Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory in Maine

The seasonal opening of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory took place on May 1, 2009. This observation perch is located 420 feet high in one of the towers of the Penobscot Narrows bridge. The observatory is located very close to Fort Knox - a historic coastal fort also worth visiting. Click here to read more about the Penobscot Narrows Bridge area.

Maine Canoe Symposium June 5-7, 2009

Read about the Maine Canoe Symposium to be held on June 5-7, 2009. It is an annual event held at Winona Camps on Moose Pond, Bridgton, Maine.

"The Symposium allows participants of all ages to develop an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of North American canoeing heritage and to develop canoeing and related skills through educational workshops, presentations, and hands-on instruction." See http://www.mainecanoesymposium.org/ for more details.

Stonington, Maine - Review by New York Post

The New York Post has published an online travel description of the quaint fishing village of Stonington, Maine. Read about things to do, places to visit, where to stay overnight and where to eat. Click here to find out more about Stonington, Maine.

Maine Paddlers Film Fest 6/4/09

The Maine Paddlers Film Fest will take place on June 4, 2009, Thursday at the Southern Maine Community College in Portland, Maine. This is the second annual Maine Paddlers Film Fest. There will be a series of films about canoeing and kayaking. Call (207) 761-8225 X107 or click here for more details. Click here for more info on canoeing or kayaking in Maine.

Maine Antique toy & Art Museum

The Maine Antique Toy & Art Museum located in Waldoboro, Maine will open this coming Saturday, May 30th for the season. Read more about this unique museum located on the historic coastal road of Maine (Route 1). See "The art of popular culture", Village Soup, May 25, 2009. Click here for a listing of museums in Maine.

More to Maine than Lobsters and Lighthouses - Ad Campaign

Maine has now put out a new advertising campaign to encourage visitors to spend some time here. The new media campaign is designed to get people thinking about all aspects of Maine not just the typical coast of Maine. See "Maine: More Than Lobsters and Lighthouses", MarketingDaily, May 26, 2009.

Buy a Maine Built Boat!

Interested in buying a Maine-built boat? Maine has a long history of boat building going back a few hundred years. This tradition still goes on in small marinas where custom made pleasure craft are fashioned to big Navy warships built at the Bath Iron Works (BIW). Visit our online directory of Maine boat builders.

Basketball Skills Camp in Maine

Unity College in Unity, Maine is offering a basketball skills summer camp. For more information on this topic see "Unity College offers summer hoop skills camp", The Village Soup, April 23, 2009. Click here for more info on Maine summer camps.

Black Fly Season in Maine

Black fly season is here in Maine. There is not much you can do about it. Here is a recent online article that humorously offers some suggestions to mitigate the hordes of black flies that want to ruin your outdoor cookout. See "Black flies and barbecues: facts for staying at the top of the food chain", The Examiner.com, May 23, 2009.

Read a previous post on black flies from 2008 on Maine Vacation and Travel Info. http://travel-maine.blogspot.com/2008/06/black-flies-in-maine.html

Freeport Community Players - Maine

The Freeport Community Players provide performances through the year. Freeport is a lovely place to visit, stay several nights, dine, and to enjoy the entertainment offered. For more information about Freeport click on the link below:

http://www.travel-maine.info/city/freeport.htm

Bath, Maine Farmer's Market

The Bath, Maine Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon at the Waterfront Park on Commercial Street in Bath. For more information click on the link below:

http://www.bathfarmersmarket.com/

Good News About Biking in Maine

Maine continues to get good news about the state of biking in Maine. It seems that Maine enjoys a great reputation for being a great destination for bikers. The League of American Bicyclists ranked Maine among the top 10 bike-friendly states. We have new trails opening up giving access to the coast and other areas of Maine. Read more about how Maine is becoming a great place to bike by seeing the following article:

"Miles of improvements for bicyclists in Maine", by Maine Outdoor Journal, Portland Press Herald, May 21, 2009.

Click here to learn more info biking in Maine.

Kennebunk, Maine Farmer's Market

The Kennebunk, Maine Farmer's Market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grove Street parking lot. The market featurs fresh local fruits and vegetables, organic produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and more. Click here for more information:

http://www.kennebunkfarmersmarket.org/

Maine is Bike-Friendly

Maine has been named " . . . as the third most bike-friendly state in the country." So says the League of American Bicyclists. The use of bikes in Maine for recreational and transportation purposes continues to rise. Bike friendly legislation and the setting aside of bike paths in Maine has also helped. Click here to learn more about biking trips and tours in Maine.

Want to Buy an Inn in Maine?

Have you ever dreamed of being the owner of a bed and breakfast? How about buying and managing an inn in Maine? These things are possible (with the right amount of money). There are brokers who specialize in Maine inns that are for sale. Visit the blog of one of these brokers at the link below:

http://www.maineinnbroker.blogspot.com/

Port Authorities: Maine's Roller Derby Team

Maine's women's roller derby team, the Port Authorities, will be skating on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 at 6:00 pm in Portland, Maine. They will be matched against the Dutchland Roller Girls from Pennsylvania. The event takes place at the Portland Exposition Building located at 239 Park Avenue in Portland. See http://www.mainerollerderby.com/ for more info.

New Art Gallery Opens in Camden, Maine

A new art gallery is opening in Camden, Maine. The gallery is called "Ten". It will feature coastal Maine works by the late Donald Resnick. Read an online article on this topic at "Art gallery to open on Bay View Street in Camden", Village Soup, May 21, 2009.

Coastal Maine Memorial Day Events - 2009

Click here for a listing of Memorial Day events for coastal Maine (Bath, Falmouth, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Limerick, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Yarmouth). Read more "Memorial Day Events", WMTW 8 TV, May 22, 2009.

Maine Vacation for the Eco-Family

ECOMII has published an online article (May 14, 2009) about " . . . a sensibly priced vacation of nature programs, boat trips, hiking and biking." The article, "Maine Vacation for the Eco-Family", describes a vacation package on Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park along the coast of Maine. The family vacation program is called the "Family Nature Camp" and is offered by the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. The College of the Atlantic is on 35 acres of oceanfront property.

Save Money on Summer Camp

WMTW 8 News has posted an online news article on how to save money on summer camps. Click here for a list of Maine summer camps.

New Comedy Club in Ogunquit, Maine

A new comedy club has opened up in Ogunquit, Maine. It is called BeachFire Grille's Comedy Club. Show time is 9 p.m. Click here for more information about Ogunquit, Maine.

Looking for a Nice Room in Portland, Maine?

Are you looking for a nice room in Portland, Maine? The Maine Switch has posted an online blurb on "rooms with a view" and where to get the red carpet treatment. See the article (May 12, 2009) entitled "Suite digs". Click here for more information about Portland, Maine.

Mount Katahdin, Maine Trails Now Open

Two hiking trails on Mount Katahdin, Maine are now open. See "2 Popular Trails On Katahdin Open For Season", WMTW TV 8, May 21, 2009. Click here for more information about hiking trails in Maine.

Profile of a Modern Maine Guide

Read an online newspaper account of a modern-day registered Maine Guide. See "Modern guides expanding", Kennebec Journal, Jan 10, 2009.

Lobster Shacks for Portland, Maine

Here is an online posting that provides a partial listing of lobster shacks in the Portland, Maine area. See "Lobster Shacks for Memorial Day in Portland, Maine", examiner.com, May 22, 2009. Read more about lobsters in Maine.

Memorial Day Parade in Portland, Maine

The Portland, Maine Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25th, 2009. For more info call (207) 772-6828.

Strawberry Festival in Portland, ME (May 23)

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine will host a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 in Portland, Maine. There will be some fresh strawberries and treats. It will take place at 1:00 pm. Call (207) 828-1234 X229 for more info.

Book: "Bicycling With Kids in Downeast Maine"

Are you heading to Maine for a vacation? Taking bikes for you and the kids to ride on? Then you will want to buy this book to ensure a rewarding Maine biking experience. The book presents short, safe, and scenic family rides along the picturesque coastline of Maine. This collection of bike rides is perfect for the whole family. To order the book click on the link below:

Bicycling With Kids in Downeast Maine: Discover Short, Safe, and Scenic Family Rides Along the Most Picturesque Coastline in the East

Click here to learn more about bike rides in Maine.

Maine Craft Fairs and Festivals Event Listing

Are you interested in visiting Maine and seeing some of the craft fairs and festivals? You can visit an online event calendar and find a fair that fits your schedule. See Maine Fairs & Festivals.

The Arts in Maine

The Maine Arts Commission is offering free public art events.

"In celebration of 30 years of Maine’s Percent for Art program, the Maine Arts Commission announces a series of free public art events that feature world renowned artists. This series, highlighting successful and innovative public art, will take place at venues throughout the state beginning May 29 in Portland and ending at the Juice Conference on the creative economy in Camden, November 13."

Read more in "World Renowned Artists Help Celebrate 30 Years of Maine's Public Art", Maine Business - MaineToday.com, May 21, 2009.

Mahoosuc Region of Maine

The Mahoosuc region of Maine and New Hampshire contains deep woods, ponds, lakes, rivers, and plenty of room for outdoor recreation. Outdoor activities include skiing, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, hiking, snowmobiling, and dogsledding, and more. The Mahoosuc Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to help local communities look into the future and develop opportunities to preserve the land. The Mahoosuc Initiative has also published a touring map and guide to the Mahoosuc Region. This can be found online at Mahoosuc Map and Guide. Read more about the Mahoosuc Region in "Scenic Touring Route map of Androscoggin headwaters now online", BethelCitizen.com.

Presentation on Maine's Historic Forts

On Thursday evening, May 21st, a book author (Tom Desjardin) and a historian with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land, will provide a presentation on historic forts of Maine. The talk will take place at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum at 7 p.m. located at 505 Main Street in Springvale, Maine. For more info call (207) 324-2797.

Winslow Park, Freeport, Maine Opens May 21st

Winslow Park & Campground in Freeport, Maine will open today (May 21st) for the 2009 season. Listed below is the Events Calendar for Winslow Park.

May 21 - Campground opens
June 7 - Harb Cottage Weekly Rental Begins
June 20 - Family Fun Day and Close to the Coast Run
June 22-28 - Free Camping Week for Freeport Residents
July & August - Thursday Evening Concert Series, 6:30 pm
September 19 - Lobsterman Triathlon
October 12 - Campground Closes

Click here for more information about Winslow Park & Campground in Freeport, Maine.

Kayaking in Maine

Maine offers some wonderful areas to kayak - both freshwater and along its seacoast. Click here for a listing of kayak outfitters and firms that offer kayaking tours and trips in Maine.

Biking in Maine

Maine is a wonderful state to take a bike trip or tour. Whether for just a couple of hours or for a few days - there are plenty of places to see. For a listing of Maine bike clubs, biking events, firms offering bike trips and tours, places to bike in Maine, Maine bike shops, and blogs about biking in Maine click on the link below:

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

Down East Spring Birding Festival (Maine)

The Down East Spring Birding Festival will take place May 22-25, 2009. There will be bird walks, boat rides, and presentations for all. The Cobscook Bay area is well-known to birders. This is a super event for those who live in the local area or who are from "away". For more information see a Bangor Daily News online article published on May 19, 2009 entitled "Festival to give birders an eyeful". Click here for more info on birding in Maine.

Map & Guide to Maine Lighthouses

Here is an illustrated map and guide to Maine's lighthouses.

" The illustrated map and guide to all Maine's lighthouses, completely revised with new design, cartography and more illustrations. All standing and "lost" lighthouses in Maine and nearby New Hampshire and New Brunswick are
located on a detailed coastal map. History and description of each lighthouse. Directions to each light or best viewing spots. 37 original watercolor illustrations. Directory of lighthouse cruises and island ferries. Lighthouse and maritime museums listed and located on map. True tales of Maine lighthouses."

Maine Lighthouses Illustrated Map & Guide

Listing of Summer Camps in Maine

The state of Maine is home to a large number of summer camps of many different kinds. Camps for young children, teenagers, sports camps, and more are available. Click here for a listing of summer camps in Maine.

Maine State Museum and Wabanaki Exhibit

The Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine will be exhibiting "Uncommon Threads: Wabanaki Textiles, Clothing and Costumes" starting May 23rd, 2009 until May 2010. Read more in "Maine State Museum celebrates Wabanaki creativity", Bangor Daily News, May 19, 2009. Click here for more info on Maine museums.

Camp CaPella, Dedham, Maine

Camp CaPella on Phillips Lake in Dedham, Maine is a special summer camp located in eastern Maine. This camp is inclusive of children with disabilities.

"The mission of Camp CaPella is to provide quality of life experiences for people with disabilities, and their families by providing year round accessible recreational and educational learning experiences."

The camp has been affiliated with the United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Maine. The camps summer season runs from June 22nd though August 14th. For more information about Camp CaPella call (207) 843-5104 or click on http://www.campcapella.org/. Details in this blog posting were taken from "Camp CaPella gears up for season", Bangor Daily News, May 19, 2009 and the camps' website. Click here for more information about summer camps in Maine.

UMaine Engineering Summer Camp

The University of Maine is offering a variety of summer day camps at its Orono, Maine campus. Visit the UMaine Summer Youth Programs web site. Read a recent press release by UMaine on its summer events and programs. Some of the summer programs include the Maine Summer Transportation Institute, Innovation Adventure Day Camp, and the Computer Assisted Design/Adventure Camp. Click here for info on summer camps in Maine.

Ocean's Edge Opens in Lincolnville, Maine

The Ocean's Edge Inn in Lincolnville, Maine has opened for the season. The Inn is located on the western shore of the Penobscot Bay on 21-acres of woods, lawns, and gardens that overlook the Penobscot Bay. For more information visit their website at http://www.theinnatoceansedge.com/. The Ocean's Edge Inn is located very close to Camden, Maine.

Central Maine Clay Artists: Sat, May 30, 2009

The "Day of Clay" with the Central Maine Clay Artists will be held on Saturday, May 30th. The artists are a group of potters and clay artists that hold craft shows and functions. Various ceramic techniques will be demonstrated and products will be sold. The program takes place at the Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner, Maine and is free. See http://www.mainecrafts.org/ for more information.

Fort St. George, Popham, Maine

Are you interested in old forts along the Maine coast? Fort St. George is a fort that was built on the site of the old Popham Colony located along the Kennebec River. The fort was the site of an early English settlement established in 1607. Read more about this historic fort in the book by Jeffrey Phipps Brain. Click on the link below for more information on how to purchase this book:

Fort St. George: Archaeological Investigation of the 1607-1608 Popham Colony

Maine Whitewater Rafting

Maine offers a wonderful and exciting whitewater rafting experience. There are several rivers in Maine and all have firms that offer guides and whitewater trips and tours. The three most popular rivers are the Penobscot River, Dead River, and Kennebec River. The Penobscot River is probably the most exciting. For some informational resources on rafting firms in Maine click on the link below:

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

Some History on Camden, Maine

A recent posting on DownEast.com reveals some history of the seaside town of Camden, Maine - specifically the very early days when it was first settled. Read "Three Names for Camden". Click here to learn more info on Camden, Maine.

Maine Tourism - "Its a weather thing"

The Portland Press Herald has posted an online article discussing the upcoming Maine tourism season. The article discusses the adverse effect of the bad economy on vacationers plans for the summer; but concludes that it might not have too bad of an effect. The article states that weather is the biggest factor that will have the biggest effect upon the Maine tourism industry. There are a lot of potential vacationers within a one day's drive to Maine - and that has a positive effect on Maine tourism during bad economic times. Read more in "Tourism depends on weather, wallets" published on May 17, 2009.

Guide Book to Mountain Biking in Maine

Learn about the many old trails, retired rail lines, and multi-use recreational trails available to bike enthusiasts here in Maine. This book covers the bike trails of Maine from the highest mountains to the coast. The 75 best bike rides that Maine has to offer are presented in this biking guide book. Trail maps, trail info, tail conditions, local trail policies, hazards, elevation changes and more are presented. The book is 408 pages long and was published in 1998. To order the book click on the link below:

Mountain Bike! Maine

Click here to learn more about biking trails in Maine.

Book Guide on the Maine Coast

If you are looking to visit the coast of Maine then you should prepare yourself for the trip with a guidebook about the coast of Maine. Click on the image above to learn how to buy Fodor's Maine Coast or click on the following link:

Fodor's Maine Coast, 2nd Edition: With Acadia National Park (Fodor's Gold Guides)

Coastal Forts in Maine

The state of Maine has a series of historical forts dating back to the colonial days and constructed during various conflicts that took place between the French, English, and Indians. Some were built prior to and during the civil war and later as coastal defenses during WWI and WWII. Most of these forts are located along the coast, usually at the mouth of rivers or entry ways to harbors. Click here for a listing of historic forts of Maine.