Out Going

12 things to do before summer says "so long"

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:58:31 GMT

FREE: Bayside Movie Night

The lane-loving folks at Bayside Bowl are screening some their favorite films on the outdoor patio while it's still warm enough to loiter out there.
Sunset Wednesdays | Free | Bayside Bowl, Portland | www.baysidebowl.com or 791-2695

FREE: Rooftop Film Series

The free-film-atop-a-parking-garage series has been running all summer. September's showing of "The Royal Tenenbaums" is the final installment until 2013.
7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 | Free | Free St. Parking Garage, Portland | menskmaine.org

Port Quest scavenger hunt

Call on your inner Columbo during this in-town scavenger hunt. Teams of 2, 3 or 4 will solve clues and complete challenges, none of which include scraping ice from the windshield of your car.
10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 | $25 per person | Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland | maine.easterseals.com

Portland Brew Festival

The long, cold days of winter are made more endurable with the help of well-chosen New England beer. Which beer will you rely on? Find your drinkable soulmate among the 30 brewers at the 2nd annual Portland Brew Fest.
5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, August 31 and 12 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 | $35 | Portland Company Complex, Portland | www.portlandbrewfestival.com

Portland Lobster Company

It doesn't matter if lobster isn't your thing - Portland Lobster Company is a highlight of summer thanks to its awesome location (nestled oh-so-rightly between tourist-trafficked Commercial Street and Portland's working waterfront) and live local music on the deck. The shrimp helps, too. But seasonal PLC can't wait for you forever.
Live music 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 p.m. Friday; noon and 7 p.m. Saturday; noon and 5 p.m. Sunday | Portland Lobster Company, Portland | www.portlandlobstercompany.com or 775-2112 More drink-worthy local decks

Music Cruise in Casco Bay

Ferry boats are hard workers. They plow through Casco Bay, hauling cargo and island visitors back and forth regardless of the weather or the hour. So at the end of the day, ferries are ready to kick back and have a good time. Hence the birth of the music cruise. It's a treat for the people and the boat.
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24 and 25; Saturday, Sept. 1 | $13.50-$20.50 | Casco Bay Lines, Portland | www.cascobaylines.com

Car Wars at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway

Does summer's end make you sad? Does it make you want to smash something? Or possibly watch something get smashed? Beech Ridge is the cure for what ails you. Watch autos battle each other and the track during the last few nights of Car Wars.
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 and 31 | Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, Scarborough | $6 | www.beechridge.com

Bike Riding on Peaks Island

Take your bicycle to Peaks Island for some sweet together time, cruising the coastal road and making stops for rock traversing, military exploration and lunch. Or make a new two-wheeled friend on the island and rent from Brand's Bike Rental & Repair (115 Island Ave.).
Before it's too late! | Peaks Island | Ferry: $7.50; Bike rental: $10 for two hours

Make Friends with a Food Cart

When it's cold or snowy or rainy, it's best to get your food delivered right to your house. That way you don't ever have to bear the burden of Mother Nature. But during the summer, it's great to get your food from a truck or cart or other wheeled contraption. Why? Well why not?
12 options for great eats on the streets

FREE: Sandsations Sand Sculpting Contest

Like sands through the beach bucket, so are the days of our summer. While it lasts, let's create something amazing. And let's create it with sand! Get a team together for the Sandsations Sand Sculpting Contest and help raise funds for Birth Roots.
Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 | Pine Point Beach, Scarborough | Free; Donations encouraged | sandsations.org

Canoe Scarborough Marsh

No, the Scarborough Marsh doesn't disappear in the winter. But it does get slightly harded to paddle, what with the sheets of ice and all. Rent a kayak and make your own adventure, or sign up for a guided paddle and learn about march creatures. Even better, take the full moon canoe tour and get to know the evening-side of the marsh.
Full Moon Canoe Tour: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Aug. 29-31 | Maine Audubon, Scarborough | $12 | maineaudubon.org

Zipline at Sunday River (and trampoline!)

You Tarzan. Or at least you can swing like Tarzan, yet still go out for a nice dinner afterward and use sentences with more than two words. The zipline course at Sunday River includes seven lines - and seven chances to fly through the trees like some loinclothed hero.
Tours running 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday | $49 | Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry | www.sundayriver.com
And while you're there, why not try out the EuroBungy Trampoline

The List: 6 scenic Maine waterfalls that are worth the trip

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:18:23 GMT

If you're going to spend your day traipsing through the woods, hiking along trails and mastering mountains you should at least get a little visual reward out of it: Like a gorgeous view at the top of a waterfall.

The western part of the state has a handful of these natural wonders, which make great spots for picnics, cooling plunges or breathtaking photos. If you've got the time, energy and sense of adventure, trying searching out these popular watery spots. Angel Falls, near Byron in Franklin County The view: Fed by Mountain Brook, the water here tumbles 90 feet down over rocky cliffs. The cliffs surrounding it are even higher, which adds to the natural beauty. The trip: Located 17.6 miles south of Oquossoc, turn west off Route 17, go over the bridge, turn right on the old railroad line and find the gravel road 3.8 miles later. The trail is .8 miles long and takes about 30 minutes.

Dunn Falls, near Andover in Oxford County The view: The upper falls drops 70 feet forming what is said to be a "horsetail," with the lower falls plummeting another 80 feet. You'll find several swimming holes nearby and an 80-foot wide pool near the upper falls. The trip: Find the southbound section of the Appalachian Trail and take a left onto the Cascade Trail. There's a two-mile loop leading past the falls.

Poplar Stream Falls, near Carrabassett Valley in Franklin County The view: You'll find a pair of waterfalls here. The first drops 24 feet to a swimming hole below. The second, South Brook waterfall, drops 51 feet and is a little more difficult to reach. The trip: Located off Route 27 just south of Sugarloaf Mountain. Look for signage for a 4.7-mile loop connecting the falls at the Maine Huts & Trails Poplar Stream hut.

Screw Auger Falls, near Bethel in Oxford County The view: Part of Grafton Notch State Park, the 30-foot waterfall is fed Bear River. Find picnic tables, parking and bathrooms near the 0.1-mile trail that is handicap-accessible. The trip: Pay the parking fee when you enter the park and look for the trail that leads to the falls.

Smalls Falls, near Rangeley in Franklin County The view: Numerous cascades come from the 54-foot drop in a scenic gorge with walls in multiple colors. The trip: Located just south of Rangeley, it's just a five-minute walk to the falls. There's also a bridge that allows for close-up views. Also find picnic tables nearby and several trails to choose to get to the top of the falls.

Step Falls, near Newry in Oxford County The view: There's no dramatic plunge here but the falls offer cascades and horsetails that stream gradually along 250 foot feet. Find many wading pools along the sunny slabs of granite. The trip:Take Route 26 northwest from Newry and look for the sign for Step Falls Preserve. It takes about 20 minutes to hike the 0.6-mile trail.

Summer education: 12 classes, workshops and cool things to learn

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:57:26 GMT

We're sure you've already learned a lot this summer, like how sunburns are awful and ice cream is awesome. Or maybe you've discovered that a cup of wine and some cellophane are an easy trick to get rid of fruit flies.

If you'd like to take your summer education to a level beyond dairy products and peeling skin, check out our list of lessons and workshops that'll teach you something fum and unforgettable:

Learn to Sail

You already are the captain of your own ship, am I right? Like, if your ship were your life. You're totally in charge. It's just that your "ship," as it stands, doesn't spend much time sailing the high seas. But it wants to. Learn to sail with beginners lessons from SailMaine in Portland. Fifteen-hour courses, family lessons, private lessons and women-only lessons available.
SailMaine | Portland | 772-7245 | www.sailmaine.org

Learn to Surf

It sure is nice to doze off to the rhythmic sound of the waves tumbling into the sand. But it'd be cooler to ride those waves instead. Check out on of Southern Maine's surf shops for a private or group lesson that'll have you hanging ten in no time - or at least having a grand time dumping it in the whitewash.
Wahine Kai Surf School | Kennebunkport | 423-9066 |www.themainesurfschool.com
Liquid Dreams | Ogunquit & York | 351-2545 (York) 207-641-2545 (Ogunquit) | www.liquiddreamssurf.com
Aquaholics Surf Shop | Kennebunk | 967-8650 | www.aquaholicsurf.com

Learn to Swing, Rumba, Bachata and Waltz

Do you try to swing your partner round and round, only to discover your partner would rather be jabbed with pins than dance with the likes of you? A dance lesson might do you wonders. Try a lesson at Maine Ballroom Dancing. They offer classes in tango, cha-cha, hustle, foxtrot, swing, rumba and others.
Maine Ballroom Dancing | Portland | www.maineballroomdancing.com or 773-0002

Learn to Trapeze

Ah, the life of a trapeze swinger! All that swinging - all those bedazzled leotards! Learn the art of the trapeze without having to deal with all the circus nonsense. (The elephants can be so cliquey.) Apparatus Dance Theater hosts weekend trapeze workshops for kids and adults.
Apparatus Dance Theater workshops | Portland | $96/six week session of classes | www.apparatusdancetheater.org or 806-9971

Learn to Belly Dance

Sometimes bellies seem to dance without any effort from us. They just...shake. Of course, giving that midsection a purposeful shimmy now and then is kinda fun. Learn to belly dance during workshops with different belly dance instructors on the first Monday of the month.
Narals | Auburn | $20 per session | www.bellydancingmaine.com

Learn to Fly Fish

It looked so cool and meditative in "A River Runs Through It," didn't it? Fly casting is rhythmic, calming and not easy to master. But the good folks at LL Bean will get you well on your fly-fishing way with a walk-on adventure.
LL Bean Walk On Adventures | Freeport | $20 | http://www.llbean.com or 888-552-3261

Learn to Wind Surf

Wind can be a hassle. It tosses the plates at your picnic, tornadoes your hair and knocks the patio furniture around. We can curse it if we want. But we can also catch it in a sail and make it pull us around a Maine lake. The latter is more fun.
Windsurfing Maine | North Leeds | $125 per person | www.skindiversparadise.com or 784-7300

Learn to Rock Climb

Julie Andrews told us to climb every mountain. Have you climbed any mountains yet? Learn how with Acadia Mountain Guides. They offer half day and full day instruction at Acadia, Baxter State Park, Camden and North Conway.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School | Bar Harbor | $60 to $255 depending on the size of the group | www.acadiamountainguides.com or 288-8186

Learn to Cook

It's not that microwaved hot dogs aren't awesome. But maybe it'd be nice to make something a little less, uh, tubular. Take a cooking class to learn some basic techniques and dishes - your friends will be impressed. And grateful.
Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School | York | Most classes $55 | www.stonewallkitchen.com or 877-899-8363
Vinland Food and Cooking Courses | Portland | $50/class | vinland.me or 917-803-3172

Learn to Skeet Shoot

You could be a sharpshooter. But it's hard to tell, since you've only ever shot rubberbands at anything, and they usually end up veering dramatically in the wrong direction. Learn some safe shooting with Brad Varney at Varney's Clay Sports. He'll teach you the ins and outs of aiming a shotgun and hitting your target. Might help with the rubberband issue, too.
Varney's Clay Sports | Richmind | $60/hour | www.varneysclaysports.com or 737-4993

Learn your Wine

You might hang out with wine a lot, but do you really know it? Do you know its hopes and dreams? What makes it cry? Learn more about wine during one of the regular Wine Walks in the Old Port with Sommelier Erica Archer. Your relationship with wine will only grow stronger.
Wine Wise Events | Portland | $35-$60 | winewiseevents.com

Learn to Get Crafty

Creativity shouldn't' go out the window once you become a grownup. Unfortunately, it sometimes does. Get reacquainted with your artistic side with an array of classes at Artascope in South Portland. From beaded charm bracelets and sea glass pendants to twisted wire rings and collage, the instructors will help you make something amazing.
Artascope | South Portland | About $50 | artascope.com or 799-5154

Wanna run with Joanie? Share your running story

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:29:37 GMT

Running doesn't come simply. There's a reason we humans learn to crawl, then walk, then order movies on demand: It's easy.

But despite all the ready excuses to do otherwise, some folks still lace up the running shoes and hit this streets for a sprint, a jog, a walk-that-hopes-to-be-a-run-some-day. Most of those people have to work at it - they have to battle the urge to sleep in, to stay home, to spend the evening cozying up to a bottle of wine and a plate of spicy chicken wings.

It isn't easy. But it's often inspirational.

And you know who wants to hear those inspirational stories? Only THE Joan Benoit Samuelson (marathoner, gold medalist, runner extraordinaire).

Joanie and Hannaford have teamed up to do a film premier of her Nike documentary called, "There is No Finish Line" at Hannaford Hall at USM, Portland on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. She'll be there sharing her stories, but she'd like to hear yours, too. On August 1, 50 lucky story-sharers will get to participate in one of two runs alongside Joanie - THE Joanie.

To be a part of this special run you need to share your personal run story with Joanie via Facebook. Fifty people will be picked to run with Joanie. And three extra-special winners will also win a coaching session with Joanie, $500 donation towards their cause, 10 passes to Joanie's "Friends and Family Film Night."

Maybe you're training for the Beach to Beacon. Maybe you're one of those strange creatures who really, really loves running. Maybe the thought of running alongside Joanie (I mean, THE Joanie) is enough to make you dust off the running shoes after a long hiatus. Whatever the motivation, go share your story: Share it on the Facebook!

8 great options for eats at the beach

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:38:52 GMT

With temps soaring again this week - and it isn't even August yet! - everyone and their grandmother is heading for a nearby beach in search of a patch of sand to plop a blanket or chair and feel even a hint of a sea breeze.

Of course when you get to that primo destination you'll want to have food in tow, because you won't be picking up and moving again until the thermometer drops at least out of the 90s.

So to help with your little excursion to the shore, we're offering 8 options for beach access that just happen to be near some can't-miss on-the-go food spots. Read on, then cool off and eat up:

Ferry Beach & Amato's, Scarborough You'll find Ferry Beach on Black Point Road, and on the way there you'll pass Amato's at the corner of Route 1. Stop for a "Real Italian," complete with Amato's famous oil, to add to your cooler. (Some folks actually get their sandwiches the evening before a trek to the beach so the oil can really soak in.) Ferry has a small lot ($10 per car) but a great view of Pine Point across the way.

Pine Point Beach & Bayley's Seafood, Scarborough There's plenty of beach here to spread out and enjoy the sights, sounds and sand (park in the large lot for $10 per day), and there's a couple good options for eats on the way. Bayley's has a full restaurant at 165 Pine Point Road, where anything from clam cakes to ice cream to lobster dinners can be ordered up and collected for takeout. Travel right down to the point and also find Bayley's Lobster Pound (9 Avenue Six), where you can grab and go lobster and shrimp rolls, chowders and a handful of other options.

Willard Beach & Scratch Baking Company (plus Willard Scoops!), South Portland Time your trip to the beach that sprawls below the South Maine Community College campus and you can pick up the best bagels in greater Portland. Made hot and fresh throughout the morning, folks usually hang around the shop waiting for the next batch to come out of the oven. And then they're gone. On your way home, be sure to made a stop at Willard Scoops for some of the best ice cream around.

Crescent Beach State Park & Kettle Cove Creamery, Cape Elizabeth Crescent Beach is a favorite because of its great views of Kettle Cove and the paddleboarders and kayakers who frequent its waters. On your drive down Route 77 stop in at the Creamery, where there's also a cafe for delish sandwiches. Grab a smoothie or iced drink and be cool even before you hit the sand.

Old Orchard Beach & Lisa's Pizza, OOB Whether you're visiting Maine's most popular beach for the rides at Palace Playland or the bars that are just steps from the sand, you probably won't be able to resist the allure of Lisa's Pizza, long a favorite of those with a lunch craving or late-night munchies. Don't forget the fries. And be sure to come back for a second visit to try the fried dough.

Thomas Point Beach & Sam's Italian Restaurant, Brunswick Thomas Point offers more than just the seaside. There's also camping, family activities and often live music events during the summer. If you're headed there, the Sam's at Cook's Corner is on the way and it's famous for great takeout sandwiches, pizza and Italian dishes. Try a chicken salad, the July special. And don't forget a whoopie pie.

Wells Beach & Congdon's Doughnuts, Wells Wells Beach is one of the prettiest in York County and the road that takes you there is conveniently located just across from Congdon's, which has been serving up the best doughnuts around for decades. The spot is also a full-service restaurant offering breakfast and lunch but here's betting you won't be able to resist a half-dozen doughnuts to go.

East End Beach & Katie Made Bakery, Portland Katie Made's the perfect spot to grab a sweet and a coffee and watch the action on Cumberland Ave. It's also now a great spot to get fresh-made sandwiches (to stay or go) and finish them off with a delish chocolate chip cookie. And it's just your luck that the bakery is located at the bottom of Munjoy Hill, which you need to go up in order to get down to East End Beach.

Sunset tour: Take a paddle in Scarborough Marsh Saturday

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:41:25 GMT

If you're looking to move a budding relationship from the hand-holding level to the I'm-going-to-make-out-with-your-face level, few things are as romantically foolproof as a sunset.

When you combine the sunset with a canoe and the breathtaking natural environment of the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center the Mush-O-Meter level soars right off the charts.

Take your relationship one step closer to serious on Saturday with a sunset paddle through the marsh from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sure there will be an Audubon guide along for the ride (in another canoe) but that will just add to the anticipation of the heavy petting to come after the boats come out of the water.

Paddlers are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m. so boats and floatation devices can be sorted out. The fee is $12 per person non-members and the views you'll get will be worth far more.

Stretching over 3,100 acres, the marsh is the largest salt water marsh in the state. It includes tidal marsh, salt creeks, freshwater marsh and uplands. According to Audubon volunteers sunset paddlers may see black-horned night herons heading out for their evening or snowy or great egrets returning to their nests.

Audubon takes reservations for this tour so call 883-5100 to make yours. And you can probably leave the Barry White CD at home.

Alive at Five: Music in Monument Square today. Be there.

Shannon Bryan — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:48:34 GMT

Most late afternoons in Monument Square the most prominent sounds come from the steady stream of traffic, or maybe from the street preachers warning passersby that their wicked ways have them hurtling toward hell at lightning speed. (Meanwhile, people are picking up their pace to avoid both the cars and the religious propaganda.)

Folks who make a post-work visit to Monument Square today will find a different scene. Very different.

Alive at Five returns for its 2012 version from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with free music, big crowds, a beer garden from Sebago Brewing and, with a little luck, perfect summer weather.

Kicking off the series are indie rockers Phantom Buffalo, along with the eclectic folk-pop sounds of dilly dilly.

The rest of the schedule includes:

July 19: Spencer Albee (pop rock), Zach Jones (R&B) and Lady Zen (soul); July 26: McCarthys (alt country) and Amy Allen (singer-songwriter); Aug. 2: March Forth (new Orleans marching band) and Anna and the Diggs (Americana), Veayo Twins (MAMM Slam winners); Aug. 9: The Mallett Brothers (country rock) and CuLLu (reggae).

Sounds like the street preachers may want to find another place to spread there message for the next five Thursdays.

If you love beer (and who doesn't?) check out the new Bier Cellar

Shannon Bryan — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:03:59 GMT

The Portland area is home to an abundance of breweries. Some have been in business for decades, have several brew pub locations and sell their products to beer fans across the country.

But despite the local focus on brews, Greg and Katie Norton felt like beer was still somewhat the forgotten middle child what with all the wine shops in the city. Their answer is Bier Cellar, which opened in June at 299 Forest Ave.

"Basically, we felt that with beer, while some places have good selections, it wasn't being treated like wine was as far as the knowledge or pairing with foods and different products, and that one-on-one customer service," Greg said. The husband and wife team held their grand opening celebration on July 7 and Greg said, "so far the reception's been humbling."

Bier Cellar stocks craft beer, wine, cider and mead. In the beer section alone there are 400 options. The website offers a list of products with domestic brews coming from as far away as Alaska and Hawaii and imports from Belgium, Ireland and Scotland, to name a few.

An option that's already been popular is the Mix & Match plan, allowing customers to create their own six-packs or four-packs of beer, no matter the size or brewery.

There is also the Cellar Pack Club, which comes with a monthly fee, but allows customers to leverage the knowledge of the store owners as they stretch their palettes.

"We go over what they've had before what they like and we put together a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles, a 22-ounce and 750-mililiter bottle that will both confirm that flavor profile they like and challenge them to kind of branch out and try new things." The personalized pack is available for pickup the first of each month or whenever the customer chooses.

Service is key for the Nortons so customers can call ahead to make an order and pay over the phone and it will be packaged and ready to go when they drive in. Greg said there is also the possibility of deliveries in the future.

"Our philosophy is we'll bring in any product we'll drink ourselves," Greg said, and that means you'll find no mass-produced beers here.

Bier Cellar plans to have three tastings each month, which will be listed on the website. Greg expects to have a wine tasting at the store next week.

Bier Cellar is open Tuesday through Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

26 places to swing a bat, toss a disc and swat a ball

Shannon Bryan — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:05:39 GMT

Summer can get stressful. There's all that sunshine you have to deal with, plus the warm weather that begs for casual wear and flip flops. You're forced to lounge ocean-side on a spread of sun-baked sand. Or maybe you're compelled to ride a bicycle, grill some steaks and paddle a river, sometimes all within the same weekend. Folks need an outlet to mentally manage such summer burdens. We recommend baseball bats. And putters. And plastic discs that look kinda like Frisbees - but they're not.

Batting Cages

Swing for the fences! Hit a few balls without the hassle of having to play an actual game of baseball (who's got time to loiter in the outfield? It's summer. You're busy!). And while batting cages seem harder to find these days, we do know of a few:

York's Wild Kingdom
1 Animal Park Road, York | 363-4911 | www.yorkzoo.com
Find the cages just inside the the confines of the amusement park (if you enter from downtown York, versus Route 1). The park is open all summer from noon to 9:30 p.m.

Schooner Minature Golf
58 Ocean Park Road, Saco | 284-6174 | schoonerminigolf.net/batting-cages
The mini golf course is worth a visit - it's a purty little course high on Vacationland ambiance. But the batting cages are great, too. $1 gets a batter 16 pitches and the cages offer speeds ranging from 25 mph slow-pitch softball up to 60+ mph Major League Baseball.

Augusta Golf Park
225 Hospital St., (Route 9), Augusta | 623-0859 | www.discgolfmaine.com
This place is a catch-all for things-to-throw-and-swing, featuring batting cages and a driving range and disc golf course. As far as the batting goes, it's 12 balls for $1. The golf park is open 9 a.m. to sunset Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday.

Disc Golf

It's like golf, without the clubs. Or the ball. Or the tee. Or the hole. Oh, forget it, it's nothing like golf. But spending a couple of hours on a well-groomed course can still bring zen into your life. And those brightly colored discs are happy to carry your stresses away.

Beaver Brook Disc Golf Course
1 Wilson Pond Road, North Monmouth | beaver-brook.com
Excellent beginner's course open May to October.

CR Farm Disc Golf
702 Lewiston Road, West Gardiner | lavalleelinksdiscgolf.com
One of Maine's largest facilities with pro-level (7,061 feet), intermediate (5,052) and recreational (4,400) courses.

LaVallee Links Disc Golf
85 Barber Road, Randolph | lavalleelinksdiscgolf.com

Quarry Run
225 Hospital St., Augusta | www.discgolfmaine.com
Eighteen holes for $5 a day with discount cards available.

Porcupine Ridge Disc Golf
860 Church Hill Road, Augusta | 242-0256 | on facebook
The course is open seven days a week, 7am - 9pm. One round for $5 or $8 for all day. Dual tees for two distinct 18-hole courses. Wooded holes, a brook through five of the holes and plenty of variety.

Burnsboro Disc Golf Course
Burns Road, Vassalboro
Located on 20 acres where monthly tournaments are held.

D 'n' D Disc Golf
100 Philbrick Road, Sidney | 547-4612 | on Facebook
Challenging course charging $5 a day. Open 8:00 pm 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Skyriders Disc Golf
200 Ohio Hill Road, Fairfield | 313-9532 | on Facebook
Championship-level course charging $5 per person. Open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to dark

Quaker Hill Disc Golf
146 Middle Road, Fairfield | 453-2013 | quakerhilldiscgolf.com
Eighteen-hole, 4,480-foot, par-60 course open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Acker's Acres Disc Golf
180 Dingley Road, Bowdoinham | 737-2656 | ackersacresdiscgolf.com
Open year-round on about 20 acres of fairways through mostly mature forest. Hours are 7 a.m. to dusk seven days a week.

Basket Case Links Disc Golf
649 Boothbay Road, Edgecomb | www.pdga.com/
Course winds through woods and features some rock walls and challenging holes.

Enman Field Disc Golf
1024 River Road, Brunswick | 798-5000 | on Facebook
Offers two championship-caliber courses for players of all skill levels. Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Bennett Disc Farm
463 Fort Hill Road, Gorham
Dual tees on a 9-hole course that combines rolling hills and wooded holes.

Rocky Mountain Disc Golf
Seacoast Fun Park, Route 302, Windham | seacoastfunparks.com
Play 18 holes on a challenging course with wooded and mountain terrain. Course is attached to Seacoast Fun Park, which has vending machines, a cafe, arcade games and mini golf.

Pleasant Hill Disc Golf
38 Chamberlain Road, Scarborough | 883-8387 | www.philldiscgolf.com
Former ball golf course offers 18 holes on 40 acres, with a retail shop. Open seasonally, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days.

Boom Field Disc Golf
419 Boom Road, Saco | 423-5572 | on Facebook
Course stretches over 25.6 acres with trees, shrubs and deep rough. Charge is $5 per day.

Clover Farms Disc Golf
Day Road, Lyman | on Facebook
Open dawn until dusk. $3 for adults; under 13 play free with paid adult.

Woodland Valley Disc Golf
106 Burnham Road, Limerick | 229-9825 | www.woodlandvalleydiscgolf.com
Course features 36 holes with a clubhouse and pro shop. Play 18 holes for $5 and get a day pass for $8. Open 9 a.m. to dusk Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to dusk weekends.

Miniature Golf

The word "miniature" makes it sound like it's lesser than its long-drive, clubhouse-hanging cousin. Sure, a mini-golf course is smaller and has more windmills. Sure, six-year-olds often get holes in one and sometimes hit grownups in the shins with their clubs. But the mini golf course is big in spirit.

Adventure Falls
512 Warren Ave., Portland | 878-5800 |jokersfunandgames.com
Outdoor miniature golf May through September located at Jokers Fun and Games. Play 18 holes with waterfalls, streams, ponds and elaborate landscaping.

Pirate's Cove
70 1st St., Old Orchard Beach | 934-5086 | www.piratescove.net
Putt your way through caves, over footbridges, and under cascading waterfalls, all amidst a fun-filled atmosphere of natural wonders, extraordinary landscaping, and enchanting pirate lore. Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Shaws Ridge Farm Mini Golf
55 Shaws Ridge Road, Sanford | 324-2600 |
Landscaped 18-hole course open seasonally. Also ice cream and BBQ Barn.

Schooner Mini Golf and Batting Cages
58 Ocean Park Road, Saco | 284-6174 | schoonerminigolf.net
Golf course features 75-foot schooner as the 11th hole. Pitching speeds in batting cages range from 25 mph slow pitch softball to 60-plus mph major league.

Wonder Mountain Miniature Golf
270 Post Road, Moody | 646-9655 | wondermountainminigolf.com
Two 18-hole mini golf courses, Electric Reef Fun Center and Treasure Trap Human Maze.

Martel's Ice Cream & Mini Golf
757 Portland Road, Saco | 283-1775 | maineminigolf.com
Fun challenging course located on the same site as an ice cream shop.

Seacoast Fun Park
Route 302, Windham | 892-5952 | seacoastfunparks.com
Course features 18 holes for $7.50 for adults. Course is part of Seacoast Fun Park, which has vending machines, a cafe, arcade games and disc golf.

Rocks get their due (winners get fudge!) during Boothbay skipping contest

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:12:29 GMT

Rocks don't get a lot of love. Or respect.

For example, how many times during your sibling rivalry years did you tell your little brother he was dumber than a box of rocks?

Nuff said.

But on Saturday, beside the Footbridge at the town parking lot in Boothbay Harbor, rocks will have their day during the 9th Annual Orne's Candy Store International Rock Skipping Contest.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. (or register online in advance) and the first rock will be tossed at 10. Then rocks that are flat, but with rounded edges, rocks that fit nicely in the palm of a hand, rocks that have been tumbled smooth from years in the sea, will not just skip, but dance across the water, eliciting oohs and aahs from onlookers.

Previous winners have sent their rocks skipping nearly 30 times, then walked away with a trophy, the title of champion and a pound of Orne's Rocky Road Fudge.

If that sounds impressive, check out this video of Russell "Rock Bottom" Byars' record of 51 skips during a day near the water in Franklin, Penn. Word is that Rock Bottom threw 40 stones that day but the record-setter was the first he launched.

If you're best efforts are stuck in the single digits, now worries. The competition also spills over to rock-skipping names (you can't compete without one) and costumes, with returnees trying to one-up the previous year's bests. Shannon Bryan wrote about last year's event. Read her story here.

Ages 13 and up pay $5 to compete and kids 12 and under pay $1. Categories include boys, girls, men and women. Everyone gets a stick or rock candy just for competing and all proceeds go to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

Oh, and don't forget to bring your own rocks.

Get medieval on the water: Stand-up Paddleboard Jousting

Shannon Bryan — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:25:56 GMT

Is your horse exhibiting symptoms of exhaustion (lethargy, despondency, panting) during and after jousting tournaments?

Are lance repair costs becoming a financial burden?

Are you often sore from long hours in the saddle?

Why not save a horse and ride a paddleboard in a Paddleboard Jousting Tournament?

Yes, it's jousting. On a paddleboard. Your horse will appreciate the reprieve.

This seemingly incongruous event takes place at the annual Maine Boats, Homes and Harbors Show in Rockland on August 11 (the show runs from August 10-12). The event, sponsored by Thorfinn Expeditions, pits paddle against paddle, jouster against gravity. Participants will paddle to meet their opponent, then attempt to knock one another off their boards and into the water. No one is expected to stay upright for long, according to organizers.

The "lances" will have ample padding and all jousters must wear a PFD and helmet. (Equipment will be supplied by Thorfinn. But you must supply the witty, smart and/or ironic jousting name and costume yourself.) Participants must register in advance to participate, and registration closes on July 6. That means your jousting name and $25 needs to find its way to Stacey, the event organizer, as soon as possible.

For more information or to register, contact Stacey: stacey@maineboats.com

For more information on the tournament: maineboats.com/boatshow/visitors/paddleboard-jousting

For a sample of what to expect, check out this video of paddleboard jousters elsewhere in the country:

Spanakopita! Baklava! Gyro! Eat Greek now (and Sat.) during Greek Fest in Portland

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:34:49 GMT

Gyros, spanakopita and baklava - these are a few of our favorite things. Greek food abounds at the annual Greek Festival, happening NOW at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland.

The ticket line runs out of the tent and onto the street - but like an elderly woman said to me as she shuffled by on her way out: "It's absolutely worth the wait, dear."

There's a menu board featuring all the options - gyros and loukaniko and dolmadakia. You'll need that line time to decide which Greek delight you're going to get. But you'll probably get back in line for more anyway.

You'll also certainly buy 50/50 raffle tickets from this spirted young lady, who won me over by confidently stating: "C'mon. You can't resist this face." She was right. I couldn't. (Yesterday's winner took home $350. You know how much spanakopita you could buy with that?!?)

And then there's the food:

It's served up efficiently by a host of friendly volunteers.

And it. is. so. good.

The Greek Fest continues until 9:30 p.m. tonight and again tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with Greek music, dancing and plenty of food.

FMI: holytrinityportland.org/festival.asp

I Like That: Portland store caters to surfers, skaters, fun people

Shannon Bryan — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 01:28:51 GMT

Open for a couple months now, I Like That, located at 370 Fore St., Portland, is attracting some attention.

First there's the bright green and blue sign hanging above the store's entrance which is nearly impossible to miss. Then there's the open sign that used to sit on the sidewalk. It caught someone's eye well enough that it was carried off a couple days ago.

There's much more to see inside, like sunglasses, longboards, beach shoes, bathing suits, hats and fun T-shirts. I Like That's claim to fame is the custom tees it creates for just $20.

Come in with anything you'd like to have on a T-shirt - even your own face - and they'll print it up for you. As the website says: "We take the funny and amusing things that happen in life and the news and put them on tee shirts."

According to store employees the printing is currently done at the 31 Market St., Portsmouth location, but the Portland store expects to have its printer in any day now.

Hot sellers include Neff sunglasses and hats and Sanuk and Toms shoes. The business also stocks clothing from a pair of local companies - 108 and Ridin H1 Designs.

I Like That is owned by Joe Kelley, who also owns Joe's New York Pizza at 420 Fore Street.

Bike riding on the railroad? Yes! Rail bikes in Thorndike

Shannon Bryan — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:20:08 GMT

While Mom might've been wrong about plenty ("That's just the sound of God bowling, sweetheart. Really!") she was right about one thing: Playing on train tracks is dangerous. (Seriously. Don't play on train tracks.)

Of course Mom never considered the existence of rail bikes.

In her defense, did any of us ever consider the existence of rail bikes?

But they do exist, these two-seater, pedal-powered contraptions of ingenuity and joy. And several of them are docked not too far away on the former Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad in Thorndike, Maine.

The rail bikes are owned and operated by Brooks Preservation Society, which is dedicated to protecting, preserving and celebrating historic structures and artifacts in Brooks and surrounding communities. The organization purchased the rail bikes in 2007 from a company in New Hampshire as a way to get people involved in the use of the tracks.

And for anyone rightly wary of riding a bicycle on railroad tracks, rest assured. The tracks are isolated from train operation.

Two trained volunteers go out with each group, and tours last approximately three hours, with time to stop and eat lunch, explore and relax. There are two route options. The rail ride to Brooks is a shady two-percent grade going east, which means that the return trip is mostly downhill (weeeeee!). The ride to Unity is up and down, with less shade. Both routes require some muscle. Both come free with fresh air, sweet scenery and the rhythmic thud-thud of rail ridin'.

Rail bike enthusiasts (who are sometimes train enthusiasts, sometimes bicycle enthusiasts and always enthusiasts of the unique and outdoorsy) can pack a lunch and take to the tracks, shirking Mom's advice for a whole afternoon.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children under 10 are not permitted to operate rail bikes but can be riders. Tickets are purchased at a funky shop called Garden Variety in Thorndike, just across the street from the old depot where the rail bikes are docked. The shop has some munchies, cold beverages and a host of neat antiques and strange odd-and-ends. Oh, and homemade ice cream sandwiches.

For more information about the rail bikes or to reserve: www.brookspreservation.org or 207-568-3523 (ask for Diana).

Get a feel for it with this Rail Bike video:

Free music: Alive at Five concert series schedule announced

Shannon Bryan — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:39:16 GMT

Portlanders love their free music. Especially the outdoor kind.

One of the most popular summer series, the Alive at Five concerts, will start attracting crowds on July 12 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Thursday night music event runs through Aug. 9 at Monument Square. And don't forget that Sebago Brewing makes the experience that much more enjoyable with a beer garden.

Here's this summer's schedule:

July 12: Phantom Buffalo (indie rock) and Dilly Dilly (folk rock)
July 19: Spencer Albee (pop rock), Zach Jones (R&B) and Lady Zen (soul)
July 26: McCarthys (alt country) and Amy Allen (singer-songwriter)
Aug. 2: March Forth (New Orleans marching band), Anna and the Diggs (Americana) and Veayo Twins (MAMM Slam high school band winners)
Aug. 9: The Mallet Brothers (country rock) and CuLLu (reggae)

24 ways to get on the water for cocktails, sunsets, music or whales

Shannon Bryan — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:04:35 GMT

It's great to be near the water. But it's even better to be on the water. With music. Or beverages. Or whales swimming leisurely past.

Fortunately for both the natives and the tourists, Maine has plenty of boat cruises to offer that provide all those things and more. Choose from schooners or sailboats or ferries or lobster boats with a little help from our list.

Sea Escape Charters, 23 Sea Escape Lane, Bailey Island Sailing and boat charters for touring the area, fishing or just spending the day on the water. Also sunset tours, lighthouse cruises, Eagle Island tours and seal-watching trips.

River Run Tours, 99 Commercial St., Bath Non-scheduled, appointment-only private coastal tours with custom service.

Belfast Bay Cruises, Thompson's Wharf, Belfast The steam ferry Patience offers scenic harbor cruises, sunset cruises and trips up the river to Bucksport and Bangor.

Balmy Days Cruises, 42 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor Trips to Monhegan Island, harbor tours, lighthouse tours and fishing excursions offered from Pier 8 on the waterfront.

Cap'n Fish's Whale Watch, Boothbay Harbor Take a boat trip to see whales, puffins, sea birds or for sport fishing or lobster trap hauling with the originator of whale watching in Boothbay Harbor.

Boothbay Whale Watch, Fisherman's Wharf, Boothbay Harbor Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess, the largest and only boat in Boothbay built for whale watching. The company also offers classic rock and reggae cruises and harbor tours.

First Chance Whale Watch & Scenic Lobster Cruises, 2 Harbor Lane, Kennebunk Climb aboard the largest whale watching vessel in the area for an exciting whale watching cruise that lasts approximate four hours.

Rugosa Lobster Boat Tour, Nonantum Resort Marina, Kennebunkport Fully restored 1963 oak plank lobster boat offering 60- and 90-minute tours of the Kennebunk River and the Kennebunk coastline as you learn the rules, techniques, lore and art of trapping lobsters.

Pineapple Ketch Sailing Excursions, 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport Daily two-hour sails, sunset excursions, private charters and learn to sail programs.

Schooner Eleanor, 43 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport Sail aboard a schooner with Capt. Rich Woodman on two-hour trips along the scenic coastline from Cape Arundel to Cape Porpoise.

Songo River Queen, On the Causeway, Naples Replica of a Mississippi River Paddle Wheeler can handle up to 350 passengers and heads out into the lake five times daily between July 2 and Labor Day. Choose from one-hour, 90-minute or two-hour cruises.

Hardy Boat Cruises, 132 Route 32, New Harbor Take a cruise to Monhegan Island, go on a puffin or seal watch, see the local lighthouses from the water or try the fall coastal cruise aboard the Hardy III.

Finestkind Scenic Cruises, 70 Perkins Cove, Ogunquit Try a scenic breakfast cruise, Nubble Lighthouse cruise, lobstering trip, cocktail cruise or sailing cruise aboard one of three traditional Maine-built wooden vessels.

Monhegan Boat Line, Route 131, Port Clyde Steam out of Port Clyde Harbor past Marshall Point Lighthouse and Seal Rock and on to Monhegan. Other trips include puffin and nature cruises, lighthouse cruises and scenic sunset cruises.

Downeast Duck Adventures, 94 Commercial St. (Casco Variety Store), Portland Ride through the Old Port during a 60-minute narrated adventure and learn about the city before splashing into Casco Bay to view the working waterfront and some of the ocean wildlife. Tickets $17 to $24. Seasonal.

Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours, Long Wharf, Portland Try a land & sea tour combining an Old Port trolley tour with a harbor cruise ($27 to $39) or end the day with a 90-minute sunset lighthouse cruise ($15 to $21).

Casco Bay Lines Ferry, 56 Commercial St., Portland Board a ferry for a scenic cruise, sunset cruise, mailboat run to one of Casco Bay's islands or a music cruise, or sign up for a group lobster bake and cruise to Peaks Island. Most cruises range from $7.50 to $15.

Lucky Catch Cruises, 170 Commercial St., Portland Learn about lobsters and haul traps during a lobstering cruise to Portland Headlight or Whitehead Passage, or try a seal watch cruise. Cruises run Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Tickets $15 to $25.

Casablanca Scenic Cruises, 18 Custom House Wharf, Portland Take the two-deck harbor cruiser on a sunset party cruise, a narrated daytime cruise or a concert cruise featuring local musicians. Most cruises $15 to $20.

Portland Schooner Company, Maine State Pier, Commercial Street, Portland Sail on an authentic wooden schooner built in the early 20th century for an afternoon in Portland Harbor or an overnight windjammer adventure. Seasonal. $10 and $35 for two-hour sail.

Schooner Stephen Taber, Windjammer Wharf, Rockland Come aboard for cruises that lasts overnight or for six days from Memorial Day through foliage season on a ship that has been on the water for 140 years. Also charters and specialty cruises available.

Penobscot Ferry and Transport, Knights Marine Service, 525 Main St., Rockland Take a day trip to Isle au Haut, Monhegan or Vinalhaven or see puffins on Matinicus Rock. The small family-run ferry offers transportation to any island in the bay that has a pier.

Captain John's Charters, Camp Ellis, Saco Scenic cruises, fishing trips and private charters aboard the Island Prince.

Atlantic Seal Cruises, Freeport Town Wharf, South Freeport Narrated cruises depart daily Memorial Day weekend through October, including seal and osprey watch cruise, Eagle Island adventure and fall foliage cruises. Tickets $15 to $20.

Complimentary express manicures (and champagne and cupcakes) outside Akari RIGHT NOW

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:20:05 GMT

Akari is offering free express manicures outside its Middle Street shop until 4 p.m. today.

We walked by to find a woman getting her mani on at a nicely shaded outdoor table. The manicures are on a first come, first served basis. But it the seat is taken, there's no reason you can't enjoy the complimentary champagne and cupcakes inside.

We're told Akari will be doing something similar every Friday.

Akari is located at 193 Middle Street, Portland (just around the corner from the Nickelodeon). FMI: akaribeauty.com or (207) 772-9060

BBQ to eat, balloons to ride in Old Orchard Beach

Shannon Bryan — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:22:27 GMT

What's better than BBQ?

Not a whole lot, unless it's some BBQ with a big scoop of Grammie's famous potato salad on the side.

But what might make BBQ more fun is a bunch of colorful hot air balloons for the riding and (OMG!) maybe even some chainsaw wood carving to top it off. You can get it all with one $10 ticket Saturday and Sunday in Old Orchard Beach at the second annual Smokin' at the Ballpark BBQ & Balloon Fest.

The fun starts Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. with music from Beyond Reason. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and there's a full schedule of entertainment throughout the day. Check out chainsaw wood carving shows from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. The popular Time Pilots play a pair of shows (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m.) and People's Choice Sampling for the BBQ competition goes from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tethered balloon rides will be happening all day. And, for the kiddos, there's a petting zoo, moon bounce and pony rides.

And how convenient is it that it's going to be a hot weekend and the sand and surf is just a quick walk away? So feel free to make it BBQ, balloons and beach.

Happy hour is here! Get to the Porthole Friday

Shannon Bryan — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:15:45 GMT

Everybody likes an adult beverage or two on a Friday after work. Even better if that beverage is sipped (or chugged, if you prefer) on a deck on Portland's waterfront.

And if there's music? And free food? And prizes?

It's like Christmas in June (and July and August).

Get it all starting June 22 at the infamous Porthole Restaurant, where Coast 93.1 will be hosting its well-loved and always-packed happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. through Aug. 31.

Jon and Eva from the Coast morning show will be on hand for the opener, entertaining the thirsty 9-to-5ers with music, laughs and prizes.

Expect free hors d'ouevres, drinks specials, great views of Portland Harbor - and maybe some great views of that hot guy from the office.

A carnival at the mall: M Fest at the Maine Mall this weekend

Shannon Bryan — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:41:30 GMT

The Maine Mall has a few new additions this weekend.

There's a carnival scene coming together in the Maine Mall parking lot - complete with a Ferris wheel and other rides, food vendors and carnival games.

It's part of the M Fest running June 21 to 24. According to the Maine Mall, it's called the M Fest because, "it's Maine's Own Mighty Midway Melded with the Majestic Maine Mall."

Sure, browsing two-for-one sales on flip-flops and plaid shorts is great - but you know what's also great? Riding The Scrambler so many times in a row you almost start to regret the fried dough. Almost.

Festival hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

FMI: www.mainemall.com