Spring, Summer, Fall: What could be more fun on a hot summer day than innertubing on a lazy river with friends and family. The town of The Forks is great place to plan a tubing adventure. Named after the confluence of the Dead and Kennebec Rivers, the town of The Forks has long been a destination for adventure. From the old days of river run log drives, this town has evolved into Maine’s epicenter for whitewater rafting and kayaking. And while the section of the Kennebec River from Harris Dam to the Route 201 bridge can be crowded with rafters. Tubers will find nearly eight miles of easy floating, crowd free river from the Route 201 bridge to the town of Caratunk. This section of river is swift moving and easy going water rated only class I, and is perfect for first time floaters. There are plenty of local outfitters you can rent tubes, duckies, or canoes from. They can also arrange to leave your vehicle down river for you if you have your own tubes, so all you have to worry about is not getting sunburned.
Tag: Spring
Maine Maple Syrup: Taste The Sweet Side Of Maine
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: There’s nothing quite like a warm stack of pancakes covered in butter and hot Maple Syrup on a Sunday Morning. I’m not talking about the kind of “stuff” sold in stores that is labeled as Maple Syrup, but the real deal boiled down from the sap of Sugar Maples. Here in Maine; and New England in general, peoples spirits begin to lift when sunny days in March signal the coming change of season. These sunny days also get the Maple sap moving in the roots of trees and mark the start of Maple Syrup season. All across Maine there are families whose livelyhood depends on this sweet sticky stuff. And it is a good time of the year to get out and shake off the winter blues and enjoy the taste of tradition here in Maine. There are many Maple Syrup “Sugar Shacks” or Farms across the state, and visiting one during production is sure to be remembered. The process involves tapping the trees once the spring thaw begins, and can last for up to six weeks. It takes about 10 gallons of sap to make one quart of syrup, and the process varies from farm to farm. Generally the last weekend of March is the time these operations are in full swing, and is why folks call it Maine Maple Sunday. Good news is you can enjoy the rich taste of Maine Maple Syrup any time from anywhere, but there is nothing quite like enjoying it at one of these Traditional Maine Sugar Shacks.
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.
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.