Spring,Summer, & Fall: When most people think of visiting an aquarium the Boston Aquarium usually comes to mind but, did you know we have one in our own state. That’s right the Maine State Aquarium located in beautiful West Boothbay offers visitors a unique perspective of some of Maine’s native sea species. The centerpiece of this aquarium is an 850 gallon tanks that is home to “dogfish” which are sharks and skates. Surrounding this huge tank are many interactive displays as well as a 20 ft long touch tank which is home to colorful sea anemone, star fish, sea cucumbers and more. The kids will be completely amazed when they are able to touch and pick up these unique sea creatures. Another interesting display is the huge collection of lobsters that range in a multitude of colors and sizes. There is a blue lobster, calico printed lobster and even a 23lb. lobster named Fritz. The aquarium is right on the banks of the ocean and the aquarium offers a view of life under the sea with a robotic underwater video camera. Visitors can watch underwater lobster traps and the creatures that hide under the granite rocks. This aquarium is a great place to visit and considering it is close to one of the prettiest coastal towns in the state you will still be able to find plenty to do in town when you are done with the aquarium. The southern half of the state has a brand new aquarium opening in the Spring of 2008 on Route 1 in Saco. Be sure to keep your eyes out for this new state of the art facility.
Tag: Fall
Burnt Island: Lighthouses And Seals Just A Ferry Ride Away
Summer & Fall: Burnt Island and the Burnt Island Lighthouse can be found as the gatekeeper for Boothbay Harbor if you are traveling by sea. This wonderful lighthouse has been a beacon to mariners for over 100 years. A trip to the island can be made by taking the ferry called The Novelty off Pier 8 in the heart of Boothbay Harbor. The ride is short and the views are phenomenal. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and plan on enjoying a spot on the rocks overlooking the entrance to the harbor. While you are there keep your eyes open for diving osprey which are usually can be spotted fishing for their meal of the day. It’s not unusual to see bald eagles soaring into the trees on the south side of the island. During one of our last trips we had the opportunity to watch harbor seals basking in the sun along the rock lined shore. You could hear them barking to each other as we approached the backside of the island. As we crested the top of the hill there they were in all their glory rolling around on the rocks enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. After your trip to Burnt Island is complete don’t forget that the Maine State Aquarium is close by and is a great place to take the kids to learn more about the harbor seals and the sea animals that they encountered while on the island. Boothbay Harbor is known for its other attractions, such as shopping. There are some great gift stores, specialty candy stores and antique shops in town. If you are looking for places to eat there are both indoor and outside dining places. If it’s rest you are looking for than plop yourself on one of the benches in the heart of the town and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. Boothbay is a great place to spend some time and Burnt Island is a fun place to explore while you are there.
Clamming: Dig Up Delectable Treasures On The New Meadows
Spring,Summer & Fall: Maine and seafood are synonymous. This area is known for its bountiful variety of fresh seafood and clams are a well loved part of it. Did you know, you can dig your own clams? It’s actually a fun way to enjoy these delicious delicacies and a great work out at the same time. The biggest question that people often have when they find out you can dig your own is how do I get started. The most important thing is to make sure you have the appropriate license. Depending on where you are, each town in Maine has their own license requirements. One thing that is consistent across the board is a license is required and there are both resident and non-resident recreational licenses, which vary in price and length of validity. The place to get a license is through the town hall at the town clerk’s office. Once you have the appropriate license you will need to follow the rules about where you can and can’t clam as well as size requirement (all clams must be 2” in diameter). A great place to go clamming if you find yourself in Brunswick is along the banks of the New Meadows River. At low tide, you will find the mud flats along Thomas Point Beach busy with fellow “clamers”. In terms of equipment you should have rubber boots, rubber gloves, a 5 gallon pail and possibly a mud rake (this is a special clamming rake). I have been told that the pros actually use a plunger which uncovers clams very efficiently. The mud flats can be tricky to maneuver in but, once you make your way out to them start looking for the small holes in the mud which indicate there is a clam below. Start digging or plunging, it’s a lot of work but, worth every morsel!
Hermit Island: Camp, Swim, Kayak & Explore!
Summer & Fall: Hermit Island is on the tip of the Phippsburg peninsula and if you have never been there now is the time to explore this beautiful spot. Hermit Island Campground was just voted Maine’s “Best Salt-water Campground” and once you go visit it is easy to see why. The island itself is a great combination of grassy dunes, lightly wooded space and white sandy beach. The entire beach area runs about 1.5 miles and you will find prime camping spots located just footsteps from the powdery sand. The Island itself is comprised of beach and rocks that make for great spots to kick back and take in the 360 degree view of the Atlantic sprawled out before you. The campground offers wooded sites if you are not into being at the waters’ edge. In addition to great sites, you have the opportunity to enjoy some fun amenities especially if you are going to be camping with kids. There is the famous “Kelp Shed” which offers visitors a place to hang out and play some pool, video games or enjoy a fire on the rainy days. In addition they have a great snack bar that offers anything from French fries to cold ice cream. You can buy fire wood right on site to enjoy in your fire pit and there are bathrooms and showers scattered around the campground. Hermit Island is very close to Morse Mountain which is a great spot to explore for an afternoon. A nice hike through Morse Mountain leads you to a secluded and very scenic beach area. In addition, Bath is not too far down the road where you can replenish supplies or even go grab something to eat if you aren’t in the mood to cook. Hermit Island is a great spot to check out and if you are looking for camping oceanside, can’t be beat!
Youngtown Inn: Camden/Lincolnville Best Kept Secret
Spring,Summer,Fall & Winter: If you have never been to the Camden area than you are missing a special gem on the Maine coastline. This area sparkles in the summer and fall with the blue ocean as the background to the whole area. There are some great places to stay while you are in the area and one of my favorite places is the Youngtown Inn. Just slightly off the beaten path of US Route 1, when you arrive it’s as if you have just stepped back into the early 1800’s with this stately home before you. The inn is “classic New England” offering 6 unique guest rooms and a fantastic restaurant on-site. The Inn was once part of a farm that has been restored with many of the original features. From the pumpkin pine floors to the original fireplaces, guest will find this is a great place to relax and take in this beautiful part of Maine. This Youngtown Inn is actually located in Lincolnville which is only a couple miles outside of Camden. If you are planning a wedding this is a great spot for an intimate event with family and friends. While you are in the area, there are so many spots to visit from Mt. Battie, to Camden Harbor and Lincolnville Beach. This is a great time to begin to make summer plans so be sure to check out The Youngtown Inn, you will be glad you did and it may just be a place you decide to visit year after year.