New2Maine.com

I stumbled upon another great (mostly) Maine blog today called Travels with Hilary. In it Hilary Nangle details her journeys as a freelance writer and lover of food and Maine. She’s also the author of three Maine-themed Avalon Travel Publishing Moon travel guides: Moon Maine, Moon Coastal Maine , and Moon Acadia National Park.

Amber and I have yet to see most of Maine, having concentrated too much I fear on the Portland area. Hilary has some great Maine travel destinations that you should definitely check out if you’re interested in exploring Maine. I think Amber and I need to get our bikes and head out to some of these spots.

Happy Independence Day! It’s the 4th of July and up here, as everywhere in the U.S., that means fireworks. While Maine state law does not allow use of personal fireworks (despite the fact that New Hampshire is selling them like hotcakes just across the border), there are several area fireworks displays on tap for tonight and tomorrow. Checking out the weather forecast, it looks like both nights will be great nights for viewing. Here’s a roundup of some of the displays:

Friday, July 4

Augusta - 9 pm at Eastside Boat Landing
Bangor - 9 pm at Waterfront Park
Bar Harbor - 9 pm at Town Pier on West St.
Freeport - 9:30 pm at Morse Street School
Kennebunk - 9 pm at Gooch’s Beach
Naples - 9 pm over Long Lake
Old Orchard Beach - 9:30 pm over the beach, near Palace Playland
Portland - 9:30 pm over Eastern Prom

Saturday, July 5

York Harbor - 9 pm at York Harbor Beach
Islesboro - 9 pm at Grindle Point
Vinalhaven - 9 pm Grimes Park

There’s apparently a great view of the Portland show from Amber’s school, so we’ll be hanging out there tonight with a cookout starting around 7:00 pm. I love fireworks shows, so I’m excited. Happy Birthday America!

Acadia National Park, Maine, originally uploaded by idahobirder.

The more pictures I see from up there, the more I’m convinced that Amber and I need to take a camping trip this summer…

June has been a very mixed month up here weather-wise. We’ve had a handful of days in the 80s (I even set up the air conditioner in my office earlier this month). We’ve had a number of typical spring days in the mid 70s and partly cloudy (perfect weather, as far as I’m concerned). And lately, we’ve had cool, stormy weather. There was quite a thunder storm yesterday, and it was far from the first rain we’ve had this month. I would love it if Mother Nature could make up her mind and stick with a pattern (especially if it were the 70s and a few clouds pattern). But, as I told a friend the other day, it beats snow!

Chef Lee Skawinski of Vignola and Cinque Terre sends out an announcement for a special wine and food pairing dinner at the Portland Harbor Hotel tomorrow night.

Chef Jeff Landry (of Eve’s at the Garden at Portland Harbor Hotel) and I are excited to create this dinner that showcases the wines of California’s Wente Vineyards, and to welcome a guest - Bridgett Epp from Wente - whose passions for food and wine are contagious.

Bridgett loves to talk about wine, and you’ll enjoy her enthusiasm as she leads us through the evening. She has chosen four outstanding wines to pair with our menu, and Chef Landry and I believe you’re in for a treat.

Wente Wine Dinner Details
Date: Thursday, June 19 - reception begins at 6 pm.
Location: Portland Harbor Hotel - 468 Fore Street, Portland.
Cost: Four courses and four wines - $75 per person.
Tickets and Information: Reservations are required - call (207) 523-2079.