Summer: Does one really need a reason to visit the picturesque town of Camden. The harbor is full of beautiful boats and Windjammer Weekend is a spectacular parade of these grand old schooners. Camden has been celebrating Maine’s historic fleet of windjammers for 13 years now and the event continues to grow in size and attendance each year. Nearly 30 schooners converge on Camden’s Harbor and visitors are welcome aboard these majestic ships. There is something for everyone, a treasure hunt, face painting, lobster crate racing, a book sale and fireworks. You will find nautical demonstrations and crafts as well as live music in Harbor Park. This is a great late summer event to take the whole family to and enjoy not only the schooners but, all that Camden has to offer.
Tag: Summer
Nelson Nature Perserve: Bird Watching Fun
Summer,Spring & Fall: If you are a bird watchers you may already know about Nelson Nature Preserve. It’s home to some of the more elusive specimens such as the thrush family and woodpeckers. Located 1 mile outside of the coastal town of Friendship, this 95 acre preserve is a bird watchers paradise. There are trails throughout the preserve that give bird watchers the perfect view of these birds. Bird watchers know that is perserve is a hotspot because of it’s mixed landscape of dense forest to swamp lands fronting the Goose River. Based on the landscape and the proximity to the coast it is also the perfect spot to view warblers, especially in the spring. After spend some time in the coastal town of Friendship. Even though it’s a very small town, it does have it’s own museum. It offers Indian Artifacts, Historical Information, as well as Information on the Friendship Sloops.
Farmers Markets: You Can’t Get It Any Fresher
Summer: Drive into just about any town in Maine and you are sure to spot signs annoucing the local Farmers Market. If you are looking for the freshest locally grown produce, herbs, bedding plants, artisanal cheeses, honey, baked goods, organic meats and dairy products than these are the places to stop. It is reminiscent of the open air markets that use to be a way of life. The variety of goods offered are amazing and best of all they are grown locally and organically. You can find Farmers’ Markets in Brunswick, Portland, Augusta, Saco and Windham just to name a few towns. As in most other farmers’ markets in Maine, all of the goods for sale must be the result of the vendor’s own effort. And remember, you make a difference each time you support a local farmer.
Artwalk: A Kaleidoscope Of Artistic Expression
Summer: Taking an Artwalk can be a fun way to explore an area’s arts community and local businesses along the pathway. On a monthly basis various towns offer these Artwalks and Portland isn’t the only city with an Artwalk. You should check out other walks throughout Maine including Brunswick, South Portland, Bath, Yarmouth and Peaks Island. While you are on an artwalk you can see gallery style sculptors, fiberart, wood art, photography and paintings from many local artist. The fun is just to stop in and browse around. In addition, many of the local restaurants offer special dining times to accomodate those who are participating in the artwalk. So get in touch with your creative side and enjoy some art work on an artwalk in a town near you.
Fall Fairs: Maine’s Fall Fair Circuit
Summer,Fall: August is the kick off month for the fall fair circuit in Maine. Some of these fairs have been around for over 100 years. The fairs began as a way to celebrate the communities summer harvest, show off livestock and celebrate a way of life that Mainers have been proud of since early days. Now things have grown but, the premise still remains the same. The Topsham Fair, Cumberland Fair, Union Fair and Windsor Fair are all well known events. Agricultural exhibits fill the 4-H halls, crafts displayed with red, white and blue ribbons, a midway for the kids and harness racing for race fans are usually the mix of events. Most of these fairs offer other events from tractor pulls to pig scrambles and of course the “fair food” like fried dough and sausage sandwiches. Fairs in Maine are great family entertainment and offer something for everyone no matter what their age.