Tag: Summer

Summer: If you are traveling on Route 1 in the Ellsworth area, it may be worth your time to visit Scoodic Point and the Scenic Byway Attractions along the way. On Route 1 at the Sullivan town line, keep your eyes open for some of the prettiest coastal sites in Maine. The view of Sullivan offers drivers panoramic scenes of blue water in direct contrast to the rocky coast line of Maine. Not far down the road, make sure you stop into the scenic turnout with great views of Mount Desert Island and Sullivan Mountain. Keep heading down the road and there is a picnic area with fabulous views of Long Cove and rest room facilities just in case. You will pass by the historic Old John Dority Grange Hall which was built in 1870 eventually finding your way into the center of West Gouldsboro Village. Continuing on through Summer Harbor Road you will be faced with stunning views of Frenchman’s Bay and Cadillac Mountain. Finally you will enter Winter Harbor where you can end your day with a relaxing picnic at the Mark Island Lighthouse. This is a beautiful part of Maine that most people miss unless they know about it. I recommend you try this scenic byway on your next vacation “downeast”.

Summer: Birdsacre is the perfect spot for nature enthusiast, bird lovers and histoy buffs to explore. This sanctuary offers visitors 200 acre to explore and thanks to it’s visionary Cordelia Stanwood, and her lifelong work and love of nature, it’s a great place for families. Birdsacre is filled with photographs of some of the rarest specimens. The Stanwood Historic Museum and Sanctuary has been open to the public since 1960. Entering the doors of the homestead is like stepping back into a time capsule. The beautifully restored home is open to the public throughout the summer months into September and admission is free of charge.The grounds offers miles of scenuc hiking trails perfect for the entire family. It is fun to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife. With several ponds and pools your family can enjoy a picnic while watching the birds. Birdsacre has also become the home to injured birds who are unable to survive in the wilderness. With several species of owls and hawks your family can enjoy these hard to spot birds close up.Birdsacre is a wonderful place to visit and experience the living history of one of Maine’s top Ornithologist.

Summer: For a small town in Washington County, Grand Lake Stream shines during the last week of July. The Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival was the proud recipient of the 2006 Excellence in Tourism Award and one trip there will make it clear why. Choke full of the finest offerings from artist showing off their best. You will find handmade items from musical instruments, folk painting, hand turned wooden bowls, pottery, stained glass, spinning, baskets, iron work and the list goes on. There is also live music that is on going throughout the event. The music varies from jazz to bluegrass.Builders and guides are on hand to display their talent at boat building and explain the evolution of the canoe. You will find canoes made from everything from birch bark to fiberglass with on-going building demostrations. So take some time out this summer and find your way to one of the most pristine wilderness areas of New England to the Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival.

Summer: So you’ve got this great kayak and aren’t sure where to go…look no further. Get in your car and take a trip to Acadia National Park area and get ready to explore. With so places to explore you could spend a week just kayaking in that one area and never cross a path twice. With the dramatic views of Acadia National Park’s mountains it creates the perfect place to explore all the inlets and bays and some of the best kayaking in the state. The trip from Southwest Harbor to Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry Island is undoubtly one of the best trips on the coast that Maine has to offer. As you paddle your way across the gleaming bay you will you will be able to spot mountains including the famous Cadillac Mountain.Not only are you surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains but, you also will most likely have a close encounter with the sea life. Harbor seals are known to hang out on the rocks and if your lucky you could even spot a whale cresting to the surface. What a great trip and what a wonderful way to really enjoy that kayak!

Summer: If you have never had an encounter of one of nature’s largest mammals than a whale watching trip is for you. Whale watching cruises are available up and down the coast of Maine. The chances of you spotting one of these majestic creatures is very high considering just 20 miles off Maine’s coast you will find prime feeding ground for these beautifu sea creatures. Most companies are so confident that you will spot a whale on their cruise, they often offer money back guarantees. What a great way to spend a day as a family on the ocean searching out one of these creatures.Nothing can beat the excitement of that first peak of a fin or the spout from a cresting whale. The sheer size of these whales is breathtaking. While on board it is not uncommon to catch site of harbor seals, dolphins and puffins. The beauty of the Maine coast line and a whale watching cruise, the perfect combination for a summer day.