Thursday, June 17, 2010

Summer Reading

Ah, the simple pleasure of summer reading.  A great time to catch up on all those books you meant to read and never found the time to.

So as the kids are splashing in the pool, building sandcastles or hunting for crabs, we will be sitting back and enjoying the carefree days of summer with a great read.

The popular Stieg Larsson "Millennium trilogy" is on our radar right now. 

The Girl with the Dragon TattooThe Girl Who Played with Fire (Vintage)The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

L.L. Bean Summer in the Park

Freeport is going to be rocking this summer with L.L. Bean's Summer in the Park series.

Every week this summer their flagship store will offer exciting events. Concerts, food festivals, fireworks, and a community market, to name a few.

Click HERE to see the schedule of events.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Boon Island Ales

Over the weekend, we had an outstanding dining experience at a new brew pub in Wells,  Boon Island Ales.

Following a renovation, clearly with an eye to detail, the restaurant opened it's doors in May.

Upon entering, you will see these words etched in black on the wall,  "To the locals, for the locals and for those who want to be local". It stands as a proclamation and a promise to those who enter that a good time awaits.

And they kept their word.  From the engaging owners out front carefully watching the action, to the charming hostess, friendly waitstaff and hard-working bartender, they were getting it done and having fun doing it.  And it was contagious.

Boon Island Ales offers their own handcrafted beers, along with other microbrews, a selection of wine and a full bar.  The menu includes fresh seafood, chowder, Maine crab cakes, lightly fried calamari and pan-seared sea scallops with a chipotle maple drizzle.  An array of mouth-watering burgers, fresh innovative salads and gourmet pizzas. And this is just a sampling of their extensive menu.

The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable and fun.  We have found a new "favorite place".

Click HERE for more information about Boon Island Ales in Wells, Maine.

Monday, June 14, 2010

What to Wear: Summer Hats

Let's talk hats, summer hats.  They serve many purposes sun protection, fashion statement, cure for a bad hair day.  However, finding one that works for you can be tricky.  You really need to "try on many hats".  We say let's make an afternoon of it.  Here are some of our favorites:


Floppy Terry Hat
Vivid Pink
(Juicy Couture, $38)

Perfect Summer Hat for Women
(Dorfman Pacific, $22)


Glenna Hat
Straw with Black Tie
(Chico's, $39)


Seersucker Bucket Hat
(Brooks Brothers, $58)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Drowsy Chaperone

The Ogunquit Playhouse's production of  "The Drowsy Chaperone" opens tonight. The show has garnered quite a bit of media attention due to the famous faces that will grace the stage. 

Carson Kressley, best known from the hit show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" will perform the role of Man in Chair.  And Georgia Engel, the legendary actress from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" will reprise her Broadway role of Mrs. Tottendale.

This production promises a lot of laughs and a feel good experience at the theater.  Also, the Portland Press Herald has weighed in with a great article about the show.

This is one show not to be missed!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Baseball Book Signing



Calling all baseball fans! 

Kennebooks and the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport are hosting a baseball weekend with guest authors Tom and Ellen Zappala.  The Zappalas are promoting their new book, The T206 Collection: The Players and Their Stories.

Two events are scheduled beginning with a "Meet the Authors" cocktail party at the Nonantum Resort on Friday, June 11th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The second event is "Breakfast with the Authors" also at the Nonantum Resort on Saturday, June 12th from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM followed with a presentaion by the authors, book signing and vintage baseball clinic.

We say "Play Ball"!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Mussels in White Wine

It's summer, we're in Maine, fresh shellfish is plentiful and we are hungry.  How about mussels for dinner tonight?

Our favorite mussel recipe comes from Ina Garten's cookbook, The Barefoot in Paris.

Tender mussels simmering in a luxuriant broth of white wine, plum tomatoes, fresh thyme, with sauteed shallots and garlic.  Serve with crusty french bread for a delicious and satisfying light supper or appetizer.

Best wine pairing is a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc according to Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Surfing in Maine














Check out this awesome Flickr slideshow titled "Surfing in Maine" courtesy of the web site Maine Things To Do.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Big Sports Weekend


It's a big sports weekend especially if you live in New England.  We've got the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals, the Boston Red Sox have a three game series in Baltimore, the running of the final leg of the triple crown at the Belmont Stakes and the finals of the French Open.

Here's the rundown:

The Boston Red Sox play a three game series this weekend in Baltimore against the Orioles.  The first game airs Friday at 7:05 PM ET on NECN.

The Belmont Stakes will be run at Belmont Park in New York on Saturday.  Post time for the big race is 6:32 PM ET airing on ABC.

The men's singles French Open final airs Sunday morning on NBC at 9:00 AM ET.

The Boston Celtics play the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the NBA Finals on Sunday.  The game airs on ABC at 8:00 PM ET.


Thursday, June 3, 2010

Historic New England

We are surrounded with so much natural beauty in Maine it could be easy to overlook that we also live in one the most historic places in the country.

On Saturday, June 5th, Historic New England will showcase all of their 36 New England properties by opening the doors of these magnificent homes to the public from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Six of these architectural gems are located in the Maine towns of York Harbor, South Berwick, Standish and Wiscasset.

Click HERE to learn more about Historic New England and this outstanding event.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Farmer's Markets

Two more farmers' markets are going to be up and running this week.

The Wells Farmers' Market is held every Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM and will run through mid-October.  The market in York opens this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and will run through October 9th.

It is a great way to meet local farmers' and artisans.

Click HERE for a list of Wells vendors and HERE for York vendors.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Art Exhibits in Kennebunk

There are two local art exhibits happening this week that we definitely plan on checking out.

The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk is hosting For Pastels Only now through June 12th. Fifty-nine original works, featuring artists from the United States and Canada, are on display.



Dedicated to Design and Function: Furniture, Sculpture and Art for Fine Living at River Tree Arts in Kennebunk. The opening reception is Wednesday, June 2nd  from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The show will run through June 26th in the Irvine Gallery.