A Sporting Exhibition

 

I was never big on sports.  I always joke that 95% of anything related to sports goes right over my head.  Growing up outside of New York City meant that my family followed the New York teams, like the Yankees.  While Maine doesn’t have any Major League teams, there are three Minor League teams in Portland alone.  Because of this, I decided that I would write about all three teams in one post.

I started with the Portland Sea Dogs, the local baseball team that is associated with the Boston Red Sox. As it happened, the team the Sea Dogs were playing, the Somerset Patriots, are connected with the New York Yankees. As I entered, I decided that my first stop would be to pick up some food.  As I waited in line, I noticed two things.  The first was that there were tv’s scattered around the concession stand, meaning that sports fans wouldn’t miss a second of the game.  The second was situated above the concession windows. It was here that the ranking of the teams were situated.  As it happened, the Portland Sea Dogs were in first place in their division, which was exciting.

After I took my seat, I settled in and enjoyed the game. The mascot, Slugger, wandered the stands, interacting with fans and taking pictures with them.  One thing that I was unprepared for was just how small the stadium was compared to other baseball stadiums I’ve been to.  However, the small size meant that there was a of a sense of community at the game.  As it happened, the Portland Sea Dogs won, meaning there was a small firework display at the end of the game.  As I was leaving, I noticed that there was a souvenir shop.  While I didn’t enter the store, I noticed that such memorabilia like sweatshirts were on sale.

My second stop was the Portland Mariners, the local hockey team. The Mariners are linked to the Boston Bruins, and the Mariners were playing the Lions.  There were concession stands here as well, serving drinks like beer and soda, food like burgers and fries, and snacks like popcorn and fried dough. I arrived about a half-hour before the game, and was able to watch the players warm up.  What was really cool is that if one stood at the glass facing the rink, and tried to get a player’s attention, the player might give you a puck to take home.

Furthermore, there is a jumbotron suspended over the rink, so fans could watch the game if they were struggling to see the game from their seats.  The sense of community I felt at the Sea Dogs game was also present at the Mariners game.  Additionally, there are staff members situated around the rink to help those who need it.  As it was my first Mariners game, I didn’t know how to find my seat.  The staff member was very knowledgeable and I suspect that if I had more questions, they would have been able to answer them.  Unfortunately, the Mariners lost, but I still enjoyed myself.

 

I ended my adventures with the Maine Celtics, who are obviously associated with the Boston Celtics.  As the Celtics were a local team, the sense of community was present at the basketball game as well.  The local high school even play their basketball games on the same court as well!  I live close to the stadium, so I didn’t need to drive, but there is event parking for $10. As this was my first basketball game, I needed some help finding my seat again.  The staff assigned to the area I was standing in was able to help me, meaning that the event staff scattered around the court were there to help fans with questions that they might have.  As usual, there were a couple of concession stands located about the arena.  Beer, soda, hotdogs, burgers, fries, and popcorn were available for purchase.

Throughout the game, there were activities aimed at pumping up the crowd. For example, the cheerleaders and the mascot were giving away free pizza from a local pizza place.  Furthermore, there were times when the cheerleaders would come out and perform a choreographed routine.  Again, I arrived early and was able to watch the two teams warm up.  The Celtics were playing the Delaware Blue Coats, and the Celtics were able to beat their opponent.

All in all, I enjoyed my time at these sporting events, I would even consider going again! If you want to learn more about the Portland Sea Dogs you can click here. If you want to check out the Mariners, you can click here. Finally, if you want to research the Maine Celtics, you can click here. As always, I have to ask, where should I go to next?

The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath

One of my fondest memories growing up was crossing the bridge in Bath on the way to Boothbay Harbor. I would always look out the window to see if I could spot one of the warships being built at Bath Iron Works. Since Bath has a long history of ship building, it makes sense that this coastal town houses a maritime museum. When I pulled in, the museum fits in perfectly with its surroundings. Little did I know that this brick building in scenic Bath housed a wonderful museum as well as a guided boat tour.

One of the first things that caught my eye, was the reproduction of the lighting apparatus used at the light house in Cape Elizabeth. Furthermore, Maine’s nautical history is on display, whether it’s the whaling industry, or trade with the rest of the world. Additionally, there are pieces of art within the museum that used whale byproducts like their bones.

Whaling tools were also available for viewing, including harpoons and other such gear. The museum is built in such a way that there is a hallway with a series of room branching off into different displays. One such room included models of different boats, ranging from whaling ships to battle ships.

While there was so much to see in The Maine Maritime Museum, I was looking forward to the boat ride. There are a lot of different options when choosing how long you want to be on the boat for, and I opted for the two-hour tour. We went along the river, and we were able to see Bath Iron Works from a different perspective, as well as a few light houses.

I’ve been living in Maine for a few years now, and I always feel a thrill when I discover something new. I get even more excited when I’m able to learn something new, as I did at The Maine Maritime Museum. If you want to learn more about the museum, you can click here. I usually don’t have my next adventure planned out, but this time is different. As it happens, I’m going to roll three adventures into one post! I will be exploring Portland’s minor league baseball, hockey, and basketball teams. Make sure to tune in to find out more.

Release the Kraken!

One of the many unfortunate pit falls of doing any sort of business is the threat of going under. However, empty spaces provide an opportunity for a new establishment to come in and hopefully flourish. Keg and Kraken is one of those institutions. With tables, booths, seats at the sushi bar, and bar stools facing Congress Street, Keg and Kraken offers an intimate setting for dinner. Furthermore, to say that Keg and Kraken’s menu is sizable is an understatement. The drink menu is comprehensive. Draft beer, along with can and bottled beer are available for purchase, as well as wine, sake, and cocktails. They offer a number of Thai options like pad Thai and teriyaki chicken to curry, soups and salads. Their sushi menu is also quite sizable. With sushi rolls ranging from the Philli, which is smoked salmon with cream cheese wrapped in rice to the caterpillar, which is avocado on the outside, with eel and cucumber on the inside.

With so much to offer, I decided to visit Keg and Kraken two nights in a row, to get a wide sampling of food. The first night, I had the 1800 Perfect Margarita, along with the sushi bomb, chicken tempura, and the super spicy crunchy roll. The second night I went, I had the raspberry margarita, along with a mildly spicy plate of pad Thai. It was all delicious, and I highly recommend everything.

All in all, my experience with Keg and Kraken was quite enjoyable, I would definitely go back. If you want more information, click here. As always, I have to ask, where should I go next. As it happens, I already know where I’m going next.

Lions and Tiger and…Alpacas? Oh My!!

Usually, when I come across a place to visit, it happens organically. However, I discovered Dew Haven completely by accident. I was in Manhattan with some friends, and we happened to be looking at a map of Maine on my cell phone. As we messed around with the map, Dew Haven popped up on the screen. My curiosity was piqued, so when I got home, I started my research.

Dew Haven is an animal sanctuary located about twenty minutes outside of Augusta, and just over an hour’s drive from Portland. The parking lot is quite small, but I saw plenty of change over so I parked and walked to the park entrance. The only bathroom options in the park are a few porta potties in the parking lot, so plan accordingly. For adults, the admission fee was fifteen dollars. Dew Haven accepts credit and debit cards, along with cash. Furthermore, animal feed can be purchased, and can be included in the admission fee. Food for the bears comes in a small cup and costs five dollars, while feed for the farm animals comes in a slightly bigger bucket and costs ten dollars. The bears that can be fed are marked on their enclosures, while the farm animals that can be fed are signed with green markers.

Some of the animals included alpacas, goats, wallabies, and bears. Information about each animal is attached to the enclosure. Additionally, there are more exotic animals like tigers and lions. Birds of paradise are also on display, including a Scarlet Macaw, which even said hello. There are a ton of places to sit and rest, and staff are on hand to answer questions.

Maine offers so much to its visitors. Whether it’s the stereotypical activities like eating lobster, or the atypical, like visiting an animal sanctuary outside the state capital, Maine has something for everyone! If you want to learn more about Dew Haven, you can click here. Dew Haven is not open year round, so make sure you plan your visit while they are open. I love that the state is so versatile, and I can’t wait to discover more. With that being said, I leave you with the question of; Where should I go to next?

Enjoying a Clambake at the Clambake

The greater Portland metropolitan area has a lot of hidden gems. One spot I found during my research is Clambake Seafood Restaurant at Pine Point. I took a peek at their menu and decided to make the trip.

Clambake Seafood Restaurant is only open seasonably, so if you’re going to make the trip, make sure that the eatery is open.  However, when they’re open, there is plenty to eat.  There is a ton of seafood to choose from, but if you’re looking for some land-based food, that is available as well.  There are appetizers like clam cakes and mozzarella sticks, as well as salads and soups.  Furthermore, Clambake offers seafood meals like lobsters and clams.  Burgers and other such sandwiches are also available for purchase.  Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available for patrons.

The restaurant is decorated with a lot of nautical themed decorations, along with stuffed animals. Furthermore, Clambake is located right on the marsh, so the view from the restaurant is quite beautiful. I had a cheeseburger with fries, a lobster roll, and a lobster stew. The portions were generous, and I was able to take the lobster roll home with me. While I was having my meal, I saw a lot of wildlife in the marsh, which made my meal all the better.

I enjoyed my time at Clambake Seafood Restaurant was enjoyable, and I highly recommend a trip to Scarborough to eat here.  If you’re interested in finding out more about Clambake, you can click here.

Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro

Freeport is a great place to go shopping, and it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.  Freeport also houses my last stop in my series of restaurants owned by a singular person.  Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro is located right on Main Street, blocks away from L.L. Bean.

Like Tuscan Table and Royal River Grill House, Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro has plenty of seating.  There are tables, bar seating, and high-tops.  There is outdoor seating as well during warmer weather as well.  There are plenty of drinks available as well.  Mocktails and soft drinks are available if you’re underage, as well as an extensive drink menu.  Wine is offered by the glass or by the bottle, with cocktails available as well.  Beer is also available on draft, in a bottle, as well as in a can.

Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro serves Italian fare. I had a sampling of their food, having the Caesar Salad and the Firecracker Pizza. The Caesar Salad was delicious, and the Firecracker Pizza has a spicy kick to it. Freeport, like much of Maine, has plenty of options when it comes to places to eat.  Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro is one such place. I highly recommend heading here if you’re looking for a place to eat. This wraps up the series on restaurants owned by a singular person.  As always, I would ask where I should go to next, but I’ve done a bunch  of research on the city of Bangor, so stay tuned!

A Lunch Fit for a Royal

With the fourth day of Restaurant Week upon me, I decided to explore the Old Port, an area of Portland known for its night life.  While wandering the streets, I came across Royale Lunch Bar.  Since I haven’t heard of Royale, I decided to stop in.

 

Royale Lunch Bar is a small restaurant, with a few tables, and seats available at the bar.  Their menu is small, but it has something for everyone.  The menu consists of sandwiches, salads, milkshakes, sides, and beer.  I went a buffalo chicken sandwich, a side of fries, and a chocolate milk shake.  It wasn’t long before my food was ready, and it was tasty.  Furthermore, you can either eat in, or take out, depending on your preference.

 

While small, Royale Lunch Bar should not be passed up.  It’s a great place to stop if your exploring the Old Port, and the food is well worth stopping in. If you want more information, you can click here.  As always, I ask myself, where should I go next?  Make sure to check back tomorrow to find out!

Rolling a High-Quality Lobster Roll

It’s day three of Restaurant Week, and that means another restaurant to write about!  Lobster is what Maine is known for, so the lobster roll is another popular dish.  I’ve walked past the High Roller Lobster Co numerous times in my travels, so I decided to give them a shot.  I was not disappointed, to say the least.

 

There are high tops, seats at the bar, and tables available for patrons to enjoy their meal.  They have plenty to drink, including soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. The menu is advertised as build your own, in that guest can customize their meal with sauces made in house. I ordered the lobster roll with jalapeño mayo, with a side of fries.  I dipped my fries in curried ketchup, which was absolutely delicious.  High Roller Lobster Co also sells whoppie pies, if you have a bit of a sweet tooth.  If you enjoyed your time, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase clothing, as a souvenir.

 

Eating at the High Roller Lobster Co was an enjoyable experience.  As always, if you want more information on High Roller Lobster Co, you can click here.  Once again, I have to ask, where do I go to next?

An Empire State of Mind

On the second day of Restaurant Week, I stopped by Empire Chinese Kitchen.  This Chinese restaurant is located right in heart of the Downtown area, and it is extremely popular.  Empire boasts numerous high tops, seats at the bar, tables and booths.  During peak hours, the restaurant fills up rapidly, and waiting for a table may look like an odyssey.  However, the turnover rate is fast enough that your wait will blow by.  However, if you have a party of four to six, you can call ahead and make a reservation, but keep in mind that Empire is usually booked a week in advance.
Empire has an extensive drink menu, including beer, wine, sake, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.  Their food is also made to share, especially their rice and noodle bowls.  I’ve had the chance to eat Empire on two separate occasions, and I’ve had a wide sampling of their food.  I’m a big fan of their Bacon Fried Rice and their Spicy Pork Belly Buns, so I highly recommend that you give those a try.

 

Ultimately, Empire Chinese Kitchen is a great place to eat.  Their food is well worth the wait, and it’s a great place to take your family.  Typically, I would speculate where I’m going to next, but as it happens, I already know where I’m heading to next.

A Weekend in Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor offer plenty to do, especially in the summer, and I had the chance to sample quite a bit during my trip.  One of the first stops I made was to Dolphin Mini Golf.  An 18-hole course stretches across the campus, with each hole inspired by coastal Maine.  One hole is shaped like a dolphin, while another has a row of buoys moving up and down, providing an obstacle for passing balls.  Like with most courses, there is opportunity to win a free game of golf by getting a hole-in-one in the final hole.

If you work up a sweat while playing mini-golf, don’t despair as the Ice Cream Hut has you covered. Guests can buy milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, as well as a whole slew of other delicious treats.  Tables behind the Hut allow customers to sit and enjoy their ice cream.  Just note that both the mini-golf and the Ice Cream Hut are both cash only.

The covered bridge is definitely worth a visit as well.  Located a stone’s throw from the Ice Cream Hut, the Covered Bridge contains a sizable shell collection.  Each shell is immaculately presented with labels indicating the type of shell on show. 

Once you’re done with the shell museum, head over to the arcade for even more fun.  While small, there are plenty of games to play, including air hockey, Ms. Pac-Man, crane games, and more.

The Rail Way Village is another great place to visit, especially if you have little ones in tow. Parking, during peak summer months, can be limited, and so make sure to plan accordingly.  The entrance to the compound is set up like an 19th century train station, and the park’s fee can be paid with cash or card. On the other end of the building is the exit that deposits guests to a sprawling lawn with a lot to see.

Scattered around the compound are building that were used during Maine’s history.  For example, Boothbay’s town hall, which was used in 1847, was restored and moved to the Railway Village in 1990.  Old farming equipment is also on display, showing just how far agricultural technology has come.  A nice addition to the Railway Village is the Salt and Pepper House.  A vast array of salt and peppershakers are put on display throughout the small house.  Each pair of shakers has different designs on them.  I saw a pair of lobster and a pair of birds wearing a police hat and a fireman’s helmet.

The Railway Village hosts an impressive collection of antique cars and motorcycles.  While Ford seemed to have dominated the assortment of historic cars, there are a few surprises hidden away.I stumbled across higher end cars like Rolls Royce, and I couldn’t help but be blown by the craftsmanship.

After I left the museum, I stumbled across a pen with two goats. There is a food dispenser that costs 25 cents, so make sure that you bring a couple of quarters.

The price of admission gets you a train ride in an old steam locomotive.  The first car is made to look like an old-fashioned train car, while the second compartment is partially open, allowing for easier airflow.  The train rides takes about twenty minutes from start to finish, and goes around the campus.  As the campus is sizable, the train makes a stop part way through the campus, providing a quick way to get to the back half of the Railway Village.  It stops for five minutes, permitting passengers to get on and off at their leisure.  The train ticket enables patrons to make the round trip as well as disembarking part way through the trip, as well as getting back on at the midway point.

No vacation would be complete without a “booze cruise,” and visitors twenty-one and over can go on the Reggae Cruise.  The cruise leaves right from Pier 1, and takes about three hours to complete.  A local band that has been performing on the cruise for many years provides the music, while guests can admire the beautiful scenery, as well as enjoying food and drink.

My last stop was to the Maine State Aquarium, which doubles as a research site.  Open seasonally, the aquarium is part of a marine research facility that sits right on the water.  There are quite a few sea creatures in tanks on display, but the Maine State Aquarium boasts two touch tanks.  The first is a tank that houses small sharks, while the second hosts a variety of shell fish, as well as starfish and plankton.  Furthermore, there are presentations on lobsters and the lobstering industry on the deck.  The fun doesn’t stop there, as the aquarium has a dock that juts right into the harbor. Its here that patrons can learn about different knots and can even fish right off the dock.  While the aquarium is catch and release, guests can keep track of the size of their fish, and compare it to other visitor’s fish.

Boothbay Harbor has always been heaven on Earth, especially during the summer months.  As there is always something to do, I highly recommend taking a week to explore the area, as well as sampling the local flavor.  If you want to learn more about Dolphin Mini Golf, click here. Meanwhile, more information on Rail Way Village can be found here, while the Reggae Cruise can be found here.  Finally, the Maine State Aquarium’s site is included here.  As always, I ask myself, where should I go next?