Maine Harvest Festival - Bangor (Nov 19-20, 2016)

The Maine Harvest Festival will be celebrated in Bangor, Maine on November 19 and 20, 2016. The hours are 10 am to 4 pm. There is entertainment, presentations, and a pie eating contest.

www.maineharvestfestival.com/

Hollis, Maine Pirate Festival

The folks in Hollis, Maine are holding a "Pirate Fest" on Saturday, August 13th. Pancake breakfast, fun activities for children, and running events.

www.facebook.com/hollisfest/

Reservations for Maine State Park Campgrounds

It is easy to make a reservation at a Maine State Park campground. Simply visit the link below:

www.campwithme.com

Maine Farmer's Markets

Maine has lots of Farmer's Markets held around the state during spring, summer, and fall seasons. If you are looking for one to visit a good source is the website of the Maine Federation of Farmer's Markets. The website provides news, a listing of events, and an interactive map for locating Farmer's Markets in Maine.

www.mainefarmersmarkets.org

Maine Maple Sunday - March 27th, 2016

Maine Maple Sunday is taking place this coming weekend on Sunday, March 27th. Maple sugar houses all across Maine will be open to the public for sampling of their maple sugar products and tours of their sugar houses.

Learn more about Maine Maple Syrup and Sugar Products
http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_maple_syrup.htm

Map of Maine Sugar Houses Open to Public this Sunday by the Maine Maple Producers Association
www.mainemapleproducers.com/

Maine has an Abundance of Museums

According to a recent news article in the Portland Press Herald the state of Maine has the second highest rate of museums per capita. This information comes from the federal institute of Museum and Library Services. Vermont ranks number 1 in the nation. Many small historical societies are included in the numbers used for computing the rankings; and Maine has lots of historical societies at the community level. You can read the news article published on September 6, 2014 at this link. A partial listing can be found here at Museums of Maine.

Historic Trails for Bikers in Katahdin Area

The area of north central Maine (Katahdin, Baxter State Park, and Millinocket) has some great potential for the back woods mountain bike riders seeking new trails. Read more in "Historic trails beckon new users to Katahdin area", Portland Press Herald, August 26, 2014.

http://www.pressherald.com/2014/08/26/old-trails-new-users/

Portland Chamber Music Festival - August 14-23, 2014

The 21st Season of the Portland Chamber Music Festival will be held August 14-23, 2014. The summer concerts are held at the Abromson Center at the University of Southern Maine's Portland Campus. Learn more at the PCMF website.

Dog Sled Business - A Lifestyle Choice

A dog sled business that provides tours is based out of Oxford, Maine. The firm is called Ultimate Sledding Dog Experience and the owner provides tours to customers on trails in Bethel and Hebron, Maine. The owner says that owning and racing sled dogs is a life style of its own. Read more in "Love of dogs, outdoors propels dog sled business", Sun Journal, February 1, 2014. Learn more about dog sledding in Maine.

2014 BikeMaine Route Now Known

The route for the 2nd Annual BikeMaine Ride that will take place in early September 2014 has now been revealed by the organizers. The Bike Ride starts in Westbrook, heads to Norway, Winthrop, Gardiner, across to Boothbay Harbor, along the coast to Bath, and then finally ends back in Westbrook. Read a recent news report on this in "2014 BikeMaine route revealed", WCSH Channel 6, February 4, 2014. The dates of the ride are September 6-13, 2014. The ride is a 348 mile loop and is a project of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Visit the BikeMaine website - www.ride.bikemaine.org.

Fog Over Snow in Maine

On a recent cross country ski outing in Maine I came across this picturesque scene just before sunset. The mist (or fog) was forming over the field I was about to ski over.

6th Annual Ski Marathon and Tour

The Maine Huts and Trails will conduct the 6th Annual Ski Marathon and Tour on Sunday, March 16, 2014. The race/tour will go through the hills of Western Maine and feature 3 distances - 60K, 40K, and 20K. Awards and prizes will be presented to the top three male and female participants for each of the three races. Food and refreshments will be provided over the course of the event and a free post-race lunch will be served at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, where each race concludes.

www.mainehuts.org/ski-marathon or call (207) 265-2400.

Dogsledding - Heywood Kennel, Augusta, Maine

A recent news report provides information on the Heywood Kennel in Augusta, Maine. Read "Mushers bring dog sledding to the masses in Maine", Maine Sunday Telegram, January 26, 2014.

Carter's X-C Ski Center in Oxford, Maine

Read a story on Carter's X-C Ski Center located in Oxford, Maine. See "A delightful day on an Oxford trail", Maine Sunday Telegram, January 26, 2014. Carter's X-C Ski Center is located on Route 26 (on the left as you drive north). It has 40 kilometers of ski trails for the beginning and intermediate level. There are five trails for skiing and one for snowshoeing.

Winter Snow Tubing and Zipline Tours

Maine has a lot to offer in winter sports. Some suggested family fun in the snow can include snow tubing and zipline tours. Read more about both in a recent article entitled "Zipline tours and tubing offer fast fun in Maine", Portland Press Herald, January 9, 2014.

Small Ski Areas in Maine Value Added to Local Communities

Maine used to have a large number of small community-based ski areas; however, a many factors have combined to significantly reduce the numbers. Over 70 Maine ski areas - mostly small operations - have gone out of business since 1970. However, there is a sense that the remaining small ski areas will be able to stay open and possibly see more come back into operation.

The small ski areas that shut down were affected by a number of factors to include increased competition (especially from the bigger resort areas), increased insurance costs, warm winters, and community apathy. Those small ski areas that remain open have found that local community involvement is a big help. Currently the Ski Maine Association lists 12 small ski areas still operating in Maine.

Read more about Maine's small ski areas in "A sense of community keeps central Maine's small ski areas afloat", Morning Sentinel, January 12, 2014.

Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be Filmed

The Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby, which takes place in February, will be filmed by a film company from New York. Details of the filming are sketchy but it appears that the National Geographic Channel has contracted with the film company for the project.  The derby takes place in mid-February. While ice fishing is a big sport for Maine fishermen I am a little skeptical on the appeal to television watchers. I mean . . . really . .. how exciting can that be? Like watching golf I suppose. Learn more in "Reality TV to film not-so-wild world of Maine ice fishing", Portland Press Herald, January 8, 2014.

A Family Blog about Alpine Skiing in Maine

The link below will take you to a super family-oriented blog about Alpine skiing in Maine. The blog provides tips on how to have fun and make skiing as affordable as possible. See the blog at the link below:
www.maineskifamily.com/

Cold Weather Brings Early Ice Fishing Season to Maine

The cold weather in Maine during December and early January has hastened the ice fishing season in Maine. While not all lakes and ponds are frozen - some are - and the ice fishermen are eager to start their season. The ice fishing season in Maine opens officially on January 1st. Read more in "Ice fishing season weeks early on Sebago Lake", Portland Press Herald, January 4, 2014.

Protect Your Ears While Hunting!

John O'Connor, an outdoorsman and blogger passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, has provided information about the dangers of hearing loss due to hunting. He provides us with some good hearing safety advice and gives us some recommendations about earplugs, earmuffs, and electronic earmuffs. You can read his article at the link below:

www.travel-maine.info/safety/hearingloss.htm

Summer Concert Schedule for Portland Chamber Music Festival

The Portland Chamber Music Festival Summer Concert schedule will take place from August 8 to August 17, 2013. The summer concerts are held at the Abromson Center at the University of Southern Maine's Portland Campus (close to downtown Portland). This series of concerts over several days features a wide range of repertoire including the music of living composers. Learn more details at the PCMF calendar.

http://www.pcmf.org/calendar.php

Bangor, Maine Beer Festival - June 22, 2013

The Bangor Beer Festival will take place on the Bangor Waterfront on Saturday, June 22nd. Local Maine breweries will take part in the event. You can learn more about the event at the "Bangor's Beer Festival Tap Into Summer" website.

Concert - Steve Reich's "Different Trains" - May 23, 2013, Portland, Maine

A concert featuring Steve Reich's "Different Trains" will be held at the SPACE Gallery on May 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm in Portland, Maine.  Learn more about the SPACE Gallery and Steve Reich's "Different Trains" here. You can also purchase his music online at Amazon.com at the following link.

Reich: Different Trains, Electric Counterpoint / Kronos Quartet, Pat Metheny

St. Martin's Thift Store Sale (Millinocket, Maine) 16 Mar 2013

A 'Swing into Spring' Saturday sale will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 16, at the non-profit St. Martin's Thrift Store located at 112 Maine Ave., Millinocket. This will mark the thrift store's introduction of its pre-loved and gently used spring and summer clothing for men, women, children and babies. A moderately priced luncheon will be available on site. Proceeds from the sale help to support St. Martin's Emergency Fuel Fund and Food Pantry, outreach ministries open to eligible residents of the Katahdin area regardless of religious affiliation. For more information contact the thrift store 723-4513 (Tues-Wed) or church office 723-5902.

5th Annual Ski Marathon & Tour by Maine Huts & Trails (March 17, 2013)

Maine Huts and Trails’ 5th Annual Ski Marathon and Tour will be taking place on Sunday, March 17th. A point-to-point race/tour through the hills of Western Maine, the event will feature 3 different distances, a 60K, 40K and 20K, and are limited to 175 participants in total. Awards and prizes will be presented to the top three male and female participants for each of the three races. Food and refreshments will be provided over the course of the event and a free post-race lunch will be served at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, where each of the three races conclude.

The 60K begins at Grand Falls Hut, the 40K begins at the Flagstaff Hut trailhead and the 20K begins at the Gravel Pit on Long Falls Dam Road. All three races conclude at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. Race day check-in for participants not spending Saturday night at the huts will be held from 7:00 – 8:15 AM at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center as well.

www.mainehuts.org/ski-marathon/

Prevent Hearing Loss While Hunting

John O'Connor, an outdoorsman and blogger passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, has provided information about the dangers of hearing loss due to hunting. The human ear is designed to take in approximately 65 DB (decibels) yet a gunshot produces approximately 160 DB. There is a danger of permanent damage to the ear if hearing protection is not used. John provides us with some good hearing safety advice and gives us some recommendations about earplugs, earmuffs, and electronic earmuffs. You can read his full article about hearing loss and hunting at the link below:

www.travel-maine.info/safety/hearingloss.htm

Ice Fishing on a Cold Day in Maine

A recent online post describes a typical ice fishing day in Maine. See "Dick Pinney's Guidelines: Ice fishing in Maine and good food", NewHampshire.com, February 9, 2013.

The Business of Snowmobiling In Maine

Maine provides lots of recreation for snowmobilers - especially when the state has snow. A writer examines the business side of the Maine snowmobile sport. Read more in "Snowmobiling puts cold cash into Maine's economy", Maine Sunday Telegram, February 9, 2013.

Guide to Snowmobiling in Maine

The Maine Snowmobile Association has it's "Annual Guide to Exploring Maine's Snow Trails" for the 2012-2013 season posted online. You can view or download the guide at the link below. It is an Adobe Acrobat PDF, 32 pages long, and 5 MBs big. The publication has a description of the 14,000 mile long Maine snowmobile trail system, where to get snowmobile maps, how to register snowmobiles, snowmobile safety, snowmobile laws, a listing of snowmobile clubs, and listings of places to stay in snowmobile country.

www.mesnow.com/pdfs/2012Guide.pdf

Snowmobile Education Courses - Maine

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for the state of Maine offers Snowmobile Education Courses that teach proper operation and safety, maintenance, laws, emergencies and survival, first aid, map and compass, and other topics. The course is six hours long. Course dates and times are posted here.  Learn more about snowmobiling in Maine.

Naples, Maine Winter Carnival (Feb 9, 2013)

The Naples Winter Carnival (Maine) will be held on February 9, 2013. It is sponsored in part by the Muddy River Sno Seekers of Naples, Maine. There will be radar runs, helicopter rides, fireworks, fishing derby and more.

http://www.muddyriversnoseekers.org/

Maine Snowmobilers Hope for Big Snowfall in Early February

Maine snowmobilers have not seen much snow during the month of January (2013) and many of the trails in southern Maine are lacking enough snow. That may very well change in the next few days (Feb 7-9) depending on how much snow falls in the upcoming snow storm. Read more in "Maine snowmobilers hope big storm forecasts are true", Bangor Daily News, February 6, 2013.

"Swing into Spring" Sale at St. Martin's Thrift Store in Millinocket, Maine (March 16, 2013)

A 'Swing into Spring' Saturday sale will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., March 16, at the non-profit St. Martin's Thrift Store located at 112 Maine Ave., Millinocket. This will mark the thrift store's introduction of its pre-loved and gently used spring and summer clothing for men, women, children and babies. A moderately priced luncheon will be available on site. Proceeds from the sale help to support St. Martin's Emergency Fuel Fund and Food Pantry, outreach ministries open to eligible residents of the Katahdin area regardless of religious affiliation. For more information contact the thrift store 723-4513 (Tues-Wed) or church office 723-5902.

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport, Maine

Every year in the weeks before Christmas the town of Kennebunkport, Maine conducts its "Christmas Prelude". Events include Christmas tree lightings, craft fairs, art shows, holiday shopping, trolley rides, bonfires, pancake breakfast, and much more. Events take place throughout the month of December. Click on the link below for more information.

www.christmasprelude.com

Thanksgiving in Maine - 2012

Maine is a super place to have a Thanksgiving getaway. There are lots of places to visit, the inns are waiting for you to make a reservation, the tourist crowds are gone, there is little to no highway traffic, our inns have superb staff and cooks, and there are no dishes to do after the big meal! See what your Thanksgiving vacation options are in Maine at the web page link below.

www.travel-maine.info/Thanksgiving_in_Maine.htm

New Blog Added to Blog Listing

I have added a new blog to my blog list. It is called "Boot and Canoe - Adventures in the Maine wilderness".  Nice stories and excellent photography by a Maine Guide who writes about hunting, camp cooking, canoes, and more.  His blog can be found at www.bootandcanoe.com. See a list of other Maine blogs here at Maine Blogs.

Amtrak Downeaster Extends Passenger Train Service to Freeport and Brunswick, Maine

The Amtrak Downeaster is now extending its service from Portland, Maine to Freeport and Brunswick. Read more on this topic in "Downeaster service to run north of Portland, Maine for first time in 50 years", Boston.com, November 2, 2012.

Free Photo Workshops in Acadia National Park (Aug 18-29, 2012)

A free photo workshop is being offered at Acadia National Park from August 18 to August 29, 2012.  This event is sponsored by Canon U.S.A. and the American Park Network under the "Canon's Photography in the Parks" workshop program. The workshops offer free professional photography and videography lessons in a unique, hands-on environment. For more information visit the link below:

http://photographyintheparks.com/

Tri for Preservation Triathlon and Aquabike (Cape Elizabeth, Maine - August 19, 2012)

The Tri for Preservation Triathlon and Aquabike will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2012. The event will benefit the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust. This is the 2nd annual event. It will be held at Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The event consists of a 500-yard ocean swim, 14-mile bike course, and 3.1 mile run. Learn more about the event at http://www.capelandtrust.org/triathlon/

Lewiston Auburn Film Festival - April 13-15, 2012

The Lewiston Auburn Film Festival will be held on April 13-15, 2012 in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine.  The second annual Lewiston Auburn Film Festival (LAFF) is going to be a three-day extravaganza complete with opening night festivities, a full day of films in downtown L/A, top-notch awards show, brunch, and filmmaker panels.

Based on the success of last year’s event, where more than 1,000 festival goers attended screenings of 100+ films from all over the world, the staff at LAFF has been working hard to make LAFF 2012 bigger, better and on par with festivals found in larger, more well-known cities.

Learn more at www.lafilmfestival.org.

Maine Maple Syrup Producers Tapping Trees Early

Maine maple syrup producers are tapping trees early this year due to the mild winter.  Maine is the third highest maple syrup producing state - behind Vermont and New York. The maple tree sap can be made into maple syrup, maple butter, maple candy, and maple cream.  Read more in "Maine maple producers able to tap trees with early spring", NECN.com, March 8, 2012.

Maple Sugar Tapping at Blaine House by Governor LePage

AUGUSTA – In an effort to promote Maine maple syrup, Governor Paul LePage today joined Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, Commissioner Bill Beardsley, Legislators and Maine Maple Producers for an annual tradition – the tapping of a maple tree on the Blaine House lawn.

Maine Maple Sunday is fast approaching. The event, held annually on the fourth Sunday of March, takes place March 25 this year. As part of this year’s celebration of maple syrup production, more than 125 sugarhouses will be open around the State. Sugarhouses welcome visitors to participate in syrup and candy sampling, demonstrations of making syrup, sugarbush tours and a variety of other activities. “The potential for job creation in the maple industry is huge,” said Governor LePage. “The Maine maple syrup industry represents a great opportunity for Maine to promote its natural resource-based economy, a major part of our economic engine,” added the Governor.

Currently, Maine has 1.47 million taps and produced 360,000 gallons of maple syrup last season, a 14% increase from 2010. The latest yearly figures show that Maine generated nearly $13 million in revenue from the maple industry.

“We are pleased that Governor LePage will once again be kicking off the maple syrup season with the tapping of the tree on the Blaine House lawn,” said Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “This industry is a great example of Maine’s multiple uses of its natural resources and how a wood lot has an array of benefits – maple syrup, wood production, recreation and open space.

“Maine’s maple sugar industry provides a tremendous opportunity for growth in Maine’s natural resource sector,” said Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley. “This is an example of how agriculture and forestry are intertwined. In 2011, Maine was third in the nation producing 13 percent of maple syrup in the U.S.,” Beardsley stated.

Info above from "Governor LePage Promotes Maple Sugar Season at Blaine House", Maine.gov, March 7, 2012.  Learn more about Maine Maple Sugar.

Maple Syrup May Flow Early in Maine

Maple sugar sap may flow early this year.  The warm weather and lack of snow cover has pushed the date up for the start of the maple sugar season by a few weeks.  In fact, the sap may not be running by the time that Maple Sunday arrives on March 25th here in Maine.  For a good maple syrup season there is a need for cold nights and warm days.  Read more in "Early sap? Go with the flow", The Portland Press Herald, February 27, 2012.

Bethel, Maine WinterFest 2012

The Bethel, Maine WinterFest will be held on Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25, 2012. Events include the sliding hill, bonfire, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing events, alpine skiing events, rail jam, snow groomer rides, and more. There is winter fun for everyone!

www.bethelwinterfest.com

Light Snowfall in Maine

Although we do have some snow on the ground right now this year has been a bit light in the snow department.  That affects the winter sports here in Maine - especially those that like to downhill ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile.  A Bangor snow plow firm reports that business is not what was expected this year with the light snowfall; but we still have the remainder of January and February to look forward to.

"Trouble Is My Business" on Portland Stage (Portland, Maine, Jan 24 - Feb 19, 2012)

The famous Los Angeles detective Philip Marlowe is presented by the Portland Stage in Portland, Maine from January 24 to February 19, 2012 in Trouble is My Business. Set in the 1930s the detective works to solve crimes with a variety of charaters. Find out more at the link below:

http://www.portlandstage.org/Event-65.html

Taking Care of Ice Fishing Gear

Read one ice fisherman's story on how he failed to take care of his ice fishing equipment at the end of the season last year.  See "Digging out neglected ice fishing gear leads to moldy discovery", Bangor Daily News, December 14, 2011.  (Originally published in the Grand Forks Herald).  Click here to learn more about ice fishing in Maine.

Historic Photos of Portland, Maine

A recent news article provides information on a three-year project to digitize historical photos of over 10,000 Portland, Maine buildings.  The project will be finished in the summer of 2012. Some of the photos are already online and can be found at the following website:

www.mainememory.net/search/ptr

The photos were taken in 1924 for tax purposes.  The collection provides a good look at how Portland, Maine appeared in the 1920s.  Read more about this story in "Picturing Portland in the digital age", The Portland Press Herald, December 28, 2011.

Best Maine Ice Fishing Shack Contest (Nov 2011)

Back in November (2011) the Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine put on the "Best Ice Fishing Shack" contest as a way to showcase the work of some of its members.  The builders were given six hours to construct an ice fishing shack.  Read more (and see the video) in "Construction industry takes on the Super Shack", WCSH 6 News, November 18, 2011. The judges selected the construction firm Cianbro as the winner - see "This perfect ice shack could be yours!", GeorgeSmithMaine.com, December 5, 2011.

Celebrate New Year's Day in Maine with "First Day Hike"

"AUGUSTA, Maine – New Year’s revelers will get the chance this year to welcome in 2012 in a new way, with four guided “First Day Hikes” sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), under the Maine Department of Conservation. Maine state parks are joining a nationwide initiative among all 50 states to offer “First Day Hikes” as way for individuals and families to connect with great outdoor fun and to create special, holiday memories. The Jan. 1 hikes mark the first time all U.S. state park systems have joined together to sponsor the event. As part of the initiative, four easy and fun “First Day Hikes,” led by park staff at four different Maine state parks, will take place on Sunday, Jan. 1. All the hikes are free – in fact, no admission will be charged at any open Maine state park on New Year’s Day."

  Read the rest of the article in "Maine State Parks Offer New Year's Fun with Four First Day Hikes", Maine.gov, December 22, 2011. Learn more about hiking in Maine.