Because summer fun in Maine shouldn’t only be for people from away.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
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.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
For author in Midcoast, the ideal day includes dog friends, pub fries and football
With a house full of pawed pals, mystery writer David Rosenfelt imagines the best way to spend time in autumn (minus the marathon).
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Posted inArts & Entertainment, Maine
Maine’s rustic summer theaters struggle to keep cool as temperatures rise
Summer heat is affecting actors and audiences alike, and some venues have been forced to consider expensive alterations to their spaces.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Maine
Julia Gagnon’s birth mother, who helped inspire her ‘American Idol’ journey, has died
The Cumberland singer posted on Instagram Wednesday about the death of her birth mother, Sara Ramos.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This
At Circus Smirkus, coming to Maine on Aug. 5-6, kids entertain kids
The Vermont-based family circus will stage shows in Cumberland, Kennebunkport and Fryeburg.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books
Maine island mystique: Why so many books feature these isolated settings
Authors say these often idyllic locales – where there’s nowhere to run or hide – present opportunities for heightened drama, suspense and romance.
Posted inDo This
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.
Posted inDo This
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.
Posted inDo This, Food
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.
Posted inDo This
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.