Goodwill is a great place to unload your clutter. And if you're in the mood to downsize your stuff or it is just that time of the year when you want to get organized, it's important to know that you cannot bring anything and everything to a thrift store like Goodwill. That's why I've put … [Read more...] about What Not To Donate To Goodwill: A Complete Guide
Recycle Your Christmas Tree: Where and How
If you like to have a live Christmas tree in your home and you're not planning on planting it in your garden, then it's a good idea to recycle it after the holidays are over. Some municipalities have curbside collection of trees. Then, they will recycle them. In other places, it's up to you to … [Read more...] about Recycle Your Christmas Tree: Where and How
Shopping at Marden’s Discount Stores
If you're looking for some of the best outlet shopping in Maine, I suggest you check out Marden's discount stores. Technically, Marden's is a salvage and surplus store. That's a place where retailers send their excess inventory that didn't sell. However, during a recent visit to Marden's in … [Read more...] about Shopping at Marden’s Discount Stores
Dog Sledding in Maine
Years ago, I worked at a magazine that did a story about the Iditarod. If you don't know, the Iditarod is a world-class dog-sledding event held each year in Alaska. Ever since editing that article, I've wanted to go dog sledding. And now that we're living full-time in Maine, I can. Yes, you can go … [Read more...] about Dog Sledding in Maine
Breakfast with Santa in Southern Maine
If you don't get the chance to take pictures with Santa at the Maine Mall or see him arrive by lobster boat at Kennebunkport Prelude, you can always go have breakfast with Santa. There are a number of places throughout Southern Maine hosting these meal events this year. Where to Go for … [Read more...] about Breakfast with Santa in Southern Maine
National Cookie Day in Maine
When it comes to national food holidays, there are actually two times during the year when you can celebrate National Cookie Day. One is the regular National Cookie Day, celebrated each year on December 4. The other is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. That happens in early August. National … [Read more...] about National Cookie Day in Maine
Menorah Lightings in Southern Maine
Chanukah starts this year on the same day as Christmas, December 25, 2024. This is one of the latest starts I can recall for the Jewish Festival of Lights. It ends eight days later. For Mainers who celebrate, they'll likely set up menorahs at home. However, if you would like to celebrate in … [Read more...] about Menorah Lightings in Southern Maine
LL Bean Store Freeport Maine
When my brother, Josh, visited us in Maine this past spring with his girlfriend, Olga, he had one request for the trip — visiting the LL Bean store in Freeport. Mind you, this is a couple that lives in New York City and has all the shopping they could desire at their fingertips. However, they'd … [Read more...] about LL Bean Store Freeport Maine
Pajama Shopping Day in Kennebunk
You're probably familiar with Small Business Saturday, but did you know about Pajama Shopping Day in Kennebunk? It's a special version of the small business holiday that not only encourages visitors and residents to shop locally but to do so in their pajamas. For real. In 2023, Pajama Shopping … [Read more...] about Pajama Shopping Day in Kennebunk
Free Holiday Food Boxes in Maine
Normally, when we cover free food in Maine, it's about freebies for birthdays or one-off fun giveaways. However, this article is more akin to our articles about SNAP-EBT benefits and the like. It focuses on where families in need can find free holiday meals this year. Free Holiday Meals in … [Read more...] about Free Holiday Food Boxes in Maine
Christmas Light Displays in Maine
Do you love looking at Christmas and holiday light displays in November and December? Same. That's why we've put together this guide to Christmas light displays in Maine. Many get underway right around Thanksgiving. Where to see Christmas Light Displays in Maine Last year we wrote about … [Read more...] about Christmas Light Displays in Maine
Exploring the Polar Express Portland Maine Train Ride
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum hosts the Polar Express train ride in Portland, Maine every holiday season. It's quickly become an annual tradition for thousands of families. Last year more than 20,000 passengers rode the train. What is the Polar Express in Portland, Maine If you know … [Read more...] about Exploring the Polar Express Portland Maine Train Ride