Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
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PublishedJuly 22, 2024
Author’s perfect day includes Ogunquit-area spots that help inspire her writing
J. Courtney Sullivan’s new book, “The Cliffs,” is set in a Maine town inspired by Ogunquit, where she visits every summer.
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PublishedJuly 22, 2024
Maine summer cruises offer rock, reggae, oysters, lobster and more
Cruises out of Portland, Naples, Bath and Boothbay Harbor offer a variety of things to do and see while on board, from concerts and wine tastings to catching crustaceans and learning local history.
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PublishedJuly 15, 2024
Aw, shucks: Steamer the clam opens up about life as a festival mascot
The face of the Yarmouth Clam Festival answers our questions about the best parts of the event, what it’s like to watch the shucking contest and life in the off-season.
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PublishedJuly 15, 2024
Yarmouth Clam Festival to get popping with parade, ‘American Idol’ star and more
Julia Gagnon, who went to school in Yarmouth, will be the grand marshal of the parade and will perform as well. The festival runs Friday through Sunday.
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PublishedJuly 8, 2024
Go a little farther afield and find a Maine summer fair for you
Why wait for the big fall fairs, when there’s tons of small-town fair fun happening all over the state in summer.
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PublishedJuly 8, 2024
My Perfect Day: Maine children’s author would make stops at the farmers’ market, Fort Williams and Marden’s
Julie Falatko of South Portland, author of a dozen books, would also spend time in two Portland bookstores.
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PublishedJuly 8, 2024
Sick of red snappers? Try an Icelandic hot dog instead
At Gunnar’s Icelandic Hot Dogs cart, the franks are made with lamb and the condiments include apple cider vinegar ketchup and a remoulade of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, capers and gherkins.
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PublishedJuly 7, 2024
Waterville film festival at center of Maine’s cinematic universe
Highlights of this year’s Maine International Film Festival, starting Friday, are Dutch director Jos Stelling and the premiere of ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine.’
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PublishedJuly 1, 2024
These Fourth of July events will start your summer with a bang
Celebrate our country’s birthday and the arrival of summer with parades, fireworks, festivals and outdoor concerts.
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PublishedJuly 1, 2024
The man who keeps star-spangled banners waving all over Maine
Just ahead of Independence Day, the general manager of Gorham Flag Center answers our questions about which flags fly higher, which are better for Maine’s windy weather and proper flag care and etiquette.
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