Portland, Maine Airport - (Portland International Jetport)

Maine has a very small but efficient airport. Located on the outskirts of Portland, Maine - the Portland International Jetport is very close to the center of the city and major road networks that take you south, west, north, and east to the rest of Maine. Rental cars are available from a variety of firms. The rental car desks are located outside the terminal under the parking garage - a very short walk from the baggage carousels. Mermaid Transportation provides shuttle service and there always seem to be a number of taxis available. There are lots of hotels in the Portland area all within 15 minutes of the airport; and there are two that are located adjacent to the airport - the Hilton Garden Inn and the Embassy Suites. The airport is quick to get into and out of, baggage doesn't take that long to get, check in lines are usually not too long and the security lines have gotten a lot better. The parking garage is currently under construction (summer of 2008) so give yourself an extra 15 minutes for parking.

Cooking Lobster Humanely

Do you know how to cook lobster humanely? Do you even care? Maine is one of those places where lobster is a staple - both for residents and tourists. One chef who writes for the New York Times decided to investigate the cooking of lobsters and find the most humane way of doing it. While her article is very interesting I am not sure she has come up with any solid answers! Read the blog post "The Back Story Shell Shock", The Moment (NY Times), July 3, 2008. Click here to learn more about lobsters in Maine and how to order lobsters online.

Union Fair (Maine, Aug 17-23, 2008)

The Union, Maine Fair will take place on August 17-23, 2008. Fair events include He-Man Contest, midway rides and activities, parade, animal and dairy shows and exhibits, pig races, music entertainment, and the "Blueberry Festival". Below is an extract from the Union Fair website:

"The fairgrounds are nestled among the rolling hills and beautiful farmlands in Union, Maine. There are activities and entertainment for all age groups, so bring the entire family and spend the day at the festival. Better yet, stay for a few days and enjoy the surrounding area as well. There's lots to see and do in the Mid-Coast area".

Kayaking St Johns Bay, Maine

Located west of Pemaquid Point in Maine, John's Bay is a great place for paddling. Or so says kayaking guide Alvah Maloney (http://www.mainekayak.com/). Read a recent article he wrote about kayaking in Maine in "Sea Kayaking John's Bay", U.S. Outdoors Today, July 4, 2008. Click here for more information on kayaking in Maine.

Camping in Maine - A Budget Vacation

With today's gas prices folks are looking to cut some corners with vacation costs. One way to do this is camping. No expensive hotel bill, cheap meals prepared over a cook stove or campfire, and low-cost entertainment such as hiking, swimming, and more. A recent article on camping in Maine provides some places to go with descriptions, locations, costs associated, and either a phone number or website for further information. Read "The Ultimate Budget Vacation", by The Maine Switch, June 26, 2008. Click here for a listing or directory of places to camp in Maine.

Maine Beaches

The state of Maine has some wonderful beaches. Much of the sandy beaches to be found in Maine exist between Kittery and Portland along the southern Maine coast. This 30-mile stretch of seashore sees lots of visitors during the summer months. There is lots to do including shopping, dining, hiking, biking and more - all in addition to water sports and sunning on the beach. Some of these beaches are well-known (Old Orchard, Wells, Ogunquit), however, some of the smaller ones (Goose Rocks Beach) are not readily recognized by out-of-staters. For more information visit the website of The Maine Beaches Association. Click here for more information facts, maps, about the Maine seacoast.

Hiking the Cathance River Preserve, Topsham, Maine

The Cathance River Preserve in Topsham, Maine offers an excellent outdoor experience. The sanctuary is comprised of 230 acres - woods, fields, with a section of the Cathance River running through it. The town of Topsham, located along the coast of Maine just northeast of Brunswick, Maine, is the home of this preserve. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to dusk. There are five walking trails - each about one mile long. One of the trails - the Heath Trail - goes by a prime birdwatching area. The preserve has an "ecology center" built from ecologically sensitive materials with "green" building features. The Cathance River Education Alliance presents lectures and workshops in the ecology center. Worth a visit if you are living or visiting the Topsham or Brunswick, Maine area.

Portland, Maine: A "Green" Guide to the City

With the recent surge in the use of the politically-correct word "green" in our vocabulary - we are now seeing products and services promoted as being "green" - such as "green" autos, "green" food, "green" investments, etc. It was only a matter of time before someone would publish a "Green Guide to Portland, Maine" in an attempt to provide some "green tourism" travel advice. How green the Portland destinations are in this well-written blog post I really don't know. However, the blog post is an excellent piece on where to stay, eat and what to do in Portland, Maine. Click here for more travel information about Portland, Maine.

Kayaking Deer Isle and Stonington, Maine

A Maine kayaking guide recently wrote an article about a kayaking tour that he led in late June 2008 among the islands just south of Stonington, Maine. See "Island Hopping Off Stonington - - A Kayak Tour of the Deer Isle Archipelago", Waldo Village Soup, June 29, 2008. Deer Isle and Stonington (the small fishing village on the southern tip of Deer Isle) offer an great place to kayak. There are numerous islands to paddle by and stop and visit. Some offer overnight camping opportunities. For more information click on the following topics kayaking in Maine, Deer Isle, Maine, Stonington, Maine, and Isle Au Haut, Maine.

Maine Vacation Rentals - Craig's List

Are you looking for a vacation home in Maine to rent? One source of info is the well-known "Craig's List". Click on the following link for "Craigs List of Maine Vacation Rentals". It has a search function that allows you to search a multitude of criteria such as dates, number of bedrooms, pets allowed, and more.

Maine Maritime Museum in Bath

The Maine Maritime Museum is located in Bath, Maine. This small coastal city also is host to Bath Iron Works (BIW) - a shipyard that builds many of the warships for the U.S. Navy and that had its start in 1826. (Click here for a history of Bath Iron Works). Bath has a long and strong maritime tradition. In addition to the museum exhibits, the museum also offers BIW trolley tours, history experiences, lectures, workshops, and several different types of cruises.

Skowhegan State Fair (Aug 7-16, 2008)

The Skowhegan State Fair will take place on August 7-16, 2008. Lots of activities will take place to include rides, midway, food, entertainment, demolition derby, animal exhibits, crafts, harness racing, vehicle and animal pulling, and more. The event takes place in Skowhegan, Maine. For more information click on Skowhegan State Fair.

Acadia National Forest in Maine

One of the best places to vacation in Maine is in the Acadia National Forest. This destination is suitable for young and old no matter what your physical shape might be! There is something for everyone. If you are the type that tends to be tethered to your automobile then there are scenic drives on the Loop Road and around Mount Desert Island during the day and plenty of places to eat at night. If your more about doing sports outdoors then there is kayaking, hiking, biking, and climbing. Bar Harbor, on Mount Desert Island, has plenty of places to stay overnight. Bikes and kayaks can be rented locally in Bar Harbor. Read a recent article about one couples trip to Acadia National Forest - "Getting Active in Maine", wickedlocal.com, June 29, 2008.

Maine State Music Theatre - Brunswick, Maine

The Maine State Music Theatre is located in Brunswick, Maine. The summer schedule is posted below:

June 25 - July 12. The Producers.
July 16 - August 2. All Shook Up.
August 6 - August 24. Les Miserables.

Tickets can be purchased online (see the MSMT link above). If traveling from out of town click here for information on dining and lodging in Brunswick, Maine.

Boat Show in Rockland, Maine (Aug 8-10, 2008)

The 2008 Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show will take place in Rockland, Maine on August 8-10, 2008. Lots of Maine-built boats will be on display with over 300 exhibitors. Read a press release providing more details in "Sixth Annual MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBOR SHOW", MaineBusiness.com, June 23, 2008. Click here to learn more about Maine boat builders and manufacturers.

Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland, ME - 1-5 Aug 08

The 60th Anniversary Maine Lobster Festival will take place on August 1-5, 2008 at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine. The event features five days of entertainment. Wednesday night the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation Pageant will take place. There will be featured entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A parade will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday on Maine Street. Sunday the 10K Road, Children's Fun Run and the Great International Lobster Crate Race will be held. In addition there will be Maine arts and crafts, marine exhibits, lots of lobster and seafood and many children's activities. See the website for Maine Lobster Festival. To learn more about lobsters click on info about Maine lobster.

Topsham, Maine Fair (Aug 3-9, 2008)

The 154th annual Topsham, Maine Fair will be held on August 3-9, 2008. Entertainment, food, rides, animal shows and exhibits, demolition derby, Bingo, ATV events, 4-H Club events, harness racing, pulling events, and more. For more information click on Topsham Fair.

L.L. Bean Summer Concert Schedule - Aug 08

The sports and outdoors clothing and equipment retailer, L.L. Bean located in Freeport, Maine, has posted a listing of its summer concerts held in Freeport. L.L. Bean sponsors concerts on a weekly basis. Performing artists scheduled to perform this August 2008 include:

Sat, Aug 2 - Brandi Carlile with guest Jason Spooner, Contemporary Folk
Sat, Aug 9 - Richie Havens, Folk
Sat, Aug 16 - The Jerry Douglas Band, Contemporary Bluegrass
Sat, Aug 23 - John Hiatt and the Ageless Beauties
Sat, Aug 30 - Lonestar, Pop Country
Sun, Aug 31 - Keb' Mo', Pop Blues

Click here to see L.L. Bean's calendar of events. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Portland Sea Dogs - Maine's Baseball Team

Maine has a baseball team and they are called the Portland Sea Dogs. The baseball season is in full swing this summer. The stadium, located in Portland is easy to get to and the tickets are priced right! So if you are for a ball game check out the schedule for the Portland Sea Dogs.

Scenic Cruises to Eagle Island in Casco Bay, Maine

The City of Portland, Maine is a delightful place to spend some time during the summer months. The temperatures are just right, the Old Port area has nice places to walk around, shop, stay overnight, dine, and drink. One of the best attractions Portland offers is the ability to cruise Casco Bay on cruise boats or ferries to visit the many islands in Casco Bay. One cruise boat company is Eagle Island Tours. One of their tours, of course, is a trip to Eagle Island. This island has been designated as a Maine State Historic Site. Eagle Island was formerly owned by Admiral Peary - the North Pole explorer. It is a small 17-acre island with a main house and caretaker's cottage. The island was given to the state of Maine by the family of Admiral Peary and is maintained in cooperation with the Friend's of Peary's Eagle Island. The cruise to Eagle Island will take you past other islands and fishing villages. Once on the island you can walk the trails and enjoy a picnic lunch as well as view other attractions. Eagle Island Tours is located on Long Wharf on Commercial Street in the Old Port Waterfront district of Portland, Maine.

Bowdoin International Music Festival (Maine)

Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine is host to a series of concerts lasting until August 2, 2008. The concert series is called the Bowdoin International Music Festival. Click here to learn more about the town of Brunswick, Maine.

Schedule of Summer Concerts in Maine for 2008

There are many outdoor summer concerts planned for this summer in Maine. The Maine Switch (an online news and more service) has posted a comprehensive schedule by location and date of many of these outdoor concerts. Click on Maine summer concert schedule for more information.

Bangor, Maine State Fair (Jul 25 - Aug 3, 2008)

The Bangor State Fair will take place on July 25 to August 3, 2008 in Bangor, Maine. This is a great family event featuring rides, entertainment, exhibits, animals, crafts, harness racing, and more. Some special events include the demolition derby, motocross, and snowmobile shows.

Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival (Jul 24-27, 2008)

The Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Festival will be held on July 24-27, 2008. Lots of bands will be playing. In addition, there will be a songwriting contest.

Northern Maine Fair (Jul 25 - 2 Aug)

The Northern Maine Fair will take place in Presque Isle, Maine on July 25 to August 2, 2008. There will be lots of rides, horse pulling, harness racing, animals, pickup and tractor pull, and more. This fair has lots of history and has been taking place for over 150 years.

South Portland, Maine Summer Concert Schedule

A series of FREE summer concerts will be held in South Portland, Maine in the Thomas Knight Park (near the Casco Bay bridge) every Saturday from 11:30 to 1:30. The concerts are presented by the New England Sound. To view the schedule click on the link below.

http://www.ne-sound.com/summerconcertseries/

Today (Jul 20, Sun) is Open Farm Day in Maine

Here is a reminder: Today, Sunday, July 20, 2008, is "Open Farm Day" in Maine. Over 100 farms in Maine will be open to the public. Click here for a listing of Maine farms that are participating in the "Open Farm Day".

Celebration of the Arts - Georgetown, ME Jul 20th

On July 20th, the town of Georgetown, Maine will hold a Celebration of the Arts. A brief description of the event was copied from the website and pasted below. For more information click on Celebration of the Arts.

"This four-hour celebration highlights the artists of the island of Georgetown. Painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, and fine crafters display, sell, and demonstrate their work while talented musicians entertain with lively tunes. Add light refreshments, a children’s activity tent, and the exquisite rocky coast location and you won’t want to miss this annual event sponsored by the Georgetown Historical Society".

North Waterford, ME World's Fair (Jul 18-20, 2008)

North Waterford, Maine will be holding its annual agricultural fair on July 18-20, 2008. Events taking place include a Chinese auction, yard sale, saddle horse show, steer/oxen pulling contests, horse pulling contests, dances, entertainment, and more. For more information visit the North Waterford World's Fair website.

Open Farm Day in Maine (Sun Jul 20)

Sunday, July 20, 2008 will be "Open Farm Day" in Maine. Over 100 farms in Maine will be open to the public. You can see how a farm works, what types of animals live there, what crops are grown, and how farm workers spend their day. In addition, there will be lots of activities to take part in - such as animal petting, buying farm products, hay rides, barn tours, and more. Click here for a listing of Maine farms that are participating in the "Open Farm Day".

Blueberry Picking on a Farm in Maine

One of the pleasures of living in Maine is you get the opportunity to grow your own food if your fortunate enough to have a small garden (even if just a small "Victory Garden"). If you don't have a garden then there are plenty of farms around this state that will allow you to come in and pick your some of your own crops - such as strawberries, apples, pumpkins, etc. Blueberries are coming into season around mid-July so if you want to pick the fillings for your blueberry pie then this is the time to do it. One farm in Maine that offers blueberry picking is the Libby & Sons Farm in Limerick, Maine. For more information click on Libby & Sons U Pick.

"The Working Waterfront" - A Maine Newspaper

"The Working Waterfront" is a monthly newspaper published both online and in print format. It is a newspaper that provides information and stories about people who work along coastal Maine - whatever their occupation may be. If you are interested in a part of coastal Maine that some tourists don't see then this newspaper is for you. A small blurb taken from the newspapers website follows below. If you are interested in learning more about coastal Maine then visit the website of the "The Working Waterfront".

"Published monthly by the Island Institute, Working Waterfront considers the myriad ways people earn their livings on the islands and waterfronts of Maine and the Gulf of Maine region. Our "beats" are fishing, small business, manufacturing, the arts, books, scientific research, communities, aquaculture, transportation, history, the environment -- just about anything connected with this coast and the lives of the people who live and work here. In addition to our on-line edition, we print and distribute around 50,000 copies per issue, making us one of Maine's largest newspapers in terms of circulation. The paper is available, free, to residents of many coastal towns, as well as to subscribers and members of the Island Institute".

Maine Potato Blossom Festival - Fort Fairfield

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival is taking place this week (July 12th to July 20th, 2008) at Fort Fairfield, Maine. Lots of activities are planned to include contests, entertainment, heritage displays, art shows, street dance, and fireworks.

Listing of Agricultural and Country Fairs in Maine

Maine is well known for its country and agricultural fairs. During any given weekend throughout the months of July through October you will find fairs taking place. These fairs are excellent for the family and host a variety of events with something for everyone. There are animal displays and contests, pig scrambling, pageants, lots of food, harness racing, truck and tractor pulls, music and entertainment, and much more. For a listing of Country Fairs taking place this summer and fall in Maine see the "Maine Vacation and Activity Event Calendar".

Blues Festival Rockland, Maine - Jul 12 and 13th

The North Atlantic Blues Festival will take place in Rockland, Maine on July 12th and 13th, 2008. For more information click on Rockland Blues Festival.

Schedule of Maine Tractor Pulls

Tractor pulls are a common event during the fairs and festivals that take place in summer and fall here in Maine. There are different categories (for sizes of tractors) and they can be lots of fun to watch. We even have organizations devoted to tractor pull activities. Visit the Southern Maine Tractor Club for a schedule of tractor pulling events here in Maine.

Visit the Islands of Maine

A beautiful part of Maine that visitors sometimes miss are the many islands just off the coast. At first glance it may seem difficult to plan a trip to an island - particularly for those out-of-staters not familiar with Maine and its islands. Many islands can be seen with just a day-trip. A local Maine website and news organization, http://www.keepmecurrent.com/, has just published an article about Maine islands that provides tips for visitors on how to gather information needed to plan your island trip. Some suggestions offered by the article include Appledore Island near Kittery and Wood Island near Biddeford Pool. Also recommended are the Casco Bay Islands - Peak's Island and Long Island. Read the article at "Island hopping", keepMEcurrent.com, June 25, 2008.

Ossipee Valley Fair (Maine Jul 10-13, 2008)

The Ossipee Valley Fair will be held in South Hiram, Maine on July 10-13, 2008. Read an extract from the Ossipee Valley Fair website:

"A true country fair with oodles of livestock events and exhibits, Ossipee Valley Fair also offers novelty events (egg toss, pie eating, watermelon seed spitting...), horse and oxen pulling, a grand parade, pig calling, agricultural demonstrations, 4-H events and exhibits, Old MacDonald's farm, car and truck show, 4X4 racing, horseshoe pitching, tractor pulls, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, great food, midway rides and games, and a host of helpful fair volunteers".

Islands of Maine

Maine has lots of islands off of its coast. Most of these islands are seasonal in nature; however, there are approximately fifteen islands that have people that live and work year-round. The Island Institute is an organization that promotes the islands as a vibrant place to live and work. Click here for a listing of these year-round Maine island communities with links that provide information and photos on each of these islands. If you plan to visit one of these islands off the coast of southern Maine then you will no doubt be taking a Casco Bay Islands ferry. The islands are a short ferry ride away. If you plan on staying overnight make sure you have reservations ahead of time.

Tour a Maine Farm

If you have ever wanted to tour a farm then Maine is the place to do that. With our diverse agricultural base there are lots of options. Some farms are open to the public. The website GetRealMaine.com offers a listing of Maine farms for groups and families to visit. See "Tours: Find a Farm".

Walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine

The Marginal Way is an ocean side walking path located along the Maine coast in Ogunquit. It is a picturesque walk and can be done by almost anyone. Information about Marginal Way is provided by Maine Healthy Walks. In addition, SeacoastNH.com has an excellent description of Marginal Way with some great photos. See the following link for information about other recreational activities in Ogunquit, Maine.

Hiking Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region (Maine)

Located in southern Maine, just inland of the coastal communities of York and Ogunquit, is the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region. This region is dominated by Mount Agamenticus. This 30,000 acre area is set aside for watershed, forestry, and wildlife protection. In addition, it serves many recreational purposes. This is an excellent place to go on a day hike.

"This land is comprised of a rich and unique coastal forest that supports the highest diversity of animal and plant species in all of Maine. The mountain and the surrounding area provide residents with an ideal location for hiking, biking and sightseeing. While most of Southern Maine is heavily developed, this stretch of conservation land is a natural treasure that will be preserved for the enjoyment of generations to come".

Scenic Cruises in Casco Bay, Maine

If you are interested in viewing the islands of Casco Bay then taking a scenic cruise offered by Casco Bay Lines (ferry service) may be a way to do that. Casco Bay Lines, operating out of Portland, Maine, offers ferry service to a number of islands in Casco Bay to year-round residents, summer visitors, school children, workers, tourists, and others. The ferries run daily to many islands and a ferry schedule is posted on the firms website. The ferry service does offer some scenic cruises that are ideal for those "on vacation" to include the "Bailey Island Cruise", Bailey Island Noontime Cruise", "Mailboat Run", "Diamond Pass Run", "Sunrise on the Bay", "Sunset Run", and then "Moonlight Run". A route map provides a visual of where these different "cruises" or "runs" go.

Allagash Brewing Company in Maine

Rob Tod, the brewer of Allagash Brewing Company, was recently featured in Forbes.com. See the article in: "A drink with Rob", Forbes.com, July 1, 2008. Click here for more information on breweries in Maine.

L.L. Bean 4th of July Celebration (2008)

L.L. Bean of Freeport, Maine will be holding its Fourth of July Celebration this coming weekend. The dates are July 4-6, 2008. There will be lots of activities and events planned.

On Friday, July 4th there will be a 10K Road Race and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk starting at 7:30 am and 9:15 am at Memorial Park, Freeport. In the L.L. Bean store demonstrations are planned covering selecting a tent, sleeping bag, backpacks, an introduction to a GPS, and more. For kids you will find story time, fireworks art, and face painting. A music concert with Toby Lightman and parade and fireworks rounds out Fridays activities.

Saturday brings more demonstrations of outdoor gear, family fun for kids, books signings, clinics on kayaks, fishing and kayaking ending with a concert featuring Daryl Hall.

Sunday sees more demonstrations of equipment, more family fun, more books signings, and more clinics.

Click here for more information about L.L. Bean events or dining and lodging in Freeport.

Houlton, Maine Fair (Jul 3-6, 2008)

The Houlton, Maine Fair will take place on July 3-6, 2008. The fair features livestock, entertainment, crafts, midway rides, horse show, Beano, exhibits, pig scramble, ice cream, tractor, truck and ATV pulls, parades, mud runs, frog jumping contests, baking contests, and more. Click here to learn more about the Houlton Agricultural Fair.

National Estuarine Research Reserve - Wells, Maine

The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is a coastal area farm and land reserve that serves a multitude of purposes. It is a research, educational, and recreational facility. Recreational activities at the reserve include hiking the several miles of trails that provide access to woodlands, fields, wetlands, beach, and dunes. This is a favorite area for nature photographers and birdwatchers. There is a visitor center that provides exhibits, videos, library, trail maps, and a gift shop.

L.L. Bean Concert Schedule - Freeport, ME Jul 08

The sports and outdoors retailer, L.L. Bean located in Freeport, Maine, has posted a listing of its summer activities. L.L. Bean sponsors concerts on a weekly basis. Performing artists scheduled to perform this July 2008 include:

Friday, July 4 - Toby Lightman, Contemporary Pop
Saturday, July 5 - Daryl Hall, Pop
Saturday, July 12 - Kathy Mattea, Acoustic Country
Saturday, July 19 - Portland Symphony Orchestra, Classical
Saturday, July 26 - Buddy Holly's Original Cricketes, 50's Rock and Roll

Click here to see L.L. Bean's calendar of events. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Concerts at New England Music Camp in Maine

The New England Music Camp will be presenting a number of concerts this summer on Sunday afternoons at their camp location in Sidney, Maine. The camp location is on Lake Messalonskee - located on Route 23. Read more about this camp and the concerts in "New England Music Camp offers a host of summer concerts", MaineCoastNow.com, June 29, 2008. Dates of the concerts are July 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Aug. 3 and 10. Click here for a listing of summer camps in Maine.

Listing of Maine Agricultural Fairs

Click here for a listing of Maine Agriculutural Fairs. This will bring you to the Food & Farms web page of GetRealMaine.com. You have the option of viewing fairs by geographic location or by date.