Clinton Lions Fair (Maine Sep 4-7, 2008)

The Clinton Lions Fair will take place on September 4-7, 2008. Lots of activities take place during this fair to include midway rides, exhibits, pig scramble, Beano, martial arts demo, horse pulling, pickup pull, Maine Dairy Princess Event, Woodsmen's events, and music entertainment.

Portland, Maine's Art District

The city of Portland, Maine has a very rich arts district. There is plenty to experience in its theaters, museums and concert locations.

"Uptown, a few blocks from the waterfront, is Portland’s secret treasure–the Arts District. With Congress Street as its spine, this once traditional shopping street has turned into a mecca of art galleries, antique shops, and artist studios. The world class Portland Museum of Art, the Children’s Museum of Maine, the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art, the Center for Cultural Exchange, the State Theater, the Portland Stage Company, the Center for Maine History, and the stunningly-renovated Merrill Auditorium all line Congress Street".

Read more of this online posting in "Portland's Art District" (by portland.com). Click here to read more about attractions and things to do in Portland, Maine.

Events in Maine - Craigs List

One way of finding out what is going on in Maine is to hit the website "Craigs List". Lots of different types of events are listed and there is a search function to help narrow down the list. Click on the following link for "events in Maine by Craigs List". For another listing of events in Maine see Travel-Maine.Info's Maine Event Calendar.

Harmony Free Fair (Maine Aug 29 - 1 Sep)

This time of year Maine is host to numerous fairs that say "Goodbye" to summer vacation and "Hello" to the fall season. Many of these fairs take place over the Labor Day weekend. One such fair is the Harmony Free Fair - which will take place in Harmony, Maine on August 29 to September 1, 2008. This is an agricultural fair celebrating its 61st anniversary. There will be many events, exhibitions, and contests. Some events include horse pulls, demolition derby, tractor pulls, Woodsmen Competition, and more. Entertainment and rides will be available. The fair takes place in northern Maine, just north of Skowhegan.

Springfield Fair (Maine, Aug 29 to Sep 1, 2008)

The Springfield Fair will be held on August 29 to September 1, 2008. The location is Springfield, Maine (eastern Maine near Route 6). There will be stage shows, animal displays and pulling events, antique auto displays, livestock, entertainment, rides, stunt drivers, and more. For more information click on Springfield Fair.

The Blue Hill Fair - Aug 28 - Sep 1 (Maine)

The Blue Hill Fair will take place on August 28 to September 1, 2008 in Blue Hill, Maine. This fair, scheduled around Labor Day Weekend, has lots of entertainment, attractions, livestock, sheep dog trials, music, midway, tractor pulling, and exhibits. Blue Hill is a beautiful community along the coast of Maine. A great way to spend the weekend.

Downeast Sea Kayaking Symposium

The 3rd Annual Downeast Sea Kayaking Symposium will be offered in Bar Harbor, Maine on September 5-8, 2008. the Carpe Diem Kayaking Company and Aquaterra Adventures are hosting the symposium. Click here for more information on kayaking in Maine.

Maine Dinner Recipes

The website GetRealMaine.com has a listing of Maine food recipes. You can utilize the search function to find recipes for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. To find your favorite Maine recipe click on "Recipes Using Maine Foods".

Weekend Bike Trip of Portland ME (from Boston)

Portland, Maine is a wonderful city to visit. It's not far from the other states in New England and there are many ways of getting here. The airport is located just outside the city, we have Route 95 that takes you right by Portland, and there is the train (often overlooked). Once in Portland there is much to see. You can visit places the usual way by taking your car or walking around the city. An alternative (some would say "Green") method is using your bike. Read a blog by someone who lives in Boston who took a weekend trip to Portland, Maine by train and bike. It is a "how to" description of visiting Portland via train/bike. See "Portland is a Sunny/Foggy Place". Click here for more information on visiting Portland, Maine or biking in Maine.

Windsor Fair (Maine Aug 24 - 1 Sep)

The 2008 Windsor Fair will take place on August 24 to September 1. Lots of activities and events are planned to include stage shows, racing, Giant Pumpkin Contest, Maine Apple Festival, Woodsmen's Day, entertainment, "Maine Apple Queen" Pageant, pig scrambles, tractor pulls, beef and dairy judges, and more.

Maine Apple Queen Pageant (Sun, Aug 24th, 2008)

On Sunday, August 24th, 2008 the Maine Apple Queen Pageant will take place at the Windsor Fair located in Windsor, Maine. For more information click on Maine Apple Queen Pageant.

Acton Fair (Maine Aug 21-24, 2008)

The Acton Fair will be held on August 21-24, 2008 in Acton, Maine. This fair is presented by the Your County Agricultural Association. Events include 4-H shows, pig scramble, horse and ox pulling, Ms. Acton Pageant, and a parade. Acton is located near the intersections of Routes 109 and 11 in western Maine. For more information click on Acton Fair.

Piscataquis Valley Fair (Maine Aug 21-24, 2008)

The Piscataquis Valley Fair will take place in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine on August 21-24, 2008. Home made ice cream, agricultural exhibits, crafts and more will be featured. For more info click on Piscataquis Valley Fair.

Forts Along the Lower Penobscot River of Maine

Maine is home to many forts that date back to the Revolutionary War days and earlier. Most of these forts are located along the Maine coast where they could protect entrances to rivers or harbors. One blogger from Portland, Maine has described a day trip to two of these forts - Fort Point of Stockton Springs and Fort Knox of Prospect. Her post includes links to the state park web page describing the forts, wonderful pictures of the forts and suggestions on how to enjoy the trip. See "Around the Lower Penobscot River, Maine" to view her informative post. Visit this link for more information on historic and coastal forts of Maine.

Hiking in Acadia National Park (Maine)

The Acadia National Park in located along the coast of Maine is one of the most beautiful spots in New England. The park is well-suited for hikers as well. One blogger from New York has a blog devoted to Acadia where she describes her visits to Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Her most recent post is of help to folks thinking about hiking in Acadia. She has suggested four separate hiking trips for the family, provides a description of those hikes, where to purchase maps, and hiking trip suggestions. Read more in the post "Four Hikes in Acadia National Park You and Your Kids Will Love - Easy Terrain and Big Payoffs".

Visit this link for more information on camping, dining, lodging and visiting Acadia National Park.

Eastern Trail of Maine

Another section of the Eastern Trail of Maine has been completed. The Eastern Trail will be a pedestrian and bike path that will span 60 miles and run from Kittery to South Portland. The Eastern Trail will be part of the East Coast Trail Greenway which will run from Key West, Florida to Calais, Maine. This new section of the trail links Milliken Mills Road and the Scarborough Marsh. Click here for more information on trails and hiking in Maine.

Portland, Maine Airport - (Portland International Jetport)

Maine has a very small but efficient airport. Located on the outskirts of Portland, Maine - the Portland International Jetport is very close to the center of the city and major road networks that take you south, west, north, and east to the rest of Maine. Rental cars are available from a variety of firms. The rental car desks are located outside the terminal under the parking garage - a very short walk from the baggage carousels. Mermaid Transportation provides shuttle service and there always seem to be a number of taxis available. There are lots of hotels in the Portland area all within 15 minutes of the airport; and there are two that are located adjacent to the airport - the Hilton Garden Inn and the Embassy Suites. The airport is quick to get into and out of, baggage doesn't take that long to get, check in lines are usually not too long and the security lines have gotten a lot better. The parking garage is currently under construction (summer of 2008) so give yourself an extra 15 minutes for parking.

Cooking Lobster Humanely

Do you know how to cook lobster humanely? Do you even care? Maine is one of those places where lobster is a staple - both for residents and tourists. One chef who writes for the New York Times decided to investigate the cooking of lobsters and find the most humane way of doing it. While her article is very interesting I am not sure she has come up with any solid answers! Read the blog post "The Back Story Shell Shock", The Moment (NY Times), July 3, 2008. Click here to learn more about lobsters in Maine and how to order lobsters online.

Union Fair (Maine, Aug 17-23, 2008)

The Union, Maine Fair will take place on August 17-23, 2008. Fair events include He-Man Contest, midway rides and activities, parade, animal and dairy shows and exhibits, pig races, music entertainment, and the "Blueberry Festival". Below is an extract from the Union Fair website:

"The fairgrounds are nestled among the rolling hills and beautiful farmlands in Union, Maine. There are activities and entertainment for all age groups, so bring the entire family and spend the day at the festival. Better yet, stay for a few days and enjoy the surrounding area as well. There's lots to see and do in the Mid-Coast area".

Kayaking St Johns Bay, Maine

Located west of Pemaquid Point in Maine, John's Bay is a great place for paddling. Or so says kayaking guide Alvah Maloney (http://www.mainekayak.com/). Read a recent article he wrote about kayaking in Maine in "Sea Kayaking John's Bay", U.S. Outdoors Today, July 4, 2008. Click here for more information on kayaking in Maine.

Camping in Maine - A Budget Vacation

With today's gas prices folks are looking to cut some corners with vacation costs. One way to do this is camping. No expensive hotel bill, cheap meals prepared over a cook stove or campfire, and low-cost entertainment such as hiking, swimming, and more. A recent article on camping in Maine provides some places to go with descriptions, locations, costs associated, and either a phone number or website for further information. Read "The Ultimate Budget Vacation", by The Maine Switch, June 26, 2008. Click here for a listing or directory of places to camp in Maine.

Maine Beaches

The state of Maine has some wonderful beaches. Much of the sandy beaches to be found in Maine exist between Kittery and Portland along the southern Maine coast. This 30-mile stretch of seashore sees lots of visitors during the summer months. There is lots to do including shopping, dining, hiking, biking and more - all in addition to water sports and sunning on the beach. Some of these beaches are well-known (Old Orchard, Wells, Ogunquit), however, some of the smaller ones (Goose Rocks Beach) are not readily recognized by out-of-staters. For more information visit the website of The Maine Beaches Association. Click here for more information facts, maps, about the Maine seacoast.

Hiking the Cathance River Preserve, Topsham, Maine

The Cathance River Preserve in Topsham, Maine offers an excellent outdoor experience. The sanctuary is comprised of 230 acres - woods, fields, with a section of the Cathance River running through it. The town of Topsham, located along the coast of Maine just northeast of Brunswick, Maine, is the home of this preserve. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk. There are five walking trails - each about one mile long. One of the trails - the Heath Trail - goes by a prime birdwatching area. The preserve has an "ecology center" built from ecologically sensitive materials with "green" building features. The Cathance River Education Alliance presents lectures and workshops in the ecology center. Worth a visit if you are living or visiting the Topsham or Brunswick, Maine area.

Portland, Maine: A "Green" Guide to the City

With the recent surge in the use of the politically-correct word "green" in our vocabulary - we are now seeing products and services promoted as being "green" - such as "green" autos, "green" food, "green" investments, etc. It was only a matter of time before someone would publish a "Green Guide to Portland, Maine" in an attempt to provide some "green tourism" travel advice. How green the Portland destinations are in this well-written blog post I really don't know. However, the blog post is an excellent piece on where to stay, eat and what to do in Portland, Maine. Click here for more travel information about Portland, Maine.

Kayaking Deer Isle and Stonington, Maine

A Maine kayaking guide recently wrote an article about a kayaking tour that he led in late June 2008 among the islands just south of Stonington, Maine. See "Island Hopping Off Stonington - - A Kayak Tour of the Deer Isle Archipelago", Waldo Village Soup, June 29, 2008. Deer Isle and Stonington (the small fishing village on the southern tip of Deer Isle) offer an great place to kayak. There are numerous islands to paddle by and stop and visit. Some offer overnight camping opportunities. For more information click on the following topics kayaking in Maine, Deer Isle, Maine, Stonington, Maine, and Isle Au Haut, Maine.

Maine Vacation Rentals - Craig's List

Are you looking for a vacation home in Maine to rent? One source of info is the well-known "Craig's List". Click on the following link for "Craigs List of Maine Vacation Rentals". It has a search function that allows you to search a multitude of criteria such as dates, number of bedrooms, pets allowed, and more.

Maine Maritime Museum in Bath

The Maine Maritime Museum is located in Bath, Maine. This small coastal city also is host to Bath Iron Works (BIW) - a shipyard that builds many of the warships for the U.S. Navy and that had its start in 1826. (Click here for a history of Bath Iron Works). Bath has a long and strong maritime tradition. In addition to the museum exhibits, the museum also offers BIW trolley tours, history experiences, lectures, workshops, and several different types of cruises.

Skowhegan State Fair (Aug 7-16, 2008)

The Skowhegan State Fair will take place on August 7-16, 2008. Lots of activities will take place to include rides, midway, food, entertainment, demolition derby, animal exhibits, crafts, harness racing, vehicle and animal pulling, and more. The event takes place in Skowhegan, Maine. For more information click on Skowhegan State Fair.

Acadia National Forest in Maine

One of the best places to vacation in Maine is in the Acadia National Forest. This destination is suitable for young and old no matter what your physical shape might be! There is something for everyone. If you are the type that tends to be tethered to your automobile then there are scenic drives on the Loop Road and around Mount Desert Island during the day and plenty of places to eat at night. If your more about doing sports outdoors then there is kayaking, hiking, biking, and climbing. Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, has plenty of places to stay overnight. Bikes and kayaks can be rented locally in Bar Harbor. Read a recent article about one couples trip to Acadia National Forest - "Getting Active in Maine", wickedlocal.com, June 29, 2008.

Maine State Music Theatre - Brunswick, Maine

The Maine State Music Theatre is located in Brunswick, Maine. The summer schedule is posted below:

June 25 - July 12. The Producers.
July 16 - August 2. All Shook Up.
August 6 - August 24. Les Miserables.

Tickets can be purchased online (see the MSMT link above). If traveling from out of town click here for information on dining and lodging in Brunswick, Maine.

Boat Show in Rockland, Maine (Aug 8-10, 2008)

The 2008 Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show will take place in Rockland, Maine on August 8-10, 2008. Lots of Maine-built boats will be on display with over 300 exhibitors. Read a press release providing more details in "Sixth Annual MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBOR SHOW", MaineBusiness.com, June 23, 2008. Click here to learn more about Maine boat builders and manufacturers.

Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, ME - 1-5 Aug 08

The 60th Anniversary Maine Lobster Festival will take place on August 1-5, 2008 at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine. The event features five days of entertainment. Wednesday night the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation Pageant will take place. There will be featured entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A parade will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday on Maine Street. Sunday the 10K Road, Children's Fun Run and the Great International Lobster Crate Race will be held. In addition there will be Maine arts and crafts, marine exhibits, lots of lobster and seafood and many children's activities. See the website for Maine Lobster Festival. To learn more about lobsters click on info about Maine lobster.