is around Mount Desert Island where Acadia National Park is also located. While Maine is probably best known for its sea kayaking there are plenty of rivers and lakes to kayak. This is also true of Mount Desert Island - there are several fresh water lakes and ponds to kayak. Read a news article about fresh water kayaking in Acadia National Park - "Kayaking in Acadia National Park: It's more than a saltwater adventure", MaineCoastNow.com, May 29, 2008. Click here for more information about kayaking in Maine or info on the Maine coast.

Bird Watchers of Maine

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the nation. Maine is ranked 4th in terms of percent of population engaged in birding as a sport or hobby. Read a recent news article about the fast growing activity of birding and about birds found in Maine. See "What is a bird watcher?", Kennebec Journal, May 31, 2008. For more info on bird watching in Maine see Travel-Maine.Info's web page on "Birding in Maine" for more information. This web page has information on tours, guided trips, bird sanctuaries, birding publications, Maine Audubon, birding news, birding events, birding clubs, and more.

National Trails Day (Sat, June 7, 2008)

It is National Trails Day on Saturday, June 7th, 2008. Read more about the events and activities planned in the region for this special day. See the Appalachian Mountain Club (Maine Chapter) blog entry on National Trails Day. Click here for more information on hiking in Maine.

Fort to Fort Canoe and Kayak Expedition - Maine

The 9th Annual Fort to Fort Canoe and Kayak Expedition will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The purpose of the expedition is to celebrate and enjoy the historic 17-mile waterway between Fort Halifax in Winslow, Maine and Fort Western in Augusta, Maine. Click here for more information on the event. See the following links for more information on historic forts in Maine or info on kayaking in Maine.

Maine Canoe Symposium, Bridgton, ME (Jun 6-8)

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.

Read a recent news posting about this event at "Maine Canoe Symposium this weekend", Outdoors MaineToday.com, June 3, 2008.

Portland, Maine's Farmer's Market

The city of Portland, Maine has a Farmer's Market that takes place today, June 4th, 2008 at 7am to 3pm at Monument Square. The Farmer's Market takes place every Wednesday through September. Contact (207) 772-4045 for more information.

Wolfe's Neck Farm

Located on the coast in Freeport, Maine Wolfe's Neck Farm offers summer day camp for children, educational opportunities for school groups, and also recreational activities for individuals. "Wolfe's Neck Farm is an historic 626 acre farm on the Maine coast dedicated to sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and community well-being through the enjoyment of our natural landscape". Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Ballet Performance in Camden, Maine

The Atlantic Ballet Company (of Camden, Maine) will perform at the Camden Opera House starting June 8th. Camden, Maine is a wonderful placed to spend the weekend or week on vacation with lots of activities such taking in performances at the Camden Opera House. Click here for information on dining and lodging for Camden, Maine.

Camden Hills State Park (Maine)

The season for hiking and camping has started in Maine. Although cool at night in late spring and early summer, with the right clothing and equipment it is very enjoyable. A lovely area of Maine to visit is the Camden Hills area along the coast. The Camden Hills State Park offers an excellent hiking and camping experience. Read a recent news article that provides a detailed description (with photos) about the park - "Camping, hiking season has begun: Explore the local options at Camden Hills State Park", MaineCoastNOW.com, May 24, 2008. Click here for additional information about things to do in Camden, Maine or camping in Maine.