Archive for the ‘business’ Category

Hothouse of ideas.

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

Four Seasons Farm apples.

October 1 was the last day for the Farm Stand at Four Season Farm in beautiful Harborside, Maine.

Four Seasons Farm greenhouse.

The workers were heading back to their classes and the season was switching gears.

Four Seasons Farm tomatoes.

The Farm began during the hippie days of the “Back to the Earth” movement by Helen and Scott Nearing on an unlikely plot of land on Cape Rosier.

Four Seasons Farm flowers.

After helping the aging Helen Nearing, Eliot Coleman took over in the 1970s, and had a different vision. He wanted to farm in all four seasons, including winter, on this small piece of dirt on the rugged coast of Maine.

Four Seasons Farm sign.

It’s now operated by Coleman and his wife, Barbara Damrosch, who have become much sought-after experts in small farming. They write books, newspaper columns and are often the subject of interviews. They were hosts of the TV series, Gardening Naturally, on The Learning Channel.

Four Seasons Farm tomatoes in boxes.

Coleman and Damorsch have perfected ‘eking out a living on a hardscrabble farm’ into creating a successful business with innovative ideas.

Eliot Coleman's tools.

Including creating very clever tools and farming methods.

Four Seasons Farm sign.

Fans come from all over the world to tour this little agriculture gem. Ironically, what began with the Nearings hippie lifestyle, self-sufficiency intent, has become a viable business model for small entrepreneurs.

Four Season Farm, 609 Weir Cove Road, Harborside, ME 04642


Taking a bath in Portland.

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Although some say the awful recession has ended, many others suffering losses, or ‘taking a bath,’ as they say, would heartily disagree.

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Among Maine’s losses is the wonderful Decourm Speciality Hardware in Portland’s Old Port.

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Nick Harding ended the 30-year run of one of the oldest businesses in the Old Port last May.

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Homeowners, builders, and architects will no longer find hard-to-find kitchen and bathroom fixtures, unique architectural hardware or speciality lighting on Commercial Street.

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Web shopping and lack of parking also contributed to the decline in business. And most of their current business is special order, which doesn’t require a prime retail location.

Decorum, Hardware, Portland, Maine

Nostalgia Lighting, which operated as part of Decorum, has relocated to Falmouth. And hopefully Decorum will find a way to reopen as well, one day soon. We miss it!

Nostalgia, 234 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105, (207) 772-1096


Now we’re cooking!

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Now You’re Cooking, Bath, Maine

Michael and Betsy Fear founded Now You’re Cooking in 2000, so they could have access to all the cookware they desired.

Now You’re Cooking, Bath, Maine

And now that access is delightfully available to anyone who visits Bath.

Now You’re Cooking, Bath, Maine

It’s a spot where both serious cooks and amatuers will find just the right stuff.

Now You’re Cooking, Bath, Maine

And if you’re looking for inspiration or skills, they offer on site classes.

It’s not surprising that Maine’s becoming a food destination. We’re so lucky to have such a knowledgeable culinary resource in Maine.

Now You’re Cooking, 49 Front Street, Bath, Maine 04530,  (207) 443-1402, email – cooks@acooksemporium.com

Here’s the website.

Where to buy Nutella in Maine.

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

This classic Italian Deli was started by Leo & Iris Micucci in 1950 on Middle Street in Portland.

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

The business catered mostly to what was at the time, Portland’s “Little Italy.”

Micucci

Mr. Micucci was one of the first to supply Maine’s pizza shops, which included Angelone’s in Portland, Luiggi’s in Lewiston and Pat’s Pizza in Orono.

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

The ‘Sicilian Slab’ that can be found in the back of the shop gets rave reviews, even on Yelp.

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

And anyone who has spent anytime in Italy will be happy to find all the tasty items most Americans haven’t yet discovered.

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

It’s only steps from Duckfat, and just down the street from Hugo’s. Foodies should love this neighborhood.

Micucci Deli, Portland, Maine

Micucci’s Grocery, 45 India Street, Portland, ME 04101, (207) 775-1854

Micucci Wholesale Foods, 961 Riverside Street, Portland, ME 04103, (207) 797-7573, (800) MICUCCI, Fax: (207) 797-4103

Here’s the website.


One man’s trash . . .

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Trash & Treasures, Searsport, Maine

Some call it architectural salvage, others call it trash.

Trash & Treasures, Searsport, Maine

But if you’re looking for the charming character of peeling paint, rusty metal or old glass, you’ll find potential gems at Treasures & Trash in their classic old Maine barn on Route One in Searsport.

Trash & Treasures, Searsport, Maine

You can’t manufacture the weathered patina on their recycled tin ceilings, real wooden shutters, old wooden mullioned windows, old tools, sinks, bathtubs, chairs, tables, kitchen utensils, toys, books, road signs, advertising signs, etc.

Trash & Treasures, Searsport, Maine

And you might even come across some rusty childhood memories.

Trash and Treasures, barn in Searsport.

Maine’s frugal people and Mother Nature have been working together for centuries to achieve this look.

And when berries are in season, if you’re lucky, you might find a delicious basket or two for sale at the front counter.

Treasures & Trash Barn, Antiques, porcelain fixtures, claw foot tubs, kitchen sinks, tools, books, bottles, collectibles, memorabilia, etc. Adding new items weekly.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm or by appointment.

156 East Main St – US Route 1, Cell: 207-323-2000, Phone: 207-548-2787