Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall: Locals and visitors alike love Freeport for all the outlet shopping that it offers. But, there is more to Freeport than just the shops that draw the crowds. If you are looking for things to do while you are in town here are a few things to keep you occupied. Check out the Walk-On Adventure Tours offered through LL Bean’s outdoor adventure program. For only $15 you can try your hand at cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fly fishing, archery, kayaking or even clay shooting. There is not preregistration required so it is the perfect way to spend some time spontaneously trying something new. After your outdoor adventure, head over to Cold River Vodka Distillery and tour Maine’s very own premium distillery. The vodka is actually produced from potatoes grown in Northern Maine. This summer, Cold River infused their Maine potato vodka with another well known Maine product, blueberries. The combination was delicious and you can sample it during your tour of the distillery. Another fun thing to do is to check out Freeport Cheese & Wine Friday night wine tasting events. Every third Friday in the month, this specialty cheese and wine shop opens its doors for visitors to come and enjoy some of Freeport’s best selection of both imported and domestic wines and cheeses. This is a fun event that is great to do with friends. Feel like taking it outside? Then take a ride over to Wolfe’s Neck Farm. Whether you take part in their nature walking adventures or attend their sourdough bread making session, there is always something to do on the farm. We recently attended the do it yourself astronomy class which was both fun and informative. If you are looking for some live music, check out the Hilton Garden where you will find Maine’s very own Tony Boffa Jazz Quartet performing on a weekly basis. After spending some time in and outside, head over to the Harraseeket’s Broad Arrows Tavern and enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire and the taste of some great food. The atmosphere feels like a rustic lodge where you can see the wood fired oven from the open kitchen at any spot in the dining room. Kick back, have a cocktail and enjoy yourself after taking some time discovering the other side of Freeport.
Tag: Summer
FREEport, Maine: Free (Or Close To It) Fun Things To Do
Spring, Summer & Fall: Everyone loves a bargain, and folks flock to Freeport in search of a deal. Don’t get trapped in the stores, there is plenty to do and you don’t have to spend money having fun! Freeport has many spots that are a naturalist delight. If you have a canoe of small kayaks head over to Mill Stream Landing where you can access the Harraseeket River, which is tidal so be careful to check the tide charts before you head out. Once out there you will enjoy the quiet beauty of the natural habitat and wildlife living on and around the banks of the river. Take some time to paddle up stream where you will eventually come into a small eddy where you can stop and enjoy some great bird watching from the edge of the water. If you find yourself without a boat and are looking for a great place to explore on foot, then you definitely need to check out Tidewater. This property is a natural conservation trust that runs along the river and is home beautiful wild natural gardens and orchards. Between the wildflowers and wildlife you could spend the entire day exploring this spot. Be sure to grab your camera to take advantage of some of the great photo opportunities. Another great place to explore at no cost is the Mast Landing Sanctuary which is now a 140 acre preserve but, once served as a central spot for ship mast construction as part of the areas shipbuilding trade. Here you will have a blast discovering the different outbuildings that once housed a thriving trade in the mid-coast area. There really are two sides of Freeport that visitors should take the time to discover and if you are looking for some free things to do than FREEport is your town!
Cape Elizabeth, Maine: Things To Do That Aren’t Boring
Spring, Summer & Fall: From the Atlantic, Cape Elizabeth stands as the entrance of Portland Harbor where two lighthouses, one very well known one and one slightly obscure stand as watch keepers. This sleepy coastal town has more high priced ocean front property per square mile than most of Maine’s coastline. With wonderful lighthouses, beaches and state parks, Cape Elizabeth offers visitors plenty to do. While you are there make sure you skip all the high priced, overly hyped restaurants and head straight to the Lobster Shack. First, it is almost like beach front dining and second you cannot find better fried clams or a heartier lobster roll around. No lettuce, light mayo and huge chunks of the freshest lobster available straight off the boat. Situated on Two Lights Road, which if you haven’t figured out is the road that leads to both lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth you will love the food as well as the water front dining experience. After you are finished eating, head down the road and plant on taking some photos of the most photographed and famous of the two lighthouses, Portland Headlight. If you keep going a bit further, you will eventually find the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse which is smaller but, views from the property are scenic and offer a great spot to plant a blanket and spend some time enjoying the sights around you. Another great place to check out while in Cape Elizabeth is to check out Robinson Woods which is located on Shore Road. There you will find 87 acres of well worn trails that are easy to navigate and run along the ocean’s edge. Pet owners are welcome to bring your leashed dogs along for the walk through this great trail system. In additions to fantastic trails you will love exploring the wonderful vernal pools that form during the spring time. There is no room for boredom here, Cape Elizabeth offers you plenty of fun things to do!
Old Orchard Beach, Maine Vacation: While Your There, Leave!
Summer & Fall: Old Orchard is a summertime hub for tourist as well as locals. With the amusement park atmosphere and the old time Coney Island vibe you can see why this beachside resort town draws a crowd. Okay, so stop in check it out do the rides, play some mini golf at Pirates Cove, catch a couple of waves and then pack it up and head out! There are some great spots, close by that you definitely don’t want to miss while in the area. First, thing to do is check out the incredibly beautiful, Ferry Beach. This place rocks! With over 100 acres of white sand and a great hiking trail system, you can spend the day enjoying the beach and not fighting the crowds which is how the Maine coast should be enjoyed. I also like this beach a lot because pet owners are able to bring leashed pets out for a walk along the water which is nice if you are looking for a place to go with pooch. Another great thing to do while in the area is grab your clubs and hit the links. There are two great golf courses right in the general vicinity of Old Orchard each offering both scenic and challenging courses. You may be looking for a little more excitement which if that’s the case than plan on hitting the races, whether it is auto racing or horse racing, you will love the fast paced excitement and thrills of watching the competition. Another fun thing to do is to head over to Biddeford Pools which is maybe a fifteen minute drive and some of the best swimming in the area. While you are there be sure to swing by Wood Island Lighthouse which is Maine’s second oldest lighthouse in the state. There is plenty to do in the Old Orchard Beach area so be sure to explore beyond the strip and the pier so you don’t miss out!
Portland, Maine: Fun Things To Do Within A 1 Hour Drive
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter: There are so many great things to do in Portland but, why make this your only destination spot! Within an hour of Portland, you could find yourself at the state’s capital, on one of Maine’s best beaches, shopping at some of the best outlets or even skiing on the slopes one of Maine’s most popular mountains. So get going and head north on I95 until you find yourself entering the heart of Kennebec Valley and in Maine’s state capital, Augusta. There you can tour the state house, visit the Maine State Museum, walk the grounds of the Governor’s mansion or even explore old Fort Western. Hop in your car and this time head east on Route 1 and you will find yourself entering the center of mid-coast Maine and getting close to one of Maine’s prettiest beaches, Popham Beach in Phippsburg. The beach is amazing with wonderful tidal pools that form when the tide goes out. You can spend hours searching the beach for sea dollars and there is a great island that can be explored at low tide as well. After the beach head back toward Bath and stop in to the quaint downtown area and enjoy an ice cream cone while sitting on the banks of the Kennebec River. If you decide that shopping is on your list of things to do, head south on 295 until you get to the Kittery Outlets and shopping palazzo! After spending time finding some great bargains be sure to swing by Whaleback Lighthouse which looks out over the Piscataqua River, it’s a great place to take some amazing photos! During the winter months you can always find some exciting things to do like skiing Shawnee Peak! You can get to the mountain and be on the slopes in just under an hour drive from Portland. Be sure to try out their night skiing, it’s a great thing to do in the middle of a winter vacation in Maine! Check out Portland and all there is to do in the area, you will be surprised at where it may lead you!