A Small Story About Ice Fishing in Maine

Read a short story about the experiences of an ice fisherman in Maine.  See "Ice Fishing in Maine", Ice Auger, November 1, 2010.  Learn more about ice fishing in Maine.

Snowmobiling in Maine

Maine has had lots of snow this winter so far and it promises to be a great snowmobiling season.  Visit the link below for great information about snowmobiling in Maine to include snowmobile associations, informational resources, trail conditions, snowmobile clubs, snow mobile tours and guides, and news.

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

Alpine Skiing in Maine

Visit Travel-Maine.Info's web page on Alpine Skiing in Maine.  There is lots of info about Maine skiing, ski organizations, and Maine skiing areas and resorts.

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

Maine Map of Ski Areas

The Ski Maine Association has a map of some of the major ski areas that are found in the state of Maine.  See the link below:

http://www.skimaine.com/map.php

Click here for information about maps of Maine:

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

Ice Fishing in the Moosehead Lake Region of Maine

The ice fishing season in Maine has started.  One of the best places to ice fish is in the Moosehead Lake Region of Maine.  Ice fishing is a traditional pastime in northern Maine.  Moosehead Lake and its surrounding waterways provide fun fishing for all.  The ice fishing season runs from January 1st to March 31st.  Learn more about licenses and regulations, ice fishing equipment sales and rentals, and ice fishing guide services at the link below.

http://www.mooseheadlake.org/icefishing.shtml

A Maine Dogsledding and Winter Sports Adventure for Women (Feb 18-21, 2011)

This special four-day, three-night, women's only, dog sledding adventure will be held February 18, 2011 through February 21, 2011 at a cabin in Starks, Maine and will include opportunities to dog sled, skijor, cross country ski, and snow shoe. Participants will have hands on opportunities to learn how to drive their own dog team through the scenic solitude of the Maine woods. The Maine Winter Cabin Adventure is a very special opportunity to try out the life of a musher and live a dog-based adventure. For more information on the Maine Winter Cabin Adventure, visit the Maine Winter Cabin Adventure website at:

http://www.marylanddogsledding.com/Maine_Adventure.htm

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

from the staff at

www.travel-maine.info

New Years Celebration in Bangor, Maine - Japanese Style

The Kishintaikan Dojo located on 88 Central Street, Bangor, Maine is celebrating New Years Eve Japanese style.  Japanese food, tea, games, door prizes and karate demonstrations will be featured.  Click here for more info.

Snowmobiling in Maine

Snow will sometimes come to Maine in early December.  Although most snowmobile clubs are not ready to groom the trails in December a good storm could change that.  Let's see what the weather brings just before Christmas!  Click here for more information about snowmobiling in Maine.

Christmas Magic Arts and Crafts Show - Dec 11, 2010 -

The Christmas Magic Arts and Crafts Show will take place December 11, 2010.  This event takes place at the USM Sullivan Gym on Falmouth Street, Portland, Maine on Saturday.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/

Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show - Dec 4-5, 2010 - Portland, Maine

The Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will take place in Portland, Maine on December 4-5, 2010 (Sat and Sun).  Children under age 12 are free, all others $2.00.  Maine Artisans will be selling handcrafted holiday gifts.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/

33rd Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show (December 4-5, 2010) in Portland, Maine

The 36th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will take place on December 4-5, 2010 in the USM Sullivan Gym in Portland, Maine.  There will be over 95 artisans selling their handcrafted holiday gifts.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/eventsdetails.asp?contentID=8844

Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show - Brewer, Maine (Nov 26-27, 2010)

The 36th Annual Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show will take place November 26-27, 2010.  The venue will be the Brewer Auditorium in Brewer, Maine.  Admission is $1.00.  Get your Christmas shopping done early!

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/eventsdetails.asp?contentID=8810

Annual Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show - Nov 26-27, 2010 - Brewer, Maine

The Annual Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show will take place November 26-27, 2010 in Brewer, Maine at the Brewer Auditorium on State Street.  It will take place during Friday and Saturday.  The perfect event for Christmas shoppers.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/

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

The 29th Augusta Arts and Crafts Show will take place in Augusta, Maine on November 13-14, 2010.  The location is at the Augusta Civic Center.  Over 120 exhibitors will be selling their handcrafted products.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/eventsdetails.asp?contentID=8809

Update on New England Ski Resorts

The Boston Globe has published an update on New England ski resorts and mentions a few Maine ski areas in the process.  See "What's new at New England ski resorts for 2010-11", The Boston Globe, November 7, 2010.

Deer Herds in Northern Maine Diminishing

In northern Maine there is a decrease in the deer herds.  This is due to a number of factors that include loss of traditional wintering areas, growth of numbers of coyotes, and the average snow depth.  Read an article on this topic entitled "Deer no longer thriving in the north woods", The Portland Press Herald, October 31, 2010.

Learn more about hunting in Maine at the link below:
http://www.travel-maine.info/hunting.htm

Maine Brewers Festival - Nov 5-6, 2010

The Maine Brewers Festival will take place in Portland, Maine on November 5-6, 2010.  Maine's micro-breweries will be at the Portland Expo.  There will be food, door prizes, music, and more.  Click on the links below to learn about this event and Maine breweries.

http://www.learnourbeer.com/

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

Bangor's Art Walk

"On a warm evening last September, downtown Bangor was bustling with people, map in hand, going from location to location. No, Halloween hadn’t come early, but the anticipation in the eyes of people strolling the streets was reminiscent of kids trick-or-treating. Not knowing what is behind a gallery door can be an exciting quest. For businesses that stayed opened during the official downtown Art Walk, the continual foot traffic increased sales. For restaurants, new customers were enthusiastically welcomed."

Read the rest of the article in "Bangor's art walk - part of the city's downtown renaissance", Maine Insights, October 31, 2010.

October Hunting Season Now Gone

A writer shares his thoughts with us about hunting in October.  See "Goodbye October, I'll miss you", Fosters.com, October 31, 2010.  Read more about Maine and hunting.

Deer Herds and Coyotes in Maine

An interesting article has been posted about the growth of coyotes and the effect on deer herds in Maine.  Read "Hunting: Maine needs coyotes and deer", The Portland Press, October 31, 2010.  Learn more about hunting in Maine.

22nd Bangor Arts & Crafts Show - November 6-7, 2010.

The 22nd Bangor Arts and Craft Show will take place in Bangor, Maine on November 6-7, 2010.  The location will be at the Bangor Civic Center.  Entrance fee is $2.00.

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/eventsdetails.asp?contentID=8808

Maine's Ski Areas Getting Ready for Season

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

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

Linda Greenlaw | A Maine Author and Fisherman

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

Photos of Maine - By DownEast Magazine

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

http://downeastmag.com/galleries

Hiking Along the Adroscoggin River in Maine

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

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

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

http://www.mainecraftsmen.org/

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

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

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

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

http://www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/

Safe Hiking in Maine in the Fall

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

Pumpkin Carving - A Witchy Night in Pownal, Maine

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



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

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

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

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

Read more at the link below:

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

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

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

Sea Shanties - Songs sung by sailors and fishermen

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


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

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

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

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

http://www.harvestontheharbor.com/

Linda Greenlaw's Swordfish Sold in Maine Supermarkets

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

Maine Trail Finder | Ideal for Hikers and Bikers

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

http://www.mainetrailfinder.com/

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

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

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

http://www.visitogunquit.org/

Carving Pumpkins in Maine

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



History of Halloween

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turkey Day - Place to eat in Maine for Thanksgiving?

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

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

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

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

Maine Foliage Report for October 13, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://newgloucesterfair.com/

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

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

http://www.bluehillpenisula.org/

Best Time of Day to Hunt in Maine

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

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

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

Maine Foliage Season (Oct 10, 2010 Update)

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