Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center Trails on Orr's Island

"If you are looking for a bit of an Acadia National Park, Monhegan Island, and Norwegian fjords experience all rolled into one, consider a visit to the spectacular trail system at the Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center on the northwestern tip of Orr's Island.

This off the beaten path parcel of land gets little publicity and little visitation. The 118 acres of peaceful meadows, secluded evergreen forests, and steep ridge lines and cliffs were a gift to the college from William and Irma Thalheimer, with the desire to create a world-class coastal studies program.

Seven distinct trails offer a variety of experiences and comprise a total of nearly four miles of walking if you hike them all. We spent three hours recently walking the perimeter trails of the narrow peninsula, bordered to the west by the sparkling waters of Harpswell Sound, and to the east by the sheltered waters of Long Cove."
Read the rest of this article in "Exploring the Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center trails on Orr's Island", The Forecaster, August 17, 2010.  Click here to learn more about hiking in Maine.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network (SMSKN)

The Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network (SMSKN) is a network for sea kayakers to  meet paddling friends, learn more about safety, and plan trips together.  Their website (a very nice one I might add) contains sections about news, events, trip planning, a gallery, resources and forum.  You can go to their website by clicking on http://www.smskn.org/.  Click here to learn more about kayaking in Maine.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A History of Fort William Henry - A Maine Coastal Fort

Fort William Henry guarded the entrance to the Pemaquid River - which leads to Damariscotta, Maine.  The fort was built to protect the northern frontier from the French and local Indians.  Read about the history of this fort in an article on The Working Waterfront website entitled "Betrayal at Fort William Henry" published on August 2010.  Click here to learn more about historic forts of Maine.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Shipwrecks, Cannibals, and Lighthouses off the Coast of Maine

"In December of 1710, the British merchant ship Nottingham Galley ran aground on Boon Island, a tiny pile of rocks off the coast from York, Maine. Although their ship was destroyed, all thirteen crew members and their captain, John Dean, made it safely onto the island.

Since the island is only 8 or 9 miles from the mainland, they initially thought someone would come and rescue them. They were mistaken. Whether because of bad weather or just bad luck, no ships came by for 21 days. Three weeks is a long time to spend on an island that's only 700 feet long, particularly when you don't have any food and it's the start of a Maine winter."
Read the rest of the tale in "Cannibals off the Coast of Maine" on the New England Folklore blog.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

A Maine Summer Fishing Story

The author of Northwoods Sporting Journal shares a Maine summer fishing story with us.  Read his article in "Outdoors in Maine: The quest defines us", Sun Journal, August 22, 2010.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hike n' Bike Trek on Sep 18, 2010 by Loon Echo Land Trust

The 10th Annual Loon Echo Land Trust Hike n' Bike Trek will take place on September 18, 2010.  The location is at Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton, Maine.  This is promoted as the "Toughest century ride in Maine" with a 1,200 foot vertical descent in the White Mountain National Forest's Evans Notch.  The hiking event will take place over Pleasant Mountain's six peaks over a six mile trek.  There are three bike treks of 25, 50 and 100 miles.  To look at the bike routes, find out more information, or to register click on the link below:

http://loonecholandtrust.org/html/hike_n__bike_trek.html

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Hawks and Other Birds Migrating South Through Acadia National Park

BAR HARBOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Thousands of migratory birds are already making their way south for the winter by traveling through Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park is inviting park visitors and locals to join their hawk watch and track what species and how many birds pass through Cadillac Mountain. The hawk watch season is eight weeks long and lasts through October 12th. Angi King-Johnston says that keeping track of these numbers and research will help scientists get a better understanding of migratory bird populations.

"By counting these birds we can keep track of their populations, that way we can hopefully avoid the disappearance of them like we did in the mid-1900s, the peregrine falcon and bald eagle for example," King-Johnston said.  King-Johnston expects 2,500-3,000 birds to pass through Acadia this fall.
 Article from WCSH6.com NEWS CENTER.  The Bangor Daily News also covered the event in an article entitled Acadia Hawk Watch Begins (August 22, 2010).

County Bluegrass Music Festival - Fort Fairfield, Maine - September 2-5, 2010

The County Bluegrass Music Festival will take place in Fort Fairfield, Maine on September 2-5, 2010.  Some of the performers include Goldwing Express, The Hemingway Brothers, Phat Grass, Blistered Fingers, White Mountain Bluegrass and more.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Women's Only - Maine Dog Sledding and Winter Cabin Adventure (February 18-21, 2011)

It is never too early to plan vacations - even if they are months away.  Why not plan a unique winter adventure in the Maine woods?  Experience dog sledding, sled dogs, and the peacefulness of the north Maine woods at the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures cabin in Starks, Maine during their special Maine Winter Cabin Adventure.

This special four day long dog sledding adventure will be held February 18, 2011 through February 21, 2011 at the Maryland Sled Dog Adventures' cabin in Starks, Maine and will include opportunities to dog sled, skijor, cross country ski, and snow shoe. Participants will have hands on opportunities to learn how to drive their own dog team through the scenic solitude of the north Maine woods.

To learn more about this winter adventure for women click on the link below:

http://www.marylanddogsledding.com/Maine_Adventure.htm

Red Cloak Haunted History Tours - Mid-Coast Maine

On August 24, 2010 there will be a Red Cloak Haunted History Tour - Investigators from the Maine Ghost Hunters Society will be joining “The Lady in the Red Cloak” for a special Haunted History Tour! A team of investigators will come equipped with devices that will help see the unseen… whether by image, sound, or electromagnetic activity. The specialized equipment will be used to test areas on the walk for the possible presence of paranormal activity and will be demonstrated to the guests. By reservation only; 207-380-3806, redcloaktours@gmail.com, http://www.redcloakhauntedhistorytours.com/.

Hunting Season in Maine Approaches!

Hunters are looking toward the start of hunting season in Maine.  Read an recent news article on this topic - "Hunting: Hunters gear up as action time approaches", Maine Sunday Telegram, August 22, 2010.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Hunting in Maine

Are you interested in hunting in Maine?  Our web page on hunting has a wealth of information to include links for Maine hunting associations, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, hunting guide services, Maine hunting camps, taxidermy, and books and magazines about hunting.  See "Hunting in Maine".

Lobster Boat Racing in Portland Harbor, Maine (Sunday, August 22, 2010)

If you are looking for some water edge excitement today (Sunday, August 22, 2010) then consider watching the Lobster Boat Races scheduled for Portland Harbor, Maine.  If you can't make it today then check out the Maine Lobster Boat Racing calendar for other races this summer.  Click here to learn more about lobsters and lobster men in Maine.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

A Weekend in Portland, Maine

Do you need some ideas of what to do during a weekend visit to Portland, Maine?  A recent online travel article provides you with a weekend planner for Portland.  The list of things to do take you from Friday evening to Sunday.  The article provides suggested hotels, restaurants, tours, and sights to see.  See "36 Hours in Portland, Me.", The New York Times, August 19, 2010.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Camden Windjammer Festival, September 3-5, 2010

"The Camden Windjammer Festival is a community-led celebration of Camden’s maritime heritage and living traditions. From the great age of sail when four, five, and even six-masted schooners were launched into Camden Harbor, through the birth of the windjammer business here in the 1930s and continuing with the elegant yachts that visit or call Camden home every summer, sailing ships have always defined this gorgeous community where the mountains meet the sea."
http://www.camdenwindjammerfestival.com/

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival - Sat, Aug 21, 2010

The 4th Annual Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, August 21, 2010.  Hours are 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.  There will be music, street performers, and food.  The event is free.

See http://www.brunswickdowntown.org/

Click here for more information about Brunswick, Maine.
http://www.travel-maine.info/city/brunswick.htm

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Rockport, Maine: A Summer Destination with an Old-Time Pub

Rockport, Maine - found along the coast of Maine - is a favorite destination of many vacationers and summer folks.  The town has a new eating establishment called "Shepherd's Pie".  Read more about this old-fashioned pub in "In Rockport, Maine, a pub with old time feel", The Boston Globe, August 18, 2010.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Camden, Maine: Top Location for Foliage

Camden, Maine has been named by Yankee Magazine as a top location for seeing fall foliage
"Celebrating the publication's 75th anniversary, Yankee Magazine's September/October issue, on newsstands August 24, 2010, names the top 25 towns in New England for fall foliage travel - the first time the magazine has ever ranked towns by this standard. Camden, Maine, ties with Waitsfield, Vermont, for sixth place. (The list includes many ties, so the ranking goes from first place to 13th place.) Other Maine towns named to the list include: Bethel, Rangeley, and Blue Hill."
Read the rest of the news article in "Yankee Magazine Names Camden a Top 25 Foliage Town", Republican Journal Village Soup, August 17, 2010.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Gems, Minerals, and Mining in Maine

Maine has a rich history of gem and mineral mining.  Several mining companies and mining camps still exist today.  Gemstone and mineral collectors from out of state will find firms that will assist you in your efforts to learn more about Maine gems and minerals - and where to go to collect or mine for them.  Click here to find out more about Maine gems and mining camps.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Machias Wild Blueberry Festival (August 20-22, 2010)

The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival will take place in Machias, Maine on August 20-22, 2010. There will be entertainment, music, road race, quilt raffle, crafts, arts, vendors, contests and raffles, shopping, and food.

http://www.machiasblueberry.com/

Friday, August 13, 2010

Maine Lighthouse Ride 2010 - Sep 11, 2010

"PORTLAND - Hundreds of cyclists from across the United States will be drawn to the southern coast of Maine this September for what is surely one of the most breathtakingly scenic rides available anywhere in the world. The Eastern Trail Alliance is hosting “Maine Lighthouse Ride 2010” on September 11 at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. Ride options include a 25-mile ride, a 40-mile loop, a 62-mile metric century, and a 100-mile century for the true hard-cores. Along the way, riders will see as many as nine historic lighthouses, the rocky coast for which Maine is so famous, and majestic white sand beaches. Maps, cue sheets, multiple rest stops, food, refreshments and hot showers are provided by ride organizers."
Read the rest of the press release at "Eastern Trail Alliance Hosts Maine Lighthouse Ride", Bangor Daily News, August 11, 2010 or visit the website for the Eastern Trail Alliance.  Click here to learn more about biking in Maine.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub in Maine

For those coming to vacation in Maine in search of a brew pub there are a quite a few to choose from.  One of these is Gritty McDuff's located in three locations: Portland, Freeport, and Auburn.  To learn more read a recent news article about the brew pub entitled "What Ales You: Gritty's gives craft-brew fans an early taste of Halloween", The Portland Press Herald, August 12, 2010 or visit a listing of brew pubs in Maine.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Mainely T Tour - Rockland, Maine - Sep 7-11, 2010

Maine has a variety of events to enjoy during the summer and fall.  The Mainely T Tour is one of these and will take place in Rockland, Maine during September 7-11, 2010.  This is the 25th year of the Mainely T Tour and is hosted by the Down East Chapter of the Model T Club of America.  A recent news article provides more information on this event.  See "The Mainely T Tour Comes to Rockland", The Working Waterfront, September 2010 issue.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Bar Harbor, Maine Jazz Festival (August 18-22, 2010)

The Bar Harbor, Maine Jazz Festival will take place August 18-22, 2010.

http://www.barharborjazzfest.com/

Monday, August 9, 2010

Machias, Maine Wild Blueberry Festival, August 20-22, 2010

The Machias Wild Blueberry Festival will take place August 20-22, 2010 in Machias, Maine.  Lots of events are planned to include music, foot races, baking, pie eating contests, and historical and cultural exhibits.

http://www.machiasblueberry.com/

Sunday, August 8, 2010

American Folk Festival, Bangor, Maine (August 27-29, 2010)

The American Folk Festival will take place on the Bangor Waterfront in Bangor, Maine on August 27-29, 2010.  There will be music, dancing, craft demonstrations and exhibits, children's activities, food, and items for sale.

http://www.americanfolkfestival.com/

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Winter Harbor Music Festival (Maine) to be held August 15-22, 2010

The 2nd Annual Winter Harbor Music Festival will be held August 15-22, 2010. To learn more click on:

http://www.winterharbormusicfestival.com/.

"The quaint lobstering village of Winter Harbor is a relaxed vacation spot, drawing tourists from around the world. Unforgettable views of Mount Desert Island and the open ocean, dramatic rock formations, thunder holes, hiking trails and opportunities for whale watching are some of the reasons why people return to this rarely visited section of Acadia, year after year.


Our week-long Music Festival offers instrumentalists and singers a unique opportunity to study and perform together, as solo, chamber, choral and orchestral musicians. Participants work with a faculty of internationally acclaimed artists and teachers, in ensemble coaching sessions, master classes and choral-orchestral rehearsals; private lessons are available as well. Collaboration in performance with artist faculty is an important element of the program.

Instrumentalists and singers have daily chamber music coaching. All participants are offered performance opportunities, with distinguished faculty, in historic Hammond Hall and musical evening 'soirees' at Point Alva. Arrangements may be made between artist faculty and participants for daily private lessons."

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

41st Annual Cumberland Arts and Craft Show (Aug 12-14, 2010)

The 41st Annual Cumberland, Maine Arts and Crafts Show will take place on August 12-14, 2010.  This is Maine's largest Arts and Crafts Show and it features many talented Maine artisans selling their handcraft products.  The show is located at the Cumberland Fairgrounds.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/eventsdetails.asp?contentID=8818

Monday, August 2, 2010

Belfast, Maine Art Walk

Every Friday night in July and August the Belfast Art Walk takes place between 5 and 8 pm.

http://www.artsbelfast.com/

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Beltek Festival, Portland, Maine - August 7, 2010

The Beltek Music Festival will take place in Portland, Maine on August 7, 2010. 

http://beltekfestival.com/