Richmond: Swan Island

Spring, Summer, Fall:This 4-mile long state owned island sits at the northern most end of Merrymeeting Bay. While exploring the bay keep an eye out for bald eagles the area has the largest concentrations of nesting eagles in the state. During the spring and fall the migration of waterfowl along the Atlantic flyway stop here to rest their wings. This is a great time to visit Swan Island. Species such as Canadian geese, goldeneye and pintail can be seen frolicing in Merrymeeting Bay. The Bay encompases roughly 4500 square acres, however most of the shoreline is privately owned making access an issue. The state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offer a motorboat shuttle from Richmond to the island between May 1 and Labor Day. The day use fee is 5.00 per adult and 3.50 per child.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village: A Call To Simple Living

Summer, Spring, Fall: A trip to Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village invites visitors to appreciate the art of simple living. Being the only active Shaker Community in the world visitors are offered a unique perspective of life as a Shaker both past and present. Visitors can take a guided tour of the premises which includes a museum, first organized in 1931 in hopes of educating the public to the “truths” about Shakerism. The Shaker Library houses text from their origins to present day. There is also the Shaker Store where you can purchase books, Shaker-made goods, handicrafts, baskets and a wide variety of both culinary and medicinal herbs grown on-site. With over 200 years of Shaker heritage one cannot help but feel as if they have just stepped back in time.Throughout the year the village offers various events from making floorcloths to chair caning. This unique village which is situated on 1800 acres of gorgeous farmland is definitely worth the trip. When you leave you can definitely feel the spirit of the Shakers and see their belief of “putting our hands to work and hearts to God” in action.

Belgrade Lakes Region: Central Maine’s Gem

Summer,Fall: A ride through Augusta into the Belgrades Lakes Region is worth the trip. This area is surrounded by the premier lakes great for recreational activities year round. If you decide to go this summer here are some great things for you and your family to do…If you are into boating and canoeing you could put in at the Route 27 boat launch and canoe from Great Pont to Messalonskee Lake which will lead you through Belgrade Lakes Village where the ducks hang out.Fisherman can find their catch in one of the seven chains of lakes in this area. Large mouth bass, freshwater salmon and trout are plentiful in these clean and clear waters.Golfers can play on one of the top 100 golf courses in the America, Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. The course received a five star rating from Golf Digest and is as sceneic as it is challenging.Diners will be delighted by the Village Inn and Restaurant featuring their famous slow roasted duckling with sceneic lakeside dining. They also offer 8 quaint guest rooms for overnight guest.Whatever you decide to do, the Belgrade Lakes region in the summer and fall months is a must do.

Raye’s Mustard Mill: A Made In Maine Original

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Did you know that Maine is home to one of the oldest and last remaining stone ground mustard making companies in the United States? That’s right, straight out of Eastport, the US’s most eastern point in the country you will find Raye’s Mustard Mill. They have been making their famous stone ground mustard for over a hundred years and have perfected it to the point that it has received national attention. The stone mill and pantry shop are open for business year round and visitors to the mill are always welcome. The history and technique to producing stone ground mustard is interesting and visitors will enjoy seeing and sampling the twelve varieties of mustards that are produced. There is a gift shop attached so you can bring home some of this unique and original “made in Maine” mustard for you, your family and friends.

US Bells Foundry: Beauty In Form And Function

Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Wind bells, winter bells, dinner bells and door bells you will find these magnificent creations at the US Bells Foundry located in Prospect Harbor. Their creator began making these bells over 30 years ago and has perfected his creation with each passing year. These bells are made by casting the bells in bronze which makes them strong and able to withstand the weather and time. These bells can be found in many galleries around the state. His works have found their way around the country and people love them. There is a store next to the foundry and all of the designs are original. These bells are both unique and beautiful. There is nothing like hearing the sound of these bells chime in the soft summer breeze or during a storm in the midst of the cold, blustery winter. Their beauty is twofold both in form and function.