Backyard Tourist: Things to this summer in Maine

For the past few years, I’ve been a backyard tourist. We usually take a vacation at some point in the summer and go somewhere outside of Maine, but that leaves quite a few weekends to fill with summertime activities and here in Maine, there are plenty.

In fact, I bet I could come up with some thing to do in Maine this summer that would fill every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That’s 98 days.

Many publications put out their “things to do in Maine this summer” lists. I know that mine will have some of the same ideas. In fact, I’ve compiled suggestions from many of them as inspiration for this post. They all try to be a good assortment, pleasing all. This is not one of those lists. I’m not out to find something for everyone. I’m out to find things for people like me.

I just celebrated my birthday and that always brings a bit of retrospection into my life and into my to do lists. So, because of my mood and because I am unique but not so unique that no one out there will share my interests, I will put forth a list of things to do this summer in Maine that interest me. It’s not a list of suggestions that everyone will like. It’s a list of things to do that I’ve done and want to do again and a list of things I have never done but want to try. This list is for all the other 48 year old women with a teenage daughter, a husband, a couple of cats and a busy life who enjoy the sun, great views, a well planned picnic, a good book, lots of time behind the camera, funny names, humorous juxtapositions, roller coasters, deep fried things, clever gadgets and a comfy pair of flip flops.

Here we go . . .

FESTIVALS:

1. Wild blueberry festival & Union Fair – Union – Agricultural fair and celebration of the state’s favorite berry. www.unionfair.org
2. Old Port Festival – June 9^th Been there. Had a blast. It’s been a few years and time to go back. www.portlandmaine.com
3. Whoopie Pie Festival – June 22^nd – Haven’t been there but am dying to go. I love whoopie pies and this festival grows every year. Held in Dover Foxcroft, this year’s festival will encompass more of the downtown and have more to offer. Again, for me – a previous engagement will keep me away from the festival. Have a whoopie pie for me if you go. www.mainewhoopiepiefestival.com
4. Windjammer Days – June 25^th – I haven’t been to this annual event yet. Now in it’s 51^st year, the festival takes place in Boothbay Harbor and includes lots of nautical history, fireworks, concerts and food. www.boothbayharbor.com.
5. La Kermesse Franco American Festival – June 20^th – 23^rd – held in Biddeford, this is a fond favorite of mine. Experience Franco American history, food, music, and just plain enjoy some summertime festival fun. www.lakermessefestival.com
6. South Berwick Strawberry Festival – June 29^th I’ve been to this one quite a few years ago and really enjoyed the whole thing, the atmosphere, the strawberry shortcake, the arts, the strawberry shortcake . . .  www.strawberryfestival.com
7. Moxie Festival – July 12^th – In Lisbon Falls, this festival has been on my list for years. Moxie’s iconic presence in the state makes it one of the most unique events around. Fireworks, music, carnival, and a Chug-n-Challenge are included in this free event. www.moxiefestival.com
8. Yarmouth Clam Festival – July 19^th – it’s been a while since I’ve been to this one. The arts and crafts and the food, of course, were spectacular.    www.clamfestival.com
9. Maine Lobster Festival – July 31^st – Aug 4^th – hard to believe I’ve never been to this one. It’s always seemed like so much fun, but something else always conflicts and this year it’s a family vacation. The Lobster Festival is held in Rockland and has lobster related events for the whole five days. www.mainelobsterfestival.com
10. York Days Festival – July 28^th  Christmas in July will illuminate the Nubble Light house. www.parksandrec.yorkmaine.org
11. Bangor Sidewalk Arts Festival – downtown Bangor – painters, sculptures, photographers, glass artists, jewelry makers, display and sell their work. www.wlbz2.com/life/community/events/art_festival
12. Kahbang Music and Arts Festival – Aug 8^th – 11^th – held in Bangor, this festival gets better every year. Music, Art, Film, Go. www.kahbang.com
13. Great Falls Balloon Festival – Aug 16^th – 18^th -This one I’ve been to and really enjoyed. Not only are the hot air balloons spectacular, the setting in the Lewiston-Auburn area by the river is beautiful.  Another cool thing about this event is that the concession vendors are all local and fundraising for something. There are crafters and demonstrations and of course, you can watch the balloons light up the evening sky and take off. Rides are available too! www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org
14. Cumberland Arts & Crafts Festival  - Cumberland – a favorite of artists throughout the state. www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com
15. Machias Wild Blueberry Festival – Aug 16^th – 18^th (see what I mean about conflicting events – so much going on here) This downeast celebration of the state’s star berry has grown to include pie eating contests, cooking contests, the Blackfly Ball, parades and music.www.machiasblueberry.com
16. American Folk Festival – Aug 23^rd – 25^th – in Bangor. This is one I have attended for quite a few years, in rain and in extreme heat. The Folk Festival draws thousands to the Bangor waterfront to listen and dance to music from all over the world, Cajun, Calypso, Irish, Fiddle, you really get a world tour of music at this event. It’s not only the music here. The craft tent, food vendors, and storytelling sessions make this one of my favorite festivals of the year. www.americanfolkfestival.com
17. Open Farm Day – all over the state – July 21 - Farms around the state open their barns, lay out samples of their products and welcome guests. www.getrealmaine.com
18. Bangor State Fair – Bangor – this 10 day fair is the largest state fair in Maine. Rides, shows, animals, food, the midway, a photo contest. www.bangorfair.com
19. International Seaplane Fly in -     Greenville – this event has grown substantially and now includes an average of     planes, street festival fun, food, and an amazing view of Moosehead Lake. www.seaplanefly-in.org  
20. Bangor Beer Festival – June 22^nd - – Bangor waterfront – 16 breweries join forces with the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for this first time event. www.visitbangormaine.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

ONGOING ALL SUMMER

21. Waterfront Concert Series – Bangor’s Darling’s Waterfront Pavillion will host an impressive roster of musicians this summer including Sting, Miranda Lambert, and Kenny Chesney. Improvements to the location of the stage and layout of the grounds will allow for better sound quality. www.waterfrontconcerts.com
22. Birding – Noted as “the warbler capital of the world” more than one hundred species of birds flock to Mount Desert Island each year. www.mainebirdingtrail.com
23. Portland Observatory – on Congress St in Portland, this Portland landmark is open daily 10:00 to 4:00 and on Thursdays offers sunset tours. I’ve never been but this in on my list for this summer. The view has got to be fabulous! www.portlandlandmarks.org
24. Sabbath Day Lake Shaker Village – New Gloucester – I recall going to the historic village as a child but haven’t returned since. Really would like to go this summer.  www.maineshakers.com
25. Stephen King tour – Bangor – “Tommyknockers and More Bus Tour” the author is a Bangor resident and was inspired by the area for many of his tale’s locales. Four times per summer. See dates and get more info at http://www.visitbangormaine.com/index.php?id=2&sub_id=409
26. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay Harbor – kitchen garden, a children’s garden, paths, a wonderful experience.  www.mainegardens.org
27. Cadillac Mountain – you can drive, bike or hike to the top. It’s the first place on the east coast to see the sunrise. You’ll never catch me up there at that time of day unless I’ve had some kind of breakdown (mechanical or mental) but I hear it’s beautiful. www.acadianationalpark.com/mountains/cadillac_mountain
28. Acadia National Park’s Carriage Trails – the best place to bike ever. www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/bicycling
29. Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Observatory – Verona Island – very cool to check out. The fort is amazing, historical, and reportedly haunted. The observatory provides views that stretch hundreds of miles. www.fortknox.maineguide.com 
30. Roosevelt Campobello – This international park is shared by the US & Canada and once served as the summer resting spot for FDR. Afternoon Tea With Eleanor is a popular event and reservations are suggested. www.fdr.net
31. Downtown Bangor Cool Sounds – Bangor – live music and open crafters markets every Thursday night during the summertime. Check the website for the schedule www.downtownbangor.com
32. Camden Hills State Park –  Mt Battie tower & Mt. Megunticook. The view from the tower is really cool, with Camden Harbor spread out below. The view from up on the high points of the trail is even more spectacular, Owl’s head, Blue Hill, all the way to Acadia. The best part is that it’s not very strenuous or extremely long. http://www.camdenmainevacation.com/camden-hills-state-park.php
33. Littlefield Gardens – University of Maine Orono – gorgeous horticultural gardens. Often a spot for weddings (like mine) you can wander amongst the flowers and trees, to the pond, and through the orchard. www.umaine.edu/littlefieldgarden 
34. Moosehead Lake – Greenville - huge subject, huge lake. They claim that moose outnumber people 3 – 1. Go in May and June to see the Mamas and the babies, then in the fall for the large racks on the males. Remember that moose lose their antlers every year and regrow them through the summer. They’re also very tall and colliding into one on the road will likely crush your car. Oh and the lake is beautiful too. www.mooseheadlake.org
35. Camden harbor – eat, shop, wander. Take a lot of photos. That’s what I do there anyway. Very cool little toy store downtown called
36. Belfast – shop, eat and wander around downtown Belfast and the waterfront. www.belfastmaine.org
37. Maine Lumber Jack Show – Trenton - “Timber Tina” Sheer and her crew are amazingly talented with axes and saws. www.mainelumberjack.com.

SHOPPING

38. Searsport Flea Markets – Searsport – fun to make your way through the stalls. You really never know what you might find. Route 1.
39.  Big Chicken Barn – I’ve always loved the name. The place is darn cool too. Used books, music, antiques, various memorabilia. www.bigchickenbarn.com
40. Maine Cottage Furniture – I haven’t been in here yet, but drool over their furniture in magazines. I love the bright colors and spend hours fantasizing about how I’d decorate my dream cottage. Not really, but I do need a new coffee table and something in a plum would be perfect. www.mainecottage.com
41. Marden’s – any of them, really. I understand the store in Waterville is the original, but the one here in Brewer is pretty darn good, too. Go when you have time to poke around. www.mardens.com
42. Perry’s Nut House – Belfast – I remember this place when I was a kid and still love it when we stop in now. Just fun stuff, and they actually do sell nuts. www.perrysnuthouse.com.
43. Hussey’s General Store – the sign says it all – Windsor – www.husseysgeneralstore.com
44. Stonewall Kitchen – York – years ago, my sister worked next door to their original shop and started giving Stonewall Kitchen’s fabulous concoctions to us as gifts. The list of my favorites is too long. Just go to the website and develop your own.  www.stonewallkitchen.com
45. Kiwanis Auction – Orono – usually falls mid July. Like a giant yard sale and auction for a good cause. So much stuff. The best part – they sell these awesome sausage and pepper sandwiches. Bring a pocket full of cash and go have some fun. www.oronooldtownkiwanis.org
46. Portland Architectural Salvage – I’ve been wanting to go for so long now. Got to make it there this summer.  www.portlandsalvage.com
47. L.L. Bean – I know that every book you read about Maine is going to mention L.L. Bean, but if you’re anywhere near Freeport, just go. Notice that there are no locks on the doors since they’re open 24/7 every day of the year. As a seasonal employee, I can tell you they have customer service down better than anyone. It’s actually spoiled me for shopping at other stores. I’m appalled if there are limits on returns or satisfaction. I know the prices are higher than at other places but I swear you’ll have the darn pair of shorts for the rest of your life. www.llbean.com
48. That reminds me: Goodwill – I have no proof of this but the last time I was in the Goodwill store in South Portland, the shear quantity of L.L. Bean sweaters and other clothing they had there got me a thinkin’ that it may be a donation center for the outfitter.
49. Goodwill in Brewer is rumored to be one of the best in the state because of “all the rich summer people going to Bar Harbor” and dropping off their “gently used” clothes there. www.goodwillnne.org
50. Mexicali Blues – Bangor, Freeport, Portland, - channel your inner deadhead. Sandals, skirts, peasant blouses, sundresses (my favorite part) patchouli and incense, fun jewelry and scarves, too. www.mexicaliblues.com
51. Metropolitan Soul – two locations Bangor and Orono – fun, funky, really great place for gifts for your sister or friend. Stuff guys don’t understand, like inspirational wall hangings and pretty bags. www.metsoul.com

MUSEUMS

52. Portland Museum of Art – When I lived in Portland I went to this museum quite often but haven’t been for years. It’s one I hope to get to this summer. It is home to some of the great Wyeth paintings and a must for art lovers visiting Portland. www.portlandmuseum.org
53. Ogunquit Museum of American Art – it’s hard to believe this museum will be celebrating it’s sixtieth year and I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never been. Maybe this year’s Andy Warhol exhibit, featuring 50 photographs by the artist, will be the catalyst. www.ogunquitmuseum.org
54. Hudson Museum – University of Maine at Orono – Closed Sundays and Holidays FMI on hours, exhibits, events and collections: http://www.umai​ne.edu/hudsonmu​seum/index.html
55. Maine Discovery Museum – Bangor – three floors of fun for kids right downtown. Critters, crafts, sciency stuff . . body parts, constellations, shipping and receiving, world culture, waterworks.  Seriously, I could go on. This place holds good memories for me and my daughter. www.mainediscovery.org
56. Patten Lumberjack Museum – Patten – with the rich, multi generational lumber history in this part of Maine, it seems that everyone has some kind of connection to the industry’s past. http://www.lumbermensmuseum.org/
57. Leonards Mills – Bradley – also in the lumbering tradition, Leonard’s Mills is a working lumber and living history museum. Special events in their seasonal calendar include Children’s Days and the Blacksmith’s Roundup. http://www.leonardsmills.com/
58. University of Maine Museum of Art – Bangor – located right downtown, this museum’s admission is free and exhibits rotate regularly. www.umma.umaine.edu

GET WET

59. Bunganut Lake State Park – Lyman/Alfred – nice playground, sandy bottom swimming for kids.
60. Mousam Lake – Acton – There is a small public beach with swimming area but this lake is also a great place to rent a cottage for a week and relax. Boaters and anglers are welcomed.
61. Beth Pancoe Pool – Bangor – open to the public for residents and non residents. An inexpensive break in the middle of the city with water slides, a zero entry area, all kinds of things that splash and spill and dump on top of you. Grassy lawn to spread out your blanket and chairs. They have changing rooms and vending machines. It’s also a regular stop for the ice cream truck.
62. University of Maine Campus Recreation Center – Orono – Open all year but do check the hours on the website as they change according to the school schedule. This facility is worth a stop for the pool alone. A daily entry fee of $7 for non members gives you access to the hot tub, sauna, vortex pool (yes, continually whirling water), lap lanes, shallow splash/play area for kids, and use of the lockers, showers, etc. http://umaine.edu/campusrecreation/facilities/recreationcenter/
63. Mother’s Beach - Kennebunk – a sandy beach, plenty of tidal pools, and a playground all in the same place? It’s no wonder that Kennebunk Beach is affectionately known as “Mother’s Beach”. Parking is right at the beach but does get crowded on hot days. Get there early if you can.
64. Fortune’s Rocks Beach – Biddeford – a gorgeous beach decorated with smooth beach rocks tucked into the sand. http://www.fortunesrocks.org/
65. Biddeford Pool – Biddeford – ahh … a beach from my teen years when you slathered with baby oil and baked in the sun. last summer we spent an afternoon here and it was deliciously spacious, clean, a sundrenched spot I hate to disclose. Get a parking pass at city hall or you could get shut out http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/outdoor_recreation_sports_adventure/beaches/beaches_by_region/maine_beaches/biddeford_pool/
66. Sand Beach – Acadia National Park – beautiful little beach. Gets crowded in high season and requires entry to the park to access but if you can get there early, do it. http://www.acadiamagic.com/SandBeach.html

TAKE A WALK

67. Rachel Carson Wildlife Reserve – Wells – Birds and wildlife, a good accessible pathway, and some wonderful views of the inlets. http://www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson/
68. Mt Hope Cemetery – Bangor – might sound strange to suggest a walk in a cemetery but this is a beautiful one, with hills, views, a pond with ducks, many people run and walk here. http://www.mthopebgr.com/
69. Orono Bogwalk - beginning in Bangor’s City Forest, the peat bog crosses over into land owned and maintained by the University of Maine. The Bog boardwalk is a one mile loop where you can see birds, wildlife, and plants native to the area. Benches and informational signage along the way can help you determine what you saw.
70. Eastern Trail – Part of the East Coast Greenway - enters Kittery, Maine from the west at the New Hampshire border, meanders through southern Maine, 65 miles winds up at Casco Bay. Well marked with ET signs, bridges over busy roadways, rest stops along the way, it’s kind of a hop on hop off hiking trail where you can go long distances or shorter ones, depending on your tolerance, schedule, and how badly someone needs to pee. http://www.easterntrail.org/
71. Appalachian Trail – the 100 mile wilderness runs from Monson to the top of Mt Katahdin and is reportedly the most demanding and unforgiving portion of the trail which begins in Georgia. I’d like to wander on the trail someday, like for an afternoon, although Bill Bryson’s book “A Walk In The Woods” taught me of the history and culture surrounding the trail and is a great read for anyone with a pair of hiking boots and a sense of humor. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/maine
72. Macworth Island – Falmouth – just off of Route 1, on an island accessible by causeway, Macworth Island is home to the Baxter School For the Deaf and is a state park, with a hiking trail that loops around the island, places to sit along the way, and the best part (if you have kids or are a kid) is the fairy garden. Gather natural items along the way and use them to create your own little fairy mansion. http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/state_national_parks/public_land/mackworth_island/
73. Downeast Sunrise Trail – Brewer to Calais – this portion of the Eastern Trail is being developed. The portion from Brewer to Ellsworth is a railroad bed. I haven’t done this yet, but will this summer.  http://www.sunrisetrail.org/
74. The Heath – Saco – This living peat bog has trails and a boardwalk to get out and enjoy the wildlife and birds. http://www.sacobaytrails.org/sacoheath.shtml
75. Baxter State Park – Millinocket & beyond – This is a big one. Baxter State Park is crested by Mt. Katahdin, the northern end of the Appalachian Trail and a grueling ½ day hike up, then back down. Several ways to the top, all demanding an early start. http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/index.htm
76. Acadia National Park – the quiet side – over on the Schoodic Peninisula has trails, coastline drives, and turnouts for scenic stops. http://www.acadiamagic.com/schoodic-peninsula.htm

EAT & DRINK

77.  Jordan’s – Ellsworth/ - playground outside, just like the outdoor seafood stops of my youth. Gets me all misty.
78. Spring Creek BBQ – Monson – when the meat’s gone, they close. Bring your own drinks.
79. Ruth & Wimpy’s – Get your photo taken with the giant lobster out front. I think it’s the law.
80. Mainely Bar-b-que – two locations that I know of, one on Mt. Desert Island sharing space with Atlantic Brewing. The other on Rte 3 (?) and cozies up with an ice cream parlor for a match made in the heaven of my mind.
81. Wasses Hot Dogs – Rte 1 & 3 Belfast – in the Reny’s parking lot. Grilled dogs with fried onions. Get two.
82. Rapid Ray’s – Saco – growing up in the Biddeford Saco area, I recall when this was truly just a food truck, and not even one of the fancy ones like are all the rage these days. Get in line and order yourself a big one with cheese and everything, a cheese dog, fries and a choc. Rapids is a tradition, an institution, and so simple good and cheap. www.rapidrays.biz.
83. Dysarts – Bangor – truck stop, bakery, breakfast spot, featured on Food Network and loved by millions. Awesome pot roast and pies. www.dysarts.com 
84. Gelato Fiasco – in the Old Port in Portland – last summer I had something that sounded disgusting but was incredibly delicious – Sweet Sorghum something. Don’t fear. Try it.  www.gelatofiasco.com
85. Bucks Naked Barbeque – I’ve been dying to get naked and eat barbeque (just kidding about the naked part). Friends have raved about this place in Freeport, Windham, and Portland. www.bucksnaked-bbq.com
86. Garsides Ice Cream – Saco – ice cream of my childhood, great flavors, old time feeling. Sit outside on a summer night – Perfect. Ferry Rd.
87. Ken’s Place Seafood – Pine Point Rd. Scarborough – not really a secret but us locals love this place. My mother swears they have the best clam cakes. I am mighty fond of the shrimp dinner.
88. Mike’s Pool Street Market – Biddeford – everyone’s got a favorite place to get lobster rolls. Some make the big publications and get raves. This one seems to be a secret to locals. Mike’s makes huge lobster rolls and doesn’t charge huge prices. Get a few to go when you’re headed out to the beach.
89. Alex Pizza – Biddeford – maybe because it’s the pizza of my youth or maybe it’s the crust or the greased stained thick paper plates or the one size pizzas stacked in a paper bag that waits on the counter for you but this is one of my favorites. www.pizzabyalex.com
90. Loco Coco’s Tacos – Kittery – I realize Maine isn’t known for its Mexican connections but I hear this place is very cool, with a ton of sauces and a casual atmosphere. www.locococos.com
91. Pat’s Pizza – statewide – the original is in Orono. I didn’t get formally introduced to this until later in my life. Now the thin crusted, pepperoni and pickle calls out. In house bottled orange or grape or cream soda is perfect with it. www.patspizza.com
92. 4 Points BBQ & Blues house - Winterport – Haven’t been yet but am going to get there soon. www.4pointsbbq.com
93. Maine Diner – Wells – I know, I know, many of you know about this already but it is a Maine landmark and the food is good. Made it to Diners, Drive Ins & Dives. www.mainediner.com
94. Farmer’s Markets – all over the state – we are an abundant and resourceful bunch. www.mainefarmersmarkets.org

OTHER STUFF TO DO OR SEE OR TASTE

95. Beach to Beacon Road Race – Aug 3^rd Cape Elizabeth to Portland Head lighthouse at Fort Williams Park. This 10K road race passes through some gorgeous coastal scenery and raises money for charities each year.
96. Zip lining – statewide – my first zip line ride was in Mexico and I’m excited to try some of the zip line rides here in Maine. www.ziplinerider.com/Maine_Ziplines
97. Blueberry picking – statewide – June & July – high bush, low bush and wild. Whatever you want. Bring pots for picking.  www.pickyourown.org
98. Strawberry picking – statewide – June – www.pickyourown.org

Ok – so there’s something to do for every day this summer in Maine. Feel free to expound upon my list and send me your suggestions for this backyard tourist. 

In Maine this weekend: Summer’s Last Hurrah

 It’s Friday afternoon and you’ve got the whole long holiday weekend ahead of you.  Got any plans?  It IS kind of the end of summer.  Kids have or are soon going back to school.  The weather forecast actually used the word “crisp” to describe the weather a couple of days earlier in the week.  And there’s absolutely no chance of being able to shop for cargo shorts or air conditioners, even if it’s supposed to reach ninety degrees tomorrow.  Nope.  The “seasonal” aisle at the supermarket is chock full of Halloween candy.  I know, I was there yesterday looking for a bag of freeze pops (not yet frozen) and had to traverse multiple aisles with a laden shopping cart, only to find one bag – ONE bag sitting alone on a sad low shelf near the juices and baby formula. 

But I digress.

What I’m getting at it that with so many obvious signals, it’s clear that we’re at summer’s end.  So what are you going to do about it?  I say cling to the last vestiges of summer while you can! 

Baseball games.  Campfires.  Watermelon.  It’s your last chance to do it all! 

So with this post – my first after a few weeks vacation that will lead to many, many more posts – I’m going to tell you about a few places to go if you’re in or near Maine and want to do what my daughter claims is the BEST of all summertime activities:  SWIM!

For her it’s about the swimming – for hours – for me its about the leisure and relaxation of having my toes in the sand, a good book in my lap, some Coppertone sunscreen wafting through the air, and a cooler packed with a selection of goodies to last the whole day. 

Here are some of my favorite spots for all of that:

1.                  I’ve told you about Old Orchard Beach in the past but want to remind you that the ocean water has finally warmed up and you can actually swim in it and despite its carnival atmosphere really is a beautiful beach.  I recommend going to the left or east of the downtown area.  The sand is powdery soft and the beach is wide.  The crowds of the pier area are disbursed and you can find some space.  Plus, when you need a walk, you can walk downtown and get you and your kids some idea cream or deep fried something.  

East of the pier in Old Orchard Beach

2.                  Here’s a place that I’m really hesitating to expose to the world.  I’m not sure how many Long Ponds there are in Maine.  It seems to be a common descriptive name for a pond.  The one I’m talking about is in Parsonsfield, which is in the western part of Maine, near the New Hampshire border.  Find Route 5 that goes through Dayton, Waterboro, and heads into Cornish.  Tell your GPS to search for “The Road between the Ponds” (really is the name) in Parsonsfield/North Parsonsfield.  There’s West Pond and there’s Long Pond.  I grew up going to Long Pond.  Somewhere back in my family history there was a camp there, on the eastern shore, but that’s long gone.  We had family reunions there and lots of great times.  What you’re looking for is a section of the pine enshrouded road where there’s a stone wall, a blocked entryway, and lots of cars parked for no good reason.  Go through the entryway and follow the path that leads to the water.  Note the signs that tell you you’re on the property of the West End Camp.  They’re cool with visitors.   

It's about the water at Long Pond.

 The beach there maxes out at about 5 feet at its widest.  You’re not there for the beach.  What you’re there for is the water.  They say it’s a spring fed pond which would account for the clarity but the best part is that it’s so shallow and for a lonnngggg way out it remains so.  You can plunk your chairs in the ankle deep water and watch the kids play ball or Frisbee in the knee deep water.  You can wade out – out – out and still only be up to your waist.  Being so shallow allows for it to warm up relatively fast in the summer sun.  It’s like bathwater sometimes.  So now that I’ve let you in on this one, do me one favor:  don’t trash the place.  Don’t make the property owners have to close access to the beach.  Go and spend the day and make great memories with your family and enjoy it, but let’s keep it our little secret.  

Clear, shallow water at Long Pond Parsonsfield, ME

3.                  Ok, one last one before I wrap it up for today.  This is a new thing in Brewer.  A while back, a place opened in Bangor called The Maine Jump, filled with bounce houses and other bouncy things for little kids to go and jump their little buns off.  Seeing its success, Playland Adventures opened in Brewer on Wilson Street.  It’s across from Dairy Queen (which comes in handy) and is housed in a former soda distributor’s warehouse space.  This is a bounce and activity place that can handle the older kids and adults.  If you’ve got tweens or teens just itchin to get out of the house and play rough, this is the place for you.  The cost for the Bounce Zone is $15.00 for the day or whatever amount of hours you choose.  Giant inflated boxing ring and boxing gloves so the kids and bop each other around, human bowling, some air filled knock each other over with a wrecking ball kind of thing, it’s great fun for everyone.  They also have teen night.  Ages 12 – 18  can go from 8 – midnight every Saturday night for $10.00.  Why am I telling you this in a post about summer water fun?   

In Brewer, Playland Adventure's Splash Zone

Because outside Playland Adventures they’ve set up other inflated things for kids to play on that are either spraying with water, plunk you in water, or slide you through water.  It’s called the Splash Zone and is an extra $4.00 on the day pass and is a ton of fun on a hot day.  Slide, slips, splashes.  Here’s their website for more photos and details:  Playland Adventures

So enough out of me for today.  All this writing about summer fun, I’ve got to get outside!  Enjoy your summer folks!

This weekend in Maine: What's Happening

There are times of the year that it’s difficult to get any work done.  The holidays are one of those times.  Another time is now.  Mid summer . . . July & August.  The weather is beautiful, rarely a day that’s too hot.  Days stretch out well into prime time.  It’s hard to stay inside.  You almost wish for a rainy day so you can have a few productive hours.  But with so many people on vacation, I find that I’m leaving voice mails for people who won’t return for days and sending emails that are lobbed back as out of office replies.  So what do you do?

Go out and have fun.

Whether you’ve been at work or on vacation this week, I bet you’re still looking for something to do this weekend.  There’s plenty going on in Maine in the next few days.  Find your way to one or more of these happenings. 

Bangor State Fair – Having started July 27^th, this year’s Bangor State Fair is in full swing.  Located on the grounds of the Bangor Auditorium and Bangor Raceway, this is one of the largest and longest running agricultural fairs in the nation.  The midway and games, rides and concessions are pure carnival.  Attendees come from everywhere and people watching (if you’re into that kind of thing) is part of the fun.  One thing that makes this a true Maine show is the lobster roll eating contest, taking place August 3.  Some of the live shows have come to Bangor before and some are new experiences for visitors.  One repeat performer is the Disc-Connected K9s show.  I’d go back and see this one again and again.  The show team trains rescue dogs from all over the world to catch flying discs and jump on their shoulders and show off their agility.  You can even get a mini disc “autographed” with bite marks by one of the dogs.  More food than should be allowed, a great agricultural set up in the Bangor Raceway barns, a photo contest, all kinds of 4H contests, and a live BMX bike show.  Admission is $12.00 for all ages and it allows access to all shows and unlimited amusement rides.  More info here:  www.bangorstatefair.com.

Maine Fairy House Festival – at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is an event that I attended two years ago.  Such a fun time for kids and grownups.  Lose yourself in imagining a world where fairies giggle and hide in the woodlands and garden.  Build Fairy Houses with your kids.  The Botanical Gardens prepares areas for doing just that, and somehow there’s just enough decorating material to build a great house.  

The gardens themselves are spectacular.  I especially loved the Burpee kitchen garden full of fresh herbs and the Alfond children’s garden.  The children’s garden has a vegetable garden and a keeper’s cottage.  Live performances, crafts, the oh so fun bubble machine, and food make for a fun time.  All I have to say on this one – if you’re in the area – GO – here’s more info and directions and some beautiful photos of the gardens http://www.mainegardens.org/calendar/maine-fairy-house-festival

Maine Lobster Festival – In Rockland, this festival’s claim as “the original lobster festival” can’t be disputed by many.  A tradition for 65 years, it has grown into an event that its creators might not have imagined.  It has gone well beyond the expected lobster related food and fun.  Arts & crafts, maritime displays and demonstrations, and live entertainment.  www.mainelobsterfestival.com

Maine Comedy Festival – being held at the Bethel Inn Resort, funny people and a golf tournament to boot.  www.mainecomedyfest.com.  They’ve got some big names and expect big laughs.  If you’re visiting or live in western Maine, you might want to check this out. 

WLBZ Sidewalk Art Festival – Between the Bangor Fair and this event, my little part of the state is really hopping this weekend.  This art festival grows every year.  It’s great to get out and get inspired by other artists and perhaps get your hands on something really cool.  Check it out at www.wlbz2.com. 

84th annual Kennebunk Antiques Show and Sale -  Held on Saturday and Sunday, August 4 & 5, at the Kennebunk High School gymnasium. Sponsored by the Animal Welfare Society, Inc, this year's show will again have 30 exhibitors from several states selling antiques in every area of the antiques market. Known for its tremendous selection of fine antique glass, fine antique china and antique and estate jewelry, this year’s show will also include Period and country furniture, Folk Art, primitives, Americana, Silver, historical Staffordshire, hand-painted china, pottery, decoys, paintings, prints, Fine Art, linens, postcards & ephemera, and Oriental porcelains. Come early, have lunch & enjoy.  For more info, directions and schedule www.goosefareantiques.com/

Okay so if none of this inspired you to get off your couch and go play, you’re really missing out on some great stuff.

Head’s up for next weekend (11^th & 12^th) – start making plans for

Downtown Bangor’s Artwalk  – August 10^th

 http://artwalkmaine.org/bangor/

Kahbang Music and Arts Festival begins

http://www.kahbang.com/

Summer is here! A visit to Old Orchard Beach

I love Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  Always a signal of summer’s arrival, a few hours at Old Orchard just spins you right into summer mode.  The vinegary pier fries, the fried dough dusted (very liberally) with powdered sugar and cinnamon, the classic Lisa’s Pizza, it all brings me back. 

Growing up in southern Maine, Old Orchard Beach wasn’t as much a regular thing as you’d think, living only a few miles away.  For my family, with four kids, the cost of the rides and the food made this a twice a summer – maybe – kind of thing.  As I got older and could drive or had friends that could drive, it was where everyone went to “cruise” in the summer.  For many of us, as teens, it was where we had summer jobs and summer friends.  For me, it was the place I had my first record store job and because of that, the place I met my first husband.  

Like everything else, things change.  The town has had some rough times.  But if this past Memorial Day weekend was any indication, this summer won’t be remembered as such.  It will be a good year for Old Orchard Beach.

My daughter and I had a few hours to spare on Sunday of that weekend.  The weather was beautiful – warm, sunny – kind of a surprise at the end of May.  We decided to go “down the beach.”  I wanted to get some photographs from the top of the ferris wheel and my daughter just wanted to ride it.  One of the great things about the amusement park at Old Orchard Beach, called Palace Playland, is that you can buy just enough tickets to ride one ride, or in our case, three.  You don’t have to pay the big money for the whole day.  You don’t have to pay to get in.  You don’t have to pay if you don’t ride.  Easy.  Good for parents with kids.  If your kids are little and you’re not sure if they’re going to even want to ride, you get just enough tickets to find out.  If your kids are old enough and can ride by themselves, but still need some supervision, you can go and not pay for the privilege of that experience. 

So we rode the ferris wheel . . . 

from the top of the ferris wheel

looking west towards Saco

looking east toward Scarborough

Old Orchard Beach's main drag:  Old Orchard Ave.

And the “Superstar” – the scrambler ride you see at every fair.  And the little roller coaster, the Galaxi – not sure why, since we’ve ridden the big ones at Busch Gardens, Six Flags, and Cedar Point – but it’s been a while since we’ve had a roller coaster ride, so why not?  I’m not trying to compare Palace Playland to any of those parks.  It’s a totally different thing.  It just felt good to be flung and lifted and dipped and spun after a long winter. 

We walked around a bit then up the street.  Now I’ve seen the fried food options at some of the big fairs – fried twinkies, friend snickers bars, heck, I even saw fried butter and fried kool aid (don’t ask) last year.  Interesting as they might be, I’m usually watching what I eat and don’t want to part with six bucks for a fried twinkie when that could buy me two boxes of them (not that I would).  

But . . . we found fried oreos.  And they were only $1.00 each.  So we got three.  Powdered them up and then took them to the beach to eat.  They looked like squashed donut holes and when you bit into them, the cookie was warm and the creamy center, melted.  

fried, well, everything

deep fried oreo cookies with powdered sugar

creamy and melted on the inside . . this could be a new tradition

Old Orchard is a nice little community.  There are plenty of hotels, condos, shops and restaurants to support the large influx of tourists that come during the summer.  Visitors come from Quebec and New England and from all over Maine. 

Beyond the fried food, pizza, ice cream, and caramel corn . .beyond the lights and the rides and the games is . . The Beach. 

Go for the beach!

At low tide, the beach is flat and wide, great for running or playing games.  It’s clean and the sand is soft and powdery east of the pier.  Music is playing from the beachfront bars.  Seagulls and terns dip in and out of the tide.  Kids play in the sand.  Groups of teen girls lay on their towels.  Families and couples set up for the day with coolers and umbrellas. 

A short walk away is a carousel ride and a slushie drink.  What could be better?

For travel information about Old Orchard Beach and the Maine Beaches check out these websites:

The Maine Beaches 

Old Orchard Beach