Sara may be out sampling the restaurants of Portland, and this blog has been discontinued. Thanks for visiting and happy travels!

February 28, 2007
I admit, I've been MISSING IN ACTION these past few weeks. Sorry to keep you all hanging on what's going on here in Maine. I thought I'd compile a list of events that are coming up in March, since February is now just a mere memory.
-Maine Maple Weekend: It's here again...during the fourth weekend of March many farms throughout the state participate in pancake breakfasts, maple syrup tours and tastings. Bring your sweet tooth!
-Check out the Children's Museum of Portland. I was there today with my sister and her "charge." We took part in face painting, their "Imagination Station," a fully stocked grocery store and a tree house two stories high!
-Studio Gallery Talks at the Portland Museum of Art. An opportunity to learn more about the art that occupies the museum and the artists who created them.
-The Portland Symphony presents Vivaldi The Four Seasons on March 4th at The Merrill Auditorium.
-Tour through the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow house. The Portland-born poet is being celebrated for his influential works and his 200th birthday.
Posted by meblogger at 03:48 PM
January 26, 2007
As a reminder, the U.S. National Toboggan Championships are happening in Camden next weekend, Feb. 2nd-Feb. 4th. And...registration has been extended to January 28th! You too could be flying down the chute and out onto Hosmer Pond.
Of course, if you're not into competing, the Camden Snow Bowl is open on weekends and holidays, weather permitting. It's a fun, once in a lifetime experience that you don't want to miss! Do it once, you'll be coming back, year after year!
http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/toboggan.cfm
Posted by meblogger at 07:17 AM
January 23, 2007
One of our favorite restaurants here in Portland is Five Fifty-Five. It's great for those special occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries or when your good friend comes to town. What used to be a small, two-story space is now an urban Mecca of savory goodies. Most recently the owners of Five Fifty-Five busted through the neighboring brick wall to make room for a lounge area and bar. This portion of the restaurant is hip if all you need is a cocktail and a "small plate." Larger commitments can be tended to in the 'actual' dining room.
Their menu is always changing with the consideration of fresh, local ingredients and the wait staff is very pleasant. When you go, try the lobster popkins and grilled caesar salad. Dinner and drinks for two will cost you around $75.00. Reservations Recommended.
Five Fifty-Five
555 Congress Street
Portland, Maine
(207)
Posted by meblogger at 02:28 PM
January 3, 2007
Happy New Year to you all! I hope you survived the holidays and are ready and willing to jump into 2007. The new year brings new things...here are a few ideas to help you get jump-started.
Snodeo at Rangeley Lakes: Snowmobiles, thousands of miles of trails, chili and good company.
Maine WinterFest 2007: Ice and snow sculpting, sledding, skating and entertainment.
Portland Museum of Art: Exhibits featuring Francisco Goya, Childhood in 19th-Century America and N.C. Wyeth.
Eat More Thai Food: If you like pad-thai as much as I do, Portland has some great places. Bangkok Thai on Congress, Thai Taste in South Portland and Siam on Fore Street (great martinis).
Winter Camping: For the experienced outdoor folk only. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun, but make sure you have the gear to sustain.
Posted by meblogger at 08:25 AM
December 14, 2006
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight bottles of vodka (yikes!), seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine dancing classes, eight bottles of vodka (yikes!), seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten tickets to the Nutcracker, nine dancing classes, eight bottles of vodka (yikes!), seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven bars of soap, ten tickets to the Nutcracker, nine dancing classes, eight bottles of vodka (yikes!), seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles, and a lobster shipped right to my door.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve months of dining, eleven bars of soap, ten tickets to the Nutcracker, nine dancing classes, eight bottles of vodka (yikes!), seven knitted sweaters, six dogs-a-layin', five tourmaline rings, four gift cards to beans, three jars of jam, two cashew turtles and a lobster shipped right to my door!
Posted by meblogger at 07:02 AM
November 30, 2006
Does anyone have a tradition that they would like to share with regards to how they celebrate Hanukkah, Ramadan or Kwanzaa? In my quest to provide you all with worth while travel info, I would like to incorporate these cultural celebrations too...but I'm coming up empty when it comes to suggestions. I know that the Lewiston/Auburn area has a Festival of Lights celebration in December, but I need more!
Write to me with your thoughts, recipes, traditions, events, etc.
Thank you!
Posted by meblogger at 06:18 AM
November 29, 2006
Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I ended up getting sick with a horrible cold, but four days later I'm finally making the turn towards getting better. So, what did you do for Turkey Day? Travel, stay home, eat pie, spend time with family, go for a hike, cut down your Christmas tree, shop??
It's that time of year again I can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday that I was writing about the Victorian Mansion, my favorite places to buy holiday gifties in the Old Port and Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude. So what's going on this season that is fun and festive?
Festival of Trees
Dyer Library & Saco Museum
Free Event through December 10th
Freeport's Sparkle Holiday Weekend
Downtown Freeport
December 1st-3rd
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Portland Stage Company
November 30th-December 24th
Christmas By The Sea
Camden
December 1st-3rd
Posted by meblogger at 06:54 AM
November 14, 2006
I know the holidays are all about traditions, but my guess is that you have spent too many years cleaning for guests, cooking the turkey and filling the cornucopia. Perhaps it's time to switch things up a bit. If your family doesn't mind you ducking out on Thanksgiving 2006, pack your bags and come to Maine. There are many inns and b&b's that are offering Thanksgiving holiday packages with dinner included...already cooked!
Captain Fairfield Inn
8 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport
(800) 322.1928
Inn Britannia
132 West Main Street, Searsport
(207) 548.2007
Captain Lord Mansion
6 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport
(207) 967.3141
The White Barn Inn & Spa
37 Beach Avenue, Kennebunk
(207) 967.2321
PineCrest Bed & Breakfast Inn
91 South Street, Gorham
(207) 839.5843
The Cliff House Resort & Spa
Shore Road, Ogunquit
(207) 361.2820
Posted by meblogger at 07:14 PM
November 2, 2006
With Maine's Brewers' Festival happening on Saturday, I thought how appropriate...let's chat about beer. No bones about it, Maine takes pride in its creative production of the brew. With pubs scattered throughout the state, consumers are able to experience the smooth tastes of Allagash's "Grand Cru," Casco Bay Brewing Co.'s "Riptide Red" and Geary's "Autumn Ale" to name a few. And, it doesn't stop at the tap, if you find a taste that you can't live without, buy a six-pack and bring it home. You'll be reminded of Maine with each sip...
Allagash
Casco Bay Brewing Co.
D.L. Geary Brewing Company
Gritty McDuff's
Sebago Brewing Co.
Shipyard Brewing Company
Seadog Brewing Company
Posted by meblogger at 07:06 AM
October 22, 2006
Just south of Augusta is a great little town called Hallowell. My friend Courtney brought me there for the first time last fall, and I just fell in love. We went on a brisk, cloudy day. The air was cold and our stomachs were empty. We needed lunch! She knew of a restaurant called Slates. We settled in at one of their cozy tables. With an eclectic interior and a delicious menu, Slates is known by locals and travelers as a perfect place to fill your appetite. Court suggested the roast beef with boursin spread on a warmed croissant. It was fantastic! A few doors down from the restaurant was Slates' Bakery where fresh baked bread, cookies and other goodies were prepared daily. We stopped there too.
Located right on the banks of the Kennebec River, Hallowell is home to approximately 2,600 year around residents. With its proximity to the state capital, this small, quaint town has the amenities to serve it's community and visitors. Antique stores, galleries and boutiques line the main drag, called Water St. Bed & Breakfasts are available for lodging and I suggest a stroll through the historical district if time permits. The homes are beautiful. From federal styles to traditional colonials, the architecture is the epitome of New England charm.
Enjoy!
www.hallowell.org
Posted by meblogger at 08:49 PM