Sea smoke occurs when the air is much colder than the water below. It’s essentially a cloud. The evaporation happens faster than the air can absorb the water vapor and the surface wind blows it across the sea.
Just another beautiful, but chilly, part of winter in Maine.
Take a peek at what’s in store for those lucky enough to be in Maine in the upcoming weeks. Just a partial list:
Christmas Tree Farms — links
Skiing – links
Rockland — Festival of Lights Celebration “Light up the Spirit of Giving” – - November. 27-29
Santa arrives by Coast Guard boat at Public Landing in Rockland, Historic Inns holds Holiday Open Houses, Lobster Trap Tree Lighting Ceremony, Downtown Festival of Lights Parade, family pancake breakfast with Santa, children’s activities, Santa’s Workshop, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa’s mailbox, holiday music, special events, extended shopping hours. Call for complete schedule: Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce at 207-596-0376.
Brewer — 35th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show — Nov 27-29
The long weekend is a perfect time to get out and shop before everything is gone. Free gift giveaway every hour. United Maine Craftsmen (if you’re interested, check the site for more events) – Brewer Auditorium, 203 State Street, Brewer – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, fee $1.00 Email: info@unitedmainecraftsmen.com
Ellsworth –Woodlawn — The 1st Annual Run For The Leftovers - – Saturday, – November 28th, 1 p.m.
Join the fun run at Woodlawn’s X-country trails. Runners can choose between a 3k, 4k, or 5k distance. The event will conclude with a Pie Festival. Bring a leftover pie to share. Water and apple cider provided. Come socialize and share in some great camaraderie! And a slice of pie or two. For more information, please contact Peter Keeney at 288-3909 or pktrldrt@myfairpoint.net. You can also contact the sub5 track Club, Eden Athletics, or Crow Athletics. Donations will be accepted for Woodlawn’s trails maintenance. Woodlawn site.
Rockport — 30th Annual Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market – - November 28
The Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 30th Annual Festival of Lights Craft & Gift Market will be held on Saturday, November 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. The admission charge is $2.00 per person, no charge for children under 12.
The Knox County Ballroom & the Vinal Haven Room will be filled with unique artisans, gifts and craftspeople selling Maine-made items that have been reviewed for the highest quality. We have added new craftspeople for you to discover along with a spot to catch lunch or a snack while you shop. Ride the All Aboard Trolley to Main Street Rockland from the Samoset Resort from 10 am to 4 pm and shop for your holiday gifts from among the area’s most unique offerings. For more information, contact Barbara Heard at the Chamber office, 596-0376, ext. 24.
Freeport — Sparkle Weekend - - December 4th, 2009 — December 6th, 2009 - – Free
Join us for all of the festivities of Sparkle Weekend beginning with the Parade of Lights on Friday evening! The whole family can enjoy the talking tree, visits with Santa, children’s activities, Harrington House Vignettes, Tuba Concert, Jingle Bell Run and so much more! For more detailed information please visit the website – - Contact: Alison Wiest – (207) 865-1212
Boothbay – - Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea – - December 5, 2009, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Individual pots of tea will accompany plates of delicate scones served with Devonshire cream and jam, along with four tea sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, tomato, and herbed cheese). Mollie Moore, who’s originally from England and owned a wonderful tea room in Boothbay Harbor, will again make the scones for the Tea. Holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal music will add to the festive atmosphere in the Kitchen Garden Café and around the Saxon Fireplace. The price is $20 for members and $27 for non-members. Reservations are required for this delightful event – a Gardens tradition.
Ellsworth – - Tuesday, December 1st, 6-8 p.m. – - Holiday Open House – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Join us for some holiday cheer and delicious hors d’oeuvres as you enjoy Woodlawn’s beautifully decorated rooms. As space is limited, reservations are recommended. Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth – - December 1st – 23rd, 10 a.m., 4 p.m. – Holiday Tours – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Using the theme of A Victorian Christmas, area decorators have created wonderful displays for you to enjoy. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear a special audio tour presentation on the history of Christmas at Woodlawn and in New England. This year’s decorator include Cullen Schneider from Fairwinds Florist in Blue Hill, Gail Royal from Westside Florist in Southwest Harbor, Liani Nutter from NewLand Florist in Ellsworth, John Blake from M.M. Julz Christmas Shop in Ellsworth and members of the Ellsworth Garden Club and the Surry Garden Club. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 5-12, under 5 are free. Group and school tours are also available by appointment. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth - - Wednesdays December 2, 9, 16, and 23 at 3 pm, Sunday December 13 – - Holiday High Teas / A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn
Come enjoy a delicious traditional high tea and admire the splendid holiday decorations throughout the house. As space is limited, reservations are required by calling the museum. Cost: $18 for members, $20 for non-members. Woodlawn site.
Ellsworth – - A Victorian Christmas At Woodlawn - - Saturdays, December 5th, 12th, and 19th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Family Saturdays – -
Join us in the Sleigh Barn for ornament making and holiday story time. In addition, families can have their picture taken on a decorated sleigh and take a hayride. “Family Saturdays” are free, although there is a charge for hayrides, photos, and to tour the house. Woodlawn site.
Bath — Festival of Trees “Holiday Gala” – December 1st, 2009 – 9:30 – 11:00 am and 4:00 – 5:30 pm — Website.
Cookie decorating, maritime holiday activities, and stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. To Benefit the Bath Area Family YMCA – 9:30 – 11am “Tots and Trees” – 4 – 5:30 pm “All Ages Welcome” – - 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530 – - Contact Cathy Crouch (207) 443-1316
Bath — Festival of Trees - - December 2nd, 2009, 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm – - The Festival of Trees is an annual event presented by the Bath Area Family YMCA featuring approximately 30 full size live Christmas trees decorated and sponsored by area businesses and non-profit organizations. Featuring music by the Oratorio Chorale, sparkling cider, champagne, hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $25.00. – - Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530 – - Phone: (207) 442-7291 – Toll-Free: 207 443-2067 – Fax: (207) 443-2067 — Website.
Boothbay –Festival of Trees Date - - December 4-5, 2009
The Garden Club’s annual celebration of the holidays – - come purchase one of a kind gifts, sweet selections and bid on one of the many beautifully decorated trees. This three day event is a fundraiser for the Garden Club. Website.
Boothbay – 25th Annual Harbor Lights Festival - - December 5, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Claus arrive by boat. Horse drawn wagon rides, holiday craft fair, lap time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lighting of the Town Tree, holiday carols, live nativity followed by the spectacular Lighted Boat Parade. Visit website.
Boothbay – - Maine Coastal Gardens – - Winter Wonderlands Holiday Tea – - December 5, 2009, 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Enjoy a traditional cream tea at the Gardens. Individual pots of tea will accompany plates of delicate scones served with Devonshire cream and jam, along with four tea sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, tomato, and herbed cheese). Mollie Moore, who’s originally from England and owned a wonderful tea room in Boothbay Harbor, will again make the scones for the Tea. Holiday decorations, gifts, and seasonal music will add to the festive atmosphere in the Kitchen Garden Café and around the Saxon Fireplace.
Boothbay – - Art In The Square Holiday Reception - – December 5, 2009 – - 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM
The Artist and Public Reception welcomes everyone to join a celebration of our artistic youth , the creation of art and the Holiday Season.
Thomaston – - Hometown Holiday in Thomaston - – December 4 – 6
The town of Thomaston’s annual tree lighting ceremony on the mall takes place Friday night, December 4, at 6 p.m., weather permitting. Meanwhile, Santa will be at the Camden National Bank branch, sponsored by the Thomaston Merchants’ Association.
Warren – - Lie-Nielsen Toolworks Holiday Open House – - Dec. 4 – 5
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks will open its doors Dec. 4-5 for a holiday Open House. Come watch demonstrations by accomplished artisans Chris Becksvoort, Charlie Durfee, and Jacque Vesery. Try out our entire collection of tools and learn woodworking techniques like razor sharp honing and hand plane tuning. Shop tours will be given hourly. Families are welcome. Bring your holiday wish list! Hours: Dec. 4th from Noon – 6 pm, and Dec. 5th from 10 am – 5 pm. Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Route 1, Warren.
For more information, contact Sarah Ewing at 207-273-1520 or 800-327-2520 (toll-free) - – email: sarah@lie-nielsen.com.
Camden — 2009 Christmas by the Sea - - December 4 – 6th
Experience Authentic Holiday Traditions in Award-Winning Maine Towns. No holiday celebration is more uniquely Maine than the ones that take place during the weeks after Thanksgiving in Camden and surrounding areas. Christmas By The Sea schedule here!
Here, a retired fire chief will make his way to the summit of Mt. Battie each afternoon as he has for the last 40 years to light a 27-foot star: a beacon of the season to residents, visitors and ships passing across Penobscot Bay. Santa Claus arrives aboard a tug boat and Coast Guard vessel. The trappings of Christmas delight young and old, as shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts explore the historic downtowns, waterways and surrounding mountains, experiencing shops, galleries and vistas found nowhere else.
Kennebunk — Christmas Prelude, December 4 -13th – - Check out the jam packed schecule of events.
Ogunquit - – 23rd Annual Christmas by the Sea 2009 – - December 11-13
Carolers, a concert, a bonfire, hayrides, Santa, shopping, a parade — it all sounds like fun. Visit the website to see the full schedule.
Soon there will be leaves bursting, but for now, it still looks like winter.
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These Sorel insulated boots did a great job over the winter! As they say — the right equipment is everything!
One great thing about snow is that it’s easy to see who’s stopped by. But sometimes an analytics program would be helpful — is this a rabbit, or a squirrel? Or something else?
Got this screen grab from the Camden Snow Bowl –
Looks like fun at the Camden Snow Bowl. Check out the website for current conditions. And while you’re there be sure to check out the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, February 6-8. Don’t forget to get your registration form if you want to participate. The deadline is January 23!
And be sure to put it on your calendar for lottsa winter fun. It’s kind of Maine’s version of Mardi Gras. Well, almost. But in the middle of winter we all need to get a little crazy.
