Cooking Class - Camden, Maine Farmer's Market

Interested in learning how to cook meals using foods bought at a Farmer's Market? The Cellardoor Winery and Vineyards of Lincolnville, ME is offering that opportunity. The event takes place on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009. You shop at the Camden Farmer's Market and then return to the Cellardoor Winery Kitchen to prepare a four-course meal. Learn more in "Cooking from a Maine Farmer's Market", MaineToday.com, July 29, 2009.

Summer Music Series at Camden, Maine Amphitheatre

Camden, Maine is host to the Summer Music Series that takes place in the amphitheatre. There will be a free concert on Thursday, August 6th starting at 7 p.m.

Stay in Portland, Maine - Dining, Lodging, and More

The Boston Globe has published an online article about where to dine, drink, walk, and stay in Portland, Maine. Read "Portland is for walkers, and eaters, and sailors . . . " (July 22, 2009). Click here to learn more about Portland, Maine.

Profile of an Average Lobsterman

Part of Maine's lore is that of lobsters, quaint harbors, beaches, fishing boats, and the coastline. But what about the lobsterman who works on the lobster boat? A recent article in "The Working Waterfront" entitled "A profile of the average lobsterman" reveals much about the average Maine lobsterman. For instance his average age is 50 years old. He can't afford to live along the coast or in a fishing harbor village (the taxes are too high and more affluent folks have bought up most of the waterfront property). He won't get rich and depends on his spouse for medical insurance and added income. Click here to learn more about Maine lobster.

Maine Beer Trail

Local pubs in southern Maine are part of the Maine Beer Trail. The Maine Beer Trail highlights a variety of Maine-made beers. Read an article on this topic in "Hit the Trail: Local pubs part of the larger Maine Beer Trail", SeacoastOnline.com, July 23, 2009. Click here to learn more about breweries in Maine.

Freeport Village Station in Maine Now Open

More and more stores are opening at Freeport Village Station in Freeport, Maine. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. There is plenty of parking. Some of the new stores include Nike Factory Store, VanHeusen, Oakley Vault, Calvin Klein, L.L. Bean, Sunglass Hut, Pacsun, Coach Factory, Izod, and Brooks Brothers. Click here to learn more about dining and shopping in Freeport, Maine.

L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series Shedule - 2009

Here is the summer schedule for music at the L.L. Bean Campus in Freeport, Maine

August 1 - Blues Traveler
August 8 - Dar Williams
August 15 - The Wallflowers
August 22 - Maine Songwriter's Festival
August 29 - Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience

See a complete concert listing at www.llbean/events

Click here to learn more about Freeport, Maine.

Company Kids from Orange County to Perform at L.L. Bean in Freeport (Wed, July 29, 2009)

The Company Kids from Orange County, California will be performing at L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Learn more at http://www.orangecountersonganddance.com/. Click here to learn more about Freeport, Maine.

Nordica Homestead Museum in Farmington, Maine

The Nordica Homestead Museum on Holley Road in Farmington is open from June to September. Lillian Nordica was an opera star who was world-renowned. The museum is the early childhood home of Lillain Norton. Read more about this museum in "New Nordica Homestead Museum caretakers enjoy the history", Sun Journal, July 24, 2009. Click here to learn more about museums in Maine.

Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Maine

The Friday, July 23rd, 2009 issue of USA Today has a small blurb about famous ethnic places to eat across the United States. A select few dining establishments were mentioned. One of these was Red's Eats of Wiscasset, Maine. The article states that "The best lobster roll on Earth is served at an extremely humble shack known as Red's Eats". I have never heard of the place but the next time I drive east along the coast I will have to stop and see if that is true! Click here for more info on the seacoast of Maine.

Open Farm Day in Maine (Sunday, 26 July 2009)

Sunday, July 26th, 2009 is "Open Farm Day" in Maine. Over 100 farms will be open statewide to the public. The purpose is to promote agriculture and educate visitors about farming in Maine. Many of the farms will be selling farm produce as well as providing fun activities and entertainment for children and families. To see which farms are open in your area visit "Open Farm Day".

Harpswell, Maine Festival

The Town of Harpswell is celebrating their festival this weekend (July 25th and 26th). Harpswell is located south of Brunswick, Maine along the coast. A pleasant drive to go there and a wonderful place to be.

Bike Trails on Mount Agamenticus, Maine

The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region has many acres of recreational area. There are lots of trails for those who are interested in biking. Mount Agamenticus is located along the coast of southern Maine near Cape Neddick, York and other coastal towns. The Mt. Agamenticus Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association has more info on Mt. Agamenticus biking trails. Click here for more information about biking trails in Maine.

Skolfield Nature Preserve in Brunswick, Maine

This 11-acre preserve, the Captain Alfred Skolfield Nature Preserve, is owned and maintained by Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. The land sits next to Merriconeag Farm between Middle Bay and Harpswell coves located on the to the north along the Brunswick-Harpswell town line. The land was donated in 1990 by Dr. Alice Whittier, a descendant of a sea captain named Alfred Skolfield. In years past, the preserve was a portage site for Native Americans. Later it become the site of the Skolfield shipbuilding yard. The Middle Bay Cove attracts many resident and migrating waterfowl and several species of migrating shorebirds. The nature trails are marked with blue blazes and markers on trees. Click here for more information about Brunswick, Maine.

Bailey Island, Maine - Lodging, Dining and Recreation

If you are looking for a quiet get-away along the coast of Maine then you should consider Bailey Island, Maine. It is an island at the end of a peninsular of land and is a part of the Town of Harpswell, Maine. There are working fishing harbors, excellent water views, and plenty of places to stay and eat. Click here to learn more info about Bailey Island. Read about a recent one-week vacation to Bailey Island that my wife and I took together in June 2009. The photo to the left is a picture of a buoy shed on the shoreline of Mackerel Cove on Bailey Island.

Maine State Music Theatre - Brunswick, Maine

The Maine State Music Theatre is located in Brunswick, Maine. The playhouse opened in 1959 and performances are held every summer. Currently "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is playing until August 1st. If you are looking for some summer evening entertainment along the mid-coast of Maine then it can be found here.

Topsham Fair - Maine (Aug 9-15, 2009)

The Topsham Fair will be held August 9-15, 2009 in Topsham, Maine at the Topsham Fair Grounds on Route 196. There are a number of activities taking place to include racing, demolition derby, entertainment, exhibits, vendors and more. Click here for information about dining and lodging in Topsham, Maine.

Lobster College in Maine - Sep 17-20, 2009

A very different type of learning vacation is offered by the Lobster Institute of the University of Maine - it is called "Lobster College". It is hosted by the Kenniston Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast (http://www.kennistonhillinn.com/) Boothbay, Maine. This is a fun and educational weekend scheduled for September 17-20, 2009. Read more in the MaineToday news posting entitled "Lobster College, a learning vacation on the Maine coast". Click here to learn more info on lobsters.

Music Scene in Portland, Maine - A Blog

If you are interested in the music scene or a listing of concerts for Portland, Maine then there is a blog designed especially for you. Visit "HillyTown". Click here for a comprehensive listing of blogs about Maine.

Visiting Tips for Eastport / Lubec, Maine

Are you heading to Eastport or Lubec, Maine? Here is a short online article about things to do and places to go while there. Click here.

Seaside Pavilon Schedule for 2009 Old Orchard Beach, Maine

A number of activities takes place at the Old Orchard Beach, Maine Seaside Beach Pavilion. Concerts, special events, and more can be found throughout the summer. Read and interesting article on this unique venue and visit their website for more information: http://www.oobpavilion.org/

Portland, Maine Daily Photo

Interested in photographs of Portland, Maine? There is a blog called "Portland Maine Daily Photo" that is done by a Portland native who lives and works in Portland. He posts a daily photo of Portland on his blogs. Very nicely done. Click here to view more blogs about Maine or to find out more information about Portland, Maine.

August 7th National Lighthouse Day

The publisher of the Maine-based Lighthouse Digest Magazine wants to make August 7th National Lighthouse Day. He believes that having an annual day where lighthouses are celebrated nationally will add to the recognition of and support of lighthouses across the nation. Read more in "Publisher Urges Recognition of National Lighthouse Day", MaineBusiness.com, May 31, 2009. Click here to learn more about lighthouses found in Maine.

Maine's Sebago Brewing Company

Maine has quite a few micro-breweries to choose from when selecting a specialty beer. One of these is the Sebago Brewing Company. There are three Sebago Brewing Company pubs located in Maine - Scarborough, Portland and Gorham. It also has a production brewery located in Gorham. Read an informative blog post about Sebago Brewing Company by "The Beer Nut" of Milford Daily News. Click here to learn more about breweries in Maine.

Maine State Triathlon Classic

The Maine State Triathlon Classic will take place on August 3, 2009. It encompasses a 1k swim in Songo Pond, 25k bike ride, and 5k cross-country run. The event will take place in Bethel, Maine.

Pictures of Rock Climbing in Acadia National Park

A blogger who travels a lot has posted pictures of rock climbing at Acadia National Park. Check out the dramatic views. Click here for more info about Acadia National Park in Maine.

Maine Flyfishing Blog

There are blogs about everything out there concerning Maine. Here is one done by a avid fly fisherman and fly tyer from the mid-coast region of Maine. He has great photos and info on fly fishing in Maine. Check out Maine Flyfishing Blog. Click here for more info on fishing in Maine.

Camden, Maine HarborArts Juried Show

Camden, Maine will host the "HarborArts Juried Show" from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in Harbor Park. This is a free art show that showcases artists of many disciplines. This is the 32nd show. For more information contact Dan Bookham at (207) 236-4404 or email dbookham@camdenme.org. Click here to learn more about lodging and dining in Camden, Maine.

Book: Camden: Stories from an Old Maine Harbor

"Remembering Camden" Stories from an Old Maine Harbor". This book is available in paperback. The author, Barbara F. Dyer, has done a fine job of recording Camden's history. Here is a book description:

"Tracing the town's history from its early days as a thriving shipbuilding center to its present status as a well-loved tourist destination, author and lifelong Camden resident Barbara F. Dyer offers a series of poignant and entertaining recollections of bygone days in old Camden and nearby Rockport. From Prohibition and the 1935 Waterfront Fire to Maine's notorious Great Imposter, Dyer weaves a richly nostalgic record of Camden life prior to the tourism boom. Read Remembering Camden to discover the quirks, charms and forgotten lore of a storied coastal Maine community."

Click on the link below to read more about this book or to order the book:

Rembering Camden: Stories from an Old Maine Harbor

Book: Maine Lighthouses and Documentation of Their Past

"Maine Lighthouses: Documentation of Their Past".

This book explores how lighthouse sites were selected, how they were constructed, who the lighthouse keepers were, and more. There are photos of the lighthouses as well. To read more about the book or to order it click on the link below:

Maine Lighthouses: Documentation Of Their Past

Maine Lobster Bike Ride and Roll

The 8th Annual Maine Lobster Ride and Roll will take place on July 25, 2009 at Rockland High School in Rockland, Maine. Each summer the Bicycle Coalition of Maine hosts this scenic bike ride along the coast of Maine. Click here for biking info for Maine.

New England Forest Rally - July 17-18, 2009 Pro Rally

The New England Forest Rally will take place in the woods of Western Maine on July 17-18, 2009. Pro rally drivers from across the country will compete.

Maine Woods Discovery - Vacation Packages

A group of Maine travel industry and non-profit agencies have banded together to form a new project called "Maine Woods Discovery". They are offering several moderately priced vacation packages to promote tourism in Maine's interior woodlands. Read a recent news article entitled "Maine Woods Discovery travel packages being offered", The Associated Press (Google), July 7, 2009. Visit the http://www.mainewoodsdiscovery.com/ website. For more info on travel and vacations in Maine see http://www.travel-maine.info/.

Maine Day Trips

Looking to do an organized day trip in Maine? There is a firm that caters to that very need. Check the following link: http://www.mainedaytrip.com/

Maine Potato Blossom Festival (July 11-19, 2009)

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival will take place from July 11-19, 2009 in Fort Fairfield, Maine. There will be parades, mashed potatoe wrestling, road races, yard sales, food, entertainment, and more. Read more at http://potatoblossom.org/.

Maine Art Guide and Blog

There is a blog that provides information about Maine art shows and galleries. It is entitled the "Cafe des Artistes" and is part of a blog, radio show, and email newsletter. The blog provides Maine art news. If you are interested in the arts in Maine this is a good source of information. Check it out at Cafe des Artistes.

Harpswell, Maine Festival (July 25-26, 2009)

The Town of Harpswell, Maine will hold its annual festival on July 25-26, 2009. There will be music, food, fireworks, attractions, entertainment, rides, games, artists, crafters, giant puppets, and more. Click on the following link for more information: http://www.harpswellfestival.org/. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Harpswell, Maine.

Gem Hunting in Maine

If you are interested in gem hunting or learning about minerals and rocks then the Oxford, Maine area might be of interest to you. There is a mineral belt in Oxford and Androscoggin counties of Maine that attract gem seekers from across the country. There are several outfits that cater to those seeking gems. Read "Route 26 a gem hunter's dream", MaineToday.com, May 26, 2009. Learn more about gems, minerals, and mines in Maine.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine - A Coastal Village

The Boothbay Harbor Region offers lots to the visitor from away. The peninsula has lots of history, traditional coastal firms and workers in the fishing industry and ship building. There are numerous restaurants, lodging facilities, and lots to do. Some of the sights to see include lighthouses, quaint harbors, museums, fishing boats, windjammers, and pleasure boats. Click here to learn more about the Maine coast.

Maine Birding Trail

Birding is taking off in Maine. Different birding specialists and associations are uniting with other groups and organizations to form tours, trips and trails to enhance birdwatching in Maine. Read a recent article on this topic; see "Better birding in Maine?", Maine Outdoor Journal, May 28, 2009. Click here for more info on birding in Maine.

River-Link Trail on Boothbay Penisula in Maine

A new trail has been blazed on the Boothbay Peninsula in Maine. It is called the River-Link Trail. Several land trusts and associations collaborated to help build the trail. To read more about this new trail read "You feel pretty far away", Portland Press Herald, May 28, 2009 or visit the Damarscotta River Association website. Click here for more info on hiking trails in Maine.

Maine Celtic Celebration (Jul 17-19, 2009)

The Maine Celtic Celebration will take place in Belfast, Maine on July 17-19, 2009. Live Celtic music will be playing. There will be a barbacue, crafts, road race, parade, food, vendors, dancing, fireworks, and much more.

"The mission of the Maine Celtic Celebration is to renew the rich Celtic history, culture and hospitality found along the coast of Maine. We are a group of volunteers drawn from the community. The 3-day celebration is planned as a "donation only" event. No admission to the shows or workshops will be charged and visitors are free to donate what they feel the event is worth."

Click here for more info:

http://www.mainecelticcelebration.com/

Rockland, Maine Lobster Festival - Jul 29 to Aug 2, 2009

The Maine Lobster Festival will be held July 29th to August 2nd, 2009 along the waterfront of Rockland, Maine. This is the 62nd annual festival. Amateur chefs will be competing for prize money. For more info see http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/. Click here for more information about Maine lobsters.

Guidebook: Lighthouses of Maine

"Lighthouse of Maine: A Guidebook and Keepsake" is a very nice book that profiles the lighthouses of Maine. "With more than forty-five lighthouses still standing, Maine is one of the most lighthouse-rich states in the country. This stunningly illustrated handbook profiles them all and offers complete information for travelers."

Lighthouses of Maine: A Guidebook and Keepsake (Lighthouse Series)