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.
Tag: Summer
Bailey Island & Bailey Island Cruises: Come Discover Land’s End
Summer: On the southern-most tip of the town of Harpswell just 13 miles outside of Brunswick you will find Bailey’s Island. This island is a picture postcard of a typical Maine coastal living. The waters a filled with lobster boats with New England styled homes lining the shore. At the end of the road you will find the famous Land’s End Gift Shop which is filled with novelty items and trinkets that can be found in seaside gift shops. The views from that spot a fabulous and there is a small beach area where you could enjoy a picnic lunch or for the brave a quick dip in the chilly Atlantic’s waters. Cook’s Lobster House is on Bailey’s Island as well and is famous for the freshest, just off the boat seafood. From the Cook’s docks visitors can catch a scenic cruise through Casco Bay. There are 222 islands in Casco Bay alone and on many of these cruises you get to see some of the better known ones like Eagle Island, Haskell Island and Mackerel Cove. If you are looking for a more adventuresome way of getting to Bailey Island you might want to consider taking a ferry from Portland. The Bailey Island Cruise is a round trip ride from Portland’s ferry terminal on Commercial Street in and around 20 of Casco Bay’s islands. It is a 40 mile roundtrip cruise and is a fun trip for all ages. During our trip we were able to see many seal and take some great photos along the way. Bailey Island whichever way you decide to visit is definitely worth the trip.
A Real Maine Adventure: Reny’s Discount Store
Fall,Winter,Spring & Summer: Reny’s discount store is a real “Maine Adventure”. If you have never been there to do some real shopping there is no better time than the present especially with the holidays right around the corner! For locals Reny’s is right up there with blueberry pie and lobster, it’s like a Maine staple. You never know just what you may find and you are always sure to find whatever it may be at a discount price which makes it that much sweeter. Reny’s was one of the first stores to offer the famous Early Bird sale in November. You can find anything there from home goods to Carharts and with stores from Bath to Wells you probably won’t have to drive far to get there. This chain of discount stores is owned and operated by a Maine family that believed in the value of the dollar and thought that offering brand name merchandise at discount prices may be a smart venture. Almost 60 years later and still going strong, I think they may be on to something.
Darby’s Restaurant: A Belfast Tradition
Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Belfast is a small coastal town with a very cozy place to hang out and grab some great eats with friends or that special someone. Darby’s Restaurant located near historic Main Street offers delicious food in a casual, relaxing, atmosphere. The menu is affordable and the restaurant itself is located in a restored 1865 antique brick building. Guest are greeted to the charm of beautiful tin ceilings and the original oak bar where patrons have been served continuously for 140 years. The menu has a wide appeal to many different taste and best of all the dishes prepared are made with the freshest ingredients and from scratch. From home made breads and delicious desserts your mouth will water. After dinner why not go enjoy a movie at the historic Colonial Theater located next door. The glamorous and fully refurbished Colonial Theatre has offered entertainment to Belfast since the early 1900’s and actually opened it’s doors on the very day the Titanic set sail. Now this locally owned and operated theater shows the best of Hollywood, independent and foreign films year round on three screens. A night out in Belfast may be just what the doctor ordered!
Maine Antique Toy & Art Museum: A Step Back In Time
Winter,Spring,Summer & Fall: Stepping inside the Maine Antique Toy & Art Museum is like taking a walk back in history. The Museum is choke full of antique toys from the 1930’s, 40’s & 50’s. The Museum owner has been collecting these precious items for years and has an impressive collection of toys ranging from an original 1930’s Mickey Mouse to a original pieces belonging to the Lone Ranger which include his hat, mask and the two original Colt .45 pistols. This is a antique toy collection that can only be described as abundant. From toy soldiers, to Lionel trains, Staffordshire to original comic book art. Visitors have called this one of the finest collections in world. The museum is located on Route 1 in Waldoboro and open year round with limited winter hours.