Maine

Maine

Maine is just a natural wonderland and my kids and I agree that  it is truly one of the most unspoiled natural places left in the US.  After seeing 42 states I must admit that Maine is one of my personal favorites.  The people are kind and sweet without putting on airs.  They are hospitable and warm and friendly and care deeply about protecting the natural wonder that they are fortunate enough to live in.  If I … [Read more...]

Thos. Moser Furniture Factory Tour (Auburn)

Thos. Moser Furniture Factory Tour

A big shout out to Ben our fabulous tour guide at the Thos. Moser Furniture Factory for really taking the time to show us what goes in to making the amazingly beautiful pieces.  After donning protective glasses, we first saw some of the gorgeous finished products being ready to ship-dining room tables and chairs, cabinets, and some original and one of a kind pieces.  Ben then took us through the process from start … [Read more...]

Maine State Capitol Building (Augusta)

Maine State Capitol Building

So how many of you reading this thought the Maine State Capitol Building was in Bangor....Nope, it's in Augusta, right across the parking lot from the Maine State Museum.  It is very pretty from the outside, but I have to admit, my kids were pretty disappointed.  The interior is quite modern and there are almost no artifacts. As you enter you are greeted by the state seal with the motto "Dirigo" which we found out … [Read more...]

Maine State Museum (Augusta)

Maine State Museum

So if you ask folks in Maine about the Maine State Museum they'll tell you it's just ok and a bit of a joke.  I totally disagree, my kids and I loved this museum!  For a little museum, they sure had a lot of cool stuff.  We learned all what life is like living in Maine, Maine's brave men who fought for our country and many of the industries that Maine is well known for like logging and fishing.  They have a great … [Read more...]

Lobster Fishing on the Sarah Mead (Boothbay Harbor)

Lobster Fishing on the Sarah Mead

Lobster fishing is a pretty big deal in Maine since Lobster is one of those things Maine is most famous for.  Lobster is on the menu of just about every restaurant and folks stand in lines for some of the more famous lobster roll stands.  We don't eat lobster (we only eat fish with both fins and scales because of our dietary restrictions) but I still felt it would be "wicked awesome" to go lobster fishing.  Online … [Read more...]

L.L. Bean Flagship Store (Freeport)

L.L. Bean Flagship Store

The L.L. Bean Flagship store is the "Maine" attraction in the cute little town of Freeport which is also filled with tons of outlet stores and therefore tons of shoppers.  Besides the store where you can find everything you need from the coziest slippers, to kayaks and camping gear, the "campus" as it's called also hosts lots of community activities like how-to clinics and summer concerts. We were there on a rainy … [Read more...]

Acadia National Park (Mt. Desert Island)

Acadia National Park

I was really excited to see Acadia National Park.  It really is spectacular.  We got there early and big mistake on our part, attempted to drive the loop instead of waiting for the visitor center to open.  We drove and drove, and we didn't quite know what we should have been looking for but the scenic vistas were just breathtaking.  Sadly we were a little pressed for time as we wanted to get in our blueberry … [Read more...]

Portland Head Light (Portland)

Portland Head Light

The Portland Head Light is a beautiful lighthouse that sits on a hill in a very beautiful area on the Portland shore.  It's a short drive from the center of town and it is totally worth seeing. There is a gift shop and a museum, so check their schedule to be sure it's open when you get there.  We had to head out of town early, so sadly we missed it, but it's definitely something to see if you have the time.   I … [Read more...]

Pick Your Own Wild Blueberries (Various)

Pick Your Own Wild Blueberries

One of the things Maine is famous for is wild blueberries.  You can find them lots of places, and we bought jars of them at L.L.Bean in Freeport and had them shipped home. Also known as"Maine caviar"  you can use them  in pancakes, muffins etc.  But nothing compares to picking your own blueberries right off the bush. If you happen to be in Maine in late summer mid of July through August you're in luck and you … [Read more...]

Itinerary #14: New England Road Trip

Cape Cod

I knew New England would be rich with historical significance, but I had no idea it would be so overwhelming.  I felt at times that I was standing in the birthplace of this great nation.  Seeing these historic places, pulled at us and brought us close to those brave souls who were pushed to the edge, to risk life and limb for liberty and freedom.  From John Adams to JFK to Ben and Jerry, New England was full of … [Read more...]