Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall:Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area is a 600 acre nature conservancy on the Phippsburg Peninsula. Here you will find a four mile loop trail, it is a pleasant and non-vigorous walk through the marshland. You will slowly ascend to the 210-foot Morse Mountain, then down to Sewall Beach. Be sure to stay on the road and beach path at all times, the ecology of the area is somewhat fragile. This is a great place for watching hawks as they make their annual migration in September. Be sure to pick up a map from the wooden box in the parking lot. There is no admission fee and the park is open sunrise to sunset.
Tag: Winter
Camden Hills State Park: Where The Mountains Meet The Sea
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall:Camden Hills State Park located on Belfast Road is the best place to understand why Camden is often referred to as “where the mountains meet the sea”. A short drive and $3 gets you to the top of Mount Battie the center piece of the 5600-acre Camden Hills State Park. You can also climb the summit’s stone tower for an even better view. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails for suited to everyone’s ability. It is roughly an hour long hike from the parking lot. The park offers over 100 sites for camping and picnics and is wheelchair accessible. There is a two night minimum for camping and the non resident cost is $20 per site. per night. The park is open May 1 through October 30. the hiking trails are accessible all winter.
Polar Express: From Portland Maine To The North Pole, Can You Hear The Bells
Winter: Attention Polar Express fans, you no longer have to travel out of state to enjoy this popular kid’s tale. This year, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad will celebrate the holiday season by offering the Polar Express train ride from November until mid-December. Bring your little ones dressed in their pajamas and hop aboard the train which will depart from the Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portland. Once aboard the train, riders will be served hot chocolate so rich it taste like it is made from melted chocolate bars by Santa’s elves dressed in full attire. As the train makes it way slowly along the edge of Portland’s East End, you will be entertained with a live reading of the Polar Express story. After spending some time on the train, you will be dropped off at the “North Pole” which is fully decorated for Christmas and there you will be greeted by Santa’s helpers and led to the “big man” himself where all little ones can spend some time reviewing their Christmas list with the jolly old fellow. Your children will squeal with delight in anticipation of receiving the first gift of the season. Who knows if you will hear those bells from Santa’s sleigh…it all depends on if you truly believe. After taking some time to enjoy the Polar Express, be sure to stop in at Monument Square and check out the city’s Christmas tree. The kids will be amazed at the huge tree and all of those glistening lights. All of this is sure to put you into the Christmas spirit and really remind you of what the magic of Christmas is all about!
Comedy Clubs: Lift Your Spirit With Laughter
Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer: Times are tough and sitting home watching the television will probably not make you feel any better. If you need a little cheering up consider making a trip to one of the local comedy shows in the Portland area. Going to a comedy show is a fun thing to do with a group of friends and great way to forget your troubles for a little while. Every Friday night, you will find a different headlining comedian performing at the Gold Room during their Friday Night Comedy Night series. Located behind Jokers, the Gold Room is has private tables, a bar area and enough laughs to keep you rolling through the night. Why not break the monotony of everyday and make plans to attend one of these great comedy spots in the Portland area. You could enjoy some cheap eats before the show at Granny’s Burritos on Fore Street. Delicious food, reasonably priced and they also have a great vegan menu that is out of this world! If you don’t have the cash for a full meal then just do dessert at Mim’s where you can discover some of the most scrumptious desserts all reasonably priced. Top your dessert off with a hot cappuccino and things are looking better all the time! Put some laughs on your to do list and hit a comedy show for a good time. Remember, laughter is good for the soul!
Downtown Portland: Catch The Holiday Vibe In Town
Winter: During the holiday season, if you haven’t made a trip to the downtown area of Portland now is a good time to do so. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season starting with the city christmas tree which stands proudly in center of Monument Square. The Time and Temp building is decked out in holiday style with red and white Christmas bells finding their way up the face of the building. Be sure to catch the free horse and carriage rides which will bring you in and around the downtown area during the weekend, it’s a fun way to spend some time with that someone special and the kids love the ride as well. After taking a carriage ride, head over to Arabica and sit back and enjoy a café mocha on the couches in this hip and happening coffee shop. Still got shopping to do? The downtown area offers some great places to find that perfect gift. Need a great book for your friend? Check out Longfellow Books, they have a great selection of contemporary, classics and a wonderful kid’s room. After spending some time in the bookstore head over to Bliss where you are sure to find the perfect outfit for any holiday get together. There are so many unique shops in the Old Port area you could certainly find something for everyone on your list. Downtown Portland will definitely put you in the holiday spirit and if you are looking for some fun things to do there are plenty of special events going on through the holidays that will help keep the season bright. Tis’ the season!