Maine Lifesyle — natural, and man-made beauty, talented people, smart businesses, and good times to be found in the state of Maine — with a persistent design slant.
This stylish shop is in another hotspot where folks with a certain sophisticated taste level gather.
You know the types — fashionistas, hipsters, trendsetters.
They flock to places where style and design is an artform.
And they shop in only the coolest shops. Like this one.
This stunning space is a joy to walk into, with it’s high ceilings, nice proportions, and great light.
And if you’re looking for some really cool loot, cancel the Amsterdam flight. You can visit Black Parrot right downtown in Portland, Maine. Thanks to owners Sherrie Gibson and Warren Selig.
Black Parrot, 131 Middle Street, Portland, ME, 207-221-691, blackparrot@maine.rr.com. Here’s the website.
We have mere moments until it’s officially summer, 2010, so dig out the croquet set and squeeze the lemonade.
Here’s a list of tours and events to get your gardening inspiration reved up this summer. Please check back for updates. And if you know of others, or spot any errors, please note them in the comments below. Thanks! It’s going to be a very pretty summer.
July 26, Sunday,11 am – 4 pm - Southwest Harbor House & Garden Tour, benefiting the library – ‘featuring six lovely gardens strung along the shore from Southwest Harbor to Manset, to Bass Harbor and up to West Tremont.’
August 11, Cranberry Island Home, Art & Garden Tour — Tickets for the tour (including round trip ferry, but not lunch) are $35 per person in advance ($20 tour, $15 reduced-fare ferry), or $49 the day of the tour ($25 tour, $24 normal ferry fare.) From their website — There will be eight stops on the tour:
A nineteenth century sea captain’s home
A garden that is part of the Archives of American Gardens of the Smithsonian Institute
The Heliker-LaHotan Foundation, a beautiful compound of buildings hosting an artist residency program
Musical events throughout the day at the Congregational Church
Cranberry House and its Preble-Marr Historical Museum
An Art Show throughout the day at Cranberry House
A mile-long hiking trail leading to Cranberry Island’s magnificent back shore
From the road, you’d never guess what’s inside this very plain building in Lincolnville Beach, near the Islesboro ferry.
Even the sign doesn’t give you a clear idea, other than you can pick up a cup of coffee and something to eat.
So you’re in for a wonderful surprise!
Dot’s Market is a fabulous new foodie resource in Midcoast Maine. It’s named in honor of the grandmother of the owner, Melissa Carr. And they both appear to like the iconic retro candy.
Melissa’s mother, just happens to be the very talented woman who pioneered the well-loved Market Basket in Rockport on Route One and 90.
Dot’s is packed with personality and great food. Plus a very nice selection of beer and wine.
There’s plenty of parking in front, and lots of room inside for the lines that will ultimately form this summer. So go now!
And refresh your pantry.
Or pick up fresh ingredients for a tasty picnic on Islesboro, or to complete that recipe you found in an old Gourmet magazine, or just join your friends for a fun lunch.
But watch out, you’ll be tempted by all the goodies sprinkled across the huge front counter.
And take your time perusing before you place your order. You don’t want to miss anything.
Dot’s Market – 2457 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville, ME 04849, (just before, or after, the turn to the Islesboro Ferry) 207-706-7922
Spiked with witty, breezy, advice for getting the very best out of this fascinating state, MaineMaven.com is brimming with insightful tips about where to find the coolest stuff around.
The Maine Maven herself is the gifted Kristen Andresen Lainsbury.
Kristen’s impressive talents have been honed by 12 years as an award-winning lifestyle feature writer for the Bangor Daily News.
Many will know her as ShopGirl, the title of her wildly popular column, which showcased her charming, natural, writing style.
According to her site, “. . . she has set foot in every town, township, organized and unorganized territory in Maine, and she loves every single one of them, though not equally.”
When Kristen’s not poking around Maine, or being The Maine Maven, she’s providing PR for the University of Maine at Orono, her alma mater. You’ve seen her work in Maine Magazine’s’48 Hours In’ feature and in a multitude of regional and national publications.
Helping with the mixology are Jason Lainsbury, the Webmaster and Business Director, and Shawn Rice, the wonderful illustrator.
Thirsty for the spirit of Maine? Whet your whistle at Maine Maven.
So what if Florida has the Super Bowl! We have our own national sports spectacle – - The National Toboggan Championships, held at the Camden Snow Bowl, February 5-7, 2010!
A mix between Carnival or Mardi Gras, and the Winter Olympics, this event is an example of what happens in Maine when the temperatures get lower and the days get shorter. Winter alters our brain cells and fun breaks out.
If you haven’t been before, here’s your chance. The best part is that anyone can enter!
But watch out, you’ll be tempted by all the goodies sprinkled across the huge front counter.
