Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: On Civic Center Drive in Augusta Maine sits the largest shopping center in the state. At 1.3 million square feet, the stores and restaurants offer an excellent variety for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, formal wear for that dinner party or cramp-ons and an ice pick to climb the chimney route on Mt. Katahdin, the Augusta Marketplace can cater to your every need. There is more than enough here to keep you occupied for an entire day. Centrally located 60 miles north of Portland and 60 miles south of Bangor you won’t want to miss out on this retail playground.
Tag: Spring
Fort Western: A Pilgrims Paradise
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall:Fort Western is a striking presence. It is situated on the east bank of the historic Kennebec River in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1754 it is America’s oldest surviving wooden fort. Fort Western was used as a storehouse to support Fort Halifax, to the north. The great fort was garrisoned from 1754 to 1767. Benedict Arnold used Fort Western for his assault on Quebec during the American Revolution. Walk in visits are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are also special events held throughout the entire year. Next time you are heading to Augusta be sure to stop at Historic Fort Western.
Scenic Drive: Rte 201, A Scenic Highway To Canada
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: From Madison, Maine, Route 201 winds its way north along beautiful lakes and rivers. Also known as the Old Canada Road this highway is part of the National Scenic Byways Program. The Route snakes its way to the Quebec border passing through quaint, quiet villages and along the upper Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, and the Dead River. There are many four season outfitters along the way offering accomadations, restaurants, whitewater rafting, fishing and hunting trips as well as snowmobile and snowshoe rentals. Driving this road is particularly stunning in September and October when the trees are ablaze in Autumn colors. The rest stop just south of Jackman provides a stellar overlook with views of Holeb and Attean Ponds the Moose River and distant peaks. Jackman is popular spot for snowmobiling and is the last “town” before you reach the border so be sure to check your gas gage before passing it by. Besides the views and recreational opportunities this area has a lot of history from river run log drives to Benedict Arnold’s footsteps.
Fiddlehead Picking: A Tasty Way To Spend A Day
Spring: A long standing springtime tradition in Maine is gathering fiddleheads for the dinner table. Fiddleheads are actually Ostrich Ferns, and are only good to eat right after they sprout from the ground, and before the fern unferls. Named because of their likeness to the headstock of a fiddle these delicious treats taste similar to asparagas and are generally boiled or steamed and served with vinegar or butter. It is important to note that there are many varieties of ferns in Maine, so make sure to properly identify what you are picking. Fiddleheads grow along brooks and rivers after spring flood waters recede in April and May so bring some high waterproof rubber boots. Most folks gather fiddleheads in buckets and then clean them thouroughly removing all of the brown “husk material” before being prepared. Time is of the essence when picking these northwoods treats, because after these ferns mature they are no longer fit for consumption. So grab a bucket, boots, and a map and go seek out these tasty spring greens.
Traditional Skills Courses: Earthways School Of Wilderness Living
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: Since 1988 Ray and Nancy Reitze have operated Earthways Guided Canoe Trips and School of Wilderness Living. Their mission is “To teach people the ancient ways of living with the earth so they may hold a renewed perspective of love for all things and move forward with knowledge of both the past and present to freely choose their life’s purpose”. The school has an extensive schuedule including, study of wild medicinal plants and edibles, basket making, snowshoe lacing, and flint knapping and vision quests. Guided wilderness journeys on foot, snowshoes or by canoe through some of the most remote destinations in the Skowhegan area. Ray learned woods lore as a child from a Native American elder and is very passionate about all things wild. Primitive camp sites are also available on their property in Canaan. This is an exceptional way to get back to nature and learn as much about it as you will about yourself.