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.

From Preble Street to High Street

I recently had an interesting question posed to me by a tourist from the New York area.  He was in town for a family obligation, and wanted to know about the Portland nightlife.  I provided him with the information that he was looking for, and as he left, I found myself inspired.

As I started to plan my next excursion out, I decided that a “double feature” of sorts was in order. Therefore, I settled on Arcadia National Bar and Top of the East.  Both are located in Downtown Portland, and both are very much worth a visit. Arcadia (not to be confused with Acadia National Park) is great experience, whether you just turned twenty-one or forty-one.  Arcadia sets itself apart for having an impressive collection of games.  Arcade cabinets are scattered around the bar for those who want to relive their arcade days.  Classic games like Tetris can be found, along with modern classics like The Simpson’s game and Tekken.  If pinball is more your speed, don’t despair, as pinball machines can be found as well. There are even a couple of skee ball machines at the back of the bar!  While the arcade games and the pinball machines are not free to play, Arcadia provides an ATM, a change machine, and Tupperware’s so patrons can carry their quarters around with them.

Arcadia even has a number of different consoles available.  These gaming systems are free to play, and are quite popular. Customers can find a Super Nintendo, a Nintendo 64, a Wii U, an X-Box One, and a PlayStation 4.  Most of the games available are multiplayer games, so friends don’t have to be left out.  Arcadia also offers a selection of board games, like Settlers of Catan and Battleships. While playing these games at the bar can pose a problem, there are tables where patrons can eat, drink, and play their chosen board games.  Arcadia even provides a couple of picnic tables for larger groups of people.

Arcadia National Bar has a wide selection of craft beers available on draft, in a can, as well as in bottles.  It’s quite an impressive selection, and I quickly discovered, to my delight, that there were quite a few beers that were brewed in Maine.  Cocktails are made here as well, and their names reference different characters from “nerd-culture,” such names as Falcon Punch, Doctor Manhattan, and Pickle Rick.  If you’re craving a late night snack, Arcadia has you covered.  The kitchen closes at 12:30 am, which provides ample time for patrons to get their fill of food.

With my trip to Arcadia concluded, my excursion to the Top of the East started.  The Top of the East sits atop of The Westin and provides a great view of the city of Portland.  I entered the lounge around 6 pm, and since it was mid-October, the sun was setting, lighting the sky up in beautiful colors.  From my table, I saw the city of Portland sprawl out before me, while airplanes came into to the nearby airport.  The ocean was also visible from my table, which added to an already beautiful sight.

There were plenty of seating options when entering the Top of the East.  There are tables in the middle of the restaurant, while other tables line the perimeter.  Patrons can also sit at the bar if they prefer, and depending on where you sit, you can still catch a glimpse of the city of Portland.  For a much more intimate setting, couches are provided along one of the walls.  The Top of the East even provides a TV, and a small party was gathered around watching the football game.

When my Caser Salad arrived, I dug in and was extremely happy with what I was eating.  Mixed greens sat on top of my salad, and it definitely added to the already flavorful meal.  The cocktails were masterfully made, and quite delicious.  I even ordered a cheesecake, which was made in a mason jar.

All in all, both experiences are fine examples of the nightlife in this extraordinary state. While each experience was vastly different, there is still a lot of fun and good times to be had regardless of where you go.  If you’re looking for more information on Arcadia you can find it here, and for information on the Top of the East, you can find it here.  Now that these two adventures are over, I ask myself the ever-present question in my life, where do I go next?

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.

Pier-ing in at Palace Playland

When summer arrives Maine, the state seems to wake up from a sort of wintery slumber, and Old Orchard Beach is no different.  While I’ve never been to Old Orchard Beach (OOB) in the dead of winter, I was still able to visit in the off season.  The beach was empty, and there was virtually no traffic.  However, being mid-June, this beach town has come alive with tourists and locals alike.

As with most beach communities, during the busier months, it’s difficult to find a place to  park.  I was able to get to OOB before noon, and I was able to find a space in a lot that cost $10 to park for most of the day.  It also happened to be a really short walk to Palace Playland and to the Pier.

I stopped by Palace Playland first, and I was impressed with the amount of rides that were fit in to such a small place.  Palace Playland appeals to people of all ages, and offers age-appropriate rides as well as thrilling rollercoasters.  All the rides were pretty standard, but Cascade Falls caught my eye almost immediately.  It’s very similar to Splash Mountain, and it even has an area can stand and snap photos of family and friends coming down the ride.  While I’m not a fan of the rides that spin, I saw people who do enjoy such thrills walking away with massive smiles.  Palace Playland also provides guests with two ways to win prizes, by way of ticket redemption at the arcade, and the carnival games that are located close to the arcade.  The area dedicated to bumper cars completes all the regular activities that Palace Playland has to offer.  Finally, like any theme park or carnival, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase, including a slushy machine with a diverse set cups that one can buy.

After I made my way around Palace Playland, I made my way to the Pier.  While not as accommodating as the Santa Monica Pier, I was impressed by what was in store for me.  As I walked onto the pier, I forgot about it’s size, and was blown away by how much was crammed in to this jetty.  The crashing waves can be heard below your feet as you make your way through this mostly covered pier.  Music was pulsing through the pier at a manageable level, and judging by the band setting up for a performance, live music was also preformed here.

Restaurants and bars serving everything from lobster to chicken tenders are throwing distance from each other.  Furthermore, clothing, sunglasses, jewelry and candy store are also found on this pier, as well as a smoke shop and a psychic.  Finally, a store that does temporary tattoos as well as piercing can be found.  The pier in it’s own right is a place where fun and food meet, with extraordinary views of the ocean.  However, the beach is definitely the star of the show.  People of all ages were present, soaking in the sun, as well as taking a dip and even tossing a football around.  What makes this beach so accessible is that it’s situated between the pier and Palace Playland.  Screams of delighted children and laughing adults told me that this beach offers so much more than sand and ocean, it allows people to shed their busy lives and spend time relaxing with friends and family.

Whether you live in Maine, or you’re visiting for the first time, rest assured that you will never be bored.  Old Orchard Beach provides visitors a respite from all that might be weighing them down.  The waves crashing onto the sand, the smell of food wafting on the sea breeze, and the mechanical grindings of Palace Playland will transport anyone to place of pure wonder.  As this post winds down I find myself pondering the ever present conundrum in my life; where I should 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.

The state of Maine is a state of mind.

I am not a native Mainer. However, Maine has felt more like home than almost any other place I’ve lived. I was born in Mexico, and despite living in another country, my family and I always made the trip up to Boothbay Harbor. My grandmother had a cabin right on the water.

At the age of seven, my family and I relocated to Old Greenwich, Connecticut. This presented a unique opportunity, as it was much easier to get to Maine. We went up to Boothbay Harbor with much more regularity, and my love for Maine continued to grow.

It wasn’t until August of 2016 when I finally decided to make my dream of living in Maine a reality. In three months, I found a place to live, found work within Portland, and made the move. I’ve been a resident of Maine for a little year now, and I am happy with my choice.

A question that might jump into your mind, if you’ve made it this far, is why am I suddenly sharing my experiences with you? Well I love to go on adventures. Whether the adventure is to a restaurant, a town, or a new experience, I want to share it with whomever is willing to listen. Maine is an extraordinary state, and I want to explore it as much as I can.