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.

Clamming in Maine in December (Brrrrrrrr)

There is lots to enjoy in Maine in the winter - this includes activities usually done in warmer weather.  Read an article about one man's enjoyment in Maine's state parks while he collects steamers in the winter.  See "State parks offer events for season", Kennebec Journal, December 11, 2011.

Maine Snowmobilers Prepare for Winter Season

Maine snowmobilers are preparing for the winter season.  Read more in "Warm December might imperil snowmobiling season", Maine Outdoors Bangor Daily News, December 19, 2011.

Listing of Maine Ice Fishing Derbies for 2012

A recent article on Seacoastonline.com has listed scheduled ice fishing derbies in the state of Maine.  See "February will be ice fishing heaven, we hope", Seacoastonline.com, December 19, 2011.

"Hardwater" - a film about Ice Fishing in Maine

A couple of guys have made a film called "Hardwater".  The film is about ice fishing in Maine. It is a feature-length documentary film about Maine's tribal, oft-misunderstood ice fishing sub-culture. The two filmmakers spent three winters visiting ten Maine counties compiling a documentary about the joys and frustrations of ice fishing.  Learn more at the two links below:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/534839598/hardwater

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hardwater/117360401707093

Maine Snowmobile Clubs Get Ready for the Winter Sled Season

Despite the lack of December snow Maine snowmobile clubs are readying for the upcoming snowmobile season.  Read more in "Club gatherings bring good cheer, with or without snow", The Portland Press Herald, December 17, 2011.

Ice Fishing - Pond and Lake Ice Strength Chart

If you are getting ready for some winter ice fishing in Maine you may want to get familiar with how much ice thickness is safe.  There are a couple of sources of information for this info.  One is an "Estimated Lake and Pond Ice Strength Chart" offered by Maine Nature News.  Another is a "Blue-ice strength chart" provided by bangorinfo.com. The US Army Corps of Engineers has their chart and an explanation of ice thickness at "Ice Thickness and Strength for Various Loading Conditions".  The wikiHow website provides an article on "How to Know When Ice is Safe".

At the far end of the ice fishing season you have the "ice out" dates. So what is an "ice out" date?  According to the Maine Department of Conservation an "ice out" date is ". . . when you can navigate unimpeded from one end of the water body to the other.  There may still be ice in coves or along the shoreline but when a person can traverse the entire water body without being stopped by ice flows . . ." the ice is considered to be "out".  The Maine Department of Conservation provides charts depicting "Historic Lake Ice Out Data" on their website.

Maine Sports in January

A Maine sportswriter writes about ice fishing, snowmobiling and other winter sports activities in January.  Read "January Is Dark All Right", The Maine Sportsman, December 13, 2011.

Pineland Farms in Maine Making Snow for Cross Country Skiers

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine is not waiting for mother nature to put snow on the ground for cross country skiers.  The Nordic ski area is making its own snow.  See "Making snow for cross country skiers", WLBZ Bangor, December 18, 2011.

Ice Fishing Season to Start Soon in Maine

The ice fishing season will open in Maine on January 1st; however, there isn't much ice forming right now so the season will have a slow start.  Read more in "Lack of ice on Maine waters hurting bait and tackle sellers", Sun Journal, December 18, 2011.  Learn more about ice fishing in Maine.

Origins of the Civic Christmas Tree

For a little history about the display of community Christmas trees read the following article.  "The secret origins of the civic Christmas tree", The Boston Globe, December 18, 2011.

Who Has the Best Lobster Christmas Tree?

Seacoast towns in Maine construct Christmas trees made of lobster traps and buoys.  Read more in "New England Asks: Who Has Fairest Lobster Trap Tree of All?", The New York Times, December 17, 2011.

The Snow Queen at the Portland Stage (Maine) until December 24, 2011

The Portland Stage is providing a production of The Snow Queen - a fairy tale in the land of winter with magical characters.  This is a story that warms the hearts of children and adults.  Playing December 2 to December 24, 2011.  A story for the young at heart.  Learn more at the Portland Stage website for this event.

http://www.portlandstage.org/Event-64.html

Amtrak's Downeaster Now 10 Years Old

"PORTLAND, Maine–Amtrak's Downeaster is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this week, capping off a year in which annual ridership surpassed half a million passengers, Amtrak launched its eTicketing pilot program and workers made progress on an expansion of service north to Freeport and Brunswick that's to begin in the new year."

 
Read more in the news posting below:

"Amtrak's Downeaster celebrates 10-year anniversary", USA Today Travel, December 17, 2011.

Shawnee Peak Ski Resort in Bridgton, Maine Opens December 17, 2011

The Shawnee Peak Ski Resort located in Bridgton, Maine opens today on December 17, 2011.  Read more about the opening in "Shawnee Peak Ski Resort Opens December 17; Celebrating 74 Years in Operation", Digital Journal, December 17, 2011.  Click here for more information on Maine Alpine Skiing.

Holidays Past in Maine

The December issue of Down East magazine has a delightful article on what people remember about Christmas in Maine.  Certainly heartwarming to know that people have such rich holiday memories.  Read "Flavors of Holidays Past", Down East, December 2011.

Lobstering in Stonington, Maine

A superb article on the life of lobstermen in Maine has been published in the Virginia Quarterly Review.  It was posted on the website of the VQR in the summer of 2011.  The author of the article, entitled Consider the Lobstermen, is Jesse Dukes.  A good read that reveals how lobstermen live, how hard their work is, and the outside influences that threaten their livelihood and way of life.  To read the article click on the link below.  To learn more about Maine lobsters and lobstermen click on the second link.

Consider the Lobstermen

Lobsters in Maine

Penobscot Marine Museum Photo Collection Online

The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, Maine has placed thousands of its photographs in a virtual museum online for viewing. A recent news article in the Bangor Daily News entitled "Penobscot Marine Museum's new virtual museum places collections online" (Dec 16, 2011) alerted me to this online museum. The museum has over 100,000 photos and at this time there are about 30,000 viewable online. Some of the photos currently online include images from the Atlantic Fisherman (a New England-based publication), photos taken by the families of shop captains, and photos from a variety of sources about maritime Maine. To visit the online marine museum click on the link below"

http://www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org/Search-Database-Landing.html

Click here for a listing of Maine Museums.

How to Care for Your Christmas Tree

The Maine Christmas Tree Association offers advice and tips on how to care for your Christmas tree.  It also provides information on how the growing of Christmas trees has a favorable effect on the environment and provides a comparison of natural and artificial Christmas trees.

www.mainechristmastree.com/tree_information.cfm

Bangor, Maine Selected as 7th Top Winter City

Bangor, Maine has been selected as one of the Top 10 Winter Cities by www.livability.com. In fact, it ranked as number 7 of the top ten. The website considers the natural beauty of Maine to include the mountains and coastline, the thriving downtown, the annual snowfall, and abundance of winter sports. Learn more about Bangor at the link below:

http://livability.com/top-10/top-10-winter-cities/bangor/me

Maine Christmas Tree Association

Looking for a Maine Christmas tree? The Maine Christmas Tree Association can help you find one. You can search for a Christmas tree farm by name or town on their website. Visit the Maine Christmas Tree Association website at the link below.

www.mainechristmastree.com

Windham, Maine Trail Runners - ATV Club

The Windham Trail Runners are a new ATV Club based in Windham, Maine.  As with all ATV riders they are faced with limits on where they can ride their ATVs legally.  The club hopes to expand the network of ATV trails in Windham, Maine and the surrounding area by developing good relations with landowners.  Read more about the Windham Trail Runners ATV Club and how they plan to improve ATV trails in southern Maine in the KeepMeCurrent.com news posting entitled "New Windham ATV club on search for happy trails" dated November 23, 2011.

Maine Cranberries for Thanksgiving

A local farmer in Turner, Maine is growing cranberries and selling them to local grocery stores.  Turner's Ricker Hill Orchards has been steadily increasing its yearly yield of cranberries that will find their way on Thanksgiving Day tables.  Read more in "Turner orchard diversifying with cranberries", Sun Journal, November 21, 2011.

Southern Maine Woodturners Fighting Hunger

This Thanksgiving weekend, November 26 and 27, skilled artisans from the Southern Maine Woodturners Association will be handcrafting wooden utility bowls all day long at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Store in South Portland. You’ll see the entire bowlmaking process . . . from tree to bowl. You can even purchase these beautiful one-of-a-kind bowls for yourself or as Holiday gifts. Most sell for under $30! And all your money goes to Maine’s Good Shepherd Food Bank. Here’s your chance to meet some friendly woodturners, ask them questions, and maybe even see your own bowl being made. Come to Rockler, on Gorham Road, South Portland, near the Olive Garden, this Saturday, Nov. 26, 9-5 and Sunday, Nov. 27, 11-4.

Halloween in Maine

The Portland Press Herald has a comprehensive listing of Halloween events in Maine. See the posting here.  In addition, check out our listing of Halloween events in Maine as well. 

Maine Breweries and Brew Pubs

There are a lot of Mainers who are brewing beer here in Maine. These specialty beers are very good and deserve a look (taste). Check out the many brew pubs and breweries here in Maine.

Maine Breweries and Brew Pubs

Apple Picking in Maine

It is not to late for some late season apple picking in Maine. Many of the orchards are still open. This is a great way to spend some family time in the out-of-doors enjoying the fall foliage and fresh.  Click on the link below to find out where Maine apple orchards are located. Many of these apple orchards provide the opportunity to "pick apples yourself".

Maine Apple Orchards and Apple Picking

Goat Island Lighthouse in Kennebunk, Maine now Restored

The Goat Island Lighthouse in Kennebunk, Maine is now restored. The lighthouse, located off of Cape Porpoise, has been in existance for many years but it has just received a facelift with a reconstructed bell tower and other improvements. Read more in "It's like a walk back in time", The Portland Press Herald, October 13, 2011. Learn more about lighthouses in Maine.

Listing of Halloween Activities in Maine (2011)

Halloween is upon us and parents are looking for opportunities to provide some safe fun for their kids. Check out a recent news article by Amy Calder that helps you with this task. See "Celebrating things that go BUMP in the night", Kennebec Journal, October 16, 2011.

Hunting Guides in Maine

Hunting season is fast approaching in Maine.  If you are coming to Maine and you need a hunting guide then the link below will be helpful to you.

Hunting Guides in Maine

October Bike Rides in Maine

A Maine biker, Karen Beaudoin, offers two suggested bike rides for great exercise and the opportunity to enjoy some fine Maine October weather. One is a ride to and around Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine and the other is Camden, Maine. Read the suggested routes in her article "Two rides that are sure to thrill, even if the colors don't", The Portland Press Herald, October 16, 2011. Learn more about biking in Maine.

Harvest on the Harbor - Portland, Maine (October 20-22, 2011)

Portland, Maine's premier food and wine experience - referred to as "Harvest on the Harbor" will take place on 14 Ocean Gateway Pier on October 20-22, 2011. Learn more at:

http://www.harvestontheharbor.com/

4th Annual Craft Show (USM at Gorham Nov 12-13, 2011)

The 4th Annual Craft Show will be held at the University of Maine in Gorham on November 12-13, 2011.  Artisans from around Maine and New England will be on hand to sell handcrafted products.  There will be arts, crafts, raffles, door prizes and more.  The works will include wood products, photography, fabric art, hand-crafted jewelry, knit items, garden art, pottery, and specialty food items.

http://www.southernmainehuskies.com/fundraising/CraftShow

Halloween Overnight with Myrtle - Newscastle, Maine

Are you interested in spending a night at a haunted house with a history of paranormal activity? Are you brave enough to spend the night in the same bedroom where the source of that activity passed from her mortal life?  And would you like to do it on Halloween night? While there you can join in on the adventure and use specialized equipment to document paranormal activity. Mysterious Destinations offers you this opportunity at the Tipsy Butler B&B and the Newcastle Publick House - both haunted by Myrtle!  This adventure is by reservation only. 

Contact Sally at 207-380-4677 or www.mysteriousdestinations.com
The Tipsy Butler Bed and Breakfast and Newcastle Publick House
Newcastle, Maine

Windy, Rainy Days Great for Birding in Maine in Fall

A Maine birder (Herb Wilson) has written an article that tells why windy, rainy days in the fall are great for birding along the coast of Maine. It seems this is related to the nature of the autumnal migration of birds. Learn more in "Windy, rainy days often make for best birding", The Portland Press Herald, October 16, 2011.

Halloween Event in Parsonsfield, Maine - The Haunting at Parsonsfield Seminary

The 5th Annual "The Haunting" event is being held in the Seminary Hotel in Parsonsfield, Maine in the 42-room building and campus. The Parsonsfield Seminary holds this event to raise funds and provide some entertainment.  Read a news article on a visitors recent experience there at "Seminary makes good spot for haunting", The Portland Press Herald, October 16, 2011.  Check out their Halloween event at the link below.

www.parsonsfieldseminary.org

Click here for other Halloween events in Maine

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Shackford Head State Park (Oct 23, 2011)

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands in conjunction with the Maine Forest Service will be conducting a guided fall foliage hike of the Shackford Head State Park on October 23, 2011 at 10 a.m. The complete hike will take two hours. Click on the link below to learn more about this fall hike in Eastport, Maine.

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Shackford Head State Park
(Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Mid October Trip to Western Maine

My wife and I are having a weekend away in Western Maine - actually attending a family wedding. The weather started out cloudy and raining on Friday (Oct 14, 2011) but we woke up to a cool but nice day on Saturday morning. It is partly cloudy and we have a good view of the Western Maine mountains from our hotel room. We are staying at the Jordan Grand Hotel which is part of the Sunday River Resort in Newry, Maine.  The fall foliage here is pretty - not as nice as some years past - (due to a wet August and September and Hurricane Irene) but nice enough. I don't know if it has "peaked" or not but it is pretty near or just past "peaked". 

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Sebago Lake State Park (Oct 16, 2011)

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Maine Forest Service will be co-sponsoring a Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Sebago Lake State Park on October 16, 2011 at 10 a.m. This 3-mile walk will offer pleasing views of a wooded forest with great autumn colors. The park is located in Casco, Maine. Learn more at the link below.

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Sebago Lake State Park
(Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Maine Fall Foliage Not Up to Standard in 2011

It looks like the fall of 2011 will go down as a sub-standard fall foliage season. The leaves are turning color late, some leaves have already fallen, and the colors are not the usual variety and brightness that we normally see. It is still a pretty view and worth coming to visit Maine. Read more in "Fall missing its true colors", The Portland Press Herald, October 11, 2011.

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Bradbury Mountain State Park (Oct 15, 2011)

There will be a Guided Fall Foliage Hike at Bradbury Mountain State Park on October 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. The top of Bradbury Mountain provides views of the land from the mountain to the Maine coast. The hike is approximately one hour long and is co-sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Maine Forest Service. Bradbury Mountain State Park is located in Pownal, Maine.  For more information click on the link below.

Guided Fall Foliage Hike of Bradbury Mountain State Park
(Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Fall Foliage Chairlift Rides in Camden, Maine

To get a special view of the Maine seacoast fall foliage you should consider a Fall Foliage Chairlift Ride in Camden, Maine at the Camden Snow Bowl. The chairlift rides are offered to hikers, mountain bikers, and sightseers on Sundays in October (2, 9, 16, & 23) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Black Woods Scenic Byway in Maine

The Black Woods Scenic Byway in Maine has some great mountains and lakes to explore.  There are trailheads, boat launches, and other facilities available for your recreational activities.  Visit the website for more info, maps, brochures, and recreational ideas.

Adroscoggin Riverlands State Park Guided Foliage Paddle (Oct 15, 2011)

The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands in conjunction with the Androscoggin Land Trust is conducting a Guided Foliage Paddle of the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on October 15, 2011 at 10 a.m. Paddlers will need to bring their own boats, life vests, gear, water, lunch and snacks.  The park location is in central Maine just north of Lewiston/Auburn in Turner. Click on the link below for more information.

Guided Foliage Paddle of Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
(Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Organic Beer in Maine

The Portland Press Herald recently ran a story (Rule change a boon for organic hops", October 1) about the farmers in the Northwest (the U.S., not Maine) now planting new varieties of organic hops without the use of pesticides. This stems from a federal decision that mandates brewers to use organic hops in 2013 if they label their beer as organic. While the news article was interesting it didn't really relate to Maine that well; and as one of the commenters (see the bottom of the news article) noted - it was filler for the newspaper. Another of the commenters noted that Maine does have some organic brews. Just so happens that yesterday I drank a Maine organic brew called Fall Summit Ale by Peak Organic Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. Delicious! The following link will bring you to a web page with a listing of Maine breweries and brew pubs.

Geo-Tours of Down East Maine

A web site entitled Down East Explorer is dedicated to geo tours of Down East Maine. The site could help you with your next geocaching trip.  Visit www.downeastexplorer.org for more info.

Yankee Magazine Names Camden, Maine as 3rd Best Foliage Town in New England

Camden has been named the 3^rd best foliage town in New England, up from 6^th in 2010, according to a poll conducted on YankeeFoliage.com, Yankee Magazine’s fall foliage Web site. A seaside town located in the “jewel” of Maine’s midcoast has everything a visitor is looking for, color intensity against the backdrop of the rocky coast, scenic drives, hikes and a whole host of outdoor recreation—adding to that world class dining, lodging, shopping and cultural venues that make Camden and the communities of the Camden Hills definite not-to-miss fall favorites. The voting took place from mid-August and ended yesterday, on September 28.

Read the rest of the article in "Camden Named 3rd Best Foliage Town in New England in Yankee Magazine's Online Poll", Republican Journal, September 30, 2011.  Learn more about Maine fall foliage.

Maine Foliage Report - October 5, 2011

The Maine Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Conservation for October 5, 2011 is below:

---------------------------------------------------------------

October 5, 2011 | Maine Foliage Report
Maine Department of Conservation
www.MaineFoliage.com

Maine's Western Mountains, Eastern Lakes Displaying Colorful Foliage

Fall foliage color is turning nicely in Maine's western mountains, and lake regions of Washington and Penobscot counties, while peak color has arrived in the northern half of the state, according to the fourth 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Currently, Maine Forest Service and state park rangers are observing peak leaf color, or at least 75 percent color change, in northern tracking zones (Zones 7, 6, 5 northern, and 4 northern) covering all of Aroostook County and northern portions of Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. These regions now have moderate, 30 to 50 percent, leaf drop, according to rangers.

Rangers are reporting high color, or 50 to 75 percent toward peak, in the southern section of Zone 4 and suggest a drive along Route 9 between Brewer and Baring. Moderate color, or 30 to 50 percent toward peak, is now showing in the western mountain towns of Bethel, Kingfield and Rangeley (southern Zone 5), the central region from Dover-Foxcroft to Bangor (northern Zone 3), and along the downeast coast from Bucksport to Eastport (Zone 2). Leaf drop is currently low, or 10 to 30 percent, in these Regions.

Low foliage color, or 10 to 30 percent toward peak, is being reported along the coast from Kittery to Belfast (Zone 1), and in southern areas including Fryeburg, Sebago Lake, Androscoggin County and Kennebec County. These regions now have low leaf drop.

MDOC forester and park ranger-led hiking events planned for this weekend in our state parks and public reserved lands include a family friendly, half-mile, one-hour hike at Mount Blue State Park in Weld, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.8.

A moderate, 4-mile hike at Kennebec Highlands public lands site, overlooking Long Pond, Belgrade Lakes Village and Great Pond, will take place on Sunday, Oct 9 at 2 p.m.

Events are held rain or shine. For directions and more information on both foliage hikes, go to http://www.parksandlands.com. Maine's fall foliage conditions will be updated each Wednesday through at least Oct. 19 on this website. Maine foliage fans can also share photos and favorite viewing spots at the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook, or follow foliage news on Twitter using the "mainefoliage" hashtag.

Go to http://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.  Go to this link for more Maine Foliage Info.

Down East Sunrise Trail Fall Folliage Ride - October 22, 2011

The Down East Sunrise Trail runs along Down East Maine and is over 87 miles long.  It extends from Washington Junction to Ayers Junction.  The trail accomodates a variety of users from hikers, bikers, to snowmobilers.  On October 22nd there will be a Fall Folliage Ride for ATVs and Bikes.

"This ride covers one of the most spectacular sections of the Down East Sunrise Trail. The ride highlight is Schoodic Bog and scenic views of Schoodic Mountain. ATVs will start at 9:00 a.m. from Washington Junction and will have passed the Franklin-Route 182 Trailhead by the time the bicyclers get on trail. Each group will spend some time in the area of Schoodic Bog to take in the fall foliage, lunch, and learn about fall colors and trees from our Forester guides. Bicyclers will continue to the Rte 183-Tunk Lake Trailhead before turning around. The ATVs will continue on to Cherryfield before turning around. These rides are co-sponsored by the Sunrise Trail Coalition, Maine Forest Service and Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands."

Mount Blue State Park Guided Fall Foliage Hike

Maine is a wonderful place to view scenic fall foliage. Maine foresters are providing guided tours in many of Maine's state parks.  There is one scheduled at Mount Blue State Park on October 8, 2011 at 10 a.m. This is a short and easy 1/2 mile hike along the Center Hill nature trail that will allow you to see some wonderful fall colors.  The hike is co-sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Maine Forest Service.  The park is located in Weld, Maine. Click on the link below to view a flyer for this event.

Mount Blue State Park Guided Fall Foliage Hike  (an Adobe Acrobat PDF file)

Eastern Trail in Maine Nears Completion With Bridge Over Maine Turnpike

An Eastern Trail bridge built over the Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk, Maine was officially opened recently - allowing walkers, hikers, and bikers to use the off-road trail. The Eastern Trail, once its 65-mile stretch is completed, will eventually transit Kittery to Casco Bay.  Read more about the bridge completion in "Eastern Trail gap bridged", The Portland Press Herald, September 29, 2011. The Eastern Trail was a project of the Eastern Trail Alliance.

Fall Foliage in Maine to Be Good this Year (2011)

The experts are saying that the fall foliage in Maine should be plentiful and colorful this year. We have had plenty of wet weather this year; and that is both good and bad for the leaves. The bad news is that wet weather causes a fungi-related malady called anthracnose to spread which causes the leaves to blacken and trees to loose their leaves early. However, this condition is not widespread in Maine and will not be noticed by the fall leaf peepers. The good news is that because of the plentiful rain we will have healthy and colorful leaves providing us with scenic vistas this fall. Read more in "Peeper pleasers: Experts agree -this should be a good fall for foliage fans", The Portland Press Herald, October 4, 2011.

Halloween Events in Maine

Halloween is coming up and now is the time to plan for the family Halloween event.  Many communities hold Halloween parties and events. Check out a listing of Halloween events in Maine at the link below:

Halloween In Maine

Portland, Maine Observatory

The Portland Observatory Museum will close for the season on Columbus Day, October 10, 2011. Now is the time to visit this architectural gem. Learn more about this historic structure that overlooks Casco Bay at the link below:

Portland Observatory

Maine Coastal Webcams

For a listing of coastal Maine webcams (if you can't visit the ocean it's the next best thing?) click on the link below.

http://www.maineharbors.com/camindex.htm

One such webcam on the listing is of Stonington Harbor - one of my favorite vacation destinations.

http://penobscotbaypress.com/multimedia/webcams/stonington/

Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation

There is an organization called the "Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation". If you have an interest in lobsters, lobstermen, or the Maine fishing industry then this might be of interest to you. According to its website the GOMLF

" . . . is a non-profit organization that collaborates with lobstermen, scientists and members of the communit to support a healthy lobster fishery within the Gulf of Maine, conduct vessel-based field work, protect and sustain the resource, encourage good stewardship of the marine environment and provide outreach, education and economic opportunities."

Learn more at its website and its blog.

http://www.gomlf.org/

http://lobsterlines.blogspot.com/  (I have added the blog to my list of Maine blogs)

Book on Maine - "Cabin" by Lou Ureneck

A Maine author retreats to the woods to build a cabin - and writes about it.  Read a book review of the work by Lou Ureneck as he describes his efforts to build a retreat in the woods.  "Cabin" published by Viking.

Map of Southern Map Apple Orchards for Apple Picking

If you want to do some apple picking in Southern Maine then you need to know where to go.  The link below will bring you to a map of places you can pick your own apples.

Map of Apple Picking Locations in Southern Maine

Listing of Maine Apple Orchards

Historic Forts in Maine

Are you looking for some place to go in Maine that is historical?  Maine has lots of old forts - especially located along the coast.  Visit the link below for a listing of Maine historical forts.

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

Weekly Maine Foliage Report (September 28, 2011)

The weekly Maine Foliage Report (September 28, 2011) has been sent out by the Maine Department of Conservation.  It can be read in its entirety below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 28, 2011 | Maine Foliage Report
Maine Department of Conservation
www.MaineFoliage.com

Northern Half of Maine Now Has Moderate to High Foliage Color
AUGUSTA, Maine ­ Fall foliage color is now halfway toward peak from Moosehead Lake to Aroostook County, according to the third 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Currently, Maine Forest Service and state park rangers are observing high leaf color, or 50 to 70 percent toward peak, along with very low leaf drop in northern tracking zones (Zones 7, 6, 5 northern, and 4 northern) covering Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Houlton, Millinocket, Greenville and Jackman.

Moderate color, or 30 to 50 percent toward peak, has reached the southern sections of Zones 5 and 4, and the northern section of Zone 3. These regions contain Rangeley, Bethel, Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft, Lincoln and Calais. Leaf drop in these areas is very low.

All coastal regions (Zones 1 and 2) and the Sebago Lake region, Androscoggin County and Kennebec County (southern Zone 3) now have low foliage color, or 10 to 30 percent toward peak, and very low leaf drop according the report.

³Although complete trees in bright reds, oranges and yellows are scarce, a significant percentage of hardwoods are showing some form of transition,"said Rick Henion, a Maine Forest Service Ranger in the downeast town of Stueben. "Both birches and poplars are showing a fair amount of understory yellowing, and maples and ashes are transitioning to more golden hues in upper and exposed branches."

Maine¹s fall foliage conditions will be updated each Wednesday through at least Oct. 19 on this website. Maine foliage fans can also share photos and favorite viewing spots at the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook, or follow foliage news on Twitter using the "mainefoliage" hashtag.

The first MDOC ranger-guided foliage tour happens this Saturday at Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft. Mount Blue State Park and the Kennebec Highlands Public Lands will offer foliage tours on Oct. 8 and 9 respectively. Visit http://www.parksandlands.com for more information about each event.

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.

Learn more about Maine Fall Foliage.

Bangor, Maine Book Festival (Sep 30 - Oct 1, 2011)

The Bangor Book Festival will be held in Bangor, Maine on September 30 to October 1, 2011.  There will be a keynote address by author Colin Woodward on Friday.  On Saturday there will be readings and events throughout downtown Bangor by Maine writers and illustrators of a variety of works.  Find out more about this event at www.bangorbookfest.org.

Thanksgiving in Maine

Maine is a wonderful place to spend Thanksgiving.  There are a number of resorts, B and Bs, and hotels that cater to the out of state traveler during this holiday.  Have someone else cook your meal and do your dishes while enjoying the beauty of Maine.  For more information visit the link below.

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

Fryeburg, Maine Fair (October 2-9, 2011)

The Fryeburg Fair is scheduled for October 2-9, 2011 and will be held in Fryeburg, Maine.  Lots to do during Maine's largest fair to included exhibition halls, livestock viewing, a midway and entertainment, parade, racing, woodsmen's day, and more.  You can learn more about the fair at www.fryeburgfair.com.

Maine Landings - Blog by Maine's Lobster Community

While navigating through the Internet I stumbled across a blog by the Maine Lobstermen's Association - called Maine Landings.  It has five primary sections to include Science, Management, People, Community Voices, and Miscellaneous. Interesting reading if you like Maine and lobsters! 
http://mainelandings.org/

I will be adding the link to my Maine Lobster page on my website "Travel Maine Info".
http://www.travel-maine.info/shopping/maine_lobsters.htm

It appears that the Maine Lobstermen Association is also on Facebook.  I guess everyone is on Facebook now . . .except for me.  Might be time for me to figure out what that is.
http://www.facebook.com/mainelobstermen

Bangor, Maine Book Festival (Sep 30 - Oct 1, 2011)

The Bangor Book Festival will be held September 30 to October 1, 2011.   There will be a diverse group of authors participating this year. Read a recent news article about the event entitled "Book festival to bring 35 authors to downtown Bangor", Bangor Daily News, September 25, 2011.  Learn more about the book festival at the following website - http://www.bangorbookfest.org/.

Listing of Maine Agricultural Fairs

A listing of agricultural fairs in Maine is available at the web site of the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs.  Click on the link below to access the listing.

http://www.mainefairs.org/fair_dates.htm

Cumberland, Maine Fair (Sep 25 - Oct 1, 2011)

The 140th Annual Cumberland Fair (Maine) will be held on September 25th to October 1st in Cumberland, Maine.  The location is at Bruce Hill Road.  There is lots to see and do at this fair to include show animals, pulling animals, an exhibition hall, horticulture exhibit, a sugar house, museum, entertainment, midway, harness racing and commercial exhibits.  You can learn more about this fair at the website listed below.

www.cumberlandfair.com

Moose Hunting Tips in Maine

Maine's moose hunting season will start on September 26, 2011.  Read some history of Maine's moose hunting season and also some tips for the first time moose hunter.  See "Outdoors in Maine: Maine moose season", The Sun Journal, September 18, 2011.  Read more about hunting in Maine.

Open Creamery Day in Maine (Sunday, October 9, 2011)

The Maine Cheese Guild will hold "Open Creamery Day" on Sunday, October 9th, 2011.  Award winning cheese will be available at many of Maine's cheese makers in their creameries.  For a listing of participating cheese makers and a map of their locations visit www.mainecheeseguild.org.

Apple Picking at Hope Orchards in Hope, Maine

Hope Orchards (located on Camden Road in Hope, Maine) is open for apple picking this coming weekend (September 24-25, 2011).  They have a variety of apples to choose from to include McIntosh, Cortland, and Hyslop Crabapples.  Cider pressing starts this weekend as well.  And you will find some squash available.  Find more at www.hopeorchards.com. See a listing of Apple Orchards in Maine.

Casco Bay Bicycle Club (Portland,Maine) Weekly Rides

The Casco Bay Bicycle Club hosts weekly rides in the Portland, Maine area.  Find out more at www.cascobaybicycleclub.org.  Learn more about bike riding in Maine.

East Coast Greenway in Maine

The East Coast Greenway is a 3,000 mile bike and walking trail that stretches from Calais, Maine at the Canadian border, all the way down to Key West, Florida. The trails are made up of existing trails as well as planned shared-use trails. With more than 2,000 miles of additional trails branching off of the main track, the EC Greenway is present in many communities.

The Greenway is still growing and the hope is to create a completely public right-of-way path that will incorporate waterfront views, park paths, and pathways along highway corridors. The Greenway is really a labor of love, relying on states, counties and municipalities to build and maintain the trail. In this way, and many others, the Greenway has created a sense of community.

The East Coast Greenway has many benefits to include getting healthy, enjoying the outdoors, going green, and spending time with family. You can find more informaiton about the East Coast Greenway by visiting the organizations website at the link below:

http://greenway.org/index.shtml

Maine Boat Builders

The sailing and boating season will soon come to a close.  Many folks out there will be looking to upgrade their pleasure craft this fall in preparation for next years boating season.  Maine has a number of quality boat builders that offer pleasure craft.  You can view a listing of these Maine boat builders at the link below:

http://www.travel-maine.info/shopping/maine_boat_builders.htm

Smithsonian Magazine's 7th Annual Museum Day - September 24, 2011

Many of the museums in Maine are participating in the nation-wide annual Museum Day presented by Smithsonian Magazine on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  Admittance is free of charge to all visitors who download the Museum Day Ticket from Smithsonian.com.  The Maine State Museum is one of the participating museums in Maine.

The Museum Day Ticket is available to download at www.smithsonian.com/museumday

A list of participating museums is available at www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/.

A listing of museums in Maine is available at http://www.travel-maine.info/museums.htm.

Fall Harvest and Farms in Maine

There are many farms to visit in Maine - as it is an agricultural state in many regions.  The state of Maine has a website that provides more information about farms in Maine. With the fall harvest season upon us now is the time to enjoy some of this country living.  Visit the website below for more information about farms and apple orchards in Maine.

http://www.getrealmaine.com/

Maine Fall Harvest Festivals

With the coming of the fall season here in Maine we also see the fall festivals happening across the state of Maine.  A recent article in the Bangor Daily News provides information on some of these festivals.  See "Maine Fall harvest festivals and hiking trails beckon", September 22, 2011.

Kennebec River Paddle (Maine, Oct 1, 2011)

The Kennebec River Paddle will take place on October 1, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Open to those with a canoe or kayak.  To learn more go to www.vassalboro.net.

Listing of Maine Apple Festivals

The Portand Press Herald has run an article in their September 22, 2011 edition entitled "Let's let bygones be bygones and celebrate the apple".  The article talks about the benefits of eating apples and also lists a number of apple festivals that will take place over the next few months.  The first apple festival it mentions is the Manchester Apple Festival at Lakeside Orchards in Manchester, Maine. Click here for a listing of Apple Orchards in Maine.

Hunting in Maine

Hunting season is approaching here in Maine. While a month or so away now is the time to plan your trip to Maine for your hunting trip.  Find out more about hunting in Maine at the link below.


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

Prediction for Maine Waterfowlers Hunting Season

A Maine guide, Bob Humphrey of Pownal, Maine, provides us with some insight on the upcoming Maine waterfowl hunting season (ducks). Read "Hunting: April showers improve odds for fall fowlers", The Portland Press Herald, September 18, 2011. Learn more about hunting in Maine.

List of Apple Orchards in Maine

The Maine State Pomological Society provides a listing of Maine orchards on their website.  Many of these orchards provide the opportunity to pick your own apples.  The listing provides the street address, town, telephone number and website (if available).  You can pick the location of your next apple picking adventure by visiting the link below:

Apple Orchards in Maine by Maine State Pomological Society

Apple Picking in Maine by Travel-Maine.Info

Halloween in Maine

Are you coming to Maine during Halloween?  There is lots to do here in Maine during this festive event.  Find out more about Halloween in Maine by visiting the link below:

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

3rd Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival (Maine, Sep 22-26, 2011)

The 3rd Annual Acadia Night Sky Festival will take place in Bar Harbor, Maine on September 22-26, 2011.  This " . . .  is a community celebration to promote the protection and enjoyment of Downeast Acadia's stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through education, science, and the arts."

Learn more about this event at the following link:
http://www.acadianightskyfestival.com/

Learn more about Acadia at the following link:
http://www.travel-maine.info/parks/acadia_national_park.htm

Visitors Enjoy Maine Open Lighthouse Day

The Maine coast saw a lot of visitors taking a look at lighthouses on Maine's Open Lighthouse Day. Read more in "Visitors flock to lighthouses on Maine Open Lighthouse Day", Bangor Daily News, September 18, 2011.  Click here to learn more about lighthouses in Maine.

McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Maine

A recent news article in a Maine newspaper (Press Herald, September 15th) highlighted one of Maine's apple orchards.  The article provided a glimpse of how an apple orchard functions.  You can pick your own apples at the McDougal Orchards in Springvale, Maine.  Visit the web page for McDougal Orchards at the following link.

http://www.mcdougalorchards.com/

http://www.travel-maine.info/applepicking.html

Maine Fall Foliage to be Bright and Beautiful

The Bangor Daily News reports (September 14, 2011) that we are expecting a great fall foliage season.  See "Maine fall foliage colors expected to be bright and beautiful".

Maine Apple Growers Expect Good Year

If you like to do some apple picking in the fall in Maine then this is a good year for it.  A recent news article in the Bangor Daily News (September 15, 2011) says that many apple growers feel good about this fall's crop.  Read more in the news article entitled "Maine Apple Growers Producing Like Crazy". Many apple orchards offer the opportunity for families to do their own apple picking in Maine.

Maine Apple Picking

Are you interested in picking apples in Maine?  Now is the time.  Apple picking starts at the end of August and finishes near the end of October.  The Maine State Pomological Society has loads of information about apples in Maine.  You can request a Maine Apple Map and Directory by contacting the organizations e-mail listed on the main page of their website (see link below).

http://www.maineapples.org/

Maine Fall Foliage

Now is a great time to plan your Maine fall foliage vacation.  The colors will reach their peak in a few weeks and you will want to be here to enjoy it.  Find out more about the fall foliage in Maine by visiting the link below.

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

Maine Foliage Report (September 14, 2011)

The state of Maine has released its weekly Maine foliage report (September 14, 2011).  It can be read in the text in quotes below:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"September 14, 2011 | Maine Foliage Report
Maine Department of Conservation
www.MaineFoliage.com

Maine Fall Foliage Colors Expected to Be "Bright and Beautiful"

AUGUSTA, Maine ­ A stretch of hot and dry weather in July and the recent tropical storm won't have a noticeable impact on foliage viewing in Maine according to the first 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Mainefoliage.com has a new design this year that will enable faster, easier access that can be viewed on mobile devices. Visitors can now take foliage photos with their phone and instantly submit them to the website, according to Maine foliage spokeswoman Gale Ross.

Overall, the foliage looks to be in better than average condition, said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist at the Maine Forest Service.  I fully expect the Maine fall foliage season will be delivered right on time as another bright and beautiful show.

Currently, Maine Forest Service rangers in each of the state's seven tracking zones are observing very low leaf color, or less than 10 percent toward peak, along with very low leaf drop. Overnight temperatures in the low 40s and the continued decrease in daylight will spark the gradual change in leaf color from north to south through late October according to MDOC officials.

"Each year, we look forward to the foliage season and partnering with the Maine Department of Conservation to give our visitors and residents updated foliage reports and provide helpful information on events, tours and activities that make fall in Maine so special," said Maine Office of Tourism Director, Carolann Ouellette. "It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy all our state has to offer."

 Maine's fall foliage conditions will be updated on this website each Wednesday through Oct. 19. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive the weekly reports by email, and submit photos of foliage scenes from around Maine. Maine foliage fans can also share photos and favorite viewing spots at the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook.

The MDOC also announced that ranger-led weekend foliage hikes will be offered at state parks and public lands in October. The first hike takes place on Oct. 1 at Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft. Visit http://www.parksandlands.com for information about each hike."

Click here for more information on fall foliage in Maine.

Maine Eastern Railroad and Fall Foliage Trips

Enjoy the Maine fall foliage on a mid-coast rail excursion onboard the Maine Eastern Railroad train.  The trains are comprised of restored streamlined stainless steel railcars that have been rebuilt. The train includes a dining car which offers snacks and beverages. The train runs through towns located along the coast of Maine between Brunswick and Rockland. Towns in between include Bath, Wiscasset, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Waldoboro, Warren, and Thomaston.

Maine's Open Lighthouse Day (Sep 17, 2011)

Maine is celebrating its third annual Open Lighthouse Day to be held September 17, 2011. This is an open house of Maine lighthouses and is designed to provide access to the public to all participating lighthouses on one day.  For more information about Maine lighthouses and Open Lighthouse Day see the links below:

Maine's Open Lighthouse Day

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

Fall Hiking in Maine

With the cooler weather now arriving this is the time for some very enjoyable hiking.  For the most part the mosquitoes have subsided and the it isn't as hot out as during the summer.  We are at the very beginning of the fall foliage season - there are some trees out there starting to turn color.  The trails are quieter due to a lesser number of tourists.  So get out and enjoy the trails!  For more information about hiking in Maine see the link below:

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

Freeport, Maine - Fall in the Village Art & Music Festival (Sep 17, 2011)

The 13th Annual Fall in the Village Art & Music Festival will take place on Saturday, September 17th from 9 am to 5 pm in Freeport, Maine.  Admission is free and includes Gunther Brown, The Sam Anderson Band, Will Gattis and the Today, and Rattleboxx.  Visit www.freeportevents.com for more information.

Survival School and Camp in Maine

The Maine Primitive Skills School is a wilderness survival school in Maine.  It is located on 23 acres in Augusta.  The goal of the school is to teach primitive skills, survival skills, and more.  Learn more about this camp and school at their website below.  Find out more about other summer camps in Maine as well!

Maine Primitive Skill School
http://www.primitiveskills.com/

Listing of Maine Summer Camps
http://www.travel-maine.info/summer_camps_in_maine.htm

Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary - Lewiston, Maine

The Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary is located in Lewiston, Maine and is a 357 acre wildlife preserve.  The sanctuary is a forested oasis surrounded on three sides by urban and suburban development.  In addition to birdwatching other forms of recreation are allowed at the bird preserve to include picnicking, hiking, walking, snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and skating.  Learn of other opportunities for birdwatching in Maine.

Acadia Birding Festival - June 2-5, 2011

The Acadia Birding Festival will be held on Mount Desert Island on June 2-5, 2011.  Visit the website for more information.

http://www.acadiabirdingfestival.com/

Maine Outdoor Adventure Club

The Maine Outdoor Adventure Club

"is an all-volunteer member organization. Members organize and lead all trips and activities from beginner to expert. Our outdoor activities range from peaceful and relaxing to challenging and full of excitement. From the extremes of winter camping, ice/rock climbing, strenuous hiking, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, to the gentle sail, walk or snowshoe, MOAC has something to offer everyone. We are a diverse group with members of all ages and experience. Join MOAC to challenge yourself, share your outdoor skills and meet other outdoor adventurers!!" 

Learn more about the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club at the link below:

http://www.moac.org/

Down East Spring Birding Festival - May 2011 - Cobscook Bay, Maine

The Annual Down East Spring Birding Festival will be held the end of May in Cobscook Bay, Maine.  Learn more about birding in Maine.

Stanton Bird Club - in Lewiston, Maine

The Stanton Bird Club is located in Lewiston, Maine.  The club was founded in 1919 and manages over 500 acres of bird sanctuary.  Experienced birders provide guided field trips.  Learn about other birding activities in Maine.

Orono Bog Boardwalk

For those interested in birdwatching or taking a short nature walk - the Orono Bog Boardwalk may be perfect for you.  Located in Orono, Maine - the boardwalk offers a bit of nature for the entire family.

"The Orono Bog Boardwalk has become a premier destination in the Bangor/Orono area for persons wishing to experience the beauty and fascinating plants and animals of a Maine bog. The 1-mile boardwalk loop trail begins at the forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest, and after 800 feet crosses the town line into the University of Maine owned part of the bog in Orono. Along the way, it passes through changing vegetation and environments on its way to the open, peat moss carpeted center of the Orono Bog.


Boardwalk visitors encounter a series of well designed, full color signs with illustrations of common species of bog plants and animals, and explanations to go along with them. Many visitors return to the boardwalk, again and again, to observe the colorful bog and to absorb its tranquil beauty over the changing seasons. The boardwalk is wheelchair-friendly facility. Benches for rest and contemplation are provided at least every 200 feet." 

Learn more about the Orono Bog Boardwalk or birdwatching in Maine.

Maine Birding Trail

The Maine Birding Trail offers a wealth of information for the birdwatcher who lives or visits Maine.  The Maine Birding Trail consists of 82 official sites.  You can read online or download the brochure that lists these sites as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file by clicking here.  There is also a guidebook available as well.  The Maine Birding Trail website provides birding links, maps, trip planning, field checklist of Maine birds, and a list of birding events.

http://www.mainebirdingtrail.com/

Freeport Wild Bird Supply - Guides, Tours, Workshops in Maine

Freeport Wild Bird Supply offers a store where you can buy bird seed but also much more!  The folks there also provide guides, tours, workshops, info on bird walks, and birding equipment.  The owners have careers in the field as biologists and naturalists. 

http://www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/

Click here for more information about Freeport, Maine or birding in Maine.

MaineBirding.net - A Maine Birders Website

As winter starts to subside and the weather becomes a little more agreeable to birdwatching one should start planning some birdwatching trips.  A great resource for doing this is a website entitled MaineBirding.net.  The website posts local weather, Maine bird alerts, news, events, and pictures.  It is a great resource for Maine birders.

http://www.mainebirding.net/

Maine Maple Producers Association

The website of the Maine Maple Producers Association provides information about the maple syrup season, how maple syrup is made, the Maine Maple Sunday (March 27, 2011), recipes, and a directory of maple syrup makers in Maine.  Visit their website below.

http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/

Learn more about maple syrup in Maine by visiting the maple syrup page of Travel-Maine.Info.

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

Listing of Maine Snowshoe Trails

The link below will take you to a listing of Maine snowshoe trails.

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

Ice Fishing in Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine

Are you looking for a Maine ice fishing adventure?  Try your hand at ice fishing in the Belgrade Lakes region of Maine.  Learn more at the website of Maine Wilderness Tours.

Ice Fishing Guides of Maine

The Maine Guides Online offers a listing of guides who will help you plan and conduct your Maine ice fishing adventure.  Click on the link below to see the listing of Maine ice fishing guides.

http://maineguides.com/search_by_sport/ice-fishing/

Maine Birding Information

Maine has a very active birdwatching crowd.  There are always events scheduled for birders.  Our birding in Maine web page has loads of information to include a listing of sanctuaries, destinations, forums, blogs, bird centers, Audubon Clubs, publications, and more. Learn more about birding in Maine.

Ice Fishing Trips in Sebago Lakes Region of Maine

Fat Bass Tours offers ice fishing trips in the Sebago Lakes Region (southern Maine).  Fat Bass Tours offers ice fishing trips on Highland Lake in Windham, Maine (only 15 minutes from Portland).  They also provide tours on other different lakes and ponds in the area.  Click on Fat Bass Tours to learn more.  Click here for general information about ice fishing in Maine.

Maple Syrup Season in Maine

The maple syrup season in Maine usually starts the end of February or early March.  Each season is different depending on the length of winter and temperatures.  Learn more about the maple syrup season in Maine by clicking on the link below.

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

The Maine Snowmobiler - A Newspaper for Snowmobilers in Maine and Beyond

"The Maine Snowmobiler" is a suscription newspaper published by the Maine Snowmobile Association.  It is published monthly September through April.  The newspaper provides news, club reports, and other information.  It has a circulation of 14,000. Subscription to the publication is one of the benefits of membership in the Maine Snowmobile Association.  Click the link below to learn more:

http://www.mesnow.com/Snowmobiler.html

Click here for more information about snowmobiling in Maine

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

Maine Maple Sunday - March 27, 2011

Maine Maple Sunday will be held on March 27, 2011.  Most maple syrup producers in Maine will host activities and sell maple syrup on this event.  To see a list of Maine maple syrup producers visit the link below:

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

19th Annual Can-Am Crown Sled Dog Race 2011

Click at the link below for the 2011 CAN-AM Crown Sled Dog Race schedule to be held at Fort Kent, Maine.  There is a 30-mile race, 60-mile race, and a 250-mile race.  The 250-mile race is a qualifier for the Iditarod and Yukon Quest dog sled races.

http://can-am.sjv.net/Schedule.htm

Learn more about dog sledding in Maine at the link below.

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

Maine Snowmobile Trail Conditions

ConnectMaine.com provides updates on the latest snowmobile trail conditions for Maine. Click on the links below to learn more.

http://www.connectmaine.com/trailreports/trailrep.html

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

Jackman Sprint Race - Dog Sled Race in Jackman, Maine - March 4-6, 2011

The Jackman Sprint Race will be held in Jackman, Maine on March 4, 5, and 6, 2011.  The dog sled races will take place over three days.  Learn more by visiting the website of the Down East Sled Dog Club.  Click here to learn more about dogsledding in Maine.

Snowmobile Drag Racing in Maine

There are all sorts of ways to enjoy winter in Maine.  One of them is attending a snowmobile drag race!  Learn more about snowmobiling in Maine and snowmobile drag racing.

Dog Sled Race in Newport, Maine

Dog sled races take place in Maine throughout the winter months.  One such race is the David D. Merrill Memorial Challenge to be held in Newport, Maine on February 26-27, 2011.  It is sponsored by the Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Click below to learn more:

Down East Sled Dog Club

Dogsledding in Maine

Old Orchard Beach, Maine Winter Carnival - Feb 25-26, 2011

The Old Orchard Beach Winter Carnival will be held in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on February 25-26 (Friday and Saturday), 2011.

"The Winter Carnival kicks off Friday, February 25th with sledding down Old Orchard Street from 5-8pm. Saturday the action continues downtown from 10-4pm with sledding down Old Orchard Street, kids games, music & other crazy winter fun. You do not want to miss the Human Dog Sled Race! Put a team together and register to compete. There will be a happy hour pub crawl on Saturday from 5:30-7:00pm. It is a walking pub tour starting at Taste of Thai Orchard and continuing onto The Strike Zone, then to JJs and Oceanside Grill at The Brunswick. Some places will be offering a discount on beverages if you are wearing a Winter Carnival button."

http://www.oob365.com/OOB365WinterCarnival.html

Snow Remains for Great Snowshoeing Experiences in Maine

We still have snow in Maine. The last few days have melted some of it away but in our back field we still have a foot or more.  For the outdoors crowd it has been a wonderful, snow-filled winter here in Maine.  Hopefully cooler temperatures will continue to last into March and the snowshoeing weather will continue!

Click here for more information on snowshoeing in Maine.

Sebago Lake Ice Fishing Derby

The dates for the ice fishing derbys at Sebago Lake are:

Kid's Derby - February 25, 2011
Sebago Derby - February 26-27, 2011
Statewide Derby - March 5-6, 2011

Learn more at the link below:

http://www.icefishingderby.com/

12th Annual Ice Fishing Derby, Little Ossipee Lake, Waterboro, Maine on Sunday, Feb 20, 2011

The 12th Annual Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011 on Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro, Maine.  Visit http://www.fetinc.net/ for more information on rules, tickets, alternate dates, brochure, sponsors, derby rules, and prizes.  The ice fishing derby is presented by FET, Inc in conjunction with the "Hooked on Fishing and Not on Drugs" program. 

"FET, Inc is a local nonprofit organization. FET’s mission is to promote fishing and more specifically ice fishing as a fun inexpensive family winter activity. Other major goals involve maintaining habitat and practicing ethical fishing tactics that will allow fishing to grow and prosper as a fun family orientated activity.

Proceeds to benefit HOFNOD, Inland Fisheries Division for Fish Management and Conservation of Southern Maine Waters, Waterboro Park and other local charities.

Hooked on Fishing and Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) is a state program that promotes youth and family togetherness through fishing within the State of Maine These programs focus on drug prevention, environmental education and development of fishing skills. Fishing is offered as a positive alternative to drug use while providing parents an opportunity to communicate with their children. Emily Jones is the State youth coordinator for this program. Please feel free to contact her for additional information on the program."

Maine Swedish Colony - 75th Annual Sno Carnival - March 5, 2011

The towns of the Maine Swedish Colony gather each year for a winter carnival featuring traditional Nordic skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing events for all ages with good food and fellowship.  Held at the Stockholm Community Center, 63 School Street, Stockholm, Maine 04783 on March 5, 2011.

http://www.visitaroostook.com/event/6532/75th_annual_sno_carnival/

Ice Fishing around Jackman, Maine and Moose River Region

Ice fishing in Maine is in full swing due to the recent cold spell Maine has experienced.  For information about ice fishing in the Jackman, Maine area visit the web link below:

http://jackmanmaine.org/maine-ice-fishing.php

Snowshoeing in the Moosehead Lake Region of Maine

Snowshoeing in Maine is great fun, super exercise, and inexpensive.  You can snowshoe in any area of Maine but one of the best areas is the Moosehead Lake Region.  The hiking trails in this area of Maine are varied and numerous.  Learn more about snowshoeing in the Moosehead Lake Region.

Maine Snowmobile Association

The Maine Snowmobile Association has done a lot to promote the winter sport of snowmobiling in the state of Maine.  Read more about the the association in their description (from their website) found below: 

"The Maine Snowmobile Association has been an active and involved part of the Maine outdoors since 1968. From an initial organizational meeting of six dedicated snowmobilers, the MSA has grown to include approximately 30,000 snowmobilers (and friends) across the state and beyond its borders. Club members throughout Maine work locally, regionally and at the state level to promote snowmobiling in Maine as a safe, fun, family oriented winter sport.


Members of local clubs accept the responsibility for much of the trail clearing, bridge building, maintenance, signing and grooming that keep the Maine trail system open.  One of the clubs' most important duties is obtaining landowner permission for access, and maintaining contact with the generous people who allow snowmobile trails to cross their property. Over 2000 MSA business members support the trails effort through their membership in the clubs."

Visit the Maine Snowmobile Association website at the link found below

http://www.mesnow.com/

Learn more about snowmobiling in Maine

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

Facts about Maple Syrup in Maine

Strawberry Hill Farms, a producer of organic Maine maple syrup, has posted some maple facts on its website.  The webpage provides nuggets of info such as tree health, grading of maple syrup, production, and growth of the maple syrup market.  Read more in "Maple Facts".  Learn more about Maine maple syrup at this link.

Maine Winter Sports Center

The Maine Winter Sports Center describes its mission as "Creating a model for the sustainability of rural communities through a skiing lifestyle".  The organization has as some of its goals improving the health of Mainers, providing winter recreation to Mainers, and the development of economic activity through winter sports.  To this end the organization sponsors winter sports events in Maine.  Learn more about the Maine Winter Sports Center at the link below:

http://www.mainewsc.org/

Ice Fishing Derby - Otisfield, Maine - Feb 19-20, 2011

Otisfield, Maine will hold an ice fishing derby on Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, 2011.  The derby is open to fishing on Thomson Lake and Pleasant Lake.  The derby is open to all ages.  Sign up is at the New Outpost.  For more info call (207) 539-2323.

12th Annual Ice Fishing Derby - Phippsburg, Maine - Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Phippsburg Sportsmen's Association is promoting the 12th Annual Ice Fishing Derby to be held in Phippsburg, Maine on Sunday, February 13, 2011.  Learn more at the links below:

http://www.psassoc.org/infopage.php?ContentID=200

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

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve - Wells, Maine

There are seven miles of hiking trails to enjoy at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve located at 342 Laudholm Farm Road in Wells, Maine.  The state of Maine is a great place for birdwatching and hiking - this reserves offers the visitor both of these activities in a natural setting with a variety of habitats.

Dogsledding in Maine

Maine is home to lots of snow during the winter months.  Along with the snow are various winter outdoor activities and sports.  One of these activities is dogsledding.  There are many firms in Maine that offer dogsledding tours, trips, and adventures. Dog sled races and events take place during the winter season.  To learn more about dogsledding in Maine click on the link below:

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

Snowmobile Trail Conditions in Maine

The Maine Snowmobile Association offers updated information on trail conditions in Maine.  Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.mesnow.com/WherestheSnow.html

Maine Snowmobile Trail Maps

Maps of the Maine Interconnected Trail System (ITS) are available from the Maine Snowmobile Association website.  Click on the link below to view or download the ITS snowmobile trail map.

http://www.mesnow.com/Map.html

Learn more about maps of the state of Maine at the link below

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

Cross Country Skiing at Smiling Hill Farm - Westbrook, Maine

Looking for a place to cross-country ski with groomed trails?  Try the Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, Maine.

"In the winter, Smiling Hill Farm operates an extensive cross country skiing operation. Just minutes from Portland, skiers can spend less time driving and more time skiing on our approximately 25 kilometers of machine-groomed trails around the picturesque and historic Smiling Hill Farm. Trails are groomed wide to allow both classical tracked and a generous skate lane. A fully equipped rental line with Rossignol ski packages are available." 

http://www.smilinghill.com/xcski.html

Norway Exile Snowshoe Race in Norway, Maine on February 19, 2011

The first annual Norway Exile Snowshoe Race will be held on February 19, 2011 at the Roberts Farm Preserve at 11:00 am.  The race will be run on the CA Stephens Trail.  There is a 5K and 10K race.  More info can be found at the website of the Western Foothills Land Trust at http://www.wflt-maine.org/.

Nordic Skiing in Maine - Info, Skiing Destinations, Ski Reports

With all the snow that we have had this year we are presented with a great opportunity for some outdoor exercise and winter fun.  Cross-country (Nordic) skiing is an inexpensive way to get outdoors and have some exercise.  There are many places in Maine to cross-country ski.  Farms across the state turn their hay fields, pastures, and adjacent woods into cross country ski areas.  Many of the state parks allow cross-country skiing. The state has numerous snowmobile trails that also tolerate cross-country skiers (don't get run over though, and assume the snowmobile has the right of way).  And, of course, there is your own back yard where you can plow through the snow and break your own trail over fields and through the woods.  Learn more about cross-country skiing in Maine at the link below:

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

Alpine Ski Events in Maine - Event Calendar

A listing of Alpine ski events for the state of Maine is provided by the Ski Maine Association.  See the link below:

http://www.skimaine.com/events.php#alpine

For more information about downhill skiing in Maine see the link below:

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

Snow Conditions for Maine Ski Resorts

Are you wondering what the snow conditions are on Maines' ski slopes?  The Ski Maine Association provides this information for almost all of Maines' ski areas on its website home page at the link below:

http://www.skimaine.com/

Nordic Ski Events for Maine

The Ski Maine Association lists Nordic ski events for Maine on its events page.  Find out more at the links below:

http://www.skimaine.com/events.php#nordic

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

Listing of Maine Ski Areas

The VisitMaine.net website offers a listing of Maine downhill ski areas.  Info includes resorts such as Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Black Mountain, Saddleback and others.  See the link below:

http://www.visitmaine.net/skiareas.htm

For more info on downhill skiing in Maine visit

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

Snowmobile Drag Racing Schedule for Maine

The Maine Snowmobile Drag Racing Association (MSDRA) has posted the MSDRA 2011 Schedule on its website.

http://www.maineice.com/Schedule.html

Click on the link below to learn more about snowmobiling in Maine

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

Winter Sleigh Rides in Maine - High View Farm, Harrison, Maine

Enjoy a winter sleigh ride over the meadows and through the woods at the High View Farm in Harrison, Maine. 

http://www.high-view-farm.com/sleighrides.htm

Snowshoeing in Maine

We have lots of snow here in Maine this winter season.  One super way to enjoy the snow during the winter months in Maine is by snowshoeing.  It gets you outside in fields and woods and is great exercise. Snowshoeing is relatively cheap - all you need is snow, woods, and a pair of snowshoes!  Snowshoes will run you from $50 to $200.  Not too bad for winter fun and exercise.  Click on the link below to learn more about snowshoeing in Maine, snowshoe trails, snowshoe guides, snowshoeing lessons, and accommodations near snowshoe trails.

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