The Maine Beer Company: New Brewery in Portland

The newest Maine brewery is called the Maine Beer Company. It is a very small micro brewery located in Portland, Maine. Their first ale offered was the Spring Peeper Ale. Their beer can be found in a number of taverns and groceries throughout Maine. Tours are by appointment. Read an online blog post about their beer. Click here to learn more about beer companies and breweries in Maine.

Portland, Maine Map: Places to Play

The City of Portland has a map of playgrounds, recreation areas, basketball courts, dog parks, beaches, swimming pools, and more. It is called the "Places to Play" map. It is available online as an Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF file where you can view it of download it. The map is accessed at:

http://www.portlandmaine.gov/hhs/placestoplay.pdf

Click here to learn more about the City of Portland or maps available for Maine.

Maps of Maine Lighthouses

Are you looking for some info on Maine lighthouses? Perhaps an illustrated map of Maine lighthouses is what you need. These are available either folded or laminated (makes a great poster). Maine Lighthouses Illustrated Map & Guide

How to Cook Maine Lobster

Are you interested in the different ways to cook Maine lobster? The Maine Lobster Council offers a number of recipes and helpful hints for how to cook a lobster.

Portland Fire Museum

The Portland, Maine Fire Museum is open the first Friday of every month from 6-8 pm. It is located at 157 Spring Street in Portland. Read a recent news article - "All fired up about museum's look at past", Portland Press Herald, October 11, 2009. Click here to learn more about museums in Maine.

A Book Reader's Map and Guide to Maine

Are you interested in books that are about Maine, how stories that take place in Maine, or books that are authored by Maine writers? Then the blog post entitled "A Reader's Guide to Maine" (White Cedar Inn Blog, July 18, 2009) will provide you with a Google map depicting all these places. View the map by clicking here - "A Book Lover's Tour of Maine" by Google Maps. Click here for a listing of maps about Maine.

Maine Fiber Arts

The Maine Fiber Arts organization provides a print and online map depicting the locations of many artists who work with basketry, beadwork, clothing, crochet, embroidery, knitting, needlework, quilting, sewing, spinning and weaving. Click here to learn more about the Maine Fiber Arts Tour Map.

Hiking Evans Notch in Maine

A recent online posting talks about hiking Evans Notch in Western Maine. Evans Notch is located north of Fryeburg, Maine. The author describes her favorite hiking trails for her family (with kids). See "Variety of terrain makes Evans Notch tops with family", Maine Outdoor Journal, September 27, 2009. Click here for more info on hiking in Maine.

A Weekend in Portland, Maine

The Old Port section of Portland, Maine has become a destination for those looking for an interesting weekend in the city. Not that Portland is that big of a city. But it offers boutique shopping, a waterfront experience, restaurants, and drinking establishments. Read an online post about Portland's places to see, eat, and drink in "Portland is a destination for walkers, eaters, and sailors", Argus.com, August 2, 2009.

Halloween with Motor Booty Affair in Eliot, Maine

The Motor Booty Affair will be playing in Eliot, Maine on October 31st, 2009 for Halloween. Click here to learn more about the event.

Beaver Park, Lisbon, Maine

Beaver Park is a little-known 337-acre preserve located in Lisbon, Maine. It has forest, fields, and ponds. The park is owned by the town of Lisbon and is managed by the Lisbon Parks Department. There are 10 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Read a recent news article on the park, visit http://www.lisbonme.org/ for a down-loadable map, or click here for more information about hiking in Maine.

Kittery, Maine Tourist Welcome Center

Read an article about the employees at the Kittery, Maine Welcome Center. Find out some interesting facts about their job in "To work at welcome center, you just need all the answers", MaineBusiness.com, October 19, 2009.

Portland, Maine One of Ten Healthiest Places to Live for Women

The website MSN Health & Fitness has designated Portland, Maine one of the ten healthiest cities for women to live in. In fact, it placed number three on the list. See "The 10 Healthiest Cities for Women".

Hudson Museum at University of Maine in Orono

The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine at Orono has gone through a transformation. Many "Maine" items are now on display. Read more in "Talk about transformational", Bangor Daily News, October 3, 2009. Click here to learn more about museums in Maine.

Late Season Biking in Maine

There is still some pedaling time left in Maine this year. A columnist for Maine Outdoor Journal (Melissa Kim) has wrote an article about biking in Maine during the late fall season. She describes a trip to take in York County. See "A York County ride offers Maine's late-season charm" (October 18, 2009).

Maine Lobster Boat Tours

For a listing of boats in Maine that offer lobster boat tours visit the web page of the Maine Lobster Council. They list a number of boats that will take people out to experience the lobster life for a few hours.

Fall Foliage Tips by Yankee Magazine

Read an online article by USA Today (9/9/2009) about how the Yankee Magazine website has posted tips for fall foliage. The Yankee fall foliage web site is listed below.

http://www.yankeefoliage.com/

An additional resource is:

http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_fall_foliage.htm

3rd Annual Yarmouth, Maine Pumpkin Run

The 3rd Annual Yarmouth Pumpkin Run will take place in Yarmouth, Maine on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The starting place is the Yarmouth High School. Read more in "Get Your Costumes Ready for the 3rd Annual Yarmouth Pumpkin Run!", Maine Business.com, October 2, 2009. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Thanksgiving Get-Away Package in Maine

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and now is the time to make plans for your holiday. Why not spend it here in Maine where you can enjoy time away from home, have a nice country atmosphere, enjoy the remnants of the fall foliage, visit some quaint fishing villages, enjoy our Thanksgiving meal and not do the dishes? The many B&Bs, inns, and hotels in Maine are prepared to cater to your every need. Click here to learn more about Thanksgiving Vacation Packages in Maine.

Maine Fall Foliage Reports via Email

Sign up to receive weekly fall foliage reports by email from the Maine Dept of Conservation:

"Maine's Department of Conservation provides weekly foliage reports during foliage season (mid-September to mid-October). Forest Rangers assess the amount of color change and leaf drop when they are on assignment in the field. These reports represent the official word on foliage conditions in the state of Maine and are provided to the public and media."

http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/report/email.html?subject=subscribe

Click here to learn more about Maine fall foliage and leaf peeping.

Photographs of Maine Fall Foliage

Can't make it to Maine to enjoy the fall foliage season? Don't despair. A local Maine TV station has uploaded almost 100 photos showing fantastic scenery for you. Click here to view the photos.

How Maine's Forest Rangers use High-Tech to Track Maine's Fall Foliage

Maine forest rangers are using personal data assistants (PDAs) to help track data that is inputted into the Maine fall foliage reports issued on a weekly basis. Read more in "Foliage reports go high-tech in Maine", Boston.com, October 12, 2009.

Fall Foliage in Acadia National Park (Maine)

Do you want to know more about Acadia National Park in Maine? This online article will provide some info on this favorite vacation spot. Read "Discover Acadia National Park in the Fall".

Maine's Fall Colors

A recent online article in The Christian Science Monitor discusses the fall colors to be found in Maine. Read "Fall foliage - Maine's fall colors look spectacular" (September 25, 2009).

About Maine Lobster

Do you want to know some information about Maine lobster? The Maine Lobster Council offers an online information page on lobster. It discusses the economic impact to the state of Maine, who the lobstermen are, the types of lobster, and when lobster season typically lasts. Read more in "About Maine Lobster".

A Traveler's Checklist for Acadia National Park

If you plan on visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park then a traveler's checklist might be helpful. Fortunately one has already been developed and is available free online at the National Parks Traveler website. See their Acadia Traveler's Checklist for advice on what to see, maps for hiking trails, info on the ranger-led programs, and about the many different sights and activities available.

Pumpkin Hayrides at Wolfes Neck Farm, Freeport, Maine on Sunday, October 11, 2009

Wolfes Neck Farm in Freeport, Maine will offer pumpkin hay rides on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 12:00 pm. Visit their website for more info.

Fall Foliage Hike on Bradbury Mountain State Park - Pownal, Maine (Oct 11, 2009)

There will be a "Fall Foliage Hike" on Bradbury Mountain, in Pownal, Maine on Sunday, October 11, 2009 between 2 pm and 2:30 pm.

Harvest on the Harbor in Portland, Maine (October 22-24, 2009)

Harvest on the Harbor will take place in Portland, Maine on October 22-24, 2009. See a description below:

"Harvest on the Harbor promotes Maine as a culinary destination by celebrating great local chefs and wines from Maine and around the world. Last fall, Harvest on the Harbor was named one of the “Top Ten Seafood and Wine Festivals” by Coastal Living magazine, and it was attended by more than 3,000 foodies from Maine and around the country.

Governor John E. Baldacci recently proclaimed October 22-24 as “Harvest on the Harbor Days”. Sponsors of the event include Down East magazine, Hannaford Supermarkets and WHOM 94.9FM."

For more informaiton visit http://www.harvestontheharbor.com/.

Fort Preble, South Portland, Maine - Saving the Fort

The Fort Preble Preservation Committee is working to give Fort Preble a face lift. Located in South Portland, Maine this fort was built in 1808. At the time it was the largest federal fort in Maine and it is loaded with history. Read an online news article about how the committee is working to preserve the fort in "New group takes aim to save Fort Preble", keepMEcurrent.com, September 29, 2009. Click here to learn more about forts in Maine.

Leaf Peeping & Bird Watching in New England

Read an online post entitled "6 Best Leaf Peeping & Bird-Watching Destinations in New England", by Cliff Calderwood (posted on New England Birdhouse). One of his six destinations is Acadia National Park.

Maine Lobster Harbor Days

Maine Lobster Harbor Days will be held throughout October and November in 2009. The events are being organized by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council to help support the Maine lobster industry. Most Maine lobster is harvested during the fall so the holding of the event in the fall makes sense to lobstermen. The dates of these events are listed below:

October 11, 2009. Bath, Chebeaugue Island, Port Clyde, Scarborough and Stonington
October 17, 2009. Georgetown
November 15, 2009. Boothbay Harbor

Maine Fall Foliage Report - Far North of Maine has Reached Its Peak

As of September 30th, 2009 the foliage color has reached its peak in the far north of Maine. It is slowly spreading south. Read a detailed fall foliage report issued by the state Department of Conservation. Click here for more information on where to view Maine fall foliage.

Kittery, Maine: Night Terrors Haunted Walk - a Super Halloween Event

Kittery, Maine will host the Night Terrors Haunted Walk during three nights spanning October 29-31, 2009. This is an annual event and admission is free. Many artists from the surrounding area participate. Read more about this Halloween event in "Works of art sought for Night Terrors haunted walk", Foster's Daily Democrat, October 1, 2009. Read more about Halloween events in Maine.

Thanksgiving in Maine

Are you planning on coming to Maine for a thanksgiving getaway? There are lots of places to stay and get a good turkey dinner. Many of our inns, B&Bs, and hotels cater to folks from away on Thanksgiving Day. Check out some of the Thanksgiving Vacation Packages that are available. Here in Maine we have a slower atmosphere, fall foliage, quaint fishing villages, lovely country settings, bed and breakfast inns, and more. The information below will help you pick a lovely Thanksgiving vacation for you. And the good news is - no cooking or cleanup!!!!

Bangor, Maine Arts & Crafts Show

The 21st Bangor Arts & Crafts Show will take place on November 7-8, 2009 at the Bangor Civic Center. Admission is $1.50. Click here for more info. This event is organized by the United Maine Craftsmen.

Portland Ballet and Halloween Spooktacular (Oct 31, 2009)

The Portland Ballet will present a Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday the 31st. The show will have a halloween theme. The show will be located at the Portland High School John Ford Theater. Click here for information about Portland or halloween events in Maine.

Biking on Acadia's Carriage Roads (Maine)

If you are a biker (bicycles) who enjoys the outdoors then a perfect spot to bike is on the carriage roads of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. There are forty-five miles of roads in the park. The roads were designed for horse-drawn carriages so they are easily navigable by bikes. The roads are laid out to take advantage of the vistas that Mount Desert Island has to offer. Click here for more information about the carriage roads of Acadia.

Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair, Sunday River, Maine

The 26th Annual Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair will take place at Sunday River, Maine. There will be artists and artisans displaying their wares. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and more will be on display.

North American Wife Carrying Championship (Sunday River, Maine)

The North American Wife Carrying Championship will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Sunday River, Maine. Teams are comprised of one male and one female. The winner wins the wife's wieght in Bud Light Beer plus cash. Learn more about the Wife Carrying Championship.