Summer: While traveling along Rt. 17 through Union you will find one of Maine’s only winery and distilleries. The beautiful landscape ot the farm lands greet visitors to Sweetgrass Farm and the wines and spirits that are produced there are fabulous. Using native fruits such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries the farms owner creates award-winning wines, gins and fruit flavored brandies. Taking a tour of the winery is a fascinating way to learn about wine production and even sample the beverages available for purchase. From the sweet and crisp apple wine perfectly tart, red cranberry apple wine all are full of flavor and delicious. The Peach is a perfect compliment to the warm summer months. The farm runs along the Medomak River and guest are welcome to enjoy the hiking trails along the property. Native Maine wine makes a perfect gift so stop in today and enjoy a visit to Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery, Maine’s only winery and distillery.
Tag: Summer
Fort Knox: Maine’s Own Fort Knox
Summer, Spring, Fall: Maine is home to its own Fort Knox, located in Prospect along the Penobscot River. The fort was built in 1844 orinally to protect the state from a British Naval invasion. During the American Revolution it was utilized as a cannon battery. The fort is a great historical treasure that can be explored by the whole family. There is now an observatory at the top of the newly constructed Penobscot Narrows Bridge in which can be accessed through the fort. It rises 420 ft. above sea level and provided visitors with unbelievable views of the whole fort as well as the river valley. Bring a picnic lunch with you or make this a stop on your way up to Bar Harbor. The Fort is open from May to November, sun up to sun set. It is a great way to experience Maine’s rich history.
Oceanfront Camping: Hermit Island Campground
Summer: Looking for some oceanfront accomodations for your next vacation? You should definitely check out Hermit Island in Phippsburg just outside of Bath. With 255 acres of Maine coast and 5 miles of rocky coastline and white sand beach you will love this campground. There are over 200 private campsites to choose from and some have panoramic ocean views that you can wake up to each morning. There is nothing like camping among the sand dunes with the oceans waves lulling you to sleep at night. The campground is family friendly with a “snack shack” that offers treats and a game room. The beaches located on Hermit Island are absolutely gorgeous and completely private to campers only. The campground is located in a warm water cove so swimming is perfect. You can bring your fishing pole and try your luck at a mackerel, flounder or bass just off the rocks. Hiking along the rocks is fun and the drive to historic Bath is only about 15 minutes if you want to go into town for dinner or shopping.
Vinalhaven: A Haven in the Mid-Coast Area
Summer: Vinalhaven is a short ferry ride out of Rockland Harbor and once you arrive on the island you will see why Mainer’s have called it home for generations. The lobster boats fill the harbor as you arrive on the docks and the picturesque town is welcoming and friendly. The island has several parks and conservation areas to visit. Lane’s Island Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy and offers wonderful views of the bay, fields and bluffs. If you are interested in hiking around the island you may want to check out Middle Mountain Town Park where serious hikers will find the Indian Ladder/Fox Rocks Trails. If you want to enjoy some cool, fresh water swimming visiting the granite quarry at Sunset Rock is perfect.There are a few restaurants on the island if you get hungry and a few shops if you are interested in spending some time in town. It’s always fun to bring your bikes over on the ferry and explore the island.Vinalhaven is a great place to stay for a night but, you need to make sure you have advance reservations. The ferry service is run on a first come first serve basis so it’s good to check out the schedule ahead of time and arrive early. Unless you plan on staying for more than a couple nights a car is not necessary because getting around the island is easier on foot or bike. So next time you are in the mid-coast area be sure to check out Vinalhaven.
Antique Festival: Northern New England’s Largest Antique Event
Summer: Union is a small town but, offers a very popular annual event which puts it on the map. The Maine Antique Festival, held at the Union Fairgrounds is filled to the brim from everything to linens, to furniture, toys and just about anything your heart desires. This three day festival held in August has been running for over 25 years and has grown in size year after year. 350 dealers from all over the country the variety of antiques is huge. I suggest purchasing tickets for the preview sale on the first night if you are in search of a very specific item. If not, just stopping in and browsing from booth to booth is a fun way to spend the day.Because of the proximity to Camden, Union is a great place to spend the day while you could spend the night at one of the many hotels, inns or B&B’s in Camden. Make reservations early for an overnight trip because space fills fast. So even if you are not an antique expert you never know the treasures you may find at The Maine Antiques Festival.