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!
Tag: Spring
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.
Seafood: Don’t Forget The Haddock!
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter: If you are a Maine lobster fan but are looking to try some new options in seafood, don’t forget the haddock! Nothing beats Gulf of Maine haddock, mild, white and flaky and it can be enjoyed so many ways. Many restaurants in the state offer it fried, baked, stuffed or even in milky white chowder. Whichever way you choose you certainly will not be disappointed. An even more traditional way to enjoy haddock is the famous fried haddock sandwich with cheese and tartar sauce on a roll. You can’t beat the Sea Basket’s on Route 1 in Wiscasset. The haddock is deep fried to golden perfection and it’s usually fresh off the boat. Another place just down the road is Red Eats, known for their lobster rolls which are definitely recommended, Red’s also has great fried haddock sandwiches. Another traditional way to enjoy haddock in Maine is in fish chowder. This is a savory-milk based soup that is made sometimes with or without potatoes but, always with only the freshest haddock. A great place to enjoy some of the best haddock chowder is Hattie’s Chowder House in the heart of Hallowell. Hattie’s has some of the best haddock chowder around. Hot, creamy and loaded with fresh Maine haddock, you just can’t beat it! So the next time you go out for seafood, don’t forget the haddock!
Pottery: Unique, Hand-Crafted Works Of Art
Spring, Summer & Fall: There is something about hand crafted items that appeals to people. Perhaps it is the knowledge that someone took the time and creativity to bring their craft to fruition. Pottery has always been a popular art form and with such great galleries in the state it’s hard to know where to go to find quality pieces where function and form become a perfect combination. If you are in the mid-coast area two great places to stop is Georgetown Potters and Edgecomb Potters. These studios produce some of the finest pieces of pottery in the state. Edgecomb Potters literally puts this small mid-coast town as a stop for most who enjoy pottery and are traveling through the area. The studio is a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors with wonderful displays of pottery that show off their ability to mix specialize glazes and colors creating unique color patterns on each piece. In addition to pottery they also have a wonder collection of glass pieces and jewelry all hand-crafted. I love the set of the gallery. A large deck provides a great show space for their pottery collection and catches visitors eyes from the parking lot. Inside, one is surrounded by light and space. The space is filled with wonderful pieces of art in all colors with enough pieces to appeal to anyone’s taste. Another great stop while you are in the area is Georgetown Potters. This place is known for it’s famous Ikebanas vases. These vases are the perfect way to enjoy simplistic flower arrangements and definitely make a statement. In addition, they have a wonderful collection of whimsical “Maine” themed patterns that grace these sturdy pieces of pottery. Go explore the Mid-Coast area and discover these two wonderful pottery shops. They make excellent gift items for any occasion.
Animal Farms: Get Dirty On A Maine Farm
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter : Most people don’t think of Maine as “farm country” but, you would be surprised at how many working farms we have in our beautiful state. One way to spend a day on an animal farm and see what goes on behind the scene is to visit one of Maine’s family working farms. In Rockport there is a great farm that you can do just this called Aldermere Farm. You will know you are close because as you approach the farm you will begin to see pastures filled with the most unusual cows called belted galloways. If you have never seen one these cows look as if they have a white band that that goes completely around the middle section of their bodies. The farm is a wonderful place to visit besides seeing these distinguished bovine. This farm offers a big variety of season tours and programs. Another great animal farm to visit is Blueberry Hills Farm in Jefferson. They have a whole range of animals from cattle, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats and chickens. They also have some of the finest fresh organic produce and even produce their own syrup by tapping their maples each spring. The apple orchards are always busy in the fall so year round you will find something going on at this family run farm. Many of the working farms in Maine also double as bed and breakfasts so you can literally stay and “play” for however long your heart desires. Check out these great animal farms where you really can become part of the action.