Passport Around Maine

Rangeley ~ Oquossoc

Kaleidescope of Colors in Rangeley; From the small cabins that sit on the shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Rangeley Lake to the one road that brings you through the captivating towns of Oquossoc and Rangeley this hidden area is only 2 1/2 hours from Portland. Our friends at the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce say it best, “Do It All, Or Nothing At All.” This Western Maine Lakes and Mountains region provides everything for all seasons including skiing, golfing, hiking, fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, dog sledding, cruises, snowmobiling, and the treasure this neck of the woods is most known for is it’s up close wildlife and fisheries. The opportunity of seeing a moose on your drive in or around the area is almost certain if your adventurous.

heightland Rangeley ~ Oquossoc

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 Realtyrangeley 300x151 Rangeley ~ Oquossoc

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

Canoe1 300x123 Rangeley ~ OquossocSince 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. brook trout 300x262 Rangeley ~ Oquossoc 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!facebook logo 150x150 Rangeley ~ Oquossoc

Passport Around Maine – “Old Orchard Beach Days”

By: Dan Bolduc

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!

OOBpier Passport Around Maine   Old Orchard Beach DaysOld 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!Adrenalin1000 300x200 Passport Around Maine   Old Orchard Beach Days

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 27th 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.DuneGrass Passport Around Maine   Old Orchard Beach Days

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!

Passport Around Maine – “Saco River Summers”

By: Dan Bolduc

Saco Pic 31 300x225 Passport Around Maine – “Saco River Summers”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.

Saco Pic13 Passport Around Maine – “Saco River Summers” 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.)Saco Pic2 150x150 Passport Around Maine – “Saco River Summers” 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. Saco Pic4 300x168 Passport Around Maine – “Saco River Summers”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

Welcome to: Passport Around Maine

Welcome to Passport Around Maine Blog! By: Dan Bolduc

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.

Passport Pic 280x300 Welcome to: Passport Around Maine