Summer: Just off Portland’s Old Port is Casco Bay, one of New England’s prettiest waterways. Exploring the bay and all the sights is possible even if you don’t have your own boat. There are several sightseeing tour boats that leave the docks daily and can provide visitors with a unique view of Portland’s surrounding islands and sights. From the Lighthouse Lover’s Tour to the Sunset Cruise you will enjoy well narrated cruises through beautiful Casco Bay. From the comfort of your seat you will be able to see the quiet coves, island cottages and sceneic quaint fishing villages. Eagle Island Tours operates just off Long Wharf in Portland. Although advance reservations are not required the tour boats can fill up fast during the summer months so you may want to plan ahead. This is a great thing for the whole family to enjoy. Make sure you pack your sunscreen and a camera because you don’t want to miss the beautiful sites of Casco Bay.
Tag: Summer
Breweries: So Many Breweries, So Little Time
Summer: With over 17 micro breweries in the state you can’t help but, drop in when you are in the area. From Lincolnville to Bar Harbor, The Forks to Gardiner you will not be disappointed in what is being brewed. Some of the best ales and lagers are coming from this state and why not try some since you are here. The first stop when you are in Portland should be at D.L. Geary’s Brewing Company or Gritty McDuff’s both have been brewing beer in Maine for over 20 years. Traveling into central Maine will lead you to Kennebec Brewing company in Gardiner where the taproom is open for tours and tasting daily. In the mid-coast area you will find Rocky Bay Brewing Company and SeaDog Brewing Company. SeaDog has a great restaurant that you can stop in and enjoy while sampling some of their Raspberry Wheat Ale during the summer months.Heading toward Sunday River? Then Stone Coast Brewing Company awaits you. Nestled at the base of Sunday River Ski Resort you can enjoy a cold one there summer or winter. If you can’t travel all around to enjoy some of these great breweries then plan on attending the Maine Brewers Festival held in November in Portland. The Festival is a great way to sample some of these brewers newest or most popular brews along with enjoying great music and some great food.
Free Music: The LL Bean Discovery Park Concert Series
Summer: Looking for a great way to spend an evening without spending any money? Come to Freeport and enjoy one of the great, free outdoor concerts sponsored by LL Bean right in their very own Discovery Park. All you need to bring is a blanket or lawn chair and some snacks if you need some munchies and sit back and enjoy the show. The summer concert series runs from June to September and this year will feature well known national artist such as John Hiatt & Shawn Colvin, The Indigo Grirls, and Don Campbell. This is a family event and the kids are sure to love Maine’s own Rick Charette and The Bubblegum Band. The Portland Symphony Orchestra will be performing in July for all you classical music lovers.What else could you ask for…a wide variey of music from every genre, outside under the stars and best of all, it’s free!
Sailing A Vintage Windjammer: Perfect Way To Experience Maine’s Coast
Summer: Whether you decided on a day trip or and overnight excursion sailing on one of Portland’s beautifully restored wooden schooner ships is sure to be an adventure. At Portland Schooner Co. guest can come aboard two vintage schooners, the Bagheera or the Wendameen. Both of these vessels were designed by one of America’s most celebrated yacht designers, John Alden. We recently enjoyed the two-hour sailing adventure on Casco Bay. It was an awe- inspiring trip. We were able to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy the salt air. Guest are welcome to bring their own meals and favorite beverages including beer and wine. Along the way we were able to enjoy the beautiful sites including local lighthouses, seals, sea birds and the rocky coastline that Maine is so famous for. The crew was extremely friendly and knowledgable and invited guest to join them in hoisting the sails and having a hand on the ship’s wheel. In addition to day trips, the both schooners are available for private chartered trips and overnigh excursions. Our next trip will be an overnight, gazing at the starts and forgetting about all of the cares in the world.
Scarborough Downs: Win, Place Or Show!
Summer, Spring, Fall: If you are looking for an exciting way to spend and afternoon, you may want to check out Scarborough Downs. The Downs offers live harness racing April through December. You can feel the excitement as the race begins and the crowd begins to cheer for their favorite. Even if you have never wagered on horses before, the track offers a “novice window” where help in reading the program placing bets and other racing questions can be answered. The key is to have fun and feel the excitement as the horses round the final stretch and make their way across the finish line. In addition to live harness racing, Scarborough Downs also offer simulcast racing, a VIP lounge and The Downs Club Restaurant. So why not “get to the track” and see what it’s all about!