Summer: July is the month we take time out to celebrate the history of our country and with so many family barbeques and get-togethers planned they are sure to include going to watch the fireworks. Around the state you will find plenty of places to go. If you are in the Augusta area, be sure to stop in at Capital Park where the fireworks display ends the Whatever Week Family Celebration. Pack a blanket and find your spot in the park and sit back and relax. In Portland, you can watch the fireworks display on the banks of the Eastern Promenade. Make sure you arrive early to get a great seat! If you are in the Boothbay Harbor area check out their fireworks display displayed over the harbor. Along with the fireworks Boothbay also has a festival that includes crafts and children’s games during the day. Grab a lawn chair and find your way close to the town center at dusk. The fireworks are let off a barge in the center of the harbor so if you have a boat you get an even better seat! Bath celebrates Heritage Days during the 4th and their fireworks display is released from the banks of the Kennebec. Make your way to the park near the library and enjoy the show. The Bath Municipal Band is usually playing patriot songs during the event which makes for a fun time. After take a walk downtown through the carnival and grab some fried dough and enjoy the live music! So during the 4th have fun with family and friends and enjoy some good old fashion fireworks!
Tag: Summer
Bike Ride: Rent A Bike And Tour Portland
Summer, Fall & Spring: With the warm months here for us to enjoy nothing can be more fun than cruising on a bike. Riding a bike is a great way to discover new sites and save on gas. Why not rent a bike and discover all there is to be seen in Portland. Cycle Mania is a great place to rent a bike for the day or hour and is located close to the Old Port so you can literally start your trip in one of the best parts of Portland. You could take a historic site seeing trip on your bike visiting Longfellow’s House, the First Parish Church and Monument Square. While you are in Monument Square be sure to stop in and grab a great cup of coffee at Zarrah’s and enjoy the outside seating. On Wednesdays Monument Square turns into a farmers market and is filled with the most beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables you can find anywhere. Hop back on your bike and head toward the Eastern Prom. Half way up Munjoy Hill you will reach the Portland Observatory, take a few moments to climb to the top and enjoy the sweeping views of Portland Harbor. Get back on your bike and head up to the top of the Eastern Prom where you will be greeted with a fabulous view and historical sites like Fort Gorges. After exploring the Eastern side of Portland, if you are really feeling adventurous, you could peddle your way across the Million Dollar Bridge and down Route 77 into Cape Elizabeth where you could spend some time enjoying the sites at Fort Williams State Park and the well known and loved, Portland Head Light. This is the perfect spot to enjoy some lunch and just rest listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks. Whatever route you choose you will love the feeling of the wind on your face and the freedom to go where you want on a bike.
Sailing: Rent A Sailboat For The Day In Casco Bay
Summer & Fall: If you are looking for a unique way to spend some of your vacation time on the Maine coast why not consider renting a sailboat and exploring Casco Bay. Imagine sitting on the bow of your sailboat as the nose of the boats cuts through the shimmering sea, the salty wind blows through your hair and the sun shines without a cloud in the sky. Not only is sailing Maine’s coastline a great adventure but, there are so many great places to discover while sailing in the Casco Bay area. Casco Bay is littered with islands likes Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island and Jewel Island. Each one of these islands offers visitors unique places to discover and enjoy. Nothing can complete a perfect day of sailing except for pier fresh Maine lobster. If you find yourself getting a hankering for some than be sure to drop anchor around Great Diamond Island and enjoy just what you are looking for at the Diamond’s Edge Restaurant. Whether you order it steamed or baked stuffed, you will not find it fresher than here. Peaks Island is a great place to stop if you are looking for some quiet beaches to relax on. Peaks also is a great place to rent a bike and ride around the island to explore all there is to see. Another great thing to check out is the lighthouses that are best viewed by boat. Cape Elizabeth Light formerly known as Two Lights is just what I am talking about. The view of this lighthouse is best seen from the water. This lighthouse was made famous by Edward Hoppers paintings in the 1920s. Another great lighthouse of Casco Bay is the Portland Head Light. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap some great photos of both of these spots. Speaking of camera, have it close by at all times because you will be sure to encounter some sea animals along the way, seals, whales and birds are easily spotted from your vantage point. Summer in Maine means enjoying the coast so why not rent a sailboat and discover it all from a different perspective.
West End Sunset: Chill Out And Watch The Sunset
Summer: The West End of Portland is filled with brownstone, iron gated fences and history. This part of Portland has many great examples of the turn the century architecture. The views from western promenade are beautiful and far reaching. One of the best places to enjoy the evening sunset is on the banks of the Western Prom. The Western Prom is also the home of one of the most well known Italianate Victorian mansion, the West mansion. Across from the West Mansion you can find a benches in the park to perch on and enjoy the scenery. Every Wednesday during July and August park goers can enjoy the sounds of the Sunset Folk Series. The live music is great and it’s a wonderful way to unwind after a long day at work. Grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy dinner while listening to the music and the sunset of course. After the sun goes down plan to head into town and enjoy the summer evening. The Western Prom is not far from some of the area hot spots like the White Heart where there is outdoor seating and of course the infamous White Heart cocktail. The walk is only a couple of blocks away and well worth the trip. Wednesday nights tend to be quiet but, there is always a seat that can be found and a drink to be enjoyed. Check out the Western Prom and all the historical charm and sweeping views it has to offer.
Eastern Promenade: A Simple Thing To Do, Just Enjoy The View!
Summer The Eastern Promenade has gone through quite a transition over the past few years. Now with the restoration of many of the homes and some eclectic places to eat, the Eastern Prom has grown in popularity. The Eastern Prom also offers a great spot to just hang out by yourself or with the family. Fort Allen Park is a great place to fly a kite with wide open spaces and a continuous breeze blowing off the bay. The kids will love the playground and the nearby ball field is right there if your in the mood for an impromptu game of whiffle ball. It’s a wonderful place to bring a blanket and enjoy a good book while watching the boats come in and out of Portland Harbor. Don’t feel like sitting, try the walking path, known as the Rail Trail, that meanders along the waters edge and provides a perfect spot to walk your dog. Or play tennis with breathtaking views of the harbor. Looking to cool off on a hot, sunny day, check out the East End Beach which is full of beach glass and wonderful sea treasures, also a fun place to take your pet for a swim. At the top of the Eastern Prom you can see one of Portland’s historic sites, Fort Gorges. Boaters, you are in luck because there is a boat launch close to the East End beach where you can put in and enjoy cruising Casco Bay exploring all the islands. Take a ride to the Eastern Prom and enjoy the view and all there is to see and do!