Reflecting the agricultural, culinary and entrepreneurial spirits of Maine, there is a growing number of wineries, meaderies, cider works and distilleries producing a broad selection of award-winning, hand-crafted wines and libations.

Print a copy of the Maine Wine Trail Map by visiting: www.mainewinetrail.com or view them in our eGuide on our homepage!

(Source: www.mainewinetrail.com)

Conveniently located on the Pier next to the Whale Watch.

207-667-7627 Bar Harbor Airport

207-288-0703 Downtown Bar Harbor
http://goo.gl/T0y3n
- Gift Certificates Available -

Travelers preferring to use Boston as a jumping off point can rive from Beantown to the Pine Tree State in 90 minutes, or hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for a relaxing train ride. By car, Route 1 is the major artery running through the region and the link to some of the most exquisite beaches along the Atlantic – at Kittery, York, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Biddeford, and Old Orchard.

Southern Maine fun for serious shoppers begins at the border, where Kittery’s retail outlets number more than 120. At the other end of the region is Freeport, home to world-famous L.L. Bean.

Throughout Southern Maine you can find forts, lighthouses, colorful villages, summer theaters, antique stores, historic homes, and museums. Accommodations range from antique-filled bed and breakfasts to campgrounds. If you like the outdoors, you can go fresh or salt water fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, white-water rafting, swimming, or sunbathing, golfing, hiking, or biking. In winter, you can ski, snowboard, drive a dog sled, skate and ice fish.

Finally, if you enjoy eating, Southern Maine has more to offer than just boiled lobster and fried clams. The region features a number of award-winning restaurants and chefs, year-round farmers’ markets, and plenty of “pick your own” blueberry, raspberry and apple farms.

Both Rangeley and Oquossoc share similar characteristics contributing quaint antique shops, cafes, restaurants, clothing outlets and gift stores that stretch from town to town. Their accommodations entertain many different vacationers ranging from an array of private lake side cabins, campgrounds, B&Bs & Inns, rustic mountain lodges, and condos with views as far as the eye can see. For vacation rental information or real estate in the area visit these agents;  Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals / City Cove Realty. 

The famous 1909 Loon Lodge Inn & Restaurant was built when railroads transported families here for summer vacations from all over New England, New York and New Jersey. The history of of this lodge includes ownership by Guy Gannett of Gannett Publishing, to it’s current owners who have boasted its appearance and atmosphere that will leave you losing track of time! Courtesy of www.loonlodge.com

Since the mid 1800′s Rangeley has provided a rich reputation for the state of Maine for it’s fabulous brook trout that ranged from 11 pounds or larger! When word of these mammoth sized trout spread as far south as New Jersey the Rangeley community was transformed into an attractive haven for sporting enthusiasts. The new Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum provides the history and traditions of the area with stories about those who fished and hunted these great woods (example; Fly Rod Crosby, Gray Ghost Stevens, Taxidermist Welch, and Guide Grant). Courtesy of www.rangeleyoutdoormuseum.org
Rangeley Lakes unmatched character during the fall months dispense a kaleidoscope of colors that transform the landscapes. The views from the legendary Height of the Land on Route 17 in Oquossoc is documented in almost all reviews of Maine fall foliage. Featured as a National Scenic Byway the views include the Appalachian Trail, Bald Mountain and a picturesque  Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Until the next Passport Around Maine, make sure to follow us on  facebook!

Maine is the Mecca for all adventurers, dreamers, fun seekers, lovers, backpackers, families, naturalists and anyone who is looking for their very own unique experience of a lifetime. In Maine we have something for everyone… especially our beaches in the summertime.

Welcome! Bienvenue! Benvidos! Welkumme!

Old Orchard Beach (OOB) located just minutes off from I-95 in the Southern Maine Region is a place where you will hear languages spoken openly such as French, Spanish and even the occasional German. The entrance to this beach town is a steep hill the dips into the shoreline filled with novelty shops, eateries and an amusement park. This hotspot is a full day adventure which may start at your hotel, which I recommend The Alouette Beach Resort, The Holiday House Inn ,  The Friendship Suites and the Ocean House (All located on E/W Grand Avenue). After a long drive from wherever you’re coming from the visitors usually check-in to their hotel and are out on the beach within minutes to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. The pier is the most recognizable monument stretching out 475 feet from the strip and is crowded with people from around the world who drag their feet on the same boards as Frank Sinatra and the cast from the 5 time Academy Award nomination film, “In the Bedroom” featuring Marisa Tomei and Sissy Spacek. The pier was originally constructed in 1898 and was 1,825 feet in length until multiple fires and blizzards destroyed this icon and was reduced by 1,000 feet after re-opening again in 1980 under its fourth owner. The pier is great for families to enjoy the food, refreshments and even some cartoonist’s to keep your memories even after you leave! Make sure to take the kids to the free admission Palace Playland for arcade games, kiddie rides, roller coasters, thrill rides, a Ferris wheel and the classic carousel!

Are you feeling spontaneous? You can also explore OOB as an eco-tourist by taking out a surf board, boogie board, skim board or my favorite a stand-up paddleboard from Moose County Music & Surf Shop as a leisurely activity for the day. The staff guides are skilled and will introduce you to the OOB waters with their local knowledge and experience to ensure your safety and enjoyment during your fascinating journey. This weekend was the 27^th Annual Beach Olympics next to the pier which is filled with a weekend of talented local musicians, competitors and beach side vendors where all monies raised benefit the Maine Special Olympics.

Among OOB’s destinations is one of the top golf courses in Southern Maine, Dunegrass Country Club.  International architect Dan Maples designed this course in 1998 spanning over 300+ acres of stunning fairways and well-groomed greens that are sure to produce a memorable game on this playable course for all ages.

Retire back to your hotel for a bite to eat before going out for the bustling nightlife that is safe walking distance from the majority of OOB accommodations.

Until Next Week’s Passport Around Maine -  Good Bye! Bonne Journée! Adiós! Uff Werrergugge!

Maine summers are sometimes unpredictable especially regarding the weather! Last weekend the weather was perfect and I had the privilege to engage in some great water activities in the Western Maine Lakes & Mountains Region floating through the great towns of Fryeburg and Lovell on the infamous Saco River. This picturesque river runs from Mt. Washington in New Hampshire all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in the Southern Maine city of Saco.  This great summer time activity has been enjoyed since the early 1800’s and is now being promoted by word of mouth throughout New England as a “must do” when visiting Maine. The scenic drive from the Oxford Hills area you’ll pass through the quaint towns of South Paris, Norway, Harrison and Bridgton leading to the breathtaking view of Shawnee Peak Mountain Ski Area. There are many places to stay over-night on your way there or returning but my choice would be the Highland Lake Resort  located on Route 302 in Bridgton, this location is ideal for all visitors. Arriving in the scenic neighborhood of Fryeburg you will see the site of the popular Fryeburg Fair fall event that attracts over 300,000 people annually and signifies the end of the fair season in Maine.

Whether you choose to do a day trip or overnight, launching of your own canoe/kayak or renting from Saco River Canoe & Kayak the process is turn-key from start to finish. Thousands of people flock here in the summer and the river guides are always around to assist in every way. Car license plates crowd the launch site from as far as Georgia to Maine including; Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire states to name a few. From canoes, kayaks, home-made barges, to inflatable’s this river sees it all and the low cost of this adventure keeps people coming for more every year (Parking $10 day.)  Whether floating lazily with the water current almost never taking out your paddle or avidly rowing through the twist and turns of the Saco, you will definitely enjoy the breath taking scenery around you.

 If you get a chance to stay over-night on one of the beautiful beaches owned and operated by Fiddlehead Campground ( $10 per person, $15 peak season) you will meet interesting people around the camp fires with great tales of previous years memories down the Saco River. Packing the cooler necessities for the day and overnight grilling materials are very important and be sure to bring the supplies to make your experience a prepared one (we forgot newspaper to start the fire.) The campground only offers some campsites with grills although bathrooms and a store are available to all guests, to avoid camping on a riverbank make reservations in advance. Prepare for the occasional squirt gun fights and people swinging out of the forest rope swings along the way by water proofing your electronics and any overnight gear. We saw many social responsible people this weekend picking up their trash and sometimes others along the way with trash bags or just throwing it in their canoe, very important to keep this river a clean one. Seeing an over-turned canoe along the way reminds us to not stand up, even though this river is sometimes only knee-deep. We ended our Saco River excursion with a stop at The Black Horse Tavern in Bridgton to enjoy a nice cold beverage and some of the best Baby Back Spare Ribs (1.5lb.) in Maine! These char-broiled BBQ ribs fell off the bone; make sure to add the smashed red potatoes and gravy MmmMmmM Good! Our waitress Jen was very hospitable and made our experience there that much better!!! We look forward to hearing your Saco River experience on here.

Till next week’s adventure… Thanks for reading Passport Around Maine.

Photos Courtesy of: Carina Brown & Megan Rich

We will take you around 8 great regions discovering the hidden treasures to the popular stops along our scenic roads. In our four-seasons Maine has to offer there is always something to get you out on the road and enjoy the adventures this great state personifies. We look forward to hearing about your adventures as well so feel free to share your knowledge or experience of these great regions in Maine.

A spring tour is a great time to visit, before the traffic of summer backs up on Main Street.  If you get a chance to visit the 30 plus antique shops, it makes for a great day; most shops are open now and getting ready for another summer season. The museums in town don’t open until May; the Lincoln County museum (1811) and Old Jail are worth a return trip.

Reds Eats is always popular and the nice thing about a spring visit–the line for Maine’s best lobster roll is short and sweet! Red’s serves over eight and a half tons of Maine lobster each season which translates into 50,000 lobster rolls! There is always a line but it’s worth the wait.

My favorite lunch spot  is Sarah’s Cafe where you can’t beat the homemade  soups, chowder and bread buffet on a spring day. Sarah’s is right on the Sheepscot River on Route 1 just before the bridge. Save room for dessert–the pies are the best on the Mid-Coast.

After lunch I suggest a walking tour of some of the best architecture in Maine. The walk past sea captain’s homes of the past and old barns gives you a sense of the history, as this was one of the busiest ports along the coast 200 years ago.

While exploring, be sure to pick up a copy of this year’s travelMaine and keep it with you as you tour Maine.

Ice fishing has a long, proud history in Maine and it continues to grow in popularity.  New technology, such as power augers, make the job of drilling a fishing hole through thick ice much easier.  Improvements in winter clothing designs have made it possible for more people to enjoy colder temperatures in relative comfort.

But the great lure that brings these fervent outdoor folks out to brave the elements is the fun and challenge of hauling in a prized catch through the ice.

There are several techniques for ice fishing.  One uses the tip-up traps.  The traps are called tip ups because when a fish takes the bait on the line below the trap, a pole on the trap tips up to alert the lucky fisherman of a catch.  Another technique is called jigging.  When jigging, the fisherman lowers the bate line through the hole in the ice and pulls up and down on the line, or jigging, in hopes that the movement of the bait will attract a fish.

Inland Maine waterways abound with more than 60 varieties of fish species.  Brook trout, also know as brookies, are the most abundant.  Lake trout or togue, are also a prized catch, along with large mouth and small mouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, rainbow trout and land-locked salmon.

When ice fishing it’s important to keep an eye out for the moment a fish strikes.  Even more important is to keep an eye on the condition of the ice.  Safety is a major concern and the thickness and condition of the ice needs to be under constant surveillance.  Before venturing out be certain the ice can handle your weight.