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ENHANCE YOUR SUMMER PLANS
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A tasty blend of the Fabulous, the EyebrowRaising, and the Just Plain Wrong.
CULTURE
26 “YACHTSPOTTING” By Jill Blackwood & Alayna Blier
“STRIPERS FOR BEGINNERS” By Judson Vail
“SOURCE MATERIAL” By Jesse Stenbak & Colin Sargent
73 FINE LIVING
“Comfort Food” By Clif Travers
77 WHIRL OF FESTIVALS
“Toll House Treat” By Colin W. Sargent
118 NEW ENGLAND HOMES AND LIVING
CULTURE
127 FICTION
“Big Kisses” By Dan Domench
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Fox Eyes
The works of two hypnotic Maine poets shimmer with fox imagery. Elizabeth Coatsworth enchants with the line “He is Fox Bewitched!” Here’s Robert Lowell in “Skunk Hour”:
The season’s ill— we’ve lost our summer millionaire, who seemed to leap from an L. L. Bean catalogue. His nine-knot yawl was auctioned off to lobstermen. A red fox stain covers Blue Hill…
And who can forget Winslow Homer’s masterwork The Fox Hunt, 1893?
According to Maine’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, we’re lucky to have not one but two kinds of foxes up here, most visible this time of year at dawn and twilight. I’ll never forget the summer I saw a family of five, including three kits, dancing between the acts on the fringe of the grounds of Ogunquit Playhouse. “Adult red foxes weigh 7-15 pounds and have a distinct red/orange appearance, white chest, black legs, and bushy white-tipped tail. Silver or cross foxes are a melanistic form of the red fox; they appear black, silver, or a combination of red/black/grey and are less common than the typical red phase. Red foxes have keen eyesight and hearing and are very agile, jumping up to six feet high. Red foxes have a special method of hunting with impressive pounces on prey hidden under the snow or ground.”
But here’s a surprise: While foxes as a species remain “the only members of the dog family who can climb trees,” lithe, catlike gray foxes do it best, scaling them with far more efficiency than their red cousins. (Is this how the nickname “kit” originated?) Sadly, red foxes lack the same “specialized climbing adaptations as gray foxes, such as retractable claws.”
Everyone’s a genius at something. Watch them! http://bit.ly/466scdl
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TICKET TO RIDE
I love this piece [“Where’s the Party?” Summerguide 2025] by Diane Hudson in Portland Mag. Witty & wise! Especially the ending requiring a plane!
Ann Zill, Portland
LOBSTER ROLLING
Your summer issue is gorgeous—I am lucky to be part of it.
Nancy English, Portland
OUT OF THE PAST
That is awesome [“This is Liv Ullmann,” May 2005]. That was about a year and a half before I first started getting involved with the Maskers, and people were still buzzing about it. Passing it on to our social media, and I’ll probably run it in our newsletter too.
Erik Perkins, Belfast Makers
RED HANDS, BLUE DANUBE
My husband Stephen and I are returning from our Danube River cruise through Eastern Europe, and our first stop, Bucharest, was made more enjoyable from reading your excellent book.
Cindy Sayers, Kennebunkport
THE EXCHA NGE
by Alden x DW
Maine’s popular Summer vacationer, the Monarch Butterflies, are challenged by habitat loss, climate shifts, and pesticides. Soon they will start their flights to Mexico.
Float
like a... Sting like a... Constitutional Monarchy
Almost 60 years after his legendary fight, heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali is back in Lewiston, in the form of a 10-foot-tall bronze statue. See our exclusive interview with Ali, https://issuu.com/portlandmagazine/docs/2002fmsm/13.
BloodintheWater
beastly, five-foot-wide lion’s mane jellyfish was spot ted at Willard Beach in South Portland. Keep this thing at an arm’s length.
No Jacket Required
“Each guest to the island is treated to a traditional New England clambake: fish chowder, two lobsters, steamers, potato, onion, egg, corn on the cob, choice of beverage, and the best blueberry cake in Maine,” according to Cabbage Island Clambakes $97.50 includes the narrated boat tour to the island. Coastal Critters Clambakes caters the Atlantic Highway Lobster Bake: fresh Maine lobster, clams, mussels, red potatoes, and corn on the cob, $42. Next question: “Is it a lobster bake or a clambake?”
Skirl of the Pipes
Bring your clan to Maine’s 46th Highland Games and Scottish Festival on August 16th and 17th to see Border Collies compete, Scottish sports championships, and bagpipe concerts. As Oscar Wilde said, “At least there is no smell.” He also snarked, “A gentleman is one who knows how to play but doesn’t.” Tickets for sale at www. MaineHighlandGames.org.
Length 285 feet, flank speed 18 knots.
Lonian
Yacht
Spotting
“Always wondered why they called it the boom…then it hit me.” —Planray on Reddit
BY JILL BLACKWOOD AND ALAYNA BLIER
Fertitta’s Fleet
Talk about sweet science. Las Vegas billionaire Lorenzo Fertitta, former CEO of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), loves to take a big swing. Fertitta’s fleet consists of the superyacht Lonian (above), the 139th largest yacht in the world, and its sup-
port vessel Hodor (right), a glorified garage on water. After the impresario flaunted his yachts in California, Sandiegoville reported: “Lonian, launched in 2018 by Dutch ship-
Hodor
Length 217 feet, flank speed 22.5 knots.
yard Feadship, ranks as… the 19th largest built by Feadship.” Her kid sister Hodor was launched a year later by Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armón. Now Hodor trails the Lonian with twenty-six vehicular passengers, ranging from “four TW200 trail motorcycles” to “a 388 Skater race boat capable of 240km/h.”
DreAMBoat
Length 295 feet, flank speed 18 knots.
Built in the Netherlands by Oceanco in 2019. According to YachtChartFleet, up to 18 guests can enjoy DreAMBoat’s movie theater, beauty salon, beach club, and gym without taking the stairs, because the Dream includes an elevator. But, to Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of Home Depot, she’s not enough. LuxuryLaunches.com reports that Blank is upgrading to the 367-foot Oceanco superyacht Project Y726. NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune’s website, spotted DreAMBoat tied up in the Big Easy during the 2025 Super Bowl. Hopefully, the Falcons make it to the championship in 2026, when Blank debuts his new vessel.
Hilarium
Length 135 feet, flank speed 16 knots.
The 135-foot Hilarium is owned by the Nicholas family of Boca Grande, Florida. The late Peter Nicholas was the co-founder of Boston Scientific Corporation. He helped grow the successful biomedical engineering firm from 1979 to 2016. Peter’s 2022 obituary in the Boca Beacon details his New England upbringing: “Pete lived in and was influenced by many places in his youth, including Portsmouth, N.H., Portland Maine… During WWII, his mother and her four children often stayed with the larger Greek family in Pine Point, Maine, while his father, Commander Nick
Columbia
Length 141 feet, flank speed 13 knots.
Eastern Shipbuilding president Brian D’Isernia reached back in time and magically dropped the legendary schooner Columbia into the 21st centu ry. SailingShipsMaine says he commissioned the 141-foot yacht based on the original plans for the 1924 Gloucester fishing schooner of the same name at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum in Massachusetts. In 1927, the original schooner and all crew members were lost in a gale near Sable Island, known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Columbia, re-born, is currently for charter. You can set sail on this piece of maritime history for $68K/week.
C Star
Length 197 feet, flank speed 15.5 knots.
In 2006, she was launched as Linda Lou. In 2015, Feadship gave her a substantial refit, “bringing her up to as-new quality,” according to BOAT International. Just in time for Roger Penske to take the wheel and rename her Podium (the First). They were inseparable until 2019, when the racecar driver replaced her with a larger, faster yacht of the same name. She was sold by Fraser Yachts for $42M and renamed BOAT International loves her dazzle: “The main saloon aft features large windows which fill the room with natural light, while an extravagant backlit bar in marble separates the comfortable lounge from the dining area. The upper saloon offers guests a bar as well as different seating areas, and the aft part can be transformed into a dancefloor.”
Mamamia
Length 126 feet, flank speed 15.5 knots.
My, my, how can we resist you? Mamamia was originally called Areti II. In 2007, Igor Makarov, a Russian cyclist and entrepreneur, ordered two identical yachts at Burger Boat: Areti I and Areti II. The pair was eventually separated when Areti II was sold to Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree loan company, and renamed T Zero, according to SuperYachtFan. Since then, she’s been sold again and renamed Mamamia, a suitable exclamation. Fraser Yachts says, “Mamamia is packed with amenities such as a Sun Deck Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym/exercise equipment,” plus “an on-deck master stateroom and four staterooms below.”
A2 Length 153 feet, flank speed 12 knots.
M & Em
Here’s a piece of candy to melt your heart. M & Em was launched in 2022 by Amels, Netherlands. Superyacht Times says, “Named after the owner’s children, Madeleine and Emile, her bold blue hull, a hallmark of Tim Heywood’s exterior design, complements her naval architecture by Damen Yachting, making her well-suited for oceanic voyages.”
Or maybe the unknown billionaire owner named their yacht after the tragic love affair of Emile L’Angelier and Madeleine Smith in 1850s
The Feadship yacht A2 is vintage; she was launched in 1983, the same year came out. Which is to say, she’s had a little work done. According to broker “This classic luxury superyacht was completely rebuilt in 2012 by Pendennis.” Plus, “Her 2021/22 refit saw the A2 benefit from new navigation equipment, air conditioning upgrades, and a major engine room systems service… She also had two new generators installed in 2023 to prepare her to go anywhere.”
Her old bones and new face tip the scale at $16.9M. Asking price includes her Mini Venetian Limosine, Volvo Penta D3-220 (2018), custom Ribeye YT600 rib (2021), and a “generous” water toy collection.
Length 242 feet, flank speed 16.5 knots.
Nestled in the heart of Maine’s twin villages of Newcastle and Damariscotta, The Tipsy Butler is a charming bed and breakfast located in an 1846 historic home. With its four cozy rooms, each uniquely adorned to reflect the era’s character, this haven seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comfort. Just one hour North of Portland you’ll find rocky shores, beautiful lighthouses, acres of nature preserves, and incredible dining and shopping options.
The Tipsy Butler B&B is your home away from home. You’ll be greeted each morning with a delicious locally-sourced two-course breakfast. Relax in the garden with a cup of tea or evening s’mores around the campfire and enjoy the on site wood-fired cedar sauna with cold plunge. A perfect spot for family reunions or friend group getaways.
Sixth Sense
Length 243 feet, flank speed 17 knots.
Sixth SenSe belongs to Mickey Arison, chairman of Carnival Cruise Line and owner of the National Basketball Association’s Miami Heat. According to SuperYachtFan, she was built by Amels in 2019, featuring designs by Tim Heywood. She’s valued at $90 million, with annual running costs at around $9 million.
It’s no surprise that Arison would cruise to Maine, considering the round of applause he gave NBA top draft pick Cooper Flagg in February, which was spotted in a photo that blew up on Twitter. But scoping out basketball prodigies from the coastline didn’t seem to work; the Dallas Mavericks claimed Flagg in late June.
Sonician
Length 150 feet, flank speed 20 knots.
Now that’s flying. This July, the private yacht Sonician, built by Trinity in 2002 with a rakish aluminum hull, reached Portland Harbor after sailing just three days, a 1,500-mile sprint. The flag on her mast is from the Cayman Islands. To see where many of these yachts are at a given time, visit https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/ . And the name? One guess online suggests that a sonician is a person who is a follower of Sonic the Hedgehog. Owner Lorenzo Fertitta, who, according to superyachtfan.com, has a net worth $3B, bought the vessel in 2024. He’s the head of Fertitta Capital; previously, he owned the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Freedom
Length 230 feet, flank speed 16 knots
Party like it’s 1999, when she was first conjured by Benetti Yachts, with naval architecture by Stefano Natucci. According to Superyachtfan.com, she dazzles “26 guests and a crew of 29” with her signature blue hull. Only 328 yachts in the world are longer than this one. Includes helipad and jacuzzi.
Ocean Club Length 164 feet, flank speed 18 knots.
“Built in 2009, the yacht was initially named Blind Date and was owned by Peter Hochfelder, the founder of Brahman Capital Management. She later came into the possession of Russel Weiner, who renamed her Rockstar in honor of his energy drink brand,” SuperYachtFan says.
Now the $15M Trinity yacht Ocean Club is pride and joy of Best in Boating owner Douglas Traina.
Aspen Alternative
Length 164 feet, flank speed 20 knots.
Aspen Alternative was built in 2010 by Trinity Yachts. She was sold in 2015 as Imagine for $22.9 million. But, after a refit in 2022 by London’s Evan K. Marshall, she now charters through Motor Yacht Imagine for $220K/week plus expenses. When guests aren’t lounging in her on-deck Jacuzzi, they can slip down her water slides or rip through the harbor on one of two SeaDoo GTR supercharged WaveRunners.
BALMY DAYS CRUISES
Annastar Length 164 feet, flank speed 24 knots.
Our shores have also been graced by Annastar, the Westport superyacht ($40 million). Her owner, Stanley Star, is the founder of Cliffstar, a private-label juice company. Star and his wife Elizabeth are philanthropists, notable for their hefty donations to Johns Hopkins and Duke Law School.
Helios 2
Length 165 feet, flank speed 14 knots.
In 2007, $15M Palmer Johnson yacht Helios 2 was commissioned by Stanley Hubbard, owner of Hubbard Broadcasting, the century-old radio station turned TV network. According to Autoevolution, “Later, millionaire Dennis Mehiel took this beauty on an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world… shortly before the yacht was sold in 2017.” Then, after a substantial refit in 2023, Helios 2 was sold in “a secretive in-house sale, which means that we don’t have official information about the final price or the identity of the new owner,” Autoevolution says.
M
Length 154 feet, flank speed 15 knots.
This one’s just a baby. Delivered in 2024 by Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, M looks like a winner. According to YachtCharterFleet, she won a 2025 World Superyacht Award and advanced to the finals for the 2025 BOAT International Design and Innovation Award.
It’s no surprise that she surprises. Twelve guests can battle over her “master suite, two VIP cabins, and two twin cabins,” styled by British designer Studio Indigo, YachtCharterFleet says.
Joshua L. Noddin, Host
• FULL LINE YAMAHA OUTBOARD DEALER AND SERVICE CENTER
• BOAT RENTALS AVAILABLE TO EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL MAINE COAST
• HEATED AND UNHEATED INSIDE STORAGE AND OUTSIDE STORAGE
Ocean Z Length 164 feet, flank speed 15 knots.
Built with a “steel hull, aluminum superstructure” in 2022 by Heesen Yachts of the Netherlands, according to Superyacht Times, she’s wowed the Mediterranean, hanging around the Amalfi coast as the cameras snapped. In recent weeks, she’s graced us in Maine before heading north to Lunenberg, Canada, according to vesselfinder.com.
Vivace Length 102 feet, flank speed 16 knots.
Turkish built, UK architect Laurent Giles, Italian interior designer Giorgio M. Cassetta, $125,000 weekly charter and expenses such as food, fuel, dockage. According to chartervivace.com, she frequently warms her toes in the Caribbean. Vesselfinder.com reports she slipped into Portland in July, flying a Jamaican flag.
One of a kind lakefront retreat fully furnished and turnkey including indoor and outdoor furniture, dock, most linens and more. Fully remodeled in 2024 blending contemporary style with European elegance this 5 bdrm 4-1/2 bath home has so much more for someone looking for a first class escape or permanent lake house. Luxurious primary suite on the main floor with separate dressing area and beautiful bathroom with soaking tub and walk in shower. Stunning European style gourmet kitchen with black marble counter tops and top of the line appliances and includes most glasses, plates, silverware and cooking equipment so you can move right in. Finished basement that steps out on to another patio toward the lake with additional living area and plenty of room for extra guests with four full size bunk beds. The upper level has 4 more bedrooms and baths with very creative layout. All decks and patios have very comfortable furnishings for enjoying day and night on the lake along with a cedar sauna and wood fired cedar hot tub. The lake side lot is 1.6 acres with 255’ on the water with a small beach and the back lot across the road is another 1.77 acres with trails and flat area for an additional building site or barn. Truly a fabulous property that must be seen to be appreciated.
Carson
Length 149 feet, flank speed 12 knots.
The superyacht Carson is a Newcastle Marine build from 2015. However, her interior was designed by Hodgdon Yachts of East Boothbay (so Carson is pretty much a Mainer).
Owner Randy Ringhaver is the president of Ring Power Corporation, a Caterpillar equipment dealership. BOAT International says Ringhaver and his wife, Paula, purchased her as “a part-built project that the original owner had listed for sale. They named her after his granddaughter, born on the day they inked the contract.”
M5
Length 255 feet, flank speed 22 knots.
You are looking at the largest single-mast sailing yacht in the world. She’s currently owned by U.S. billionaire Rodney Lewis, CEO of Lewis Energy Group, an oil-drilling company from Texas. According to BOAT International, M5 was previously known as Mirabella V. But, among Lewis’s significant modifications, he changed her name to riff on the streamline. He told BOAT International that he has a “need for speed.” To Lewis, a passionate aviator, sailing M5 is “kind of like flying on water.”
MONHEGAN ISLAND FERRY
Departing 9am & 2pm Returning 10:15am & 3:15pm
Encore
Length 145 feet, flank speed 15 knots.
She comes from the land down under. According to SuperYacht Times, Encore is “the 13th-largest yacht built by Alloy Yachts,” the New Zealand shipyard that launched her in 2013. Australian Greg Poche, the billionaire founder of freight company Star Track Express, can host up to eight guests and six crew members on his Encore. She’s currently up for sale through Superyacht Partners at an asking price of $17.5M.
Podium
Length 239 feet, flank speed 18 knots.
In 2019, Roger Penske’s $130M Podium raced out of the Dutch shipbuilding firm Feadship, “acclaimed as one of the most famous yacht builders in the world,” according to Sportskeeda. She is Penske’s second yacht to be named Podium. It’s a fitting tribute for the former race car driver, founder of Penske Automotive, and owner of Team Penske, the auto racing group. n
Animal Art/Garden Elements
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Aviator Charles Lindbergh’s aw-shucks schtick is a mask for a monster who destroys strangers and loved ones with equal indifference.
Hunter makes a fortune exposing fraudsters. When he stumbles across the corpse of his German teacher on his old reformatory grounds, he’s certain he is onto something evil and becomes drawn into the mystery.
Unsure who his own father is, Hunter is no angel himself. A former “black ops” military officer, he knows what he has to do to get the job done,no matter the cost.
Nightmares, hallucinations, and fragments of grisly memories knock on the door of his subconscious. Even the stage prop “Old Sparky” in his new lover’s lurid Grand Guignol connects a deadly circuit in Hunter.
Orisa cards warn of air disaster. Brainy Pia offers a path out of his disintegration. Traveling the globe—Paris, Berlin, Geneva, and London—Hunter can’t resist the magnetic scene south of New York where the Crime of the Century once played out.
Hunter is falling through the universe’s trap door. He’s headed for hell—unless he can redeem himself with one final flight.
Roger’s sculpture covers the gamut from fine art to whimsy including functional garden elements, weathervanes, birdbaths, gates, fountains and more.
Roger’s sculpture covers the gamut
Art/Garden Elements
t’s Tiki Time
In these dog days of summer, rum is king.
ering, considering our contribution to the Triangle Trade and our formidable battles against the powerful temperance lobby. But we’re not here to judge, only to embrace and imbibe.
Although Tiki conjures thoughts of grass huts and tropical sunsets, this cocktail trend has little to do with Polynesia. It’s a creative invention from the mind of Donn Beach (née Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt). Sure, there are influences from his travels around the Caribbean and the
Missionary’s Downfall
Sometimes referred to as the Aku Aku (loosely translated as “evil spirit”), this tasty green demon is best made in a blender to give it just the right froth. It’s dated to around 1937, making it one of Donn’s original “Rhapsodies.”
In a blender, combine:
1.5 oz. Brightwater Rum
1 oz. honey simple syrup (1:1 honey/water)
.5 oz. Allen’s Peach Brandy
.5 oz. lime juice
.25 c. fresh pineapple
.25 c. fresh mint leaves
.75 c. crushed ice
Blend for approximately 20 seconds.
Pour into a chilled goblet. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
islands of the South Pacific, but his legendary rum shack,
“Rhum Rhapsodies,” as he called them, was pure Hollywood. And like most trends, it’s had its ebbs and floods. Still, a good rum cocktail under a summer sky—with the rhythm of surf on sand as a backdrop—is never passé.
Here are four of Donn’s tiki concoctions from the 1930s and 40s, offered with a slight East Coast twist. So don your best grass skirt, sink your toes in the sand, fire up the ukulele, and enjoy these pseudo-Polynesian classics.
STORY BY CLIF TRAVERS
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Three Dots and a Dash
Donn created this one after WWII. The name is Morse code for “V” (victory), and the garnish represents the same with the three cherries and a rectangular chunk of pineapple. He was a clever guy, that Mr. Beach.
1.5 oz. Stone Pier Rum
.5 oz. Oaked Acadian Rum
.5 oz. honey syrup (1:1 honey/water)
.25 oz. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
.25 oz. Velvet Falernum
Shake well.
Pour into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
The Zombie
Y.5 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. lime juice
1 dash Angostura Bitters
ou’ll need a wellstocked bar to pull this one off, but it’ll be well worth the effort. As the story goes, Beach attached a disclaimer for the Zombie on his bar menu. “Two per customer limit, for your own safety.” He called his creation “a mender of broken dreams.” With disclaimers like that, the cocktail was destined to become an instant hit in 1934. While this one is plenty entertaining on its own, you might consider pairing it with an appropriate movie, such as I Walked with a Zombie (1943). Donn would approve.
In a blender, combine:
.75 oz. fresh lime juice
.5 oz. grapefruit juice
Garnish with 3 Maraschino cherries and a chunk of pineapple on a skewer.
.5 oz. Velvet Falernum
1.5 oz. Stone Pier Rum
1.5 oz. Oaked Acadian Rum
1 tsp. grenadine
6 drops Three Spirits Absinthe Verte
1 dash Angostura bitters
.25 oz. cinnamon-infused simple syrup
1 c. ice
Blend on high for 5 seconds. Pour into the most fabulously decorated vessel that you can find.
Top with .5 oz. Nightwater Dark Rum.
Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
NOTE: Like the man said, only two per person.
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15
of
Planters Punch
although it wasn’t created by Donn Beach, he took this old standard and beefed it up a bit. The original Planter’s Punch was invented in Jamaica between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The rum, citrus, and sugar concoction was intended for workers to keep them cool in the Caribbean heat. Beach added the spice and the bitters, elevating it to what was considered to be closer to a traditional punch.
Since it’s too early in the season to send the guests home, we’ve made this into a punchbowl situation. Break out those Hawaiian shirts, the tiki mugs, and make it a party.
Prep an ice block that will fit into your punch bowl.
Combine:
5 oz. lime juice
3.5 oz. Demerara simple syrup (1:1 Demerara sugar/water)
1.25 oz. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
2 c. Oaked Acadian Rum
10 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake with ice and pour over a large ice block in a punch bowl. Garnish with lime wheels and cinnamon sticks. n
NOTE: All of the rums we’re suggesting are available at Three of Strong in Portland.
Biddeford’s first Brewery
Conveniently located in downtown Biddeford. Offering a variety of beers, curated cocktails, and a full menu of upscale pub food in a casual, family-friendly environment. Now offering brunch on Sundays. Dogs are welcome on our expansive outdoor deck. Open 7 days a week.
Two Patties A Tale of
Anatomy of a wild duet.
STORY BY BRIANA BONONCINI
There’s a certain kind of satisfaction in a good burger and a stiff martini, a pairing that feels less like a meal and more like a declaration of intent. It’s a self-contained universe of pleasure, the crisp herbaceousness
of the gin a bracing counterpoint to the rich, fatty beef. Two particular iterations, at Woodford Food & Bev and Shay’s Grill Pub, tell a story of the city’s dual personalities: the thoughtfully refined and the unapologetically straightforward.
At Woodford Food & Bev, the room has a warm, mid-century glow, a place that invites you to settle in and consider the architecture of your cocktail. Their martini tastes like it was made by someone who has strong opinions about vermouth.
This is a martini for grown-ups, a drink that telegraphs a certain kind of cool competence. It’s the perfect overture for their burger, a lesson in intentional construction.
The Woodford burger is a testament to the idea that a familiar thing can be made extraordinary through impeccable sourcing and thoughtful composition. The patty, a brisket blend, has a profound, beefy flavor that’s amplified by a judicious application of smoked bacon and a sharp, tangy dijonaise. The grilled sweet onions and a melty drape of cheddar complete the picture to precision, all tucked into a brioche bun that knows its role in keeping everything together. It’s a burger that respects the form but isn’t afraid to elevate it.
Woodford Food & Beverage
JULIE HEALY; MATHEW TROGNER.
The ‘Hot & Dirty’ has a welcome kick of pepperoncini brine.
Ashort drive away, in the heart of the Old Port, Shay’s Grill Pub offers a different, but no less valid, path to burger-and-martini nirvana. Shay’s is a pub in the truest sense of the word, a place with a welcome lack of pretension. Here, the martini is not a subject for quiet contemplation, but a catalyst for boisterous conversation. Their famous $6 martinis are a Portland institution. You can get a classic gin or vodka martini, of course, but the real joy is in the variations: the pineapple-infused vodka, or the ‘Hot & Dirty’ with a welcome kick of pepperoncini brine. They’re cold, they’re strong, and they’re refreshingly un-fussy.
The ‘Good Ol’ Burger’ at Shay’s is the perfect partner to this kind of straightforward drinking. It’s a classic pub burger, a generous patty cooked to a satisfying char, served on a no-nonsense bun with crisp lettuce,
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onion, a slice of tomato, and, of course, American cheese. It’s a burger that isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s a celebration of the wheel itself. It’s the kind of burger you crave after
The famous $6 martinis at Shay’s are a Portland institution.
a long day, a comforting and deeply satisfying reward.
To compare the two experiences is to miss the point entirely. Both are essential to the fabric of Portland, a city that understands that sometimes you want a carefully constructed symphony, and sometimes you just want to nod your head to a perfectly played power chord. n
Our 9 hole golf course is located in Rockport one mile from Camden. Come perfect your swing at our driving range! The quaint clubhouse with food, bar and outside deck serves as a perfect spot to relax after your round.
Open April through October, come play the “Goose.”
Briana Bononcini has written for Bon Appetit.
Multitudes are joining this subculture hook, line, and sinker.
STORY BY BY JUDSON VAIL
If casting artificial lures, Al Gags poppers, Yo-Zuri Crystal minnows, and hard swim baits are all good bets—bright colors on sunny days and dark colors in the evening. in the evening.
Striped bass average 20 to 35 inches, and 5 to 20 pounds. They can also get much, much bigger. So when you hook into one, be ready for some tug. Big stripers will set your reel to screaming, peeling off 300 feet of line in an instant and sending your heart up and out towards your bait bucket. When you feel the bite, set the circle hook with a couple fast reels, and then crank hard to land your catch quickly. Whether it’s a small schoolie or a 50-incher, it’s important to avoid fighting the fish to exhaustion, which is sure to end in a striper fatality. Use a good rubberized landing net to keep the fish in the water while removing the hook, or, if you must take the fish out of the water, do it with wet hands for as short a time as possible. If the hook is swallowed, cut the line rather than trying to pull it out. Upon release, hold the fish horizontal in the water until “she gives you that tail slap,” as Mourmouras puts it.
Maine fishing regulations in 2025 state that anglers can keep one striper per day, which must measure 28-31 inches from lower jaw to tip of tail, with the tail pinched together. Always be sure to familiarize yourself with all local and state regulations. If you are lucky enough to land a striped bass within the slot limit and feel so inclined to keep it, they do make excellent table fare. With firm, mild flesh, striped bass can be cooked in a wide variety of ways. When cooking with wild game, simpler is usually better, in my opinion. A striper fillet panseared in olive oil and butter, topped
with a little lemon and garlic, is about as good as it gets — flaky, rich, and moist, with just a bit of tang to complement the hint of ocean freshness. Serve with white rice and a grilled seasonal vegetable such as asparagus or zucchini, and enjoy immensely.
Striped bass numbers are an issue of concern for scientists and anglers alike, all up and down the coast. But the more people interact with these fish, the more interest there will be in keeping the population sustainable. After all, commitment to conscientious angling is often one of the most effective forms of conservation. “The stripers work hard to get here and have many obstacles,” Mourmouras says. “Hopefully, with some responsible fishing and proper handling, Maine can continue to have a healthy fishery.” n
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Four-season lakeside accommodations (extended stay in winter)
Charming lakefront cottages with full kitchen and bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi, canoes, fishing, grills, outdoor fireplace, and swim area
20-30 minutes from the airport and Portland
Golf, restaurants, shopping, beaches, and entertainment nearby
Pet-friendly, family friendly, and smoke-free
GPS/Physical Location: 661 White’s Bridge Rd Standish ME 04084
Sebago Lake Lodge & Cottages PO Box 480 • Windham ME 04062 207-892-2698 • www.sebagolakelodge.com
Photo by: NJC Photography
Henry David Thoreau
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The Lodge at Kennebunk is set on a quiet 8 acres of land, and has convenient highway access. It is also minutes away from shopping, dining, and beach options. Our facilities include a 40' outdoor heated pool, a conference room, a game room, a playground, picnic tables, and gas barbecue grills. Our amenities include extended cable television, air conditioning, phones, refrigerators, and microwaves in every room.
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MAINE’S NEWEST NEEDLEPOINT HAVEN FOR STITCHERS, BEGINNERS & CURIOUS CREATIVES!
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Photo
Medicinal Plant Sciences -DE
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) Length: 34 months
Cannabis Sciences -DE
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) Length: 18/36 months
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Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) Length: 20/40 months
Cannabis Business Operations -DE | Diploma Length: 10/20 months
Comfort Food
Maine’s seniors are getting hip to hemp(ibles).
STORY BY CLIF TRAVERS
Istill feel kinda weird about buying something that was illegal for most of my life,” says Cindy Decker, 72, of Strong. “I’m embarrassed to be seen going into a weed store.” Even though recreational cannabis was legalized nearly ten years ago, many seniors remain concerned about the stigma attached to its use. “I don’t want people thinking I’m a pothead,” Cindy says. “I don’t smoke the stuff. I’m too old for that. These gummies I’m buying make me less of a [witch]. And believe me, that’s a good thing.”
Although some may still be donning the large hat and sunglasses before crossing the dispensary threshold, concerns aren’t dampening sales of edibles to the AARP crowd.
According to a June 2025 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of cannabis by U.S. adults 65 and older increased from 1 percent in 2005 to 7 percent in 2023, a nearly 46 percent increase. And what is the primary form drawing the seniors to the green side?
“Definitely the edibles,” says Joe, a budtender at Highbrow in Portland. “People who used to smoke have gotten older and no longer want to do the inhalants. We’ve got seniors who might be asking for something for sleep or pain, but honestly, a lot of them just wanna have fun.”
Patrick Small of Fire on in the Old Port agrees that fun is on the table, but it’s the sleep and pain gummies that get them in the door.
“Seniors are our largest demographic. Since COVID, they’re experiencing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, for many reasons. Alcohol isn’t doing it for them anymore. We have a THC/ CBD gummy that’s our biggest seller, mostly to seniors. It relaxes the body and helps them get to the sleep zone.”
According to the National Institute on Aging, sleep issues become more common as we age. We encounter insomnia, sleep apnea (breathing disturbances), and movement disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome. The proof that these gummies work is in the resales. “We get a lot of return customers. Eventually, the gummies might not be working quite as well, and then we steer them toward the hash resin. It works faster.”
Donna Archer, 66, of Epping, New Hampshire, trav els to Maine to get both her sleep and her fun gummies. “I sometimes just need something to take the edge off a long day and get some rest. My job is stressful. My husband uses them for neck pain at night.” She also likes the cannabis sodas. “On the weekends, I just want a little buzz. I don’t get stoned anymore. It’s more of a light, feel-good high I’m looking for now.”
helps with any of these conditions. In fact, the opposite may be the case.
“I find all those studies to be really confusing,” says Brenda Palmer, 83, of Bangor. “I’ve had AFib for years, and I’ve found that a relaxing edible calms my heartbeat right down. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I don’t care. I’m old, so why not if it makes me feel better?”
Donna Archer feels the same. “I read that report in The New York Times a few weeks ago.” The article echoed the findings of JAMA and noted new evidence that cannabis might be linked to heart disease. “But there are always studies that say one thing, and then a study a few years later will say something completely different. Like with coffee and wine. Who knows what’s true anymore? I’ll make my decisions when there’s more evidence one way or the other. Until then, I’m sticking with what works for me and trusting my gut.”
Results of the JAMA report suggest that use increased more in states where medical cannabis is legal. The report also claims there were increases among older adults with chronic diseases like heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, and even cancer. But the Journal makes it clear there’s no evidence that cannabis
David Fletcher, 78, of Weld is buying a THC/CBD edible at Jar in Portland. “I come down here once a month to stock up,” he says. He’s quizzing the budtender about edibles for creativity. “I don’t like going very long without something for my back pain. And I’m an artist of sorts, so I like trying different gummies for that. My doc could prescribe a pill for the pain, but I’d rather take something natural like hemp than a bunch of [stuff] I can’t pronounce. At least I know what cannabis is.” n
207-775-0101
I visited Maine a few times during the years I was with the Eileen Ford Model Agency in New York. Several of us models would drive to [your] beautiful state to ski. We loved it. My most recent visit was for the opening of the PowerPay building…One morning we were having breakfast outside on the wharf and this gull landed right on our table and proceeded to empty all the sugar packets!
I wasn’t bothered at all; he was very friendly and very smart.”
– Interview with Tippi Hedren, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, by Karen E. Hofreiter Summerguide 2010.
Belfast Harborfest, 34 Commercial St. 5K Bug Run, pancake breakfast, boat building challenge, live music, cardboard boat challenge, charity auction, & Habitat for Humanity Lobster Gala, Aug. 15–17. 338-2081.
Blue Hill Fair, 233 Ellsworth Rd. A classic country fair including farm animal demonstrations & shows, eating & cooking contests, demolition derby, & live entertainment, Aug. 28–Sept. 1. 374-3701.
Clinton Lions Fair, 1450 Bangor Rd. Midway & exhibits, parade, car show, street pulls, tractor & truck pulls, live music, & pig scramble, Sept. 4–7. 426-8013.
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Northern Maine Fairgrounds, 84 Mechanic St., Presque Isle. Hot-air balloon mass ascensions, hot-air balloon rides, moon glows, kids’ carnival, music, craft fair, farmer’s market, & tasty food, Aug. 22–24. 764-6561.
Eastport Pirate Festival, downtown Eastport. The largest pirate festival in New England. Waterfront fireworks, food, games, live entertainment, crafts markets, barrel-rolling, parade, & fireworks, Sept. 4–7. 853-4343.
Fall Foliage Festival, Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. Featuring dozens of vendor booths, fabulous entertainment, live music, and delicious fall foods, Oct. 11–12. 633-4727.
Farmington Fair, 292 High St. Large midway, exhibit halls, livestock exhibits, animal pulling events, and harness racing, Sept. 14–20. 778-6083.
Fryeburg Fair, 1154 Main St. Features livestock, agriculture, & farming exhibits, live entertainment, skillet & anvil throw, Woodsmen’s Field day, midway, & food, Sept. 27–Oct. 5. 935-3268.
Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, Simard-Payne Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston. Continuing the tradition of the Great Falls Balloon Festival with balloon launches, food & crafts, live music, Aug. 15–17. laballoonfest.org.
Litchfield Fair, 44 Plains Rd. Agricultural fair with rides, antique car cruise-in, & fireworks, Sept. 5–7. 268-4981.
Maine Highland Games & Scottish Festival, Windsor Fairgrounds, 82 Ridge Rd. Featuring the parade of the clans, athletic & dancing competitions, food, sheepdog demonstrations, workshops, live music, Aug. 16–17. mainehighlandgames.org.
New Portland Lions Fair, 280 School St. Demolition derby, truck & tractor pulls, cornhole, & on-site camping, Sept. 11–14. 628-3171.
Old Orchard Beach Car Show, 11 First St. One of New England’s largest car shows highlighting cars in many different categories & classes. Friday Night Showcase & live music, Sept. 12–13. 934-2500.
Oxford County Fair, 67 Pottle Rd. Livestock shows, horse pulling, traditional farming & crafting demonstrations, live music, food, & woodsmen day competitions, Sept. 10–13. 739-2204.
Piscataquis Valley Fair, 77 Fairview Ave., Dover-Foxcroft. Including a dairy show, pig scramble, skillet throw, pulling demonstrations, Tuff Trucks, flower show, demolition derby, & horseshoe tournament, Aug. 21–24. 717-9100.
Skowhegan State Fair, 33 Constitution Ave. The nation’s oldest continuously run agricultural fair, featuring
truck pulls, demolition derby, harness racing, midway, agricultural exhibits, & live music, Aug. 7–16. 474-2947.
Southern Maine Steampunk Fair, Brick Store Museum, 117 Main St., Kennebunk. Immerse yourself in a world of retro-futurism inspired by the works of Jules Verne & H.G. Wells. With eclectic vendors, one-of-a-kind art, lively discussions, hands-on activities, and more, Aug. 16. 985-4802.
Topsham Fair, Rt. 196 Coastal Connector. Highlights include harness racing, exhibition hall, live music, agricultural show, & demolition derby, to Aug. 11. 729-1943.
Windsor Fair, 82 Ridge Rd. More than 50 acres of amusement with daily shows, midway, harness racing, woodsman’s day, demolition derby, & large animal exhibit, Aug. 23–Sept. 1. 549-7911.
Food Festivals
Acadia’s Oktoberfest & Food Festival, 20 Main St., Southwest Harbor. Maine-based brewfest, locally sourced food, and crafts, Oct. 10–11. acadiaoktoberfest.com.
Gray Wild Blueberry Festival, 24 Main St. Festivities for all ages, including live music, food court, pie eating contest, bake-off, artisans/crafters/authors, Kids Spelling Bee, Fun Run, and much more, Aug. 9. 657-3339.
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, Congregational Church, Centre St., Machias. Celebration of all things blueberry with crafts, food, contests, and entertainment, Aug. 15–17. 255-6665.
Maine Cheese Festival, Manson Park, Pittsfield. Great cheese, live music, food trucks, and the Annual Maine Cheese Awards, Sept. 14. 370-7176.
FineArt
Andie Elwell, “Boat Coat,” acrylic
COME SAIL WITH US!
East Coast Ferries Ltd. | (506) 747-2159
Toll Car ferry from Deer Island to Campobello
Ferry schedule:
• Deer Island to Campobello 8:30am ADT (7:30am EST) to 6:30pm ADT (5:30pm EST) every hour on the half hour. • Campobello to Deer Island 9am ADT (8am EST) to 7pm ADT (6pm EST) every hour on the hour.
Season runs mid-June to end of September
Check our Facebook page for more information and pricing.
PO Box 301, Lord’s Cove, New Brunswick E5V 1W2
Maine Lakes Brew Fest, HAM Complex, 40 Brag Way, Bridgton. The area’s largest annual sampling event features Maine-made beers, micro-brews, & wine; with food, live music, & Artisans Craft Show, Sept. 27. gblrcc.org/brewfest.
Maine Lobster Week, statewide. The state’s first weeklong celebration of lobster. Lobster shacks, diners, food trucks, & restaurants across the state will prepare Maine lobster in dishes ranging from classic lobster rolls to fine dining multi-course meals, Sept. 21–27. mainelobsterweek.com.
Potato Feast Days, Monument Park, 109 Main St., Houlton. Festivities include doll parade, craft fair, potato bar, kids games, & displays, Aug. 15–16. 532-4216.
Salmon and Seafood Festival, downtown Eastport. End of summer festivity centered around the salmon barbecue, with live music, walking tours, local food & craft vendors, Aug. 30–31. 853-6122.
Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival, downtown Skowhegan. Featuring Maine-crafted brews, local food vendors, live music, Aug. 23. 612-2571.
Swine & Stein Brewfest, Water St., Gardiner. All-day sampling of Maine beers, wines, & spirits with great music, food vendors, and fun games, Oct. 11. 582-3100.
Wells Chili-Fest, Wells Junior High School, Rte. 1. Food, vendors, and chili cook-offs in various categories with cash prizes, Aug. 23. 646-2451.
Winter Harbor Lobster Festival, Winter Harbor. Lobster Boat Races, craft fair, lobster dinner, and parade, Aug. 9. 963-2235.
MAINE LIVE Arts Festivals
Bar Harbor Music Festival, St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church, 41 Mt. Desert St. Founded by violinist Francis Fortier in 1967, the festival provides performance opportunities for outstanding up-and-coming talent, through Aug. 30. Barharbormusicfestival.org.
Bay Chamber Concerts, Hammer Hall, 5 Mountain St., Camden. Summer concert series of chamber music and jazz, to Aug. 17. 236-2823.
Belfast Summer Nights, Steamboat Landing, 34 Commercial St. Outdoor summer music series: The Right Track (Aug. 14); The Sirens (Aug. 21); The Dopplegangers, Huddled Masses (Aug. 28); The Hot Suppers (Sept. 4). facebook.com/BelfastSummerNights.
Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival, Litchfield Fairgrounds, 30 Plains Rd. Featuring local & national bands, enjoy some of the greatest Bluegrass music at one of the largest family musical events in New England, Aug. 21–24. 873-6539.
Brunswick Outdoor Art Festival, Maine St. Juried fine arts show including over 100 artists & artisans who will be displaying & selling their work along the sidewalks & on the Town Mall, Aug. 16. 729-4439.
Camden International Film Festival, venues in Camden & Rockland. Celebrating its 21st edition, featuring a slate of boundary-pushing documentary films and filmmakers from across the globe, Sept. 11–14. 200-3171.
Camden Shakespeare Festival, Camden Amphier, 55 Main St. Professional, non-profit theatre company performing The Two Gentlemen of Verona, to Aug. 10. camdenshakespeare.org.
Freeport Fall Festival, L.L. Bean, 95 Main St. Over 225 of the best New England artists, makers, & local food producers, with live music, Oct. 3–5. freeportfallfestival.com.
The Grateful Camp Out, Topsham Fairgrounds, 32 Community Way. Music festival with live art, music, food/craft vendors, and camping, Aug. 15–18. thegratefulcampout.com.
Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, 137 Pleasant St., Blue Hill. One of the oldest and most distinguished chamber music programs in the U.S. Concerts with open rehearsals & audience-attended classes, to Aug. 24. 374-2811.
Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, Wells Reserve at Laudholm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd. This juried event features music, food, and many of New England’s most skilled creative people, Sept. 6–7. 646-1555.
League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair, Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Rt. 103, Newbury, NH. Handcrafted work of over 300 juried craftsmen, to Aug. 10. (603)224-3375.
Makers on Main, Main St., Freeport. An expansive trail of Maine art, crafts, & food, with a delightful array of local products for sale, Sept. 6. visitfreeport.com/makersonmain.
Music on the Mall, 191-195 Maine St., Brunswick. Free summer concert series: MSMT (Aug. 13), Breaking Strings (Aug. 20), Dirty McCurdy (Aug. 27), The Astral Pines (Sept. 3). 729-4439.
Portland Chamber Music Festival, Stevens Square,
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631 Stevens Ave. Internationally renowned artists perform a wide range of innovative classical & contemporary chamber music, plus education & engagement programs, Aug. 14–23. (800)320-0257.
Portland Fine Craft Show, 120 Free St. Featuring 100+ juried exhibitors from Maine & the Northeast exhibiting fine crafts, Aug. 23. 205-0791.
River Jam, Pearl Street Veranda, Biddeford. Weekend of music, arts, & outdoor events on the banks of the Saco River, Aug. 16. 284-8520.
Salt Bay Chamberfest, Lincoln Theater, 2 Theater St., Damariscotta. Great chamber music performed by world-renowned musicians, to Aug. 16. 522-3749.
South Portland’s Art in the Park, Mill Creek Park. Fine art show with up to 170 artists in styles, sizes, & prices to suit all tastes & budgets, Aug. 9. 767-7605.
Summer Solstice Craft Show, Wells Junior High, 1470 Post Rd., Wells. Over 70 Maine & New England artists & crafters with traditional, contemporary, & country crafts, including stained glass, jewelry, pottery, soaps, candles, wood crafts, fiber arts, graphics, photography, & handcrafted specialty foods, Sept. 6–7. 646-5172.
Winter Harbor Music Festival, 427 Main St. Program featuring returning artists such as Deiran Manning, Deirdre McArdle, Wolfgang Brendel, & Celine Mogielnicki. Concerts streamed with a limited live audience, to Aug. 18. (917) 238-0819.
York County Blues Fest, Friendship Park, 231 Old Al-
Dianna Anderson Fine Art
MAINE LIVE
fred Rd., Waterboro. Gary Hoey, Memphis Lightning, Alex Lopez, The Xpress, and more, Aug. 16. 247-6166.
Outdoor/Sporting
Beach Olympics, 1 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. Three days of games, fun competition, live music, & a silent auction to benefit Special Olympics Maine, Aug. 14–16. 934-2500.
Camden Windjammer Festival, Camden Harbor Park, 55 Main St. Celebration of maritime heritage and traditions including exhibits, food, fireworks, lobster crate racing, educational seafaring stories, and more, Aug. 29–30. 236-3438.
Eliot Festival Day, Hammond Park & Eliot Elementary School, 1298 State Rd. Community event featuring a 5K road race, Donut & Pie Eatin’ Contests, live music, food, parade, colonial reenactment, & more, Sept. 27. eliotfestival.com.
Family Harvest Day, Railway Village, 586 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay. Celebrate the bounty of autumn at this old-fashioned, family friendly festival, Sept. 27. 633-4727.
International Seaplane Fly-In, Moosehead Lake, Greenville. Enjoy flybys by rare aircraft, craft fair, steakand-lobster cookout, lake cruise, flying, raffles, & contests,
Sept. 4–7. 695-2778.
L.L. Bean Summer in the Park, Discovery Park, Freeport. Get outside all summer long with events happening every day including yoga, concerts, kids activities, trivia, movie nights, and more, to Aug. 31. (877) 755-2326.
Maine Lobster Boat Races, Merritt Brackett, Aug. 10; Long Island, Aug. 16; Portland, Aug. 17.
Oquossoc Day, Outdoor Heritage Museum, 8 Rumford Rd., Rangeley. 20th annual Family Fun Day featuring a Fantastic ‘50s theme. With a dog show, water skiing exhibition, car show, art & craft show, and more, Aug. 16. 864-3091.
Rockland Sunday Stroll, Main St. Come for performances, activities, and enjoy the expanded space of downtown as Main Street is closed to motorized traffic and open to pedestrians, vendors, artists, performers, and more, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, & Oct. 19. rocklandrolls.org.
SailMaine Festival & Regatta, Fish Point. Windward Exhibition boat parade of painted sails by local artists, followed by PHRF, 420, & J/22 sailing races with after-party, Aug. 9. sailmaine.org.
Woodlawn Croquet Big Lobster Tournament, Woodlawn Museum, 19 Black House Dr., Ellsworth. Providing a unique blend of six, & nine wicket competition on several different courts, this tournament draws players from around the country & Canada, Sept. 3–7. 667-8671.
Learning Festivals
Blue Hill Maritime Heritage Festival, Blue Hill Town Wharf & Historic Village. Boatbuilding demonstrations, traditional boats on display, boat rides, arts & crafts, & musicians
Cruise Moosehead Lake Greenville JUL 25
Six Flags New England Agawam, MA JUL 25-26
Cabbage Island Clambake Boothbay Harbor AUG 3
Isle of Shoals Cruise Portsmouth, NH AUG 13
Red Sox VS. Marlins Boston AUG 16
Quebec City Canada AUG 22-25
Cabbage Island Clambake Boothbay Harbor AUG 24
Branson, MO SEPT 4-15 “The Big E” Springfield, MA SEPT 12-14
Cog Railway MT Washington SEPT 16
NASCAR New Hampshire Motor Speedway SEPT 21
Gettysburg, PA SEPT 23-27
Fryeburg Fair Maine SEPT 30
Indian Head Resort New Hampshire SEPT 28-30
playing sea shanties & fiddle tunes, Aug. 9. bhmhf.org.
Common Ground Country Fair, 294 Crosby Brook Rd., Unity. Celebrate the organic and rural version of the good life and learn new things about farming. Agricultural demonstrations plus produce & crafts vendors, food, & music, Sept. 19–21. 568-4142.
Fields Pond Butterfly Festival, Fields Pond Audubon Center, 216 Fields Pond Rd., Holden. Monarch tagging, Insect BioBlitz, & butterfly crafts. Come dressed as your favorite butterfly & join the Butterfly Parade, Aug. 23. maineaudubon.org.
Monarch Festival, Valentine Farm, 162 North Rd., Bethel. Monarch tagging, educational booths, children’s activities, lawn games, demos, and more, Aug. 23–24. mahoosuc.org/monarch-festival.
Vintage Motorcycle Festival, Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum St., Owls Head. Exhibitor car show, live demos, open-air cafe, guided tours, kids’ activities, aircraft exercises, interactive STEAM displays, & vintage car rides, Sept. 6. 594-4418.
Music
1932 Criterion Theatre, 35 Cottage St., Bar Harbor. The Mountain Goats, Aug. 12; Dave Gutter & The Illuminati, & Rigometrics, Aug. 15; Chris Thile, Aug. 16; Pink Talking Fish, Aug. 22; Orleans, Aug. 23; Asleep at the Wheel, Aug. 27; Barrington Levy, Aug. 28; Mamma Mania!, Aug. 29; Livingston Taylor, Sept. 13. 228-0829.
Aura, 121 Center St. One Night of Queen, Aug. 26; Portland Yacht Rock Festival 2025, Aug. 29; Buena Vista
Orchestra, Sept. 27. 772-8274.
Blue, 650A Congress St. Stillwater & Pythagoras, Aug. 14; Ani Mari, Heather Lynn, & Modern Friendship, Aug. 15; Krull, Going2Hell, & Black Vinegar, Aug. 21; Karaoke Party, Aug. 28 & Sept. 18; Splendid Torch & Katherine Perkins, Aug. 30; Manuel, Xander Nelson, & Echo Response, Sept. 6; Open Mic, every Tues.; Jazz Sesh, every Wed. 774-4111.
The Burleigh, Kennebunkport Inn, 1 Dock Sq. Amanda Adams, Aug. 16; Tom Gadbois, Aug. 22; Darren Whitney, Aug. 30. 204-9668.
Cadenza, 5 Depot St., Freeport. Carole Wise, Aug. 16; MSMT Singers Cabaret, Aug. 23; Songwriter Showcase, Aug. 24; James Fernando, Sept. 6–7; Pat Colwell & The Soul Sensations, Sept. 13; Bailey’s Mistake, Sept. 14; You, Me, & Harry, Sept. 19; Peter Gallway & The Real Band, Sept. 20; Blues on Sunday with Nelson Checkoway, Sept. 27. 560-5300.
Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St. Noel Paul Stookey, Aug. 29; Chris Ross, Sept. 17. 236-7963.
Camden Opera House, Camden Snow Bowl, 20 Barnestown Rd. Gawler Family Band, Aug. 10; Primo Cubano, Aug. 17; The Right Track, Aug. 24. 236-7963.
Celebration Barn Theater, 190 Stock Farm Rd., South Paris. [Project Creatine], Aug. 30. 743-8452.
Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., Bath. Calypso Soldiers, Aug. 16; B52.0s, Aug. 23; Pan Fried Steel, Aug. 30; Chris Smither, Sept. 12; Donna the Buffalo, Sept. 27. 442-8455.
Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Rd., Orono.
Diderot String Quartet, Sept. 21. 581-1755.
Deertrees Theatre, 156 Deertrees Rd., Harrison. Big Yellow Taxi, Aug. 22; Yesterday Once More, Aug. 24; Piano Bar & Open Mic, Aug. 28 & Sept. 4; The Downeasters, Sept. 6. 583-6747.
Denmark Arts Center, 50 W. Main St. Carlos Angeles Olmeda, Aug. 22; The Shadow Riders, Aug. 30; The Jazz Peaks, Sept. 5; Philippa Dunne, Sept. 7; Davy Sturtevant, Sept. 12; Barry Me A Little, Sept. 19. 452-2412.
Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St. Sound Waves, Sept. 20. 842-0800.
Good Theater, Stevens Square Theater, 631 Stevens Ave. Kouchera, Aug. 29. 835-0895.
Hackmatack Playhouse, 538 School St., Berwick. Sundays at the Farm: Claudia & Some Familiar Faces (Aug. 10), Caitlin Piper (Aug. 17), Gnarly Darling (Aug. 24), The Bottom Dollars (Aug. 31), Seacoast Revival Early Jazz Band (Sept. 7), Dan Blakeslee & the Calabash Club (Sept. 14), Old Hat String Band (Sept. 21); Soggy Po’ Boys, Sept. 14. 698-1807.
The Hill Arts, 76 Congress St. Chris Duarte, Aug. 12; Sap Line, Aug. 13; WenDee & Felicity Paige, Aug. 14; Memphis Lightning, Aug. 15; Emily Sclar & The Galaxy, Aug. 16; Alaska Sargent, Nebita, BR1GHT, & Christy Armstrong, Aug. 17; Shaggy Palms, Aug. 23; Denny Breau, Sept. 12; Mike Maurice, Sept. 13; The Kingston Trio, Sept. 27. 347-7177.
Jonathan’s Ogunquit, 92 Bourne Ln. The Traveling Wilburys Revue, Aug. 23; Duke Robillard & His All-Star Band, Aug. 29; Studio Two, Sept. 5; Judy Collins, Sept. 6; Little
Lies, Sept. 7; Tristan McIntosh, Sept. 12; Patty Larkin & Lucy Kaplansky, Sept. 19; Kate Taylor, Sept. 20; Deep Blue C Orchestra, Sept. 21; Ana Popovic, Sept. 27; Tom DiMenna, Sept. 28. 646-4777.
Maine Savings Amphitheater, 1 Railroad St., Bangor. Volbeat, Aug. 12; Brit Floyd, Aug. 21; Chris Young, Aug. 22; Luke Bryan, Aug. 24; Billy Idol, Aug. 26; Bonnie Raitt, Aug. 28; Hardy, Aug. 29; Melissa Etheridge & Indigo Girls, Aug. 30; Outlaw Music Festival, Sept. 5; Papa Roach & Rise Against, Sept. 20. 358-9327.
Maine State Music Theater, 1 Bath Rd., Brunswick. Double Vision, Aug. 18. 725-8769.
Maine State Music Theater, Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center, 77 Harris St., Auburn. Jerry Lee Lewis: Great Balls of Fire, Sept. 6–7; Victor Trevino, Sept. 20–21. 725-8769.
One Longfellow Square, 181 State St. MaMuse, Sept. 4; Aba Diop & the Yermande Family, Sept. 5; Sonny Landreth & Cindy Cashdollar, Sept. 6; Lena Rich & Old Hat Stringband, Sept. 11; James Montgomery, Sept. 12; Wheatus, Sept. 13; Alana MacDonald, Sept. 19; Luke Bulla & Michael Daves, Sept. 27. 761-1757.
Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave. Session Americana, Aug. 15; Seth Glier, Aug. 20; Tinsley Ellis, Aug. 22; Emmet Cahill, Aug. 23; Heather Pierson Trio, Aug. 29; The Lightfoot Band, Aug. 30; Skerryvore, Sept. 4; Novel Jazz Septet, Sept. 12; Crys Matthews, Sept. 20; Kathy Mattea, Sept. 27. 633-5159.
Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St. Sans Souci, Aug. 13, 20, & Sept. 3; Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Aug. 16;
Shred is Dead, Aug. 27; Mountain Grass Unit, Sept. 6; Dogpark, Sept. 11; Night Moves & Rachel Bobbitt, Sept. 16. 805-0134.
Portland Lobster Company, 180 Commercial St. Andi Fawcett & Spyglass, Aug. 15; Justin Carver, Cierra MacKenzie, & Stucco, Aug. 16; Delta Knights, Aug. 25. 775-2112. Saco River Theatre, 29 Salmon Falls Rd., Buxton. Novel Jazz Septet, Aug. 20; KindKids Music, Aug. 24. 929-6473.
State Theatre, 609 Congress St. Nation of Language, Aug. 23; Phantogram, Sept. 8; KALEO, Sept. 10; Peach Pit, Sept. 12; Maddie & Tae, Sept. 13; Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sept. 14; Big Wild, Sept. 15; The Wallflowers, Sept. 17; The Revivalist, Sept. 21; Stereolab, Sept. 27; The 502s, Sept. 28; Ray LaMontagne, Sept. 29–30. 956-6000.
Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Rd. Asleep at the Wheel, Aug. 28; Steve Earle, Aug. 30; Cousin Curtiss, Sept. 6; Le Vent du Nord, Sept. 13; Brothers Comatose, Sept. 21; Shemekia Copeland, Sept. 26; Kathy Mattea, Sept. 28. 935-7292.
Stonington Opera House, 1 School St. Broadway Comes to Stonington, Aug. 21 & 24; Open Mic Night, Sept. 3; Bee Parks & the Hornets, Sept. 9; Along For The Ride, Sept. 13. 367-2788.
Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. Tuesdays on the Terrace: Raquel & the Wildflowers (Aug. 12), Kids’ Night feat. The Clemenzi Crusaders (Aug. 19), Liz & Dan Faiella (Aug. 26). (603)433-1100. Thompson’s Point, 207 Thompson’s Point. The Dead South, Aug. 13; Lake Street Dive, Aug. 16–17; Gregory Alan Osakov, Aug. 22; 12/OC, Aug. 23; Leon Bridges & Charley
Crocket, Aug. 31–Sept. 1; Vance Joy, Sept. 3. 956-6000.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, 1 Middle St. Don Campbell Band, Sept. 20. 729-8515. Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, 53 Old Post Rd., Arundel. Wolfman Jack, Aug. 24; Soggy Po’ Boys, Aug. 28; Piano Men, Aug. 29; Journeyman, Sept. 4; Griffin William Sherry, Sept. 11; YellowHouse Blues Band, Sept. 13; Jul’ia, Sept. 14; Rose Alley, Sept. 25; Live Bullet, Sept. 26–27. 985-5552.
Waldo Theatre, 916 Main St., Waldoboro. Robert Jon & The Wreck, Aug. 12; John R. Miller & Tommy Prine, Aug. 14; The Kingston Trio, Sept. 26. 975-6490.
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St. Start Making Sense, Sept. 12; Shaun Cassidy, Sept. 17; Casey Abrams & Friends, Sept. 21; Shemekia Copeland, Sept. 27. 873-7000.
WW&F Railway, 97 Cross Rd., Alna. Music on the Railway: World Famous Grassholes (Aug. 10) & Songwriters in the Round (Sept. 14). 882-4193.
Literary
Denmark Arts Center, 50 W. Main St. Jessica Anthony (The Most), Aug. 31. 452-2412.
Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St., Bath. Family Illustrating & Storytelling Workshop, Aug. 10; Story Time with Splash & Mini-Mariners Cruise, Aug. 19; Story Time with Chris Van Dusen & Mini-Mariners Cruise: Big Truck, Little Island, Sept. 9. 443-1316.
Newcomers & Neighbors Book Group, 129 Beach Ave., Kennebunk. Novelist Colin Sargent reads from and
MAINE LIVE
discusses Red Hands with tent, tea, and cookies at an outdoor reception opposite Gooch’s Beach at 4 p.m., Aug. 28. colinsargent.com.
Print: A Bookstore, 273 Congress St. Zoe Schlanger (The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth), Aug. 20; Kate Woodworth (Great Little Island), Sept. 3; Mariah Rigg (Extinction Capital of the World), Sept. 17; Samantha Browning Shea (Marrow), Sept. 18. 536-4778.
Theater
Carousel Music Theater, 196 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. All American Road Trip, to Aug. 27; Murder… It’s No Day at the Beach, Sept. 5–20. 633-5297.
Celebration Barn Theater, 190 Stock Farm Rd., South Paris. Broken Clock, Sept. 12. 743-8452.
Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Rd., Orono. NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire, Sept. 13. 581-1755.
Community Little Theatre, 30 Academy St., Auburn. The SpongeBob Musical, to Aug. 17. 783-0958.
Deertrees Theatre, 156 Deertrees Rd., Harrison. Four Old Broads, Aug. 15–17. 583-6747.
Good Theater, Stevens Square Theater, 631 Stevens Ave. The High Road, Sept. 4–7. 835-0895.
Hackmatack Playhouse, 538 School St., Berwick. Grease, to Aug. 23; Once, Sept. 5–20. 698-1807.
Lakewood Theater, 76 Theater Rd., Madison. The Gentleman Clothier, Aug. 14–23; Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Aug. 28–Sept. 6; Man or Mouse, Sept. 11–20. 474-7176.
Maine Film Center, 93 Main St., Waterville. National Theatre Live: Inter Alia, Sept. 27. 873-7000.
Maine State Music Theater, 1 Bath Rd., Brunswick. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr., Aug. 11; West Side Story, to Aug. 23. 725-8769.
Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St. Matilda Jr., Aug. 16–19; High Society, to Aug. 23; When Elvis Met the Beatles, Aug. 28–Sept. 27. 646-5511.
Portland Stage, 25A Forest Ave. Murder for Two, to Aug. 17; Eleanor, Sept. 24–Oct. 19. 774-0465.
Portland Theater Festival, Baxter School For the Deaf, Mackworth Island, Andrews Ave., Falmouth. Deep Blue Sound, Aug. 28–Sept. 14. 842-0800.
Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. The Irish… And How They Got That Way, Aug. 27–Sept. 14. 782-3200.
Stonington Opera House, 1 School St. Rooted, to Aug. 17; The Masque of Night, Aug. 29–30. 367-2788.
Theater at Monmouth, Cumston Hall, 796 Main St. Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson: Apt. 2B, Aug. 14–22; The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, Aug. 14–23; Cymbeline, Aug. 10–23; Twelfth Night, Aug. 12–24; The Rewards of Being Frank, Sept. 18–28. 933-9999.
Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St. Deathtrap, Aug. 29–Sept. 7; Wabanaki Stories, Sept. 19. 873-7000. To submit an event listing: portlandmonthly.com/portmag/ submit-an-event/
Compiled by Bethany Palmer
Seven Arctic explorers, one Snowy Owl— what could possibly go wrong?
Join Arcturus and his pals Lena, Captain Donald MacMillan, and a crew of friendly research sailors aboard the lovely schooner Bowdoin in 1934. The wounded snowy owl gets a lift from Portland, Maine, to his Arctic homeland. On the way, everyone learns something new in this children’s story inspired by a true adventure. $12.95
Suggested for ages 3 to 9.
•
of Railroading over Crawford Notch!
Found at Sea
At
Spring Point Marina
in South Portland
, here’s a great place to get your bearings.
STORY BY COLIN W. SARGENT
The three of us are starving when we arrive at North43 Bistro at 1
Spring Point Drive. If you come here convinced you’ll be stuck with yet another lobster roll, prepare to be knocked out.
Not every restaurant captures sunset in a glass. Upon dropping anchor, why not order the Lost at Sea with the harbor sparkling around you? With its dark rum and spiced pear liquor, it’s like a trip to the Swizzle Inn in Bermuda with a cinnamon twist ($14). Feeling naughty, we also slip into a Bubble Bath: “elderflower liquor, cucumber vodka, prosecco, club soda,” $14. It’s hard to imagine anything better for a warm night— very light and refreshing, garnished with a cool thin slice. Wait a minute. Are those people climbing up the marina ramp out of the harbor with golf bags slung over their shoulders? Isn’t Casco Bay…a formidable water hazard? Okay, they
must be arriving by sea after nine holes at the Chebeague Island Inn.
Refusing to invent jealous backstories for them, we divert ourselves with a starter: Fried Cauliflower with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce, exceptionally yummy. We roll the dice again: Creamy Burrata with Roasted Strawberries, “grilled cardamom, sugared red onion, fresh arugula, white balsamic reduction, evon parsley oil,” ambitious and memorable. Back to the app store for a new trip to the unexpected: Maple Rhubarb Glazed Pork Bites, with “passion fruit agrodolce and crispy onion rings.” What’s the yacht-rock translation for merveilleuse?
We also sample another eye-catcher: House Brined Boneless Pork Chop, with “grilled molasses pineapple salsa, purple sticky rice, crunchy pea pod carrot slaw, mango reduction,” $32.
The Pan Seared Halibut ($34) is dusted with pistachio crumbs and sits high atop “ginger carrots and whipped spinach cauliflower mousseline.” Moist and crave-worthy, it’s the dish of the night, closely followed by Brown Sugar Ginger Scallops with “pepper bacon,
We’re so satisfied we’ll have to return for dessert. This place is all that, and we’re all in. We’ve eaten outside and waterside, in the company of our five-month-old Scottish terrier Cassandra (Sandy for short), who predicts a rosy future for this attraction. n
Portland Lobster Company “Maine’s Best Lobster Roll,” lobster dinners, steamers, fried claims, chowder. Enjoy live music daily w/ ice-cold local beer or fine wine on our deck overlooking gorgeous Portland Harbor. 180 Commercial St., 775-2112, portlandlobstercompany.com.
The Corner Room features bright, wideopen space with towering ceilings complemented by handcrafted woodwork. Patrons can expect a warm, comfortable atmosphere, marked by the arich aromas of house-made pastas, pizzas, antipasti and artisanal breads. Come and enjoy the taste of Venice in the heart of Portland, ME! 879-4747, 110 Exchange Street. Visit thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com for more information.
Boone’s A Portland landmark since 1898. Original home of Alexander Boone’s world-famous Baked Stuffed Lobster. Two waterfront decks, two full bars, two cozy dining rooms, fireside tables. Perfect setting to enjoy the finest seafood from Maine and the world. Steaks, chowder, lobster rolls, grilled dishes, daily features. Visit Boone’s for a romantic date, business luncheon, family gathering or large banquet. BoonesFishHouse.com
Bruno’s Portland’s Best Italian, Market Surveys of America. Silver medal, Best Italian, Best of 207. Seriously delicious Italian, American, seafood dishes with signature in-house pasta (Bruno’s Pasta Co. goodies entice in statewide culinary stores). Great sandwiches, pizza, calzones, soups, chowders, salads. Lunch/dinner in dining room or tavern—casual dining as an art form. 33 Allen Ave., 878-9511, restaurantji.com/me/ portland/brunos-restaurant-and-tavern-/ Docks Seafood We pride ourselves on our Maine roots. Our mission is to source our seafood locally and regionally. This is noticed by discerning diners who appreciate the value of their food being made fresh from scratch. Our bar features a rotating list of Maine craft beers and signature cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wed.-Sun.
Leonardo’s Pizza, is a beloved local spot for handcrafted pizzas on organic whole-wheat or white King Arthur flour crusts. Known for specialty pies like Fennel Sausage and vegan “Salvation,” it offers delivery and take-out. (207) 775-4444, 415 Forest Ave, Portland, leonardosonline.com.
Maria’s Ristorante Portland’s original classic Italian restaurant. Greg & Tony Napolitano prepare classics: Zuppa di Pesce, Eggplant Parmigiana, Grilled Veal Sausag-
es, Veal Chop Milanese, homemade cavatelli pastas, Pistachio Gelato & Maine’s Best Meatballs. See our own sauce in local stores. $11.95-$22.95. Open at 5 Wed.Sat. Catering always avail. 1335 Congress Street 772-9232, mariasrestaurant.com.
DiMillo’s On the Water Now’s the time to enjoy everything DiMillo’s has to offer: fabulous dishes prepared by Head Chef, Melissa Bouchard, voted one of Maine’s Chefs of the Year, plus Certified Angus Beef, Italian and the best lobster around. Our outside dining is unparalleled. Open Monday thru Saturday at noon, Commercial St., Old Port 772-2216. Always FREE PARKING while aboard.
Flatbread Company Portland Situated on the working waterfront next to Casco Bay Cruise Lines in Portland’s Old Port. Family-friendly restaurant with signature woodfired, pizzas, fresh salads, local craft beer, spirits and local, organic fresh ingredients. Pet friendly, deck seating on the water during summer. 72 Commercial St., 7728777, flatbreadcompany.com.
Joseph’s by the Sea in Old Orchard Beach offers breathtaking views of Saco Bay. Enjoy indoor dining, outdoor seating, an upstairs lounge, and a rooftop deck. We specialize in locally sourced seafood and fresh Maine lobster. Closed for the season, we’ll reopen in March. Contact us at info@josephsbythesea.com or call 207934-5044 for more info.
Hurricane Restaurant We are celebrating our 35th year as a Restaurant serving New England Cuisine with an international twist. Lobster & blueberry pie! Local produce and seafood, fresh shucked oysters, full bar, award-winning wine list, and an in-house Pastry Chef. Sunday brunch. Dinner served seven days a week, lunch on Saturdays, and Brunch on Sundays starting at 11:30am. Bar menu is always available. Good restaurants come and go. Great restaurants get better and better. Reservations suggested. 29 Dock Square, Kennebunport. 967-9111, hurricanerestaurant.com
Discover Oun Lido’s, Portland’s newest culinary gem at 30 Market St. Chef Bounahcree “Bones” Kim blends Cambodian and Cantonese flavors in standout dishes like twice-fried lemon chicken, lemongrass beef skewers, and savory stir-fried noodles. Named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants of 2024, this cozy spot offers both takeout and indoor seating. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–8 PM. Call 207-5543111 or visit ounlidos.com to order.
Moulton Street in the Old Port. 207-518-9599
Main Street, Liberty, Maine 207-589-4035
Camden, Maine
Source Material
Places in the heart that bring the world to Maine.
My daughter Esmé and I were traveling in Athens over April break and saw something familiar in the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in the Plaka neighborhood at the base of the Acropolis. I didn’t expect to see Bug Light across the pond! See our story “The Other Lighthouse,” February/ March 2002.—Jesse Stenbak
Discover our historic Victorian B&B on the waterfront in lovely Boothbay Harbor, one of Maine’s prettiest harbors. Steps away from acclaimed shops, galleries, boat trips and restaurants, the Inn is an ideal launching point for several days of coastal exploration. Welcoming visitors with true Maine warmth and unique style for two generations. Please call for seasonal rates & specials.
Discover our historic Victorian B&B on the waterfront in lovely Boothbay Harbor, one of Maine’s prettiest harbors. Steps away from acclaimed shops, galleries, boat trips, and restaurants, the Inn is an ideal launching point for several days of coastal exploration. Welcoming visitors with true Maine warmth and unique style for generations. Please call for seasonal rates & specials.
FROSTED
We were traveling through Italy on the book tour for my novel The Boston Castrato when we swept into Milan. As we drove, the Duomo di Milano flashed through our windshield, famous among foxes as the inspiration for the frosting on Kennebunk’s Wedding Cake House.—CWS
MYSTICAL ROSES
The circa 1936 rose window (left) that glows in the heart of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston is said to be inspired by the three rose windows in the Chartres Cathedral, France, circa 1252
A.D.—Audrey Esteves
TollHouse Treat
The Joshua Merrill House in Falmouth, just off the Martin’s Point Bridge, comes with a spellbinding chestnut.
According to tradition, physical evidence, and local accounts, there’s a legend that suggests this may very well have been the keeper’s house used to collect bridge tolls from travelers.
BY COLIN W. SARGENT
In the late 1900s, during repairs to the centuries-old cape at 16 U.S. Route 1, a drawer was uncovered between two windows to the left of the front door, peeling back the years. There’s a signature inside, which was shown to us during our visit by the seller, who’s owned the
house, listed as a Greater Portland Landmark, since 1984. Wherever they might have been collected, any tolls would have ended abruptly in “1861,” when “the bridge was destroyed by ice at the outset of the Civil War…” David Farnham of Falmouth Historical Society tells us.
Each
phaeton, chariot or curricle
Each wagon, cart, sled or other carriage of burthen drawn by 1 or 2 beasts
Wheelbarrow, handcart, or other vehicle carrying like weight and person
Neat cattle or horses, exclusive of those rode upon or harnessed
Source: Greater Portland Landmarks
Discover the Excellence of Kennebunk Kitchens and Baths
Premier destination for luxury custom cabinetry and exquisite kitchen and bath design
Personalized designs based on your vision Finest materials and meticulous craftsmanship Exceptional Service Proud Partnership with The Kennebec Company
Explore our showroom in Kennebunk to see our custom cabinetry and discuss your next project
“Since taking ownership at the start of the year, my wife and I are committed to continuing the tradition of excellence.”
- Mike & Brooke Joly, Owners designs@kennebunkkitchens.com 207-967-2819 | 169 Port Rd. Ste. 11 Kennebunk, ME 04043 kennebunkkitchens.com
As alluring as its backstory is, this cookie is even sweeter in the 21st century. Listed for S1.255M, the Joshua Merrill House has three bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage. Luminous water frontage on a .88-acre lot, 2,504 square feet. What a place to mediate the line between Portland and Falmouth, today and yesterday.
From the listing: “9 over 12 windows, original Indian shutters, period Rumford fireplaces, and extensive perennial gardens…The fern green kitchen features gleaming quartzite counters, custom cabinetry, dedicated butcher block for baking bread, a wine cooler, and top-of-theline appliances. Just steps away is the great room with a generous area for dining and for gathering with unlimited views of the Presumpscot River to the west. There is a first-floor bed-
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Serene.
Serving Southern Maine & the Midcoast for 43 years!
You turned my overgrown perennial “wetland” into a showplace, a beautiful, serene yard that I thoroughly enjoy. The stonework and beautifully placed gardens make my yards look like a gorgeous little park. Thank you for everything, Jack! — Cynthia Densmore Portland
Jack and the professionals at Black Bear Landscaping are committed to an unparalleled level of quality service. Their attention to detail, experienced practices, and commitment to excellence bring us back again and again We very much look forward to working with them in the years to come. –Wayne G. Keller
P.O. Box 504
www.blackbearlandscapingdesign.com
Authentic Thai Cooking
room option with a full bath, a home office, dedicated laundry, mudroom/ pantry, and a waterside keeping room with a magnificent brick hearth overlooking a classic stone patio. The second floor offers three more bedrooms and a full bath. Everything is freshly painted and updated. Situated on one of only four Audubon Flyways, this site also features a front-row seat every spring and fall as hundreds of bird species migrate. Located in the heart of The Flats, this location cannot be beat for convenience to downtown Portland, the hospitals, and the International Jetport. Truly one of the prettiest homes on the coast of Maine, this antique classic is full of charm, thoughtful features, and modern conveniences.”
Top drawer, as it were. Taxes are: $11,543. n
Full service with a wide array of cabinetry and countertops. Free estimates and design services.
491 US Route One, Freeport, Maine
mile south of Exit 20 (Across from Hotel 44N)
ALDER STREAM TOWNSHIP
Call for your free design consultation. 207-613-1183 tailoredcloset.com We’re local—and it shows Style by day, summer guest ready by night— Murphy bed magic.
93 Kayli Drive, Standish
Your dream home awaits! A beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in a charming neighborhood, boasting modern elegance and comfort. Seize the chance to make it yours today! Contact Matt & Christina Sanborn today! 207-671-5411 thesanborns@tmreg.biz
Refined coastal retreat in Goose Rocks Beach! This beautifully renovated 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers nearly 2,500 square feet of light-filled living space—expertly updated from top to bottom in one of Maine’s most treasured beach communities. Take in sweeping river views and enjoy deeded beach access, making every day feel like a true escape. The open-concept main level features a sleek chef’s kitchen, cozy fireplace, and seamless flow to a spacious deck overlooking the peaceful marsh, perfect for sunset dinners or slow morning coffee.
With three levels of airy, flexible living, there’s room for everyone to relax. Whether you’re searching for a year-round residence, seasonal getaway, or investment opportunity, this home offers the best of coastal Maine living.
Don’t miss your chance to own a slice of Goose Rocks Beach— one of Maine’s most sought-after seaside destinations.
New to the market in Kennebunkport, just under 2 miles to Goose Rocks Beach! Relax and unwind at this picture-perfect oasis.
Located at the end of a private road sits this modern farmhouse with beautiful tidal views of marshlands and open ocean. Features a 'post and beam' style, this exquisite property offers an open floor plan, ideal for family gatherings and endless entertaining.
New to the market in Kennebunkport, just under 2 miles to Goose Rocks Beach! Relax and unwind at this picture-perfect oasis. Located at the end of a private road sits this modern farmhouse with beautiful tidal views of marshlands and open ocean. Features a 'post and beam' style, this exquisite property offers an open floor plan, ideal for family gatherings and endless entertaining.
MANCHESTER
Welcome to Makenzie lane in Manchester. One level living with massive two story cathedral living area. Open concept kitchen dining and living room with striking floor to ceiling stone fireplace and accent windows. 2,244 sqft on 2 acres surrounded by woods. Minutes to downtown Manchester Three bay heated garage Near Cobbossee Lake, and the Augusta Country Club. A rare blend of luxury, location, and lifestyle. MLS#1630218 • $755,000
CHELSEA BACKYARD OASIS
Private retreat nestled on 5.5 peaceful acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac! 3,166 sq ft: 5 bedrooms, 2 full bath. Bright, sunlit kitchen featuring gorgeous Corian countertops, double ovens. 12x25 deck overlooking the exquisite backyard: 17,000 sq ft of outdoor space with masonry, salt water 18x38 inground pool, a patio w/ stone fireplace, refrigerator, outdoor bar, grilling station and lounge seating. Custom designed waterfall desigend by candian artist, 4-6 person hot tub, raised herb/vegetable gardens and the 18 by 25 greenhouse! MLS #1627278 • $595,000
4 bedroom 3 bath waterfront home on Cobbossee Lake in beautiful Monmouth. Watch the sun rise everyday, enjoy nature with the call of the loons.
HALLOWELL
Location Location! Custom built one owner home with 3 bedrooms 3 baths and 3443 square feet of living space. 1 acre lot with breathtaking views. Finished basement with pellet stove. Access to hundreds of acres of trails and woods. MLS#1614571 • $630,000
WAYNE
Stunning Colonial-style home nestled in the heart of Wayne and in the middle of the lakes. Four bedrooms and 3 full baths on a very private 3.46 acres. Over 4,842 square feet of living space! Plus 1,405 square feet of decks and porches. MLS #1614192 • $750,000
BOWDOINHAM
Welcome to 1226 Post Road — a warm and inviting 3 bedroom 1 bath Cape-style modular home nestled on a private 2.05-acre lot in scenic Bowdoinham. Walls and ceiling have been spray foamed for e iciency and low heating costs. MLS#1623106 • $389,000
ages with no slope at all. MLS #1604469 • $413,000
PLANTATION 100-acre parcel, prime hunting land; 18’ by 32’ camp with septic system with a dug well nearby. Generator for electricity, propane tanks for cook stove, refrigerator, and lights. Bingham area. Motivated sellers, potential to subdivide.
MLS#1609628 • $325,000
AUGUSTA COMMERCIAL
Hospitality Real Estate in Maine, Redefined
Daigle Commercial Group—Maine’s trusted name in hospitality real estate. For nearly 40 years, our team has been helping innkeepers, restaurateurs, and resort owners bring their dreams and visions to life.
If you’re in the market, we’re here to guide you, backed by decades of experience and a network that spans across Maine and beyond. At Daigle, we don’t just broker deals—we steward legacies.
From the shores of Boothbay Harbor to Western Maine and beyond, including the commercial centers of Bangor, Augusta, and Portland, we’ve represented iconic properties throughout the state. This includes well-known properties such as Rangely Inn, Bethel Inn, Harraseeket Inn, Linekin Bay Resort, Topside Inn, Ocean Gate Resort, Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, and franchised properties like Hampton Inns, Quality Inns, and Ramada Inns. These sales are more than transactions—they’re testaments to our relationships, results and reach.
When it comes to Maine’s hospitality spaces, trust the team that understands what it takes to fill them.
Southern Maine Beachside Inn
Well-established upscale independent beachside Inn offering varied accommodations, including 30+ upscale guest rooms and suites, a heated pool, and staff housing. Walking distance to local beaches.
Northern Maine Quality Inn
Franchised interior corridor hotel with 60 keys presents a unique opportunity to acquire a recently renovated, branded hotel in the scenic and recreationally abundant region of Aroostook County.
Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort
The premier Ogunquit oceanfront resort has 89 spacious guest rooms and suites. Resort amenities include a pool, tennis courts, and 4 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
Southern Maine - Resort Inn
Confidential waterfront hotel complex offers a rare opportunity to acquire a distinctive inn with Ocean views in a highly sought-after tourist market. Elegantly appointed guest rooms & proximity to beaches and the village contribute to the inn’s popularity.
Western ME Entertainment Center
Turnkey and highly profitable stateof-the-art recreation center includes bowling alley, arcade, and pub in a four-season tourist area. Easy to manage with staff in place. New facility in excellent condition.
Topside Inn
Topside Inn is located at the highest point in Boothbay Harbor and is consistently ranked as one of the top ten boutique hotels in the U.S, sold in April of 2025.
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WISCASSET VILLAGE HISTORICAL GEM
HISTORICAL MANSION FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE MUSICAL WONDER HOUSE , a prominent landmark in Wiscasset Village. This Greek revival has undergone a magnificent renovation making this a true gem along the coastal route of Maine. As you walk through the front yard with breathtaking gardens and Georgian Savannah fountain you come to the double entry that takes you into the formal entry and it’s breathtaking center flying staircase as you enter through the double front entry. This beauty speaks history as you flow through the rooms from library, double living room, dining room, parlor, vestibules, hallways and the gorgeous kitchen. The charm of the antique home is evident and the pride of ownership center stage in every corner. The second level of bedrooms does not disappoint and history continues throughout. The third level had been started to become more living space including two bedrooms, living room and kitchen along with full bath with thoughts this could be used as owners quarters if someone chose to operate as a B&B. This is not included in any of the room counts or the square footage. First and second floor piazzas overlook the sculptured English gardens, Georgian Savannah fountains and the birdcage gazebo Fountains. The nights reflect the lights tactfully placed within the gardens. At the rear of the property is a two story carriage house that allows for more opportunities in the future.
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11 Ocean Spray RoadPortland, Maine
Big Kisses
Sitting in canvas chairs on his back deck, watching a sliver of ocean spark between dark pines, my friend says, I got a call from a woman I directed in a play twenty years ago, she congratulates me on the screenplay sale. I say, we’ll see, being friendly, but thinking, how’d you get this number? She says, but you got the check and laughs like we’re in this together. She says, I got something for you that’ll blow your mind.
He says to me, don’t give me a hard time about this. I don’t know why I
Who’ll inherit the Besotes?
still do stuff like this. I’m not a kid putting myself out there to see what’ll happen, calling it research. I know better. I feel like an idiot telling you, but I met her at the Fore River marsh on a little spit of land that ended at a rotting boathouse.
I don’t say a thing. You remember my play, my friend says, the central pivot is who’ll inherit the grandfa-
ther’s Besotes speedboat. His tone changes, embarrassed. He says, my grandfather played poker with the two brothers, George and Charlie. They built speedboats from the 50’s to the 70’s bolting the biggest engines they could get into the lightest frames. My grandfather’s sixteen-footer had fifteen-inch trim tabs on the back of the transom. I’m like eight years old. He slams the throttle, the V-8 howls, and in seconds those metal plates and the propeller are the only things touching water. It was terrifying, but I was with my grandfather, you know, safe.
STORY BY DAN DOMENCH
Home Loans for Maine
At the boathouse, he says, the actor’s sun-roasted boyfriend crab-walks around a yard full of rusty cars and waterlogged boats. She walks me into the dark boathouse and says, look, it’s what you wrote about, “Besotes” in cursive chrome on the back. Then she does a turn in front of me, proud of herself, says, it means ”Big Kiss” in Spanish. I say, they were Greek. It was their name. She says, check out the dashboard, the brass, “Tahoe 17 Besotes Runabout Company.”
You called one of their boats a runabout, my friend says, they’d Stockton slap you unconscious. They made speedboats. I know this boat I’m looking at is a Frankenstein. But I feel something stirring inside me, something chilling and maybe sad. She says, I hear they’re going for over forty-five thousand dollars. It needs work, like the one in your play, but I’ll sell it cheap. You got that movie money, she says, and giggles like she’s high.
My friend says, I know the boat is a fraud. Her mechanic boyfriend built it out of Chris Craft parts. But there it is in the dim boathouse, my grandfather’s speedboat.
I offered them twice what I figured it cost them to make it, which wasn’t much. They were disappointed. I told them, you sell this to anyone else and they’re going to be very angry, buildings are gonna burn down. They took the money like pissed-off kids. I trailered the boat to a barn in Cumberland where it sits. I think about that actor and her boyfriend spending time and money to cheat me, having fun dreaming up the trick, sexy good bad guys in their own movie, selling a lie, using a man’s past to swindle him, believing in their con. Maybe I’m getting old, but it seems to me that’s the way it is now. I look at that fake boat and I feel like I’m looking at the end of the world. n
Source: Recipe adapted from guidingstars.com
Nutritional Information: Amount per serving: Calories 240; Total Fat 3.5 g; Saturated Fat 1.5 g; Cholesterol 5 mg; Sodium 200 mg; Carbohydrate 44 g; Dietary Fiber 6 g; Sugar 3 g; Added Sugar 0 g; Protein 12 g MAKES 8 SERVINGS
