Portland, Maine Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show (Dec 5-6, 2009)

The 32nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will take place December 5-6, 2009 in Portland, Maine. Admission is $2.00 and under 12 is free. Free gift-wrapping is available. The event is organized by the United Maine Craftsmen.

History of Maine Skiing

The Ski Museum of Maine now offers a narrated digital slideshow about the history of Maine skiing. Called the "Fireside Chats" - the presentation looks at recreational skiing in Maine and goes back to 140 years ago at its start. Read more in "Fireside Chats - 140 years of Maine skiing", Maine Outdoor Journal - Ski Tracks, November 13, 2009.

Annual Down East Ski Sale

The 48th Annual Down East Ski Sale will be held today, Saturday - Nov 28th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Portland Expo Building on Park Avenue - next to Hadlock Field.

"This is the Down East Ski Club’s 48th annual ski sale. The event was one of the first of its kind in 1962. The idea was to give skiing families an opportunity to “swap out” equipment to help make skiing more affordable. For many, standing in line waiting for the sale to open to find the best deals has become a tradition, but with over over 10,000 pieces of ski equipment: boots, skis, bindings, helmets, clothing and poles, great deals can be found all day long. Most southern Maine ski enthusiasts wouldn’t overlook this event any more than they’d forget the turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving."

Read the rest of the article in "48th Annual Down East Ski Sale" by prmaine.com. Click here to learn more about skiing in Maine.

"Fireside Chat" about the History of Ski Craftsmanship in Maine in North Berwick

North Berwick, Maine will be the site of a "Fireside Chat" on the history of ski equipment manufacturing in Maine.  The presentation will be made by the Ski Museum of Maine and the North Berwick Historical Society on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm.  Read more in the online news article on this event by clicking here.  Click here to learn more about skiing in Maine.

Ghost Stories and Maine's Lighthouses

Lighthouses have always been the scene of eerie ghost stories. There are two lighthouses in Maine that are the location of tales of ghosts who roam the premises. They are Goat Island Light and Boon Island Light. Read a story about ghosts who inhabit lighthouses of Maine in "The ghost of Goat Island Light", Seacoastonline.com, October 29, 2009.

Belfest, Maine: A Maritime Culture along the Coast

The town of Belfast, Maine was the topic of a recent news article about travel and vacations. Read "Culture on the coast of Maine", Post-Bulletin.com, October 23, 2009. The article discusses Fort Knox in Prospect, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, and many other attactions.

Maine Ski History at Bethel Historical Society

The Bethel Historical Society will open an exhibition celebrating the skiing heritage of the Bethel, Maine area. The display will include photos, old equipment, and more. The exhibit will be open through May 31, 2001. Read more in "Ski history on exhibit at BHS starting Nov. 21", The Bethel Citizen, November 15, 2009. Click here to learn more about skiing in Maine.

Turkeys for a Maine Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming soon! So where do all those turkeys come from? Many of the ones found on Maine dinner tables will come from "The Turkey Farm" in New Sharon, Maine. Read more in "Maine's Largest Turkey Farm Read for Thanksgiving", WABI TV, November 13, 2009. Don't want to cook your own turkey? Click here to learn about thanksgiving dinners in Maine.

Maine, Thanksgiving, and Cranberry Dressing

Maine grows lots of cranberries and many of them are an addition to the traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Read a short online article on how many cranberries are produced in Maine each year.  See "Here comes your cranberry dressing!", WKYC.com.  The links below will provide more information to you about cranberries in Maine:
Cranberry Agriculture in Maine, The University of Maine.
Pictures of Cranberries.  The University of Maine.
"Cranberries continue return to Maine", Kennebec Journal, Nov 1, 09.

Thanksgiving Traditions (and a little history)

Did you know that the first Thanksgiving took place in Maine? Or that turkey doesn't make you drowsy - other foods do! And that Thanksgiving wasn't really a national holiday until the civil war. Read about these facts and more in the article "It's time to talk turkey about Thanksgiving traditions", Journal Star, November 21, 2009.

Bow Hunting in Maine

A short article about the Maine Bowhunters Association and how they are helping to manage over-populated deer herds. See "When deer multiply, bowhunter subtracts", Maine Outdoor Journal, November 15, 2009.

Eastport, Maine: An Artist Colony

Eastport, Maine has become an artist colony of sorts. While it is at the very end of a long drive along the coast it is a wonderful spot for artists of all types (and tourists as well). The town boast a number of art galleries and shops to visit. Read an online article on this topic in "Eastport artist establishes bronze foundry", Bangor Daily News, November 14, 2009.

Appalachian Mountain Club and Land Purchase

The Appalachian Mountain Club recently purchased 29,500 acres of forest land and donated it to the state of Maine. The purchase facilitates the creation of a 63-mile-long corridor of conservation land in Maine. Read more in an AMC news release.

Safe Thanksgiving Day

The state of Maine offers numerous Thanksgiving packages for those wanting their turkey day prepared by someone else. Here are some helpful safety hints for enjoying Thanksgiving. Learn how to travel safe, eat safe, and cook safe on Thanksgiving.

York Maine Business Directory

If you are visiting York, Maine and are in the mood for some shopping then consult the York, Maine Business Directory. It will list lodging, dining, recreation, and shops in York, York Beach, and York Harbor, Maine.

Thanksgiving - How a Woman from Maine Help Spread the Tradition

A New Englander was partially responsible for the spread of the Thanksgiving holiday in the mid-1800s. Read how Sarah Joseph Hale - remembering her fond memories of Thanksgiving in Maine - helped with the spread of celebrating Thanksgiving.

"The Thanksgiving menu was spread around the country in the 1850s partly by homesick New Englanders bringing their party with them wherever they moved and partly through the efforts of Sarah Joseph Hale, editor of the most influential publication in the country, Godey's Lady's Book. She started using her position to promote the idea of Thanksgiving in the 1840s, and by 1860, the custom had spread to nearly all the states. During the Civil War, she persuaded President Lincoln to declare a national Thanksgiving Day, and the date he chose for it is basically the one we use today.

Hale had fond memories of her family's bountiful Thanksgivings in Maine, and the holiday menu she publicized is still the norm in New England. One thing that may strike people from other parts of the country is the prominence of plain boiled vegetables: boiled turnips, boiled cabbage, boiled onions."

Read the rest of the article in "Thanksgiving, an American meal", The Los Angeles Times, November 18, 2009.

Click here to learn how to enjoy Thanksgiving in Maine.

Maine Hunting Jokes

At the link below are some humorous hunting and fishing jokes provided by the Maine Hunting Camps website. Enjoy!

http://maine-hunting-camp.com/huntfishjokes.html

News about Maine Ski Areas

A recent post by nj.com has described some of the new looks that Maine ski areas and resorts are providing us. Among the changes are news from Mt. Abram, Saddleback, Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf, and other Maine ski areas. See "Here's what 's new this season at Maine ski areas".

Maine Brewers Fest Draws Beer Fans

Portland, Maine was the host of the recent Maine Brewers Festival a few days back in early November. The event was held in the Portland Expo and featured 17 different breweries and 60 different brews. Read more in "Maine Brewers Fest draws thirsty crowd", Morning Sentinel, November 8, 2009. Click here for a listing of Maine breweries and pubs.

Portland, Maine Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show (Nov 27-29, 2009)

The 35th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show will take place November 27-29, 2009 in Portland, Maine. The location will be the Brewer Auditorium on State Street. Admission is $1.00. The event is sponsored by the United Maine Craftsmen. The show is especially suited for Christmas shoppers.

Turkey Day in Maine

The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine has a Thanksgiving package for those who want to enjoy a Maine Thanksgiving.

Paddling in Maine in November on Damariscotta Lake

If you are looking for a spot to paddle your canoe or kayak one more time this year then consider Damariscotta Lake. A paddling enthusiast describes his recent voyage on this lake in an online article. See "November a fine time for a paddle", Maine Outdoor Journal, November 8, 2009.

York, Maine and Thanksgiving

There are a number of restaurants in the York, Maine area that offer dinner on Thanksgiving. The Greater York Chamber of Commerce has listed them with their phone numbers.

When is the Best Time to Hunt Deer in Maine?

Many folks are wondering when is the best time to hunt deer in Maine? A registered Maine Guide who lives in Pownal, Maine has published an online article that explores the science and conjecture on the best time to hunt deer. Read his article in "Best time to go hunting? Deer know", Maine Outdoor Journal, November 8, 2009.

Land Acquisitions Preserves Maine Land as Wilderness

Two large parcels of Maine land have been acquired by the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Nature Conservancy. Maine now has 16% of its land in preservation plots; much higher than the national average. Read more in "Land Acquisitions a Landmark Achievement", MPBN, November 9, 2009.

Augusta Arts & Crafts Show (Nov 14-15, 2009)

The 28th Annual Arts & Crafts Show is presented by the United Maine Craftsmen on November 14-15, 2009. It will be held at the Augusta Civic Center, in Augusta, Maine. For more info click on http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/.

Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine

Yesterday my wife and I visited the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. It is every bit as nice as the photos and paintings that I have seen of it. We stayed overnight at the Anchorage Inn right on Long Sands Beach in York, Maine. The Inn was nice and even though it was mid-November it was still doing some good business. There are lots of lighthouses in Maine; however, Nubble Lighthouse is one of the more scenic ones.

Hints for Cooking Turkeys for Thanksgiving

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has provided some helpful hints on handling Turkeys for Thanksgiving. The information provided includes suggestions on how to buy a turkey, whether to get one frozen or fresh, how to thaw the bird, how to stuff a turkey, cooking a turkey in a microwave oven, and serving the turkey. Read all about it in handling turkeys for Thanksgiving. If you decide you don't want to cook a Thanksgiving meal then consider a Thanksgiving getaway in Maine where the turkey is cooked for you!

Getting Lost in Maine Woods: Or How Not To

The Maine Outdoor Journal has posted an article entitled "Don't get lost in the first place" on the Internet. The post offers some sound advice on how not to get lost while hiking in the Maine woods. Learning how to use a map, compass, and GPS is a start. Putting fresh batteries in your GPS is a good second step. Planning your hiking route is also a good measure.

Some Fall Foliage in Maine Still Around

Maine still has some fall foliage to view. Most trees have turned to a rust brown and many trees are leaveless. Still beautiful to look at just the same. There was snow on the ground this morning - wonder if it will stick?

Thanksgiving in Ogunquit, Maine

Spend your Thanksgiving by the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine! The Cliff House Resort & Spa offers a 4-day Thanksgiving package with a full breakfast each morning. Learn more at The Cliff House. Click here for a listing of other inns and resorts offering Thanksgiving packages in Maine.

Wild Rice Stuffing for Thanksgiving (Seasonal Vegan Recipe)

A Mainer has posted her wild rice stuffing recipe for vegans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Learn her secrets at her blog "Mitten Machen" - on the Maine Food & Lifestyle Blog.

Bethel, Maine Thanksgiving Getaway

The Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel, Maine offers its "Thanksgiving Weekend at the Inn". Located in the mountains of western Maine this small town offers a traditional New England setting. There are many family attractions to explore in this area. Click here for a listing of other inns, hotels, and resorts offering Thanksgiving packages in Maine.

Augusta, Maine Arts & Crafts Show

The 28th Augusta, Maine Arts and Craft Show will take place on November 14-15, 2009 at the Augusta Civic Center. Admission is $2.00. The event is sponsored by the United Maine Craftsmen.

Hunters Breakfast - North Pownal General Store in Maine

The North Pownal General Store in Pownal, Maine offers a "hunters breakfast" on Saturdays during the fall hunting season. Come by for your early morning provisions for your day in the woods.

Click here for a map to the North Pownal General Store.

Bike Trails for the Family in Maine

Are you looking for some off-street bike trails to bring your family on in Maine? A outdoor writer has posted a blog post on just that. Learn about the Mountain Division Trail in Standish, the Greenbelt Trail in South Portland, and the Kennebec River Rail Trail in Augusta. See "Off-street trails keep family bike trips stress-free", MaineToday.com, November 1, 2009. Click here to learn more about biking in Maine.

Maine's Deer Hunting Season Starts

Maine's deer hunting season has started. The season started on Saturday and ends on November 28, 2009. The deer herd has been thinned the last two years because of heavy winter snow and low temperatures.