Maine's Ski Areas Getting Ready for Season

Maine's ski areas are readying their facilities and slopes for another season of winter fun.  Read an article telling us more on this topic.  See "Ski areas ready for winter, Some to open trails soon", Fosters.com, October 24, 2010.  Learn more about ski areas in Maine at the link below:

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

Linda Greenlaw | A Maine Author and Fisherman

A writer provides us some insight as to who Linda Greenlaw is.  Greenlaw is a character in the book "The Perfect Storm" - a story of how six fishermen lost their lives at sea.  The book was later made into a movie.  She later wrote her own books about fishing and the ocean.  Linda is a swordfish boat captain in Portland and calls the Isle au Haut home.  Read the article at "Linda Greenlaw '83 Proves Seaworthy", Colby Magazine, Fall 2010.

Photos of Maine - By DownEast Magazine

DownEast Magazine offers a photo gallery online.  The gallery features photographers who have taken pictures of Maine scenes and loaded them up onto the website.  Some very nice scenes of Maine.  Click at the link below to view the photographs.

http://downeastmag.com/galleries

Hiking Along the Adroscoggin River in Maine

A writer talks about some nice hiking trails in western Maine along the Androscoggin River.  See "Let the Androscoggin be your guide to peak hiking", Portland Press Herald, October 24, 2010.

Augusta Arts and Crafts Show - Augusta, Maine - Nov 13-14, 2010

The Augusta Arts and Crafts Show will take place on November 13-14, 2010 in Augusta, Maine. It will be held at the Augusta Civic Center Saturday and Sunday.  Over 120 exhibitors will be showing and selling their handcrafted products.

http://www.mainecraftsmen.org/

Arts Celebration in Bangor, Maine (Oct 29, 2010)

An arts celebration will take place in Bangor, Maine on October 29th.  See "Arts Celebration Oct. 29 in Bangor", Online Sentinel, October 22, 2010.

Bangor Arts & Crafts Show (Nov 6-7, 2010) - Bangor, Maine

The 22nd Bangor Arts & Crafts Show will take place in Bangor, Maine on November 6-7, 2010.  It will be held at the Bangor Civic Center. 

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/

Safe Hiking in Maine in the Fall

A recent online news article provides us some safety tips for hiking in Maine in the fall.  Read "Fall hiking warrants extra caution", Bangor Daily News, October 15, 2010.

Pumpkin Carving - A Witchy Night in Pownal, Maine

A favorite activity prior to Halloween here in Maine is pumpkin carving.  There are contests at the many fairs and festivals.  In addition you will find that family or friends get together to carve pumpkins for enjoyment.  The picture below is of a pumpkin carved recently in Pownal, Maine.  The picture was taken at night and the light is from a candle inside the pumpkin that was carved as a witch.



Youth Deer Day in Maine - Saturday, Oct 17, 2010

Maine's Youth Deer Day is fast approaching.  This is a special day dedicated to teenagers in Maine for deer hunting.  Read a news article with info on this special day for young hunters.  See "Hunting: Youth day keeps tradition alive", Portland Press Herald, October 17, 2010.

Maine Mall - Halloween Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating

The Maine Mall will hold a Halloween Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating event on Sunday, October 31st, 2010.  The costume contest is between 2-4 pm and the trick-or-treating will take place from 4-6 pm. 

Read more at the link below:

http://www.mainemall.com/events/halloween-costume-contest-and-trick-or-treating

Click at the following link for more Halloween activities in Maine:

http://www.travel-maine.info/holidays/halloween_in_maine.htm

Sea Shanties - Songs sung by sailors and fishermen

"It's your typical open-mike scene at a bakery on the Blue Hill peninsula. A barn has been cleared and rigged with microphones. Children play out back. Friends and relations sit and listen to folk music. Some acts hold the audience rapt, but even those that don't receive polite attention.


Then up steps Rich Gaito with what appear to be a miniature guitar and accordion. (The guitar, yes, but the other instrument is a concertina, a predecessor to the accordion.) After a brief introduction, he begins to play sea shanties, tunes that sailors have sung for centuries."

Read the rest of the article in "Kennebunk's sea shanty man", The Working Waterfront, October 2010.

Harvest on the Harbor - Portland, Maine - October 21-23, 2010

The Harvest on the Harbor festival will take place at Ocean Gateway, Portland, Maine on October 21-23, 2010.  Portland's waterfront is providing a food and beverage experience.  There will be samples of wine, beer and spirits from Maine and around the world.  In addition, you will see Maine-made products, food artisans, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

http://www.harvestontheharbor.com/

Linda Greenlaw's Swordfish Sold in Maine Supermarkets

A recent news article provides us with the story of how Linda Greenlaw (book writer, fishing captain, and resident of Isle-au-Haut) has been selling her swordfish caught in the waters off Maine to supermarkets here in Maine.  Read the story in "She's giving swordfish a good name - hers", The Portland Press Herald, October 15, 2010.

Maine Trail Finder | Ideal for Hikers and Bikers

The Maine Trail Finder website is a free online resource for people looking for places to hike, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski.  The database, recently established, will soon provide information on four-season trails throughout the state of Maine.  The website includes interactive trail maps and trail descriptions.  The website kicked off in June 2010 and is adding trails periodically. The website has started with trails from Greater Franklin County but will eventually cover all of Maine. Click on the following links for information on trails in Maine.

http://www.mainetrailfinder.com/

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

Annual Ogunquit Fest - Maine - October 22-24, 2010

The Annual Ogunquit Fest will take place in Ogunquit, Maine on October 22-24, 2010.  There will be a haunted house, bed race, ghost tours, wagon rides, storytelling, costume parade, car show, crafts, pumpkins, food, and more. 

http://www.visitogunquit.org/

Carving Pumpkins in Maine

Halloween is one of those holidays that you can ignore (especially if no kids) or that you can dive into and enjoy (even without kids).  There are hayrides, haunted houses, decorations, costume parties, walking around the neighborhood with paper bags or pillowcases collecting candy and more.  One activity associated with Halloween is pumpkin carving - especially with scary themes.  Our son and his girlfriend held a small pumpkin carving evening with friends and came away with some pretty good "art".  Below is a picture of one of the pumpkins carved.  The picture was taken of the pumpkin sitting on their porch outside at night.  You don't see much of the pumpkin.  Just the candle shining from the inside of the pumpkin. 



History of Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching.  While us adults don't pay to much attention to the holiday - our young children do!  Be ready to answer questions about Halloween should you be asked.  The history of Halloween goes back many centuries.  The holiday probably originates from the British Isles.  Find out more about this holiday at the links below:

http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php

http://www.travel-maine.info/holidays/halloween_in_maine.htm

Pumpkin Harvest Festival - Saco, Maine - Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Pumpkin Harvest Festival will be held in Saco, Maine on Saturday, October 16, 2010 on Main Street.  There will be lots of pumpkins and children activities.

http://www.sacospirit.com/Events.html

Turkey Day - Place to eat in Maine for Thanksgiving?

Are you looking for a Thanksgiving get-away in Maine?  There are a number of nice hotels and Bed and Breakfast places that will cater to your every need during the fall Turkey holiday.  Check out our Thanksgiving in Maine web page.

Annual Harvestfest - York, Maine - October 16-17, 2010

The 26th Annual Harvestfest will take place in York Village and York Beach, Maine on Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17, 2010.  The festival includes live music, food, antique car show, crafts, and more.

http://chamber.gatewaytomaine.org/events/details/26th-annual-harvestfest

Maine Foliage Report for October 13, 2010

(This report below is provided by the Maine Department of Conservation).

AUGUSTA, Maine – Peak leaf color will reach all of Maine's coast this week, according to the fifth fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (DOC).  Forest rangers in the tracking zones (Zones 1 and 2) covering the southern, middle and northern portions of the coast are observing peak color, from 85 to 100 percent, and moderate leaf drop of 30 to 50 percent.

Peak color and moderate leaf drop are also being reported throughout the tracking zone that stretches from Fryeburg and Sebago Lake to Augusta, Bangor and Dover-Foxcroft (Zone 3). Peak color is holding on in the western mountains region from Rangeley to Bethel (Lower Zone 5), and in eastern Maine between Bangor and Calais (Lower Zone 4).

Rangers are observing foliage color past peak in Aroostook County (Zones 6 and 7), and in northern locations from Jackman to Greenville and Millinocket (Upper Zones 4 and 5). Leaf drop is now high, or 50 to 70 percent, in these regions.

Maine’s fall foliage conditions are updated each Wednesday through mid October on this web site. Visitors can sign up to receive the weekly reports by email, and submit photos of foliage scenes from around Maine.

Go to www.visitmaine.com or call the Maine Office of Tourism at 1-888-624-6345 for more information about fall activities and events in Maine.  The Maine Foliage Facebook page can be found by searching for “Maine Fall Foliage” on Facebook.

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

Maine Brewers' Festival - November 5-6, 2010 - Portland, Maine

The Maine Brewers' Festival will take place on November 5 and 6, 2010 at The Portland Expo on 239 Park Avenue, Portland, Maine. 

"The 16th annual Maine Brewers Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 5th and 6th, 2010. This festival celebrates the quality and community of Maine's craft brewers and their tasty celebrated brews. Great food, door prizes, interesting vendors, and fantastic music round out the experience. This event has become an anticipated New England tradition. We hope you'll join us for fun, friends, and most importantly, great beer! (Tickets On Sale Now!!)"

Click here to learn more about the Maine Brewers' Festival.  Click here to learn about all breweries in Maine.

New Gloucester, Maine Community Fair (October 16, 2010)

The New Gloucester Community Fair will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2010.  The location is the 106 Bald Hill Road on the New Gloucester Fairgrounds.  There will be a parade, music, crafts, fireworks, children activities and more. This is the tenth year the fair is being held.  There is free admission and free parking. 

http://newgloucesterfair.com/

Blue Hill, Maine Foliage Food and Wine Festival (October 14-17, 2010)

The Blue Hill, Maine Foliage Food and Wine Festival will take place October 14-17, 2010.

http://www.bluehillpenisula.org/

Best Time of Day to Hunt in Maine

What is the best time of day to hunt game in Maine?  A columnist and Registered Maine Guide, Bob Humphrey, tells us when to hunt.  Read "Hunting: So many options, and hunters can plan to enjoy them all", The Portland Press Herald, October 11, 2010.  See hunting in Maine for additional information.

Maine Potato Harvest - School Break for Field Work a Maine Tradition

The annual potato harvest is a big deal in northern Maine.  It is so important that the students attending local schools get time off to work in the fields.  This is a long-standing tradition that may soon go away.  But for now - it is observed and the students love it!  Read more in "Debate Boils Over Harvest Break", The Wall Street Journal, October 7, 2010.

Maine Foliage Season (Oct 10, 2010 Update)

Read the latest news on Maine's foliage season in "Foliage season moving along at full speed", Kennebec Journal, October 10, 2010.  See also - Foliage in Maine.

Bear Hunting in Maine

When folks talk about hunting in Maine they usually are talking deer. However, Maine has great bear hunting as well.  It is estimated that the bear population in Maine is 23,000 and the annual bear kill each year is between 3,000 and 4,000.  Read more facts about bear hunting in Maine in "Bear hunt brings economic and biological benefits", The Portland Press Herald, October 10, 2010.

Lecture on History of Portland, Maine's Architecture (Oct 12, 2010)

A lecture will be held at the Maine Historical Society's Lecture Room on October 12, 2010 entitled "The Impact of 200 Years of History on Portland's Architecture".  The presentation will be by Christopher Glass - the author of Historic Maine Homes and an architect in Maine for 35 years.  Learn more at:

http://portlandlandmarks.org/Content/336.php

Maine Beer Trail

The Maine Beer Trail is for true beer lovers.  The beer trail provides information on breweries and pubs in the state of Maine.  Read more on this topic in "What Ales You: Let Beer Trail lead you to new brews", The Portland Press Herald, October 7, 2010.  You can find out information on these breweries at the links below:

http://www.mainebrewersguild.org/

http://www.travel-maine.info/recreation/brew_pubs_and_breweries.htm

Fryeburg, Maine Fair - (October 3-10, 2010)

The Fryeburg Fair is running October 3-10, 2010.  This is one of the largest agricultural fairs in the state of Maine.  There is something for everyone.  Animal exhibits, livestock shows, racing, food, entertainment, calf scramble, firemen's muster, 4x4 pull, parade, pig scramble, sheep dog trials, shuffleboard, skillet throw, tractor pull, and more.  Visit the website below for more information:

http://www.fryeburgfair.com/

Darmariscotta, Maine Pumpkinfest and Regatta (Oct 3-11, 2010)

The Darmariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta is taking place this weekend (Oct 3-11, 2010).  Find out more at the website below.  For other Maine festival and fair events click on our event calendar.

http://damariscottapumpkinfest.com/

Peak Foliage Arriving in Western Maine

Western Maine is seeing the foliage peak at this time (Saturday, October 9, 2010).  Read more in "Peak foliage color arrives in western Maine", Sun Journal, October 8, 2010.

You can view Maine Foliage Reports at http://www.mainefoliage.com/.

Learn more about Mane foliage at http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_fall_foliage.htm.

Northeast Penjajawoc Trails - Bangor, Maine

Maine citizens continue to come together to develop and maintain new trails for recreational use; whether it be for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling.  One more example of this are the Northeast Penjajawoc Trails located near Bangor, Maine.  The Bangor Land Trust, Land for Maine's Future, Caribou bog-Penjajawoc Lands Committee, and the Maine Conservation Corps are key players for this recreational area.  You can find out more about this walking trail system on the land trust website at http://www.bangorlandtrust.org/.

Books about Lighthouses in Maine

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Maine.  Not only do we have the great fall foliage scenes but we have the coastline with its many lighthouses.  Visit our web page on Maine's lighthouses and visit our Amazon.com Associates store where we offer books about Maine lighthouses.

Maine Event Calendars - A Comprehensive Listing of Event Calendars for Maine

The link below will take you to a comprehensive listing of event and activity calendars for Maine.  Event calendars include town, city, regional, business, art, crafts, sports and recreation.  Official Maine tourism calendars as well as small communities are listed.

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

An Irish Pub in Brunswick, Maine

Maine has more than wildlife, trees, lighthouses, and coastline.  We also have a nightlife; to include a few Irish pubs and breweries.  One such pub is located in Brunswick, Maine and is called Byrnes' Irish Pub.  A recent columnist wrote up the pub (favorably) in this online article - "Bar Guide: Byrnes' pub in Brunswick upholds Irish requirements", The Portland Press Herald, October 7, 2010.

http://byrnesirishpub.com/

Maine Maps

This is a great time of year to visit Maine.  If you are not from here you may want to pick up a map of Maine before your trip.  You can learn more about Maine maps by clicking on the link below:

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

Or you can purchase a map of Maine from our Amazon.com Associates store at the link below:

http://astore.amazon.com/books-on-maine-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=2

Halloween in Portland, Maine - Wicked Walking Tours

For some Halloween fun in Portland, Maine check into the "Wicked Walking Tours" website.

http://www.wickedwalkingtours.com/

Healthy Hiking in Maine - Maine Walks Listing

"Healthy Maine Walks" is sponsored by a coalition of trail and health agencies and organizations in Maine that wishes to promote healthy living through outdoor exercise.  Their website provides a wealth of information on where to go for family walks.

http://www.healthymainewalks.com/index.php

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

Forest Rangers Track Foliage in Maine and Provide Maine Foliage Reports

Maine Forest Rangers provide input to the weekly foliage reports issued by the state of Maine.  These foliage reports are put on a website (see below) to help tourists and leaf peepers decide when to go on that foliage car trip they have been thinking about!  Read a recent news article about this topic in "Peak patrol (think Maine foliage)", The Portland Press Herald, September 29, 2010.

http://www.mainefoliage.com/

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

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools - Every Saturday and Sunday

The L.L. Bean Discovery Schools have adventures lined up every Saturday and Sunday in Freeport, Maine.  You can walk-in or register in advance.  Learn all about kayaking, fishing, archery, wingshooting, hiking and other adventures.  Click on the link below:

http://www.llbean.com/outdoorsOnline/odp/index.html?nav=ftlink

Moose Tracks in Maine

A visitor from out-of-state writes a column about visiting Maine and seeing moose.  See "Moose Tracks", Chicago Tribune, October 2, 2010.

Wife Carrying Championships

The 11th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championships will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Sunday River, Maine.  Over 50 teams will compete from across the country for a spot in the World Championships in Finland.  Earn your wife's weight in beer if you win!  If the wife is dropped then a penalty is added to the time. 

http://www.sundayriver.com/Events/Main/Summer/Wife_Carrying_Championship.html