September 2003

Sanctuary of the Spirit

A magnificent new book of startling close-up photography showing the natural wonders that most visitors miss. Location: Acadia, Somes Sound, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliff, Cadillac Mountain

Borestone Mountain Hideaway

The largest and least known nature preserve owned by the Maine Audobon Society. Location: Borestone Mountain, Greenville, Elliottsville, Barren Mountain

Cover

Cottage Style

An excerpt from Carol Bass’ book about Cottage living. Location: 

A Maine Original

Contemporary artist Brian White uses found objects such as shells to create ingenious pieces that are stunning in their complexity. Location: Union

Worst-Case Maine Vacation Scenarios

A humorous sketch detailing five bad situations that could be part of a Maine vacation such as seasickness, charging moose, north woods leeches, overbearing houseguests, and public restrooms. Location: 

Spikes of Gold

The same goldenrod that grows wild in Maine is prized by serious gardeners elsewhere. Location: 

Signs of the Times

Thomaston has set up a walking tour of the town called “Museum in the Streets.” Location: Thomaston, St. George River

Queen of the Togue Fleet

A good-natured angling competition and the lake trout controversy are churning the waters of Sebago Lake. Location: Sebago Lake

You Can Afford a House in Maine

Tips for finding a good Maine house.

Coastal Cleanup

Maine Coastweek during which a series of volunteer beach clean-ups help identify sources of marine debris and devise solutions to the problem.

Hurricane Hubbub

September is the peak of the hurricane season.

Toga Party

Wells is the unlikely world headquarters of an organization devoted to reviving and studying the history, culture, and religions of ancient Rome. Location: Wells

Size Matters

New, larger golf tees in response to the new oversized heads on golf drivers. Location: Burnham, Guilford

We Lead

The meaning of Maine’s state motto as well as a few other states.

Falmouth Castle

A twenty nine foot sand sculpture done to promote the Falmouth community park. Location: Falmouth

Smoke Out

List of statistics related to smoking and smokers in Maine.

Unbidden Recognition

A Blue Hill radio station is named one of the 12 best in the nation. Location: Blue Hill

Tracking the Bugs

A lobster-tagging project requesting buyers to report the final destination of their lobster. Location: Vinalhaven

Lowering Taxes

A referendum question to shift education costs off property tax onto income and sales taxes. Small photo of the neighborhood at the corner of Beech and Broadway in Rockland. A Steve Meyers (of the Portland Press Herald) cartoon on page 25 depicting an angry public as the Incredible Hulk.

Paying for the Pike

Reader’s suggestion for collecting turnpike tolls.

Test of the Traps

Reader’s comments about coyote trapping.

July Photograph

Reader’s answer to the July Where in Maine? Location: Perkins Cove

Sight Unseen

Blind author Ved Mehta recounts his travails building a house on Islesboro. Location: Dark Harbor, Islesboro

Briefly Noted

A compendium of vital information for mariners, newly updated.

Roads Less Taken

Eight different drives that offer spectacular views even though they have not been officially designated as scenic highways by the DOT.

Land Protection Down East

Augusta Kennebec Journal article about a group that is raising funds to protect many acres of forestland and river frontage and lakes in Washington County. Location: Washington County, Grand Lake Stream, Spednic Lake, St. Croix River

Autumn in Aroostook

A recreational trail system offers close up access to the County’s fall folige. 

Maine’s Climate Change

Bangor Daily News article about Governor John Baldacci’s legislation setting reduction goals for carbon dioxide.

Puppet Mania

A Freeport theater company is bringing some of the world’s best puppet masters to Maine. Location: Freeport

Merging in Biddeford

Biddeford Journal Tribune article about Governor Baldacci’s tax reform proposal.

A Walk in the Wild

Ten hiking itineraries ranging from easy stroll to serious ascent. Location: Baxter, Rangely, Monhegan, Camden, Monson, Weld

Harvest Time in Maine

A list of farmer’s markets organized geographically from north to south.

An Artful Autumn

Seven of Maine’s wonderful art museums. Location: Ogunquit, Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick, Rockland, Waterville, Bangor

Scarborough Sanctuary

A small nature preserve in southern Maine is an oasis of undeveloped land where such a thing is rapidly disappearing. Location: Scarborough Marsh

Sanford’s Reality Check

Portland Press Herald article about the negative aspects of the proposed casino in Sanford. Location: Sanford

Exploring Autumn in Maine

Leaf peeping week by week, Fun Forts for Fall, Fall Fairs, Transportation Museums, Photographer’s guide to taking foliage shots. Location: 

Visit a State Park

A listing of campsites across Maine.

Battling Bureaucracy

Lewiston Sun Journal article about Maine’s new Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability.

Food With A View

A sampling of restaurants with great views where you can stop for just a beverage or snack as well as full meal. Location: Perkins Cove, Camden, Portland,East Boothbay, Bar Harbor, Moosehead

Noshing at Norm’s

Norm has three restaurants in Portland, his Downtown Lounge, his Bar and Grill, and Norm’s Barbecue. Location: Portland

For More Information

A listing of many of the Chambers of Commerce across the state.

Pack a Picnic

Prime picnic spots that are also close by places to purchase a lovely lunch to go. Location: Kittery, Cape Elizabeth, Rockport, Bath, Damariscotta, Southwest Harbor, Bethel

Michaela’s, Portland

A cozy bistro in Monument Square “where the room is beautiful, the service is great, and the food is righteous. Location: Portland, Monument Square