When we bought our place in southern Maine a few years back, one of our goals was to do a Maine "world tour." That is, we planned on taking Maine day trips and visiting every town that is named after a foreign country. Maine Towns Are Named After Foreign Countries We considered adding towns … [Read more...] about Why Maine Towns Are Named After Foreign Countries
Enjoy New Year’s Eve in Southern Maine
There are plenty of ways to spend New Year's Eve in southern Maine. Virtually every restaurant has a New Year's event planned. So check with your favorite place about their plans, if that's your jam. For those looking for something other than the restaurant and bar scene, we found a handful of … [Read more...] about Enjoy New Year’s Eve in Southern Maine
Southern Maine Good Causes: Donations
Maybe it's time to clean out. Or, perhaps you are struck with a sense of generosity. No matter what your motivations are, it sometimes can be challenging to find places that will take your good, but unneeded items. Here, we list some good causes in Southern Maine that will take donations of new … [Read more...] about Southern Maine Good Causes: Donations
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Southern Maine
Southern Maine towns love to get decked out for the holidays in classic New England styles. For most, dressing up downtown includes a brightly lit Christmas tree in the center of downtown. In fact, those tree lighting ceremonies are a big deal in York and Cumberland counties. Some are part of … [Read more...] about Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Southern Maine
Polar Bear Plunges Near Portland Maine: Shivering for a Good Cause
Polar bear plunges have been a New England tradition since the early 20th century. Some people tout health benefits from diving in frigid waters, as does a cousin of ours. You can find her, year round, in the water at Willard Beach in South Portland (she's a resident). When Polar Bear Plunges … [Read more...] about Polar Bear Plunges Near Portland Maine: Shivering for a Good Cause
Buying a Farm Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey in Southern Maine
It’s early November as I write this and, in truth, it is likely too late to order a fresh Thanksgiving turkey from a local farm. Many farms begin taking orders in June for a November delivery. So mark your calendar today for next year. There is always a chance that there could be a cancellation, … [Read more...] about Buying a Farm Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey in Southern Maine
Maine Pumpkin Patches and Classic Corn Mazes
If you are looking for a fun family friendly activity this fall, consider a trip to a corn maze or one of the Southern Maine pumpkin patches. At most pumpkin patches, you can pick your own pumpkin for less than they cost at your local grocer. And, you get a great day outdoors as well! How we … [Read more...] about Maine Pumpkin Patches and Classic Corn Mazes
Seeing the Northern Lights in Maine
News media are reporting that this year will likely be a good year to see the Northern Lights in Maine. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis as they're called in the Northern Hemisphere, are caused by activity on the sun that sends electrically charged particles towards the earth. These … [Read more...] about Seeing the Northern Lights in Maine
The Maine Whoopie Pie
Maine's state dessert is the blueberry pie, but its state treat is the whoopie pie. I'll leave it to the great minds in Augusta to differentiate between a dessert and a treat. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy them both. I've lived in five states and have traveled to many more. And, even though … [Read more...] about The Maine Whoopie Pie
A Rainy Day at the Maine Classic Car Museum
During a recent stint of bad weather I joined my neighbor, Tom, on a trip to the Maine Classic Car Museum in Arundel. Tom is a self-described "car guy." I'm not. But, I figured I needed something to do near me on a rainy afternoon, so I went to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised. The … [Read more...] about A Rainy Day at the Maine Classic Car Museum
Mini Golf in Southern Maine
You'll find several great mini golf courses in Southern Maine. Many are located on or near Route 1 (aka Portland Road). We even found one mini golf course where we could bring our dogs, Oscar and Sadie with us. Yes, Maine has dog-friendly mini golf. Who knew? So, grab your putter (or borrow … [Read more...] about Mini Golf in Southern Maine
Exploring Southern Maine via Amtrak Downeaster
If you want to avoid the hassle and expense of driving and parking on your trip to southern Maine, consider taking the Amtrak Downeaster. With five roundtrips per day, the train's schedule originates in Boston and makes stops in Maine between Wells and Brunswick. The train from Boston to … [Read more...] about Exploring Southern Maine via Amtrak Downeaster