An Exhibition of Food in Boothbay Harbor

Before moving to Portland, I spent most of my time in Boothbay Harbor.  My family had a log cabin right on the coast, and I spent many summers enjoying my little slice of heaven.  As most of the town is open during the summer, Boothbay Harbor is the perfect vacation destination.

 

The food in Boothbay Harbor is phenomenal, and I always struggle to decide where I should eat.  However, when it comes to eating breakfast, there is no doubt in my mind that I’m heading to Mama D’s.  Open year round, Mama D’s serves breakfast and lunch, and serves a variety of beverages.  The café is small and intimate, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.  While indoor seating is available year round, Mama D’s has a patio where outdoor seating is set up during the summer months.  Chairs can be found on the porch as well, and the view is spectacular.  My go to meal is a sizable waffle, along with a cup of coffee.  The waffle is filling and delicious, and one free refill comes to those who order a coffee.  Something to note is that Mama D’s only accepts cash and check, so make sure to plan accordingly.

 

Boat House Bistro is another restaurant that is open year round.  As it happens, there are three floors available for guests, and each offers a different experience.  The first floor is entirely indoors, while the second floor offers both indoor and outdoor seating.  The third and final floor offers a completely alfresco experience.  A beautiful view of the harbor can be enjoyed, and umbrellas offer a respite from the sun.  During the winter, the first two floors are open; to keep patrons warm during the Maine winter.

 

The menu is extensive, to say the least.  Hot and cold tapas, along with salads, soups and risotto can all be found, along with seafood and a more land based diet.  Speaking to the servers revealed that the chef is known for his risotto, making it his signature dish.  While I was enjoying my caser salad and wings, I caught sight of a bartender making a drink for another customer.  I discovered that the cocktail was called a Blue Berry Sangria, and it was incredible. While there were hints of this berry infused within the cocktail, the bartender added a couple of blueberries to the drink, which highlighted an already great flavor.  Boat House Bistro is also located by the footbridge, which connects both sides of the harbor, enabling easy transport from a highly residential area of Boothbay Harbor to the downtown area.  Boat House Bistro accepts credit cards as well as cash, so there is a lot more flexibility when it comes to payment.

 

The Tugboat Restaurant is another great experience in the culinary experience that is Boothbay Harbor. Much of the restaurant is a converted tugboat, and the interior is cozy and homey.  The view from within the restaurant is incredible, with the harbor and it’s islands giving a sense of relaxation.  The main restaurant has plenty of tables, and the food is great.  I’m particularly fond of their caesar salad and lobster bisque, so I recommend either one.  While I haven’t had a chance to check out the lounge, the Tugboat’s website has a list of events that the restaurant and lounge are hosting.

 

McSeagulls is another main stay in Boothbay Harbor.  Located right on the pier, McSeagulls offers the typical pub fare, as well as seafood. A full bar is also available, with plenty of beers and liquor available.  Tables, booths, and seats at the bar are all available indoors year round, and outside when the weather is warm.  The deck has it’s own bar and provides an extraordinary view of the harbor. During the summer months, live entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the week.  There’s plenty to eat at McSeagulls, as they have a wide assortment of food available.  Whether you love seafood, pizza, pub fare or salads, McSeagulls has you covered.

 

Dunton’s Dog House is a hidden gem in Boothbay Harbor.  Tucked away just outside of the downtown area, this roadside eatery is perfect for lunch or dinner.  Dunton’s, to the untrained eye, might seem out of place compared to other eating establishments.  Food is prepared in a red shed, and customers can have their food prepared to go, or eat it on one of the picnic tables behind the restaurant.  Vending machines are found by Dunton’s, with an assortment of Pepsi products available for sale.  Dunton’s Dog House boasts an impressive menu featuring seafood and typical American fare.  Now, many of you might be thinking that such a place wouldn’t be a “decent” place to purchase seafood.  However, one bite of their lobster roll will dispel any reservations about the quality of their food.  With classic rock playing in the background, any meal at Dunton’s will provide an enjoyable experience.  Just be mindful that Dunton’s Dog House is only open from April to October, and they only accept cash.

 

Pier 1 Pizza and Pub is another mainstay in Boothbay Harbor.  Located right on the pier, Pier 1 Pizza serves a wide assortment of pizza, as well as sandwiches, calzones, and salads.  Open year round, customers can eat their food inside, or take it right onto the wharf, where there are picnic tables set up for tourists to enjoy the view. The pub next door is part of Pier 1 Pizza, and a door between the pizzeria and the bar connects the two businesses.  High tops and seats at the bar provide patrons a respite from their adventures, as well as a place to eat their pizza if they’re hungry.  While guests can’t take their drinks right onto the wharf, the Pier 1 Pub does have outdoor seating available.  For the Red Sox fans among you, this is the place for you. Red Sox memorabilia is scattered around the walls, while the patio resembles The Big Green Monster from Fenway Park.  Finally, a jukebox can be found within the bar, allowing guests to play a whole slew of songs.

 

Dessert is in no short supply in Boothbay Harbor, and there are plenty of options.  The Downeast Ice Cream Factory is perfectly positioned on the wharf, and offers a wide variety of flavors.  Sundaes and other such delicacies are also available for purchase.  A map of the U.S. is found on the wall along with pins, so guests can show just how far they travelled to visit Maine.  The Downeast Ice Cream Factory even opened a second location in a plaza that sits on the way in and out of Boothbay Harbor, so if your sweet tooth acts up on the way home, you can make the stop without going out of your way.

 

Another great place to satisfy your sweet tooth is Downeast Candies.  Two stores rolled into one, Downeast Candies is made up of the Fudge Factory and Daffy Taffy.  The fudge and taffy are both made in house, and both are delicious.  The fudge comes in a small assortment of flavors, including plain chocolate, chocolate mint, peanut butter, and chocolate peanut butter. The taffy’s assortment of flavors is mind-boggling.  Chocolate, vanilla, orange and so much more cover the wall.  The equipment needed to make the taffy is set up behind glass paneling, enabling guests to see how taffy is made.  The final step in making taffy is wrapping this confectionary in wax. The machine that works on this task is able to wrap about 144 pieces of taffy per minute!

 

Eating in Boothbay Harbor is an adventure all on its own, and I thoroughly enjoyed my self.  If you want to learn more about Mama D’s click on here, while information on Boat House Bistro can be found here. Information on the Tugboat can be found here, while McSeagulls can be found here.  Finally, Dunton’s Dog House can be found here, while Pier 1 Pizza can be found here.  I’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to eating in Boothbay Harbor, but there is a silver lining, in that I have a reason to go back, and continue my culinary journey.  Make sure you stay tuned, as activities you can do in Boothbay Harbor is coming soon.

 

On a more somber note, I regret to say that my grandmother, Ann Maude, has passed away.  When she married my grandfather in 1972, the cabin in Boothbay Harbor became a major part of her life.  When I was born, I felt a special connection to Boothbay Harbor, and to the state of Maine.   My time at the cabin, the summers I spent at sleep away camp in Raymond, and my eventual move to Portland, stem from my grandmother.  She was a loving woman with a great sense of humor.  I will miss her, but I know she is in a better place.

A Budding Adventure at Taco Escobarr

As I was born in Mexico, I harbor a soft spot for Mexican food.  Therefore, I was thrilled when I accidently discovered Taco Escobarr. Located in the heart of Downtown Portland, it would be easy for this restaurant to be dismissed as “out of place.” However, if someone can bypass this knee jerk reaction, they will find themselves surrounded by colorful decorations, phenominal staff, and satisfying food.

 

Taco Escobarr is open seven days a week, from 11am to 1am.  While it’s a relatively small restaurant, the space is used efficiently with booths, high tops, and space at the bar available for seating.  During the warmer months of the year, tables are set up outside for diners to enjoy the warmer weather.  While sitting outside on a beautiful day is a high point, I love finding a seat inside, as the decorations add to the experience.  The celing is covered in lights shaped like multicolored peppers, which is a sight to see if you’re there for dinner, while Mexican artwork adorns the walls.  Some wall space is also devoted to Mexican inspired murals.

 

Taco Escobarr’s drink and food menu is quite impressive. They have a drink menu that will satisfy any ones need. Their selection of beers, margaritas, tequilas, and wines will ensure that every guest will find something to their liking. The food is phenomenal, and I’m a big fan of the puffy tacos. Taco Escobarr offers a variety of hot sauces, if an extra kick is desired.

While Maine is known for its seafood, I highly recommend saving room for Taco Escobarr. While this adventure is definitely shorter than most of my other trips, I find myself returning time and time again to get my fill of tacos. Armed with a full stomach and endless possibilities, I wonder where my adventures will go next.

Lobster Rolls and Beans

One thing I love about living in Portland is that an adventure can be found close to home or a ways away. Freeport, Maine falls into the former. A twenty-minute drive brings you into a town brimming with restaurants and stores that will fulfill almost any desire.  My latest adventure brought me to the Jameson Tavern as well as a shopping trip at L. L. Bean. The Jameson Tavern, located on 115 Main Street, serves your typical American fare as well as an assortment of seafood dishes. If you’re looking for a phenomenal deal, you’ll want to order the lobster roll with a bowl of clam chowder. It’s a daily special that costs $19.99.

The Jameson Tavern is open year round, meaning that they cater to locals, tourists, and shoppers. However, depending on the time of year, their hours do change. From May to December, they’re from 11-9 daily, and from January to April, they close at 4 on Sunday. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, while the summer brings a heightened sense of energy.  While it’s easy to get a table to get a table during the winter and spring months, the summer months sees an upswing in foot traffic for The Jameson Tavern, though the food is well worth.  However, if you’re on your own, you will have better luck squeezing in at the bar. During the colder months, the only seating option available is inside. Typically, there are about thirteen tables and nine barstools, but, during the summer, outdoor seating is available.

The Jameson Tavern offers a wide variety of drinks for people of all ages. However, if you’re looking to sample some local beers, they have a small selection available on tap, as well as brand name beers in a bottle. They also have a wide assortment of liquor as well if that’s more your speed.

Once I had my fill of lobster rolls and clam chowder, I quickly moved on to the main event.  L.L. Bean is a massive company with stores all over the world.  Founded in 1912 by its namesake, Leon Leonwood Bean, it has grown to be company that has outfitted expeditions to the artic as well as to Mount Everest.

I started in their retail store, as that is where I’m most familiar.  L.L. Bean boasts a huge parking lot, which never seems big enough during the tourist season.  When you make your way to the one of the main entrances, your eye immediately snaps towards the L.L. Bean Boot.  This single, massive, piece of foot ware is not only one of Bean’s most famous products, but it was also built in 2002 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the company’s existence.  It also provides an excellent photo opportunity, especially during the summer months.

If you’ve used the entrance by the boot, you’ll find that you are right by the Outdoor Discovery Schools, for lack of a better word, lobby. It’s here where you can learn about the different out door adventures you can go on and where you can sign up for different activities.

The flagship store houses clothing departments for men, women, and children, as well as their monogramming department. For those with children, another photo opportunity presents itself in a fish tank. Not only does this aquarium provide information on the fish within the tank, it also enables people to poke their head inside the tank by way of a plastic bubble.  Further into the store, a fishpond sits by the stairs leading to the second floor.  It’s a great place to sit, watch the fish, and regroup for a moment.

The first floor is dedicated to shoes, men’s clothes and the customer service area.  Men’s apparel ranges from formal wear, to coats and jackets.  As a devoted L.L. Bean patron, I love their clothing, as it’s fashionable, comfortable and durable.  They also have a clearance section where the same quality products are available for even better pricing.  The second floor houses the women’s and children departments.  Both offer a vast selection of clothing, shoes and other accessories.  All three departments offer fitting rooms to try out your selections.

On the lower level, a coffee shop beckons anyone who needs to prepare or refuel from a day of shopping. As it happens, a local coffee company named Coffee By Design supplies shoppers with their coffee. Patrons can find both coffee and other related accessories to take home with them. Furthermore, this is where someone can find pet needs, as well as a light selection of home goods.  If you’re looking for something to read, it’s in this lower level where you can find a light selection of books.  They can range from books about coastal Maine to the history of L. L. Bean.  The lower level also has access to Main Street.

The Retail store also houses the camping section.  As an Eagle Scout, I was impressed with the amount of equipment available for purchase.  A sizable section is devoted to backpacks of different styles and colors.  It’s here where students of all ages can purchase a backpack of their liking, as well as get it monogrammed.  L.L. Bean does their monogramming on site, and at a reasonable price as well.  Suitcases can be found in this section as well.  The suitcases and duffel bags come in a variety of styles, ranging from rolling suitcases to compact duffel bags.  It’s also in this section where boat bags are also found.

The grills caught my eye as I headed deeper into the camping section.  There were grills that ran on propane, as well as grills that could be placed over the fire.  A shelving unit was also devoted to small propane tanks, as well as a small selection of other fuel sources.  L.L. Bean also offered fire pits, which could be used on camping trips as well as any other outdoor setting.  As food is a necessity for any camping trip, pans and cooking utensils were also available for purchase, as well as eating utensils, thermoses, and mugs of all sizes.  Someone could purchase coolers for food or beverage storage as well.  L.L. Bean included a nice touch with a section dedicated to games campers of all ages can play.  These games include Monopoly, hacky sack, dominos, and chess.

L.L. Bean offers a wide selection of tents.  These options range from tents that can fit a family to screens one would put in their yard. L.L. Bean provides a helpful chart for their tents.  This chart shows all the tents L.L. Bean sells, and it includes information on capacity, dimensions, area, height, and price.  Furthermore, sleeping bags, cots, and sleeping pads are also available for purchase, including a cot that serves as a bunk bed for children.  Camping chairs are also sold, in a wide variety of styles, so there is always a way to camp in comfort.

A vast variety of hiking gear is also available here.  Propane and camping fuel, flashlights, backpacks, hiking poles and even picnic tables can be found in the camping store.  Finally, for those interested in bird watching and stargazing, L.L. Bean has binoculars, telescopes, and literature about birds.

The Hunting and Fishing store was my next stop. As it happens, the retail store and the Hunting and Fishing store share a building, so getting around is simple. The first floor is dedicated to hunting. L. L. Bean offers a wide variety of bows and guns that will fulfill any hunters need.

The bows L. L. Bean carries are recurve bows and compound bows. There’s an archery range inside as well, so you can get some practice in.  

A wide assortment of shotguns and rifles are also available for purchase as well as ammunition.  Hunting accessories are very prevalent, ranging from clothing and tree stands, to meat slicers and packers.  Should the gun or bow need work, there is a pro shop at the back of the store, with all the services performed in house.

The stairs leading up to the second floor offers a bit of a respite.  A sofa with a couple of chairs is available with a selection of magazines to read makes for a welcome sight if you are waiting for someone to finish their shopping.  A fireplace adds to the homey feeling to the lounge area.  Limited edition collector’s items fill the area as well, with note cards detailing the item, as well as the price.

The second floor is dedicated to fishing.  Fishing poles have an obvious prominence here, but fishing kayaks are sold here as well.  Whether you enjoy spin fishing or fly fishing, bait for both are available for purchase.  I became aware that L.L. Bean did not have live bait available in store.  I asked one of the sales associates as to where someone could buy live bait, and he was able to give me a detailed list of stores where live bait could be purchased.  As with the hunting floor, fishing accessories and clothing can be purchased here.  A flowchart is also available to look over, if you are planning to go on a fishing trip.  Not only does L. L. Bean provide with the flow of well known fishing spots, they also have their sources on the board, so customers can find those numbers as well.  The Hunting and Fishing store goes a step further in showing a comparative between optimal flows and what the current flow rate is.  Since fishing can be done in almost any condition, the Hunting and Fishing store also includes a chalkboard that lists where someone can go fishing year round.

The 1912 Cafe is also worth a visit if you’re shopping in the retail store or the Hunting and Fishing store. It’s situated between the two stores, and it’s another great place to recharge. It offers the typical cafe fare of sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with coffee and other breakfast foods.

Stepping into the L. L. Bean Home Store gave me a pleasant surprise.  The essence of Maine was captured in what was sold, and I felt a sense of peace upon entering the store.  The first floor had whatever somebody needed to furnish a home, both inside and out. Sofas, chairs, love seats, hammocks and lawn chairs were just some of the furniture sole here.  The artwork that was sold here was impressive as well.

However, what caught my eye were the maps of different regions in Maine. Casco Bay, which is where Portland sits happens to be one of the many scenic areas that are included in these maps. The Home Store also sells kitchenware as well.  Amongst the pots and pans, jam, caramel sauce, and popcorn poppers can be found, and ultimately purchased.  The second floor is solely devoted to bedding.  Beds ranging from twin to king can be found here, as well as the bedding that goes with it.  There were multiple styles to choose from, so don’t despair if you don’t immediately find what you’re looking for.

If you have children in tow, L. L. Bean ensures that you’re covered.  Right outside the Home Store is a play area called Woodland Village. Forest creatures can be found scattered around the playground, as well as the houses they “live in.”  There’s even a Ben & Jerry’s on the L. L. Bean campus.  It’s open year round, so whether you go in December or July, you can buy some ice cream. During the summer months, the Ben & Jerry’s has a window where you can place and pick up your order.  This is especially useful if you brought along your dog.

The final stop I made on the L. L. Bean campus was the Bike, Boat, and Ski Shop.  As I went in April, the two floors held bikes and boats, as the skis have been packed away for the season.  For that reason, the first floor was entirely made up of bicycles.  Like the Hunting and Fishing Store, there was a workshop where repairs can be made.  As I browsed the bikes, I came across a bike whose tires were unusually thick.

I asked one of the associates as to what possible purpose these tires can serve, and his response surprised me. It turns out that there are people who would take these bikes onto the beach, and the thick tires work particularly well on the sand.  He also mentioned that he has known people to use those tires on snow as well.  A small portion of the second floor was dedicated to bikes, but the vast majority held a selection of boats, accessories, and paddles. A surprise that turned out to be twofold was in store for me.  The first was that The Bike, Boat, and Ski store sold surfboards.  The second was that Maine has a surfing community that resides in the southern part of Maine.  Such towns as Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk, and even Portland provide surfers with ample waves.

With my trip winding down, I left the L. L. Campus, and made the short trip to the L.L. Bean Outlet store. Located less than a quarter mile away in the Freeport Village Station, the Outlet store manages to draw in a crowd in it’s own right.  It offers much of what the retail store has, at discounted prices.  There is a small selection from other stores as well, but the vast majority of product you’ll find is clothing and shoes.  One major difference between the outlet store and the other four stores is that, while the four bigger stores are twenty-four hours, the outlet does have a much smaller range of hours.  Monday through Friday, the outlet store is open from nine am to seven pm.  Saturday and Sunday sees expanded hours, with the store opening at nine am and closing at nine pm.

L. L. Bean has so much to offer shoppers, but as I’ve touched on before, there is so much more to do.As I’ve mentioned before, L. L. Bean offers the Outdoor Discovery Schools. There are a wide variety of programs you can sign up for, ranging from weekend camping trips to snowshoeing.  I went snowshoeing in December of 2016, and it was a lot of fun and great exercise. The two leaders were very knowledgeable about L.L. Bean as company, snowshoeing, and the great outdoors. Coupons were even handed out at the end of the trip.  If the Outdoor Discovery Programs sounds like fun, the link is included.

L. L. Bean also offers a wide variety of events during the year. During the summer, there are concerts, as well as a host of other activities. The link for 2018’s event schedule is here.  There is quite a bit to do during the holiday season as well.  While the event schedule has not been posted for 2018’s holiday season, the link to 2017’s holiday event schedule is here.

The five main stores are open 24 hours a day, year round, while the hours of the outlet store do differ. Monday through Saturday, the store is open from 9am to 9pm, while Sunday’s hours are 9am to 7pm.

While I’m most familiar with L.L. Bean and the Jameson Tavern, Freeport has so much to offer. From great restaurants to a whole slew of other outlet stores, Freeport, like the state of Maine, has so much to offer. On that note, I ask myself; where do I go next?

 

***UPDATE***

I went back to L.L. Bean in December to check out the skiing equipment available, and I have to say I’m impressed.  A sizable area is dedicated to skiing, and the prices tend to vary, ranging from about $100 to the $400 range.  L.L. Bean also does most, if not all of their own work in house, making repairs and tuneups easier for customers.

I was also went through the Northern Lights exhibit on the L.L. Beans campus, and I had a blast.  There are lights strung up along the trees, and the kids can visit Santa and his reindeer.  There’s also a warming hut so if you’re feeling the chill of winter in Maine, take a few moments to stop in.  The schedule if found here.