A Meal at a Sicilian Table

I’ve written three blog posts about three restaurants owned by the same person.  These restaurants included Tuscan Table in South Portland. While researching those posts, I heard whispers of a fourth restaurant opening at some point in the future.  Recently, I was looking for a place to eat on the internet, and Sicilian Table, the fourth restaurant to be opened by the same owner, had begun serving customers.  I knew immediately that I had to try it, so I hurried over and ordered some lunch.

 

Sicilian Table offers a large drink menu. Cocktails, mocktails, wine, soda, and bourbon populate their drink menu.  Sicilian Table has a great food menu as well, offering a variety of food options.  There are appetizers like meatballs and mussels, as well as salads like caser salad and a Greek salad.  There is a section reserved for pizza, as well for their house made pasta.  Finally, Sicilian Table also offers sandwiches like a burger or the chicken parmesan. There are seats at the bar as well as bar seating.  There are booths and tables, along with outdoor seating. There is also two floors available for patrons to sit.  I had a Caesar salad, along with a bee sting pizza, and both were delicious.

 

I enjoy these four restaurants, and I’m glad that I was able to try the newest addition.  Maine has a great variety of places to eat, so I’ll keep looking for new places to try. If you want to check out Sicilian Table, you can click here.  Now that this post is done, where should I go next?

Two Nations, Double the Fun

Whenever I discover a new restaurant, I feel a sense of excitement.  What kind of food will they serve?  How does the environment feed into the meal?  These are questions that I ask myself whenever I go somewhere new.  I discovered Dos Naciones when I was on my way to King of the Roll, and I knew I had to give this restaurant a chance.  Dos Naciones, which translates to Two Nations, serves Mexican and El Salvadorian food.  I admit that I have a soft spot for Latin American food, so I was excited to say the least.

 

There is plenty of seating. Booths, tables, high tops, and seats at the bar are all available to guests who want a meal.  Latin American music plays over the speakers, adding to the ambiance.  The food, as well as the service are both great, making this a great place to eat.  As I ate my meal, the restaurant continued to fill up, making Dos Naciones a sure-fire hit!

 

Since Dos Naciones is a new restaurant, the number of websites dealing with this eatery are limited.  For the time being, I will link Yelp here, which shows that Dos Naciones with a five star rating.  My meal at Dos Naciones marks the end of my Restaurant Week.  It was a great experience, and I had the opportunity to try a new restaurant.  So now, I look towards my next adventure, completely unsure of where my next adventure will take me.  So, with some excitement, I ask; where should I go next?

A Lobster Roll With a View

Maine provides its residents and tourists with a variety of restaurants.  Some are dedicated to seafood, while others provide a wider assortment of options.  This time, I set my sights on The Lobster Shack Between Two Points.  As the name implies, seafood is the primary focus here, but don’t despair if a land based diet is more your thing.  Burgers and salads are also available for purchase, as well as a small drink menu.

Located in Cape Elizabeth, The Lobster Shack provides guests with two seating options.  Patrons can choose to sit outside or inside, with plenty of seating available.  Much of the restaurant has windows facing the coast and the walls are adorned with a variety of antiques, as well as some vanity plates.  I decided to get a lobster roll, with a side of fries, which was absolutely delicious.

The outdoor seating area is populated by red picnic tables where guests can enjoy their food as well enjoy the natural beauty that Maine has to offer.  Furthermore, there are benches where patrons can sit and admire the waves crashing into the coast.  A coin-operated pair of binoculars enables visitors to check out their surroundings, as well as the waterfowl that are floating in the ocean. Furthermore, the seagulls flying overhead complete the picturesque view that it coastal Maine.

Despite the amount of time I’ve spent in Maine, I am always blown away by what Maine has to offer.  I find myself going to places I’ve never expected, and experiencing new and exciting activities.  The Lobster Shack was no different.  The food and the view was extraordinary!  I highly recommend that if you have the chance, go as soon as possible. The Lobster Shack is not open year round, so make sure you plan accordingly.  If you want to learn more about The Lobster Shack, you can click here.  As it happens, I’ve already gone on my next adventure, so make sure to check back soon, as I’m very excited about my next post!

Skiing, Dog Sledding, and Fire Dancers? Sign Me Up!!

Whether you’re a painter, fashion mogul, or a filmmaker, creativeness comes to people in unique ways. I am no different.  Whenever I recommend that someone visit Maine for the first time, the first question I get is, “Why?”  While I was quick to rattle off the number of summer activities one can do in Maine, every other season, including winter, was neglected. As I’ve spent more time in this great state, I’ve begun to experience a wider variety of seasonal activities.  As it happens, this posting will be the third and final blog chronicling my trip to Bethel and Newry.  It is here, where I will speaking to the activities in the area, and let me tell you, there is plenty to do.

Easily the most obvious past time is skiing.  While I’ve skied in Wyoming, Colorado, and Switzerland, I never dreamed that I would be skiing in Maine.  One of the many reasons I chose the Jordan Hotel was because of what it offered it’s guests.  First and foremost, The Jordan Hotel is ski on/ski off.  The mountain is easily accessible from the hotel, so visitors don’t have to struggle getting to the rest of the trails.  An added bonus is that there is a ski check conveniently located right where guests can ski in and out.  Guests can purchase ski tickets in the lobby, as well as rent skis, boots, and poles in a store right off the lobby.  The rental company even does tune-ups.  Furthermore, the Jordan Hotel provides a shuttle that takes guests to and from the ski lodge, which provides visitors with access to more lifts, another tuning shop, and more!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself while skiing.  The versatility of the mountain was impressive.  The trail map is easy to read, and the trail signs are clear as well. Furthermore, if guests are attempting to get to other parts of the mountain, the trail signs point to where to go. The trails vary in difficulty, as well as in size, meaning that some trails are narrow, while others are spacious. Furthermore, tree runs are marked, so that skiers know where to enter, as well as the trails difficulty.  I’m a big fan of terrain parks, so I was extremely happy when I discovered that there were multiple parks, with jumps of various sizes.  While I spent one day skiing, I did not get an opportunity to do some night skiing. Night skiing is only available during the weekend and some holidays, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. The conditions at Sunday River were extraordinary, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s lived through a Maine winter.  Sunday River also has snow making equipment available to create more snow if need be.

When someone mentions that they’ve seen a fire dancer, Maine doesn’t seem to be a logical place to go to see such a performance.  However, I was lucky enough to see such a performance during my time in Newry. Located right at the ski lodge, there are two shows, one at 7:45pm and one at 8:15pm.  The performer was talented, and there was plenty of twirling and whirling! As I went to the 8:15 show, the fire dancer’s performance blended seamlessly into the firework show at 8:30.

During my trip, I was able to go dog sledding, which was an absolute blast.  The guides are extremely knowledgeable, not only about dog sledding but about local history as well.  Guests can ride within the sled, or on the back of the sled with the guide. Mahoosuc Guide Service offers a whole slew of options, including day trips, as well as weekend trips.  A couple of minutes into our trip, it suddenly clicked that we were sledding over a lake.  The guide told me that the ice was about two feet thick, enabling them to bring the dogs onto the ice.  We passed an area that was set up for ice fishing, with ice huts dotting the frozen lake, which was definitely a sight to see.  Part way into the trip, we stopped for lunch, which happens to be included. A hearty soup along with bagels, cream cheese, jam, chips, and trail mix meant that we ate very well.  A nice touch was that the soup was warmed over an open fire.  As we ate, I was able to take in the beautiful sights, as well as interact with the dogs, who were all eager for the attention.  While I brought my own gear for the trip, Mahoosuc Guide Service can provide guests with gear, if the need arises.  Mahoosuc Guide Service also can provide lodging, which can add to the experience.

As my trip came to a close, I found myself wanting to come back to Bethel and Newry.  The beauty of the Bethel/Newry area is that there’s always something to do, regardless of when you’re visiting.  Information on skiing at Sunday River can be found here, while the fire dancing and fireworks can be found here.  Mahoosuc Guide Service offers plenty of summer and winter activities, and you can find them here. If you want to read about Sunday River as a whole, the home page can be found here.  As I’ve mentioned before, this was the last entry the series about my trip to Newry and Bethel.  I had a lot of fun, but now, it’s time to plan my next adventure, and I’m excited to get started.

The Taste of Adventure

Any one who has visited Maine can tell you that the food is incredible.  Not only is the seafood to die for, but, there is so much more available, and Bethel and Newry were no different.  As I researched different restaurants in the area, I found myself blown away by the sheer amount of options available to me.

My first stop was the Mountain View At Trails End.  Located at the foot of the mountain, Mountain View is a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and everyone else enjoying the winter weather.  Seating was ample, providing plenty of options for patrons.  High tops were scattered throughout the restaurant, some of which have ski maps of Sunday River made right into the tables. Seating at the bar, as well as standard tables, couches, and seating by a fire place can all be found as well.  Televisions are also scattered around the restaurant, displaying a wide assortment of programming.

While it was pretty quite at when I was having lunch, it was clear that the Mountain View was so much more than just an eatery.  The bar is well stocked, especially with beers from micro-brewery’s, as well an arcade to entertain guests while they waited for their food.  Events are also held here, with a menu designed to cater to these events.  According to their website, the Mountain View can host a wedding as well!

Matterhorn Ski Bar was my next “dining destination,” and I wasn’t disappointed.  The restaurant was absolutely packed, but with two floors of seating available, a table is bound to open up soon.  There was live music, but it wasn’t overpowering at all.  I had no problem communicating with my server throughout my meal.  Furthermore, their menu was sizable, with plenty of options including; burgers, pizza, and salads.  Their drink menu was equally impressive, as they had an assortment of beers, red and white wines, and cocktails.  If you have kids in tow, don’t despair, as there are kid friendly options available as well.  The decorations were plenty of fun to look at as well, as the walls were adorned with various types of skis from years past.

While I had a pretty good idea where I was going for all my meals, I discovered Sunday River Brewing Company entirely by accident.  Much like the other establishments I visited, Sunday River Brewing Company had high tops, booths, tables, and seats at the bar available for patrons.  The atmosphere was definitely cozy, and the staff was friendly.  The beer is brewed right on the premise, and while guest cannot enter the brewery, windows offer a view into the brewing process.

While Sunday River Brewing Company does carry some well-known beers, I could tell that this brewery has a lot of pride for their own beer.  An entire section of their menu is dedicated to their beer, describing their flavor, the type of beer, color and finally the alcohol by volume. The food is phenomenal as well, with an assortment of pub food and pizza.

Dinner at the Funky Red Barn provided, dare I say it, a funky experience.  While it was quiet when I arrived, it was clear that good times come easy here.  The tables are sizable, providing opportunities for parties of all sizes to find a place to sit.  Old sports equipment, license plates, and album covers adorned the walls, along with a full sized motorcycle hanging from the ceiling.  Two pool tables are situated in the back of the restaurant, along with two dartboards.  Live music and a dance floor are provided as well, if that sounds like your kind of fun

My last night in Bethel was spent at ChoSun, a Japanese and Korean restaurant.  The décor was masterfully done.  Japanese art peppered the walls, while the eatery looked to be a cross between a ski lodge, as well as a Japanese restaurant.  As I had family with me on this particular night, we settled on the ChoSun Sushi Platter, which comes with 50 pieces of sushi, selected by the chef.  It was a phenomenal sight to see, and it was delicious!  While ChoSun is definitely a popular place to eat, it didn’t feel overcrowded or noisy.  It was comfortable, and with the low lighting, a great place to eat.  There’s even a bar where quests can have a drink as well.  The website for ChoSun makes it a point to recommend that guests make a reservation, and after my meal there, I have to agree that is a great idea.

 

Having travelled extensively in Maine, it doesn’t surprise me that Bethel and Newry has some extraordinary places to eat.  What amazes me is that I didn’t scratch the surface of restaurants in the area!  I constantly found myself making note of all the other places to eat in the area.  As always, if you want to know more about where I went, you can find the links here.  For Mountain View at Trails End, the link is here, while Matterhorn Ski Bar can be found here.  Subsequently, Sunday River Brewing Company ishere, while The Funky Red Barn can be found here, and Cho Sun is linked here.  Just like my previous post, this posting is part of a series for my Bethel and Newry trip, so stay tuned, as there is more to come!

My Stay at the Jordan Hotel

Many people see the state of Maine as a great place to spend their summer vacation.  I have to admit that I counted myself amongst them.  When I learned that Maine hosted a whole slew of activities to do in winter, I knew that I wanted to expand my horizon.  I booked a five-day trip up to Newry and Bethel, neighboring towns almost two hours northwest of Portland.  What I discovered was a new way of vacationing in Maine.

While trips I have done in the past have been recorded in a singular posting, I’ve decided to do something different.  I will be publishing my blog posts in somewhat of a thematic order.  I can hear some of you scratching your heads and asking, “What does the Merry Mainer mean, posting his writing in thematic order?”  The answer is quite simple.  Spending five days researching living arrangements, restaurants, skiing, and other winter activities yielded quite a bit of information. Therefore, breaking up all my research will hopefully make reading my posts far more enjoyable.

Sunday River is one of the more famous mountains in Maine.  As such, there are quite a few options when it comes to accommodations. I chose to stay at The Jordan Hotel and Conference Center.  It’s a beautiful hotel located right on the mountain, and the drive in is scenic to say the least.  The hotel is somewhat secluded, with a single road leading to and from the hotel.  The street is lined with trees with brief glances of the mountain rising above you.  While parking in front of the hotel is quite limited, parking options are, in fact, quite plentiful.  Checking in was a pleasant experience, and I was able to leave my car out front while I ran my luggage to my room.  Valet parking is offered for $10 a day, while two satellite lots can be found at either side of the hotel, and parking there is included with your stay.  Parking was plentiful, and stairs led back to the hotel’s main entrance.

A crackling fire greets guests as they enter the hotel.  An added bonus was that the hotel provided all the making of s’mores, including sticks to roast the marshmallows.  While a simple addition, it proved quite popular.  Not a day went by where I didn’t see someone roasting a marshmallow in the fireplace.  The conference rooms can be found on the ground floor, along with a Ping-Pong table, a store that provides ski rentals, as well as two different restaurants. Art adorned the walls throughout the hotel, but my favorite pieces were the reproductions of L.L. Bean catalog covers.

The rooms vary, depending on the quest’s needs.  While my room came with all the standard makings of a hotel room, I was blown away by the fact that a small kitchen was built into the room.  A sizable refrigerator, cabinets, a stove, an oven, along with utensils was all included in the room.

The hotel offered numerous amenities.  Furthermore, a health club can be found on the second floor with locker rooms and showers available for guests.  Further more, a heated pool can be found right outside the locker rooms.  Two hot tubs provide ample room for guests to relax and breath in the mountain air.  The mountain is visible from the hot tubs, so I was able to watch the snow cats grooming the mountain.  A steam room and a sauna are also available for hotel guests.  As a fan of intense heat, I spent all of my time in the sauna. While the sauna was entirely electrical, temperature and time controls helped guests customize their experience within the sauna.

Two restaurants are located within the Jordan Hotel.  The Grand Avenue Restaurant can be found right in the lobby of the hotel.  During the winter months, The Grand Avenue is only open for breakfast.  Breakfast fans will rejoice in knowing that they are walking into a buffet, with an omelet and waffle station.  The second restaurant located in the hotel was a gastro pub named Sliders.  While The Grand Avenue was only open for breakfast, Sliders catered to those looking for lunch and dinner.  A wood interior along with low lighting made for a comfortable experience.  There were plenty of seating options with high tops, tables, and seats at the bar. Slider offers typical pub fare, with a wide selection of drinks.  Their cocktails were expertly made.

Finally, The Jordan Hotel provides a spa for their guests on the second floor.  While the spa offers a full range of facials, pedicures, manicures, and massages, The Jordan Hotel adds a twist to some of the classics. For example, guests can sign up for the Candy Cane Caramba, which is a Swedish massage with peppermint oil and hot stones.  If you want to sign up for any of the spa’s services, make sure you do so ahead of time. I was unlucky enough to discover just how quickly appointments are booked for my self.

All in all, my experience at The Jordan Hotel was a very pleasurable experience.  From easily accessible staff members to a clean and well-maintained hotel, The Jordan Hotel is able to fulfill the needs of their guests.  If you want more information on the hotel, you can find it here, while everything you need to know about the spa can be found here.  If you want to check out the two restaurants in The Jordan, you can find Sliders hereand The Grand Avenue Restaurant here.  As I’ve mentioned before, this is the first post in a series of blog posts about the Bethel and Newry area, so stay tuned!  Who know, maybe The Jordan Hotel will make an appearance in future posts.

A Frosty Time Frosty’s

I typically like to plan my trips ahead of time.  This gives me an opportunity to research where I’m going, and to plan out my adventure. However, inspiration struck as I was on my way to do some shopping at L.L. Bean.  As I pulled into Freeport, my attention was drawn to a sign hanging from a building.  Despite the amount of time I’ve spent in Freeport, I had never heard of Frosty’s Donuts, so I decided to alleviate my hunger as well as explore what will become my next post.

While the Frosty’s location in Freeport was opened in September of 2012, there are three other locations throughout Maine located in Brunswick, Bath, and Gardiner.  When I stepped into the small eatery, I felt a sense of ease wash over me.  As it was mid December, the heat was on, adding to the cozy interior.  High tops and round tables are available for people to sit and enjoy their food.  If you’re travelling with children, there is a play area where sugar highs can be burned off.  Furthermore, cards are accepted here as well as cash.

Donuts are definitely the focal point of Frosty’s.  A wide selection is available for purchase.  A single donut will cost will cost $1.50, while a half dozen and a dozen will cost $7.25 and $13.50 respectively.  Twists are also available for purchase, as well as apple fritters and cinnamon rolls. If you lack a sweet tooth, bagels are sold at Frosty’s as well.  For added flavor, customers can add cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and lox. The twists and bagels can be purchased in the dozen and half dozen as well, so you can take home some of your favorites.

Coffee can also be found at Frosty’s as well, so if your energy starts to lag while walking around Freeport, Frosty’s can provide a respite.  Furthermore, iced coffee is also available for purchase.  Much like the food, if you liked your coffee, and you want to take some of the coffee home with you, small bags are available for purchase.  Frosty’s also offers soda and juice, that that every pallet can be satisfied.

However, what I was most excited to try, was the make your own donut station.  First, and most importantly, customers choose any donut they please.  They then choose a frosting to go on to their donut.  They can choose from maple, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry frosting. Finally, patrons can choose up to three toppings.  There are plenty of choices, which include; peanut M&Ms, graham crackers, Swedish Fish, pretzels, M&Ms, Skittles, Oreos, Reece’s Pieces, Sour Patch Kids, and Twizzles.

As always, if you want more information about Frosty’s you can visit their website here.  Frosty’s has three other locations in Maine, one Brunswick, another in Bath and one in Gardiner. Definitely check out the menu online, as some of the stores differ in what they sell, and those differences are listed on line.  The link includes their locations, hours, as well as the history of the company.  If you’re looking for a place to host a party, or if you want to bring food to an event, Frosty’s can provide catering, and you can even pick up your order or have it delivered.  Furthermore, if you want to buy donuts wholesale, Frosty’s can help you with that as well.

A 10.0 On the Ricker Scale.

Every time I sit down to plan out my next excursion, I consider myself blessed for living in a state with seasons.  While I prefer the heat and humidity that comes with summer, I’m happy that I live in a place with some “seasonal range.”  As autumn was in full swing I decided to go apple picking.  After a bit of research, I settled on Ricker Hill Orchards, located in Turner.  The drive for me was just short of an hour, but it passed quickly as I drove through towns and forest alike.

As apple picking is a popular activity, I wasn’t surprised that the main parking lot was full.  As I pulled into the secondary lot, I was blown away by the view that greeted me.  Trees covering every inch of the surrounding hills took my breath away. As the leaves were just beginning to turn, there was a smattering of color amongst the green.  I discovered quickly that the orchard is divided into two sections.  The first being a recreational area with a whole slew of activities, and the actual orchard, which was further up the road.

The recreational area was a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells.  The tantalizing scent of a food truck wafted by me as children enjoyed the bouncy castles, mini golf, and the petting zoo.  I continued along my path, and I found myself walking through a small craft fair.  As I perused the stalls, I started to find some products that would make for great Christmas presents.  After finishing my purchases, I began to take a closer look at the rest of the compound.

The first thing that caught my eye was the mini golf course.  It’s design was geared for children, but still provided enough challenge for adults.  While a bouncy castle was present, I found that Ricker Hill Orchards went a step further in providing for their younger patrons.  A bouncy UFO, as well as an inflatable obstacle course can also be found nearby.

Ricker Hill Orchards also boasted a sizable corn maze.  As I entered the labyrinth, I prepared myself for a short trip.  I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the maze posed a challenge.  As I continued through the long corridors of corn, I came across a small clearing. Right in the middle of this “glade,” was a raised platform, surrounded by railings.  Climbing up the couple of stairs provided me with another phenomenal view, as well as a way to get my bearings.  After encountering a few dead ends, I finally found the exit, and thus made my way to the petting zoo.

The petting zoo consisted of a few goats and a couple of cattle.  Like York’s Wild Kingdom and Maine Wildlife Park, there were food dispensers to feed the animals.  Old farm equipment was scattered along the lawn, along with information about the gear. An old fire truck was also repurposed to serve as a play area, near some tubing that had been redesigned as slides.

As I entered the gift store, I was blown away by the sheer amount of product available for purchase. There were toys as well as souvenirs, doughnuts, apple cider, hard cider, and an assortment of jams and preserves.  I even found myself inspecting such products as pumpkin butter. After buying some ice cream, I made my way to what can only be described as a bar.

It was here where more “adult” beverages were served.  As I was at an orchard, the drinks that were available were all hard ciders.  Instead of sticking to one or two kinds of cider, I found myself examining a list of different drinks.  While patrons could order a pint of one of the ciders, I opted for a flight of four different ciders. I never considered myself a fan of ciders, but I found that I enjoyed the drinks I had ordered.  Furthermore, if someone is feeling adventurous, they can order a flight of six or a flight of eight.  If a pint sounds more your speed, the drinks are reasonably priced.  If you spend a dollar more, you can even keep your glass as a souvenir.

The second half of my trip took me to the actual orchard.  While I was tempted to walk to the orchard, I was ultimately happy with my choice to drive, as it was a bit of a hike.  I found that there was a lot more parking available, and I had no problem finding a spot.  It was clear that I needed to head to a small building that sat close to the top of the hill, so I started to make my way toward it.  Passing the shed where apples and apple cider were sold, I found myself admiring another beautiful view.  Since I was further up the hill, and in an entirely different part of the orchard, my view was much more expansive, as well as much more colorful.  There were a lot more trees that started to turn, and I was able to see further than I could at the recreational area.

Thuds behind me drew my attention to some wood cutouts of farm animals.  As it turns out, the apples that cannot be sold, like rotten apples, are repurposed for slingshots.  It costs a dollar a bucket, and guests can aim for the cutouts.

Depending on when in the season you go, certain apples may or may not be ripe for picking.  The workers who were handing out bags for apples were very knowledgeable in directing people to the areas that were “open” for picking.  In addition to apples, patrons can pick pumpkins, blueberries, and grapes.  I decided that before I started picking, I would take a tour of the orchard.  Ricker Hill Orchards provides transportation around the compound, along with a brief stop to explore the area in which grapes and blueberries are grown.

After the trip around the orchard ended, I began to pick some apples.  The orchards are expertly organized, with signs distinguishing the different types of apples, as well whether or not they’re organic. After I was satisfied with what I had picked, I made my way to the register, where my bag was weighed, and I paid for the apples.

Apple picking, for me, is one of those activities that I always hear about, but I never think to do myself.  The last time I even went to an orchard was in elementary school back in the late 1990’s. So when I decided to go to Ricker Hill, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  My trip managed to exceed every expectation I had.  While many of the activities were geared towards families with young children, I saw guests from many different age groups.  Whether you’re in high school, a young couple or newly weds, Ricker Hill Orchards is a great place to visit.  And if you have a dog, make sure to bring them along as well, they’ll enjoy the trip as much as you do.

If you’re interested in visiting Ricker Hill Orchards, you can find their website here.  As it happens, Ricker Hill also grows cranberries, so if that piques you’re interest, you can click here.  And as always, I ask myself, where am I going next?

A Day At York’s Wild Kingdom

It’s no secret that I love animals.  I grew up with dogs and guinea pigs, and I’m a sort uncle to my roommate’s cat.  So after my trip to The Maine Wildlife Park, I decided to visit York’s Wild Kingdom.  Their website boasts that they are New England’s only zoo and amusement park, and I wasn’t disappointed.

 

York’s Wild Kingdom is open from late May to mid-September.  The zoo opens at 10am and the amusement park opens at 11am.  During peak summer months, admissions will close at 4pm, but much like The Maine Wildlife Park, visitors can stay until 6pm, while the amusement park closes at 8pm.  I pulled into the compound at 11am, and I discovered that the main parking lot was already full.  However York’s Wild Kingdom has a contingency plan for such an event, and they have secondary lots were people can park, along with transportation to and from the park. The ride to the park was enjoyable and lined with trees, making for a smooth trip.

 

After disembarking from the shuttle, I decided to tour the amusement park.  The rides were varied, ranging from the tame for little one’s, to a ride that spins on its axis.  Watching some of the more intense rides turned my stomach, but much like my trip to the pier in June, I could see the popularity of such rides.  There were batting cages with varying speeds, fun houses and haunted houses, and there were carnival games galore.  There were even games that were “play-till-you-win,” which was a nice touch.  There is a stall that does temporary tattoos as well bumper cars, go karts, and there’s even a ride that can be described as bumper boats.

 

Furthermore, an amusement park is not complete without food.  There are a couple of food establishments that serve a selection of lunch and dinner options, like burgers and chicken tenders, as well as food stands that serve ice cream, fried dough and other such goodies.  While there are picnic tables scattered around the park, some of the restaurants provide a deck of sorts with a whole slew of picnic tables.  The park even provides umbrellas to shield patrons from the sun.

 

After I finished lunch, I made my way to the zoo.  The first thing I noticed was that there were camel and pony rides.  It looked like a lot of fun, and it provided parents with a photo opportunity.  After some exploring, I found myself at a pond full of ducks.  There were food dispensers that for a quarter you could feed the ducks.  As the park had much to offer, I ventured deeper into the zoo.  As I walked by the swan enclosure and the aoudad exhibit, I found myself amongst a herd of goat.

 

As with the ducks, there were food dispensaries present so that the guests could feed the goats. There were goats of different sizes, and I had a lot of fun feeding them.  Some of the bigger goats could stand on their hind legs and prop themselves on the fence in such a way that their heads could clear the top of the fence. There’s even an area where guests can enter an enclosure and mingle with some of the goats.

 

Being a zoo, York’s Wild Kingdom doesn’t disappoint when it comes to exotic animals.  I found a Bengal Tiger napping in the sun, and as I watched, he got up and began to walk about the enclosure.  I was so taken aback by such a creature, that I almost missed the white tiger sleeping in the next pen.  There were zebras, a vast variety of monkeys, emus, and a lion.

 

As my day was coming to a close, I happened across a small theatre facing two enclosures.  A sign told me that in ten minutes a presentation on animals from different habitats would begin.  The women who made the presentation was knowledgeable and was able to engage the crowed, which was a mix of children and adults.  As the woman spoke about different animals, the subject of her presentation would enter one of pen as a way to provide a visual for the guests.  Visitors can catch presentations at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and it takes about fifteen minutes for the show to run its course.

 

Like in any other park, York’s Wild Kingdom has much to offer.  While I mentioned some of the highlights of my trip, there is still a lot to explore.  I do want to mention that weather can affect how long the park stays open, so if the weather is not ideal, make sure that the park’s hours haven’t changed. Visitors can find York’s Wild Kingdom can be found herewhile pricingand hourscan be found on their respective words.  The pricing and hours and operation mentioned are for the 2018 season; so if you’re looking to visit in later years, make sure to check back for updated information.  So once again, I ask, where should I go next?

A Wild Time at The Maine Wildlife Park

When people ask me about the different things to do in Maine, my response is quick and the list is tailored to the person I’m speaking to. However, when someone with small children approaches me, I draw a blank.  After asking a co-worker with a small son, I found myself with a variety of new adventures to pick from.  I decided to go to The Maine Wildlife Park, located in the town of Gray.  The park, which was only a half-hour drive from Portland, happens to be run by The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  This government agency provides a number of different services and functions. People can get hunting and fishing licenses, register their snowmobiles and ATVs. The agency also offers other programs as well. If you’re curious about The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the link is included.

 

The Maine Wildlife Park has ample parking- I had no problem finding space, mid-day, on a Tuesday in August. Walking up to the booth to pay admission was a pretty standard experience, but once I stepped inside the experience wasn’t standard at all. I had left the world behind and entered a heavily wooded area. The first thing that caught my eye was the crest for the Main Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  The crest provides a photo opportunity, as it’s the size of a small house, and is, effectively, a 3-D model of the crest.  As I made my way through the trees and picnic tables, a burst of color caught my attention.  A beautiful garden greeted visitors to the park as well as to the visitor center.

 

As I entered the Visitor Center, the snake and turtle tanks caught my eye. I made a beeline for them.  After getting my fill of the amphibians, I turned my attention to the rest of the Visitor Center.  There is a moose cutout that provides facts about moose as well as a square foot of fur you can touch.  Posters about different fish and wild life also adorned the walls.  As I headed out to explore the rest of the park, I found an exhibit full of sand with molds of different animal paw prints.  I spent a few joyous minutes making prints in the sand before leaving for MaryAnn’s Snack Shack.  Small, beverages, ice cream, and other goodies are available for purchase. It’s definitely worth a visit if one needs something to snack on.

 

My journey took me to two hiking trails that provided more than just a brisk walk.  These trails are far from strenuous, so children and adults alike can enjoy their time in the woods.  Furthermore, each path provides something entirely unique.  While walking down one trail, I found myself reading the plaques that identified different trees, and listed uses for their wood.  If you venture a bit deeper, you will find trees that have been impacted by different animals.  There was a tree with holes made by woodpeckers, trees hollowed out by opossums, and trees stripped of their bark by moose.

 

As I continued through the woods, I started to encounter different animal exhibits.  My first stop was the colossal moose enclosure.  Anyone who has seen a moose will understand the need for such a massive enclosure. After a bit of searching I was able to find a bull and cow.  Both were enjoying some time in the shade, giving me an opportunity to snap a few photos and to see the moose from a short distance away.

 

The second trail has two distinct features.  The first is that there are cutouts of different animals hidden along the path.  The second is a series of plaques found along the footpath.  Each plaque contains a clue about an animal or tree.  The answers are in a broacher.

 

A wildlife park located in Maine has plenty of woodland creatures to see. I happened across a bear exhibit that included facts about bears, including tips about what to do when you’re face to face with a bear.  People can feed the bears via a contraption that provides the bears with a snack.  The park has another feeding area by a pond that houses a number of ducks. An added bonus is that the park provides a couple of benches where a family can sit and feed the ducks and chipmunks in comfort.

 

Probably one of the biggest exhibits in the park was the deer enclosure.  As I walk the path along the enclosure, hoping to catch sight of a deer, something unusual caught my eye.  A deer that was almost entirely white was enjoying some shade provided by of one of the many trees.  The deer was not an albino, but a piebald deer.  These deer possesses a genetic variance that causes a their fur to suffer from a lack of pigmentation.  This causes their fur to have to have a multitude of different patterns, ranging from white spots, to being almost completely white.  People may wonder what makes a deer an albino or piebald, and the answer lies with their hooves and eyes.  Albino deer will be completely white with pink hooves and eyes, while those who are piebald will have normal pigmentation in their eyes and hooves.

 

The Maine Wildlife Park knows that no park is complete without a bird exhibit, and I wasn’t disappointed.  There is quite large variety of fowl, ranging from exotic birds like peacocks, to the bald eagle.  Another bird worth mentioning is the turkey vulture.  While driving through Maine, these birds can be seen circling roads and forests in hopes of finding their next meal.  However, what made one of these turkey vultures special is that at forty years of age, it is the oldest animal in the park.

 

One of my last stops of the day was the hatchery.  It’s here that The Maine Wildlife Park breeds fish.  While most of the buildings are off limits, there are windows where visitors can witness the inner workings, as well as information about the hatchery. The last pool in this part of the park is one area where guests can actually approach.  A sign hanging above the pool tells me that there are an estimated six thousand yearling brook trout.  A look into the pool made me a believer, as there were fish practically bumping into each other.

 

My final stop was the Ted Morse building.  It’s here that two fawns and a moose calf are fed at Twelve-Thirty and Five-Thirty.  Although the feeding takes place behind a fence, it’s well worth a visit, as seeing a fawn or a calf in the wild is quite rare.

 

While I provided a sampling of things to do at The Maine Wildlife Park, there is so much left to do.  There are cougars, porcupines, raccoons, and other animals commonly found in the forest. There’s the Warden Museum, which gives a brief history of the wardens, as well as their duties.  An amphitheater can also be found in the park.  It’s here where wild life talks are held at 10am and 1am, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the months of July and August. Stories and crafts are held here as well on Thursdays at 1030am, also during July and August.

 

The park is located at 56 Game Farm Road, in the town of Gray.  The reserve is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, but guests who are already in the park can stay until 6pm.  Entrances fees can be found here, while the parks address and additional park information can be found here.  If a trip here is in your future, don’t forget to bring quarters, as the feeding stations within the park only take quarters.

 

The Maine Wildlife Park is in the town of Gray, but once you enter the park, you’ll be hard pressed to remember you’re so close to civilization. The smell of the woods will transport anyone away from the stress of everyday life.  It’s the light breeze, the sounds of nature, and the stillness of the trees that reminds you to stop, breath, and participate in what life has to offer.