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EXPLORE MAINE'S WILDERNESS WITH A SCAVENGER HUNT P. 46
Find yo ur fun SUMMER/FALL 2022
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! e d i Ins THE ONLY WAY IS UP Learn the Ropes of Outdoor Rock Climbing P. 50
/// LOOK OUT FOR ME
Encouraging Safe & Responsible Use of the Maine Outdoors P. 4
/// 6 PLACES TO RECONNECT WITH NATURE P. 15 /// PUTTING THE JOY IN PORTLAND'S DISC GOLF SCENE P. 16
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Look Out for ME p. 4
SUMMER/FALL 2022
15
4
LOOK OUT FOR ME
6 8 10 15
KITTERY TO THE KENNEBUNKS SOUTH COAST GREATER PORTLAND 6 PLACES TO RECONNECT WITH NATURE
Encouraging Safe & Responsible Use of the Maine Outdoors by Carey Kish
by Stephen Bitsoli
16 PUTTING THE JOY IN PORTLAND'S DISC GOLF SCENE by Noelle Auger
18 24 25 28
16
WESTERN LAKES & MOUNTAINS BETHEL RANGELEY HIKES & BREWS
Amherst Mountains Community Forest & Airline Brewing Co. by Carey Kish
MAINE BREW & BEV GUIDE p. 29 32 SPOTLIGHT
by Kay Stephens
35 BREWERY ROUNDUP 36 HIKES & BREWS
The Wilton Area & Ambition Brewing by Carey Kish
36
37 TASTING ROOM DIRECTORY 42 BIKE & BREW Rolling Up to a Pint by Andy Haynes
43 BUSINESS OF BREWING 45 HIGHLANDS 46 EXPLORE MAINE'S WILDERNESS WITH A SCAVENGER HUNT by Aislinn Sarnacki
46 ON THE COVER: Family hiking adventure with Acadia
Mountain Guides in Bar Harbor. Photo courtesy Acadia Mountain Guides
2 Summer/Fall 2022
48 MIDCOAST 50 THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Learn the Ropes of Outdoor Rock Climbing by Saisie Moore
52 DOWNEAST
PUBLISHER Stanley J. Rintz III PRODUCTION DESIGNER Kristina Roderick GRAPHIC ARTIST Robin Bean Kristina Roderick SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kristina Roderick MANAGING EDITOR Kay Stephens WEB & DIGITAL DESIGN Robin Bean PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Leonard ADVERTISING SALES Stanley J. Rintz CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noelle Auger Stephen Bitsoli Andy Haynes Carey Kish Saisie Moore Aislinn Sarnacki Kay Stephens CONTRIBUTING PROOFREADER Jody Gould OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Kristina Roderick MEMBER Maine Brewers’ Guild Maine Tourism Association Convention & Visitors Bureau Chambers of Commerce FOLLOW ACTIVITY MAINE
activitymaine.com 3
Look Out For
ME
A New Initiative to Encourage Safe and Responsible Use of the Maine Outdoors A hiker enjoys the big view of Moosehead Lake from the summit of Big Moose Mountain.
Over the last several years there has been an enormous surge in the recreational use of the Maine outdoors, from the rocky coast to the big woods to the mountain peaks. More people of all ages, interests, and abilities than ever before have discovered the health and fitness benefits of time well spent exercising and having fun in the woods and on the waters of our beautiful Pine Tree State. But there are downsides to this recreation boom, like overcrowded beaches, jammed parking lots, unauthorized campfires, trashed campsites, and a marked increase in trail erosion. There’s more garbage and litter, unwanted noise, improper disposal of human and pet waste, and an alarming rise in emergency calls and rescues. These unfortunate problems are negatively impacting our natural resources, degrading the experience for visitors and residents alike, and causing considerable distress among land managers, property owners, and tourism officials, becoming a wholly unsustainable situation.
4 Summer/Fall 2022
Story & Photos by CAREY KISH
“After COVID-19 hit and the pandemic continued to spread, we saw an enormous rise in the number of people out there, reports of property damage, the many complaints and concerns,” said Steve Lyons, the director of Maine’s Office of Tourism. “About 95 percent of Maine’s forest land is privately owned and about half of that is open to the public through the generosity of the landowners. When the Maine Warden Service reported a substantial increase in landowner requests for “Access By Permission Only” signs, it was a clear indication of concern over user numbers and behavior.
“...We saw the enormous rise in the number of people out there, reports of property damage, the many complaints and concerns...[and] knew we had to develop some kind of 'recreate responsibly' message to help ameliorate the problems.”
That's when outdoor and tourism leaders around the state rallied together and approached the MOT to develop a message to help ameliorate the problems. The result was the Look Out for ME campaign, the goal of which is “to ensure that visitors and residents alike venture out safely and responsibly with a great respect for the land we all love and cherish.” Per MOT’s website, the initiative is a blueprint for “how we can all do our part to conserve the state’s natural resources, season after season, and for generations to come.” The Look Out for ME message is pretty straightforward: Check out your intended destination in advance and know the rules and regulations. Travel only on designated trails and roads. Visit places outside of peak hours and always have a Plan B to avoid disappointment. Don’t transport firewood and clean and dry your boots and boats to reduce the spread of invasive species. Be careful with fire, use only designated sites, and don’t harm green trees. But wait, there’s more. Don’t litter, pack out your garbage and that of others less thoughtful.
Enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the West Branch of the Penobscot River.
The Cranberry Cove Ferry leads to great adventure on Great Cranberry Island.
Bag and dispose of your dog’s waste similarly. Practice proper hygiene: know how and where to dig a cat hole for poop and take the used toilet paper and wipes out with you in a plastic bag. Be personally prepared by carrying the “Ten Essentials” (a handful of emergency items that should always be in your pack). Choose an activity that fits your experience and fitness level and let someone responsible at home know your plans.
Prepare For Getting Lost or Injured There are a lot of people in the Maine woods these days trying a host of recreational activities for the first time and they are often approaching these pursuits unprepared and getting into trouble. This poses an undue risk for the enthusiasts themselves, impacts the environment, and creates extra headaches for land managers and public safety officials.
Sign at Maine Turnpike Kittery rest area.
“Maine is a big, beautiful place,” said Andy Cutko, the Director of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. “But it’s also remote and wild, so it’s far too easy to get into trouble if you aren’t properly prepared, and help can be a long way off in terms of both hours and miles.” Based on trends in campground reservations to date, Cutko expects that 2022 will be another record year in the Maine outdoors and he’s hoping that the Look Out for ME effort will be a big help in getting the message out to visitors, preferably well in advance of when they get here. “We want people to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly, and to leave the state better than when they arrived,” said Lyons. That’s a good thing for Maine, Mainers, and visitors alike, now and for future generations. Look Out for ME is another important step in striving to achieve a healthy and sustainable
The sand and gravel beach at Lily Bay State Park is a fun place on a summer day, with a great view to boot.
balance of tourism, natural resources, economic development, and residential quality of life. Let’s all do our part. CAREY KISH of Mt. Desert Island, ME is freelance writer, avid hiker and beer drinker, and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England (available later this year).
LOOK OUT FOR ME To learn more about Look Out for ME, find great resources for planning a safe, responsible, and enjoyable outdoor adventure, and discover ways you can help spread the word, visit the Maine Office of Tourism at visitmaine.com/look-out-for-me.
activitymaine.com 5
KITTERY TO KENNEBUNKS
W
PHOTO BY MELISSA WESTON
ELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL
KITTERY TO THE KENNEBUNKS
Summer Fun
M
Coastal Kittery is home
to numerous factory outlet shopping malls, Kittery Naval Shipyard, and an extensive Maine Tourism Information Center. Visit local Chamber of Commerce offices for more information about various towns and events throughout the region.
SUMMER FUN ON MAINE’S SOUTH COAST
By BOBBIE RANDOLPH
ILES OF WHITE SAND, SALTWATER TAFFY, long estuaries to explore by kayak, and one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses –
what’s not to love about that stretch of shore between Kennebunkport and York? The quartet of beach towns —Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit, and York — couldn’t offer more variety if they tried. Wells and York are all about families kicking back. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are known as more high-end enclaves, although their beautiful beaches are open to all and each offers a wide range of lodging and dining choices. For a traditional shore dinner go to Mabel’s Lobster Claw (MABELSLOBSTER.COM). If you’re lucky, the signature Lobster Milanese – grilled shrimp and lobster – will be on the day’s menu. On Route 1, taste craft beers at Sebago Brewing (SEBAGOBREWING.COM). Get a different view of Cape Porpoise or the Kennebunk River on a guided tour with Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike (COASTALMAINEKAYAK.COM)in Kennebunkport or join them for paddle board lessons or tours. They welcome all skill levels and offer bike and scooter rentals, too.
6 Summer/Fall 2022
SOUTHERN MAINE!
The 220 grassy sites at Sea-Vu Campground (SEAVUCAMPGROUND.COM)include shaded tent sites as well as RV sites with full hook-ups, TV and WiFi. Everyone loves the setting overlooking the ocean and families appreciate the large pool and mini-golf course, as well as the trolley stop at the front gate for car-free beach access. Experience a different coastal environment at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge on Route 9. A mile-long interpretive trail winds through a coastal forest and along tidal marshes where sightings of heron, egrets, and sea birds are common (WWW.FWS.GOV/REFUGE/RACHEL_CARSON). Just across a tidal creek, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm has seven miles of walking trails (WWW.WELLSRESERVE.ORG). The Maine Diner on Route 1 in Wells is no secret. For more than 30 years it’s been serving fried clams, chowder, blueberry pie, and all the other Maine coast favorites (WWW.MAINEDINER. COM). Get more suggestions of things to do at the Wells Chamber of Commerce visitor center or check (WWW.WELLSCHAMBER.COM). Not all of the fun is within the sight of the sea. Head inland to Sanford to find Mountain View Golf Range, a familyfriendly center with mini-golf, a driving range and batting cages (MOUNTAINVIEWGOLFRANGE.COM).
York is a family favorite, not only for its beaches (descriptively named Long and Short Sands), but for Maine’s most iconic lighthouse, Nubble Light at Cape Neddick. Add The Golden Rod, WWW.THEGOLDENROD.COM, famed over a century for its saltwater taffy and New England’s only zoo/amusement park at York’s Wild Kingdom, WWW.YORKSWILDKINGDOM.COM, and you have a winner. You can’t camp closer to the beach than at Libby’s Oceanside Camping, WWW.LIBBYSOCEANCAMPING.COM in York Harbor, overlooking the mile-and-a-half Long Sands. Owned by the third generation of the family that founded it in 1923, Libby’s offers full hookups, TV, and free WiFi, but best of all are the ocean views from nearly every site and direct beach access. BOBBIE RANDOLPH writes about her favorite Maine experiences, from camping and kayaking to skiing and dogsledding.
outdoor writers & photographers wanted Email content@activitymaine.com with ideas or content!
Maine Diner and Remember the Maine Gift Shop With six million customers and counting – appearances on “The Today Show” and raves from the Phantom Gourmet – it takes quite a bit to get the MAINE DINER all abuzz. However, in the summer of 2010, The Maine Diner hit another milestone as they were featured on the Food Network program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Maine Diner has been serving delicious food for more than 35 years. In addition to breakfast served all day, the extensive menu selections include daily specials made fresh to order. Enjoy chowders and stews, salads, seafood and steaks, comfort foods, burgers and sandwiches, homemade desserts and much more. Be sure to visit the REMEMBER THE MAINE GIFT SHOP located next to the Maine Diner. In 1997, the gift shop opened its doors to offer customers an assortment of gifts from America's favorite diner. Since opening day, Remember the Maine has grown to include gifts not only from the Maine Diner, but Maine memorabilia, collectibles, postcards, gourmet food, and so much more—something for everyone.
Conveniently Located “On e Way” North or South • Route 1 North, Wells, ME
We Ship All Over the U.S! mainediner.com/shipping
Over 35 Years in Business!
See Website for Days & Hours of Operation • 207-646-4441 • MaineDiner.com activitymaine.com
7
Visit Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Scarborough for Summer Fun By BOBBIE RANDOLPH
M
AINE’S LONGEST STRETCH OF SAND BEACH MAKES OLD ORCHARD BEACH a magnet for summer vacationers. And what a beach it is
— seven miles of soft white sand which is meticulously
cleaned each night by volunteers. Backed by a band of dune grass, the beach slopes gently into the surf and is wide enough, so even at high tide there’s space for everyone to find a patch of sand. That’s just Old Orchard. Smaller beaches spread north along Scarborough’s coast, some – such as the beautiful Western and Ferry beaches — protected by the long peninsula of Prouts Neck. With all this coastline, you can expect a variety of water sports — surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, and waterskiing. Quiet coves and tidal estuaries invite canoes and kayaks. Scarborough Marsh has miles of meandering 8 Summer/Fall 2022
channels to explore on foot, in a kayak, or a canoe and is home to countless birds. Within walking distance from the Pier and amusement park is the BEACHFRONT CONDOTEL (THEBEACHFRONT.COM) with standard, deluxe, and twobedroom suites. You can see photos of each campsite before reserving. Family owned WASSAMKI SPRINGS CAMPGROUND (WASSAMKISPRINGS.COM) in Scarborough—Maine’s closest campground
to Portland and Casco Bay—offers vacation and seasonal camping, full hookups, cable, and WiFi. Enjoy live entertainment, planned activities, swimming, and recreational activities offered at the campground.
Ken’s Place
If all the saltwater makes you hungry for seafood, you'll find the freshest fried clams, lobster rolls, chowders, and a raw bar at KEN'S PLACE (207-8836611) on Pine Point Road in Scarborough.
Famous for Seafoods Since 1927 Fabulous Fried Clams!
Baked & Fried Foods • Children’s Menu • Air Conditioned Pine Point Rd. Scarborough, Maine 207 883-6611 • Open thru Oct.
PHOTO AMANDA GAGNON
OLD ORCHARD
PHOTO COURTESY OF PALACE PLAYLAND
SOUTH COASTAL
SOUTH COASTAL
Adventures • Local Race Events Maine Craft Beer
ACTIVITYMAINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE
Maine Veterinary Medical Center Specialty & Emergency Pet Hospital in Scarborough, ME
We treat all pet emergencies 24/7 including weekends and holidays. Y AR
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New England’s Newest Winnebago Motorized Dealer New RVs Arriving Weekly
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“Creating Family Fun on Route One”
activitymaine.com 9
PHOTO Activity Maine
when in
PORTLAND Be sure to check out these local businesses for adventurous activities and delicious food!
EXPLORE the Islands of Casco Bay
SEA KAYAKING & PADDLEBOARDING AT EAST END BEACH
| GUIDED TRIPS | LESSONS PortlandPaddle.net • 207-370-9730
PORTLAND PADDLE offers guided sea kayaking trips and paddleboard rentals at the East End Beach on the Portland waterfront. It’s amazing how rugged and wild the coastline gets just a short paddle away from the bustling Portland harbor. The great variety of islands in Casco Bay offer endless possibilities for exploration. Look out for seals, lighthouses, wave-battered cliffs, seabirds, hidden beaches, wooden schooners, and 19th-century granite forts. Portland Paddle’s guided trips and lessons are led by licensed Maine Guides who are passionate about sharing their love of sea kayaking and their knowledge of the history and ecology of the Maine coast. Multi-day trips, advanced paddling lessons, and rentals are also offered at Portland Paddle.
10 Summer/Fall 2022
PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND PADDLE
RENTALS
GREATER PORTLAND
$
70
Just $37
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MAXIMIZE YOUR SIGHTSEEING IN PORTLAND AND SAVE MONEY WITH ONE OF PORTLAND DISCOVERY’S EXCEPTIONAL COMBO TOURS! Simply choose a cruise and combine it with a trolley tour for a fabulous land and sea adventure! Take the tours in any way that fits your schedule, just be sure that when you choose your times that the boat tour and city tour times don't overlap. For example, many people will choose the 10:00 a.m. Portland City and Lighthouse Tour then enjoy lunch and shopping in the Old Port before boarding an afternoon cruise. Book now at PORTLANDDISCOVERY.COM or call us at 207-774-0808 and see the best of Portland with us! THE GREAT LOST BEAR has become a Portland institution since opening in 1979. The Bear is located about two miles from Portland’s touristy Old Port but well worth the journey across town to the mysterious Woodfords Corner. The Great Lost Bear features an enormous, eclectic family-friendly menu with something for everyone, all served in an entertaining atmosphere. They have added more taps as new breweries open throughout the Northeast. Now, with the craft beer revolution in full throttle, GLB offers an amazing selection of hard-to-find beers with most of them brewed in Maine. Come taste some of the freshest local beer around at the GLB!
activitymaine.com 11
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE MAILBOAT RUN?
PORTLAND’S ICONIC FERRY, CASCO BAY LINES, services the islands of Casco Bay and offers a full schedule of cruises for those looking for a way to get out on the water this summer! Don’t own a boat? No problem! The locals’ favorite way to experience Casco Bay is on the Casco Bay Lines Mailboat Run. The Mailboat is a true working boat that departs the Portland terminal daily, 365 days a year, carrying passengers, mail and freight to Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff and Chebeague Islands. As the oldest running service of its kind, this boat is the lifeline for those living on the islands and offers landlubbers an opportunity to adventure along Maine’s rugged coastline. Ready to cruise? Visit cascobaylines.com, choose your cruise, pack a picnic lunch and a cooler, purchase your tickets in the terminal and come aboard!
12 Summer/Fall 2022
KON ASIAN BISTRO HIBACHI BAR offers a wide range of cuisine including sushi, sashimi, hibachi, chicken, shrimp, steak, calamari, salmon, fillet mignon, lobster tail, pad thai, teriyaki, tempura, scallop, tuna, rolls, sushi bar entree, orange ginger duck, general tso’s chicken, fried rice, fried udon, soup, salad and beef.
GREAT CONTENT We feature 100% locally sourced content. Got a great local story? We'd love to hear it! E-mail your ideas to submissions@activitymaine.com!
HARRASEEKET
LUNCH & LOBSTER CO.
(207) 865-4888
Freeport, Maine FREEPORT IS A PICTURESQUE HISTORIC TOWN LOCATED ON THE SHORES OF CASCO BAY 20 minutes north of Portland. It is renowned for being the original home of the worldfamous L.L. Bean store. Over the years, other retailers were drawn to the town, now known for its outlet shopping. There are also dozens of locally-owned and operated stores, shops, boutiques, and of course many wonderful restaurants.
Homemade Desserts Too!
Serving the Freeport Community for Over 50 Years! Just 3 Miles from L.L.Bean on the Wharf at the End of Main Street on Beautiful South Freeport Harbor Come and Enjoy Fresh Seafood for Lunch or Dinner! Experience the working waterfront from inside the dining room or from our picnic tables under the awning!
Summer Hours: Lunch 11AM –8:45PM • Lobster Pound 7AM –8:45PM Labor Day to End of Season: Lunch 11AM –7:45PM • Lobster Pound 8AM–7:45PM Live Lobsters Packed to Travel! (207) 865-3535 activitymaine.com 13
A once in a lifetime experience. Sailing four times daily.
Happy guests aboard Portland Schooner Company's Bagheera
two-hour sails private charters overnights 207-766-2500 portlandschooner.com
located at the Maine State Pier adjacent to Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal
14 Summer/Fall 2022
PORTLAND SCHOONER COMPANY has been making memories for Casco Bay visitors since 2002. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Scott Reischmann and Michelle Thresher, the company offers an authentic, Old World sailing experience from May through October aboard Portland’s only fleet of historic windjammers. Whether you’re looking to experience the Portland waterfront from a unique perspective or hoping to step back to a simpler time for a couple hours, Portland Schooner Company offers an experience you don’t want to miss. The adventure begins aboard one of their classic wooden schooners, Bagheera, Heart’s Desire, Timberwind, Vela, or Wendameen. All of the boats were built in Maine by some of the best craftsmen in the world and three of them – Bagheera, Timberwind, and Wendameen – are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two-hour sails depart from the Maine State Pier in Portland’s Old Port and are offered four times daily, presenting visitors with the unforgettable sights and sounds of lighthouses, seabirds, seals, and the rocky coastline. The friendly, professional crew is not only there to provide you with a safe trip, they’re happy to share a bit of Casco Bay history and trivia with you. You’re invited to join in any way you’d like: hoisting sails alongside a deckhand, taking a turn at the ship’s wheel, or just relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze and salt air. And you’re welcome to bring food and drinks, including beer and wine aboard. The cost for a two-hour sail is $50-$60 for adults and $34-$60 for children (12 and under) depending on your departure time. Buy tickets at www.portlandschooner.com or call (207) 766-2500. Private charters for parties up to six guests and up to 30 guests can be booked on the website as well. If you have more time to spend on Casco Bay, Portland Schooner Company also offers charters for family gatherings, corporate functions, or even weddings.
6Nature Places to
>>RECONNECT<< with
Camden Hills State Park
Story & Photos by STEPHEN BITSOLI
Vaughn Woods
It’s no secret that being out in nature calms us, but many of us spend hours indoors, staring at screens, away from natural light. While there is much focus on the physical consequences of this lifestyle—heart health, obesity, and muscle strain—not enough emphasis is put on its effects on our mental health. Studies have shown that too much screen time and lack of natural light can lead to depression, cause anxiety, and deplete both empathy and altruism. Just 30 minutes of exposure to nature—a quiet walk in a park, sitting in a garden, or looking at a panoramic view—can significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Stress, depression, and anxiety are risk factors for serious mental health issues. But spending time reconnecting with nature can soothe stress and get you back to feeling your best. Stunning coastlines, lush forests, crystal lakes, and cascading waterfalls offer countless opportunities to connect with nature and soothe the soul. Here are six.
1. Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park Maine's highest mountain peak, Mount Katahdin, is more than 5,000 feet tall and as breathtaking from the ground as it is from the summit. The elevation and weather can make it a challenging hike, but even being in its presence is enough to rejuvenate the soul and free the mind.
Rattlesnake Pool
2. Vaughan Woods, Hallowell The magical Vaughn Woods, located in Hallowell, is often nicknamed ‘Hobbitland’ because it resembles the incredible descriptions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire hobbit homeland. This beautiful nature reserve has many trails lined with red oaks, white pines, beech trees, and hemlocks. Each season offers a different activity, but it’s ideal for summer picnics. The fresh air will go a long way to clear a busy mind.
3. Camden Hills State Park, Camden Just a short drive up the coast from Camden, this nature-lover’s paradise is gorgeous in any season. Hike the trails and marvel at the breathtaking views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Follow in the footsteps of renowned poet Edna St. Vincent Millay who penned “Renascence," after her own visit here. What will the trails inspire you to create?
4. Rattlesnake Pool, Stow Located in Evan's Notch, Rattlesnake Pool is a granite bowl that has been patiently flensed from the solid rock over millennia by the running waters, pebbles, and stones. The water is crystal clear and icy cold. The mosses lining the base have given it the nickname of the Emerald Pool. Although the water is frigid year-
round, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a popular swimming hole; an icy dip can do wonders for the mind. Nearby waterfalls add a beautiful soundtrack to complete the ultimate sensory experience.
5. The Bar Island Trail, Bar Island Explore this 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Bar Harbor, Maine. While only accessible during low tide, the Bar Island Trail is worth the trip. Its rock pools teem with small sea life and its sand bar makes the terrain soft and easy on the feet. There is nothing like feeling beach sand between your toes as cool water surrounds them.
6. Small Falls, West Central Franklin Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls—one more than 100 waterfalls in Maine—is easily accessible, allowing a whole day of indulging in nature's beauty. There are multiple falls, but the main one features a 54-foot drop. The sound of the cascading water, the feel of the spray, and the view of the natural beauty make this a sensory smorgasbord. Maine offers an array of locations to get back to nature and soothe your tired soul. Taking time for self-care and mindfulness will go along to make your life’s journey less treacherous.
activitymaine.com 15
Joy
Putting the
in Portland's
DISC GOLF SCENE Story & photos by NOELLE AUGER Enjoying a craft brew after a tough game.
On a balmy evening in early spring, Mainers emerge from their dens and flock toward their favorite local breweries to quench their thirst for outdoor patio life. At Rising Tide, one of Portland’s more popular spots, the air is filled with notes of sun-soaked laughter, clinking glasses overflowing with IPAs, and something else—the reverberating sounds of discs hitting chains. Though much of this crowd consists of regulars, there is someone new in town: The JoySwich Putting League. JoySwich, a newly crafted business founded by Adam McHugh and Mae Holmes, is a brand that merges outdoor recreation and adventure with a specific focus on the sport of disc golf. When McHugh and Holmes struggled to find a property that could house the JoySwich disc course of their dreams, they shifted their plans and decided to
A pint and a disc pair well together.
16 Summer/Fall 2022
bring the sport to Portland. The Putting League, which commenced in April and ended in late May, was born out of a dream to make disc golf accessible, enjoyable, and inclusive for all Mainers. Its main focus is to practice one of the more difficult and technical aspects of disc golf known as “putting,” when players throw the discs from shorter distances, usually 30 feet or less. “We started this as an avenue into a beloved part of the much broader outdoor community,” said co-founder, Adam McHugh. “We want to enable that by offering not only the venues but also the equipment as well, so folks can try different types of discs without having to buy them or knowing how they perform. We also want people to make connections with others to have an enriched pool of discing friends. We are hoping mostly to extend the beauty of the game to newcomers and expand
JoySwich founders, Adam McHugh and Mae Holmes.
access for more women specifically to get interested and involved in the game.” Putting League takes place every Monday evening from 6 to 8. The league rules are similar to that of a bowling league: Two teams play head-to-head in a match consisting of three games with teams composed of at least four (up to six) recurring players. The games consist of 10 total frames and players rotate, throwing five discs per frame. The discs are thrown from distances of 20, 25, and 30 feet. At the end of each week, stats are collected and published on JoySwich’s website so players can keep track of their progress. There is even a weekly prize for the one who sinks the most discs each game. “When I heard Adam and Mae were starting a putting league, I wanted to join right away—they are good friends I met when they hired me to design
Putting a disc.
the Joyswich logo,” said Laura Felina, a local designer based in Portland. “I was awful for the first couple weeks and had to push through that discomfort. By week three I started to get the basics down and won that week's award for the most improved player. Now I am looking forward to the league every week for the fun of improving as much as getting to hang out with everyone. It's awesome.” Many of the league teams consisted of friends, co-workers, and even strangers who rallied to form a freeagent team. While not all players were experienced discers, everyone was able to come together to perfect their putting skills while sipping some of their favorite craft beers. JoySwich rotated their league locations at various Portland breweries, including Rising Tide, Bayside Bowl, Definitive Brewing, Goodfire, Thirsty Pig, Belleflower, and Austin Street, which hosted the final playoffs. Each location was able to provide a space for 10 disc baskets and a handful of joyful spectators from the community.
For venue owners such as Charlie Mitchell of Bayside Bowl, there was a lot of excitement around hosting a putting league for the first time. “Bayside Bowl, at its heart, is built around leagues,” said Mitchell. “I love disc golf, so it’s a natural fit. Leagues create a culture at a bar. The customers feel a responsibility to the business since they know they’ll be back. It also gives the host bar a real opportunity to become a part of the customers' lives—a place they associate with good times.” After immense success with the first run of the league, many breweries have already agreed to welcome JoySwich back. “We have a great outdoor space that’s perfect for this sort of thing,” said Heather Sanborn, owner of Rising Tide. “We'd love to host again. The response to the first event was great!” Though the spring putting league has since ended, JoySwich is already shaping up plans for the coming summer months. “We want to make this league a Portland staple every eight
weeks and usher in as many new teams as we can manage,” said McHugh. “We're looking to run concurrent leagues and spread the matches around the city and beyond to as many venues as possible.” Additionally, McHugh and Holmes aim to expand access to disc golf by offering outings where they will supply the discs and transportation to courses, as well as free pop-up courses in parks and on islands in the Casco Bay area. Holmes will even be hosting a skill-building women’s clinic. Regardless of whether you’re a veteran player, a newcomer, or a curious spectator, disc golf is a sport that is steeped in camaraderie and excitement. The next league starts June 13. If you’re interested in learning more about events in the Portland area, sign up for JoySwich’s email list at https:// www.joyswich.com. NOELLE AUGER is an outdoor enthusiast living in southern Maine. She is an English teacher in Lewiston and enjoys writing about nature in her free time.
activitymaine.com 17
western LAKES This region of western Maine, filled with sparkling lakes and ponds, cascading rivers and streams, waterfalls and covered bridges, is the ideal setting for outdoor activities. This is the place to fish, kayak, swim, hunt, and mountain bike. Experience world-class bass, trout, and salmon fishing. Glide along a lake in your canoe or kayak. Venture into the woods for a hike, or climb a mountain. Bike the rural byways, rent a power boat or kayaks, or hit a few golf balls. Ride your ATV on miles of maintained trails. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Mahoosuc Range, providing a single or multi-day backpacking trek. Tree-lined main streets, friendly towns, country fairs and festivals, one-of-a-kind museums, antique shops, boutiques, unique eateries—it’s all here in the Lakes and Mountains Region of western Maine. Presenting Sponsor:
6th Annual
Saturday, August 13, 2022 9AM–3PM • 24 Main Street, Gray, ME Enjoy wild Maine blueberry pies and pints of fresh berries, pie eating contests, f live music, food trucks, spelling bee, master beekeeper, art and craft booths, kids’ activities including Fun Run and Diaper Derby, AND SO MUCH MORE! www.FB.com/GrayWildBlueberryFestival
If the words “beer and sampling” are music to your ears, you'll love the 18th annual MAINE LAKES BREWFEST, Saturday, September 24 at Point Sebago in Casco from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. This 21+ event features live music, more than 35 brewers, and 10 food vendors to satisfy your appetite. Sponsored by High Wire Hydroponics, the Umbrella Factory, the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, and Point Sebago, check out the details and tickets at GBLRCC. org./brewfest Bring your ID (required for entry). Online ticket sales only. No tickets sold at the gate and no refunds. The event will take place rain or shine. 18 Summer/Fall 2022
378!
$
THE MAINE TRIFECTA Looking to play more than just one great golf course on your next vacation? Want to go someplace that you can relax and not spend an arm and a leg? The Maine Trifecta is the perfect solution! Here is a unique deal called the “Maine Trifecta,” which allows golfers to play three beautiful courses; Spring Meadows in Gray, Fox Ridge in Auburn, and Poland Spring in Poland. This deal includes all of the green fees and carts for 18 holes each day plus two nights lodging. POLAND SPRING GOLF COURSE is considered the oldest golf course in America. Famed architect Donald Ross designed the Links style course. Spectacular views of the White Mountains, velvet bend grass greens, beautiful well maintained fairways, ponds, and tees are available for all abilities. SPRING MEADOWS GOLF COURSE A naturally beautiful and challenging layout offers plush fairways and superb greens. “A venue worth the drive… a sweetly sublime design from Maine architect laureate Brad Booth.” — Golf Digest FOX RIDGE GOLF COURSE Rated among Maine’s most challenging 18-hole golf courses, this is the former home of the Maine Open. Designed to take advantage of the natural lay of the land, which will demand every shot in your bag, Fox Ridge is ranked top 10 in Maine by Golf Digest.
THE MAINE TRIFECTA PACKAGE Stay at the POLAND SPRING RESORT for two nights of lodging, which has comfortable accommodations in three different inns, or cottages. The Resort has loads of amenities, including grass tennis courts, swimming, bocce, shuffleboard, boating, and lots more. The rate is from $129.00 per night, double occupancy, and Maine sales tax for the lodging per night, plus $180 for three days of golf including cart. FMI Call (207) 998-4351, find us on Facebook or visit POLANDSPRINGRESORT.COM activitymaine.com 19
Swimming Kayaking, H.k. g &l Restaurants Ma I 'roca io Local in Windham p
Visit WindhamMaine.us for more information
July 6th-27th 79 Presumpscot Rd. Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-8:00pm Free Admission after 5:00pm!
U.F.O.
Liquor Store, Craft Beers, Fine Wines
The Umbrella Factory Outlet (U.F.O.) is located in the Shop 'n Save shopping center on the corner of Routes 302 and 35 in Naples, Maine. The U.F.O. offers more than 2,500 square feet of liquor, wine and craft beer choices. It is an agency liquor store, offering more than 1,800 liquor, 1,900 wine, 800 craft beer, 180 nips/pints and 150 cider selections! From hard apple cider to seasonal brews, you’ll find them here! From fruity rieslings to rich merlots, this store provides them! From a smooth vodka to a warm whiskey, browse them at the U.F.O.! This remarkable store not only offers discount beverages but also great prices on cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products. Labeled the “Wine Capital of Maine,” the store expanded in 2015 to add the Craft Beer Runway, which leads to the Lost Moose Campground tasting center where wine and beer tastings are held. The U.F.O. also supplies a selection of cold wine and beer for the customer’s convenience. Visit us at 639 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302) in Naples. U.F.O. Hours Sunday–Saturday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Check out our website at www.umbrellafactoryofmaine.com and like us on Facebook!
20 Summer/Fall 2022
Over 800 800Craft CraftBeer BeerChoices Choices Over Morethan than400 400Hard HardCiders Ciders More Put on onOne OneSide Sideofofthe theRunway Runway Put
activitymaine.com 21
22 Summer/Fall 2022
activitymaine.com 23
events Bethel
Be sure to check activitymaine.com for the most up-to-date information. July 16: BETHEL SUMMERFEST (formerly known as Molly Ockett Day) is Bethel's summer homecoming festival! Join in on the fun with craft and food vendors on the town common, live music, kids' activities, fireworks, and open houses all over town. Free admission. FMI: (207) 824-2282. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., rain or shine. BETHEL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & CAMPGROUND is a family-friendly campground and outdoor adventure business on the banks of the Androscoggin River, close to the center of Bethel. They provide a beautiful riverfront campground for RVs and tenters, as well as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, drift boat rentals, and guided trips. Their burgeoning river tube business is perfect for those hot, lazy mid-summer days, or try out their single-span Burma Bridge to Hastings Island. Your visit with Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground is sure to be adventurous and is a natural complement to the many outdoor activities available locally. On-site the “Gem and Mineral Sluice” provides fun and education for the entire family. Sluice means rinsing with water and they sell dream buckets of mine material, so you sluice it carefully while looking for local gems and minerals, such as Beryl, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Quartz, Mica, Feldspar, Apatite, Lepidolite and more. All the goodies can be identified by using a handy identification board. Buckets cost $27.50, $55.00, $110.00, or $250. Try out the antique cast-iron hand pump just like in the old days. The Sluice is open from late May through early-October. Call 207-824-4224 or visit rocksme.biz.
Call or Visit Us Online for Updated Days & Hours
24 Summer/Fall 2022
July 15 & 16: NEW ENGLAND FOREST RALLY – Join the excitement and witness the incredible skill of these off-road drivers as they maneuver their cars (twisting, sliding, turning and jumping) through the woods, winding creeks and one-lane bridges at speeds up to 100 mph! Fans also attend festivities such as “Parc Exposé," where all the teams parade their cars into an open area as fans can gather, mingle with the competitors, get autographs, and see the cars up close. Rally Village features vendors, exhibitors and food throughout the two days and an awards party. FMI: newenglandforestrally.com August 5 & 6: ANDOVER OLDE HOME DAYS – Enjoy music, food vendors, crafters and vendors on the common all day. Experience the photography contest, parade, kids' games, corn hole tournament, skillet toss, antique tractor pulls, and lawn tractor races. See the Ellis River Riders Horse Show on the August 7. FMI: Facebook.com/andoveroldehomedays September 17: BETHEL HARVESTFEST – Celebrate the harvest and the beginning of fall foliage season with arts, crafts, music, a farmers' market, loaded baked potatoes, burgers, apple pie cook-off, and much more on the town common. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission, rain or shine. FMI: BethelHarvestfest.com October 8: THE BIG REVEAL: A RUNWAY EXTRAVAGANZA – To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Big Find,” which is one of the largest finds of gem rough in North America from 1972 to 1974, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum has created this event to include 12 jewelry artists who created one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry using stones mined during the “Big Find.” These pieces will be shown to the public for the first time at The Big Reveal! Three Maine-based fashion designers will be showcasing their work on the runway! This event is held at the Grand Summit Hotel of Sunday River, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. FMI: mainemineralmuseum.org/the-big-find
RANGELEY
PHOTO BY CHRIS RILEY
A SUMMER PARADISE
M
Text by BOBBIE RANDOLPH
AINE’S RANGELEY LAKES REGION INCLUDES MORE THAN THE 10-SQUARE-MILE LAKE itself, extending to five other large lakes and
hundreds of smaller lakes and ponds. Add rivers and streams, two mountains – Saddleback and The Horn — just east of the lake, and mile after mile of forests and what do you get? A paradise for those who love the great outdoors and all the activities it invites. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, camping, cycling, wildlife watching, or just lazing beside the lake – whatever your summer bliss, you’ll find it here. Hikers and climbers have their choice of woodland trails or several mountains. Bald Mountain Hiking Trail, between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic lakes, climbs to an altitude of 2,443 feet for 360-degree views over both lakes.
AJ Cycles (207-8642850) on Maine Street in downtown Rangeley rents and sells fat bikes. They are a full-service bike shop, if your bike needs a tune-up or repairs. Take a rental from AJ’s to the extensive network of trails at the
Rangeley Lakes Trail Center (RANGELEYLAKESTRAILSCENTER. COM). Golfers will appreciate the scenic Mingo Springs Golf Course, a favorite of both beginners and scratch players. Although the course is relatively short, it’s challenging, and birders love it for the variety of species that nest alongside the course. All the lakes and ponds surrounded by forest make a prime wildlife habitat, and moose-watching and photography is one of the region’s most popular activities. With lakes on every side, it’s hard not to spend some time enjoying water sports.
Lakeside Park, on Main Street in Rangeley, has a free sandy beach with lifeguards, picnic tables and changing rooms, while Rangeley Lake State Park, on the lake’s south shore, has a beach with lifeguards; it charges a small day-use fee. To explore the lakes and ponds and enjoy the wildlife that make their homes on the shore, rent a canoe or kayak at Ecopelagicon Kayak Rentals (ecopelagicon.com) on Pond Street in Rangeley. Single and double kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards can be rented by the hour, day, or week. Ecopelagicon also offers tours and lessons in all three sports. (continued)
activitymaine.com 25
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RANGELEY
You can find equipment and clothing for all your water sports and other outdoor activities at Rangeley Region Sports Shop in Rangeley or at Rivers Edge Sports Shop in Oquossoc. The area has plenty more lodging options. The Rangeley Inn and Tavern located in the center of Rangeley, and has renovated accommodations in the historic inn or at the Haley Pond Lodge on the waterfront. All rooms feature a private bathroom, satellite TV, WiFi, and a coffee maker. Choose from rooms with one king bed or two queen beds, or suites with one or two bedrooms. Some rooms offer a minifridge and microwave. Sit down to a relaxed breakfast in the elegant historic dining room or warm up by the fire in the rustic tavern. Take a stroll down Main Street to a number of local shops, galleries, and eateries. If you’re packing for an excursion, Rangeley’s shops feature a variety of items to suit your needs. Caryn Dreyfuss can help you find your own little spot of heaven in the Rangeley region, whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a family-sized lakeside retreat.
GOLF COURSE Since 1923
Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker
Buying? Selling? Investing? Contact Me Directly
(207) 233-8275
2478 Main Street, Rangeley, ME • Cell caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com • realestateinrangeley.com
WILTON
Welcome! On Memorial Day weekend 2022, Anna Lehmann-Halter and Jesse Halter began their careers as the new owners of the WILSON LAKE INN! This life transition is a true family affair as they bring with them Anna's mother, Dorothy Lehmann as their Business Manager, Anna’s sister, Erin and nieces, Alyssa and Kara who are learning the housekeeping trade. Anna and Erin are originally from Maine and 26 Summer/Fall 2022
moved away as teenagers to Delaware with their parents. Jesse is from Delaware, but grew to love Maine through the years of visiting family in the Pine Tree State. For the past 15 years, their family has come back to Maine and stayed at Wilson Lake Inn on vacation. They got to know the owners as well as the area and fell in love with Maine again. Anna’s and Jesse's goal is to continue to celebrate family values and help support family togeth-
erness. They are looking to utilize their charming lakeside setting to book weddings, anniversary parties, graduation parties, and other events. They are looking forward to building partnerships and creating packages with other local business in the region. Planned additions to the property include a gazebo and a fire pit with a seating area.
UMaine Farmington Photos By Braden Brothers
Western Maine is nationally acclaimed as a four-season adventure destination – attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across North America and beyond. With outstanding whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, fat bike trails, ski areas, Nordic skiing, snowshoeingtrails and more, there’s something for everyone. The region is also home to the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF), one of the University of Maine System campuses. It's a small school with a huge reputation -- for academic excellence, affordable value, and strong connection to the great outdoors. UMF has consistently been named "One of America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report,which also recognized it as a "Best Value School" and a "Top Performer in Social Mobility." Washington Monthly named UMF a “A Top Bachelor’s College” and a “Best Bang for Your Buck” school. The small college is situated at the gateway to Sugarloaf, Saddleback, and Sunday River ski areas, and is at the epicenter of some of the best hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and rafting in the northeast.
Follow your outdoor passions to find your dream career Miles of trail running and mountain bike trails are right off campus and Farmington’s Titcomb Mountain Ski area is just seven minutes away. The Sandy River runs beside UMF’s athletics fields, ideal for swimming, paddling. and fishing. Or hike the Flint and Bonny Woods trails a short walk up the street from campus. A quick drive takes Farmington college students to Mt. Blue State Park, the Appalachian Trail, Tumbledown Mountain, and Wilson and Clearwater Lakes. To capitalize on its ideal location, UMF offers a unique Outdoor Recreation Business Administration major (ORBA). It combines students’ passion for the great outdoors with marketable skills, allowing them to get jobs in the outdoor recreation industry or to start their own business. ORBA was developed in collaboration with business leaders in the outdoor and tourism industry and requires an in-person internship, giving students real-world experience – and valuable professional contacts. UMF also offers an Alpine Operations Certificate for students in any major. It provides core skills specific to the skiing industry and prepares students to earn PSIA Level-1 certification. Alpine Ops uses Farmington’s Titcomb Mountain as its on-hill learning lab. Participating in active outdoors adventures is inexpensive at UMF. All full-time students get a free season pass to Titcomb Mountain and free learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride lessons. And its popular Mainely Outdoors
adventure program offers students guided trips, clinics, and events: such as hiking Tumbledown Mountain, overnight camping at Acadia National Park, mountain biking the Carrabassett Rail Trail, skiing at Sugarloaf, overnight camping at Gulf Hagas, hiking the Poplar Stream Falls trail, snowshoeing, or learning to Ski-&-Ride at Titcomb Mountain. It even rents out mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, camping gear, snowshoes, Nordic skis, and more. “The school provides amazing opportunities for those who love the outdoors,” said Mainely Outdoors student employee and UMF Environmental Planning and Policy major Avery Boucher “And if you're not already an outdoors enthusiast, UMF will do everything to help introduce you a ton of great outdoor adventures – right in our backyard.” If you’re into the outdoors, the University of Maine at Farmington is a perfect location to spend your college years.
activitymaine.com 27
hikes &
brews
Ducktail Pond is one of six remote, pristine ponds in the Amherst Mountains Community Forest.
Amherst Mountains Community Forest
& AIRLINE BREWING COMPANY Story & Photos By CAREY KISH
Jordan Homestead Preserve The one-mile hike through leads to the Union River.
Airline Brewing Company 's Amherst location is in a beautifully renovated furn iture factory building.
and good pub grub at Enjoy British-style beers 's tasting room in Amherst. Airline Brewing Company
On Route 9 in rural Amherst, some 20 miles west of Bangor and 20 miles north of Ellsworth as the crow flies, you’ll find the Amherst Mountains Community Forest. This nearly 5,000-acre tract of forestland is home to six remote ponds, miles of streams, significant wetlands, a jumble of rolling hills, low mountains, and great hikes worth the trip. From the Indian Camp Brook trailhead on Ducktail Pond Road, you can combine the Ducktail Pond Trail and Partridge Pond Trail to visit the two namesake ponds, both undeveloped gems, in the wild backcountry. Thick with fragrant spruce and fir and lined with colorful mosses and lichens, the winding trail between the ponds leads through a forest fairyland of sorts. Connect the dots via the gravel road for a pleasant loop of just over three miles. Back out on Route 9, also affectionately known as the Airline Road, head east for a mile or so to Airline Brewing Company. Established in 2014, the brewery and tasting room are housed in
MAKE IT A TWO-FER: Head for Ellsworth and Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s Jordan Homestead Preserve, a sweet one-mile hike along the Union River. Close by is Airline Brewing’s flagship location, a classic English-style pub in the heart of downtown. Enjoy the same great beer with a cheese toasty, bangers and mash, or steak-and-ale pie.
28 Summer/Fall 2022
the old Paul Bunyan Furniture Company, a beautifully renovated space that features a thick, glossy L-shaped wood slab bar, benches and tables for gathering, and a gasfired stove in the corner. Old mill memorabilia and artifacts hanging on the sawn board walls will surely catch your eye as you taste a refreshing brew from the extensive list of traditional British-style beers and ciders. The English Pub Ale is an old favorite, as is the cask-conditioned Red Ale, while new to the menu is the Downeast IPA, brewed in support of the Downeast Salmon Federation. Enjoy your draft with a tasty bite of pub grub. CAREY KISH of Mt. Desert Island, ME is freelance writer, avid hiker and beer drinker, and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England (available later this year).
RESOURCES HIKES: Amherst Mountains Community Forest mainetrailfinder.com Jordan Homestead Preserve www.frenchmanbay.org. BREWS: Airline Brewing Company www.abcmaine.beer
HIKES & BREWS: THE WILTON AREA & AMBITION BREWING P. 36
SUMMER/FALL 2022
Spotlight:
Maine Tasting Center P. 32
New Brewery Round-Up P. 35
&Bev
MAINE BREW & BEV GUIDE
Activity Maine
GUIDE
Bike & Brew:
Rolling Up to a Pint P. 42
Business of Brewing P. 43
Tasting Room Directory P. 37
contents Activity Maine
&Bev GUIDE
MAINE BREW & BEV
SUMMER / FALL 2022
Tasting Room Directory p. 37
32 MAINE BREW & BEV SPOTLIGHT: Maine Tasting Center by Kay Stephens
35 BREWERY ROUND-UP 36 HIKES & BREWS: The Wilton Area & Ambition Brewing MAINE TASTING CENTER p.32
by Carey Kish
37 TASTING ROOM DIRECTORY 42 BIKE & BREW: Rolling Up to a Pint by Andy Kaynes
43 BUSINESS OF BREWING
BI KE & BR EW p. 42 HIKES & BREWS p. 36
30 Summer/Fall 2022
ON THE COVER: Summer kayaking fun on Maine lakes. Photo by Garrick Hoffman
COMING SUUER 2022:
NOW OPEN! New Bangor Shooing District Locaaon
Fuuy Renovated Augusta Locaaon
Double The Space, More Events!
Biier Space, Biier Seleccon!
5 Convenient Locaaons OO I-95! Stock Up on Your Favorites!
Best Selection of Beer, Wine & Liquor
Damon’s has your Central Maine beverage stop covered! AUGUSTA 75 Bangor Street (207) 623-9864
BANGOR 21 Washington Street (207) 262-5500
SKOWHEGAN 55 North Avenue (207) 474-2312
WATERVILLE 52 Front Street (207) 707-5505
WATERVILLE 6 Jefferson Street (207) 873-6228
#1 Liquor Distributor in Central Maine Free Delivery to Events Free Beverage Consultation for Events
www.damonsbeverage.com activitymaine.com 31
Maine Brew & Bev Guide
Spotlight By: KAY STEPHENS
Maine Tasting Center 506 Old Bath Road, Wiscasset | www.mainetastingcenter.com
Tasting plates prepared for a class on Maine-made cheeses and Maine-made wines in Spring 2022. Photo courtesy Cody James Barry
32 Summer/Fall 2022
Wiscasset gained a new hub for all Maine native food and drink in 2021 when the Maine Tasting Center opened on Route 1. The brewpub-style tasting room is the main gem in a crown that contains a Learning Center, a Discovery Center, group tours, classes, events, workshops, and more. Sara Gross, general manager, and her parents Andy Gross, president, and Elizabeth Gross, chef, opened the Center with the aim of introducing both local Mainers and visitors alike to the vast array of Maine-made beverages and foods that farmers and producers make. Experience beers, wines, meads, ciders, kombuchas, and juns with bites of the well-known lobster and the lesser-known seaweeds, smoked fish, sauces, cheeses, jams, and more. And new this season, with a spirits license, they will be adding a small selection of cocktails featuring products from Maine distilleries The best part is mixing and matching samples all paired together from the diverse menu in their Tasting Room featuring build-your-own charcuterie and Ploughman’s mini boards. Additional food and drink pairing events through the Learning Center include hands-on cooking classes, meet-the-producer events, tasting and pairing experiences, pop-up dinners and more. Put the Maine Tasting Center on your map this summer for a bite and a sip.
activitymaine.com 33
34 Summer/Fall 2022
Do you have your brewery and distillery passport ready? As of early 2022, Maine is home to 165 active, licensed breweries, representing more than 100 unique brands. And the Maine Distillery Trail boasts 19 locations. This summer is brimming with endless road trip possibilities. Here’s a regional list of new breweries/distilleries.
Kennebec & Moose River Valley
Greater Portland
Maine Beaches & SOuthern Maine
Established breweries that have opened additional locations.
Sidereal Farm Brewery
772 Cross Hill Road, Vassalboro Facebook: @siderealfarmbrewery
Midcoast Olive Pit Brewing Co.
Riverstone Brewing Co.
Stars 'N Stripes
3 Spring Street, Portland www.starsstripesbrewing.com
Currently seeking commercial location www.riverstonebrewing.com
Maine Highlands
16 Main Street, Lisbon Falls www.olivepitbrewing.com
82 Hanover Street, Suite 6, Portland www.bandedbrewing.com/portland
Banded Brewing Co.
Two Knights Brewing Co.
Luce Spirits
Batson River Brewing
Katahdin Brew Works
474 Main Street, Rockland www.lucespirits.com
Blue Barren Distillery
59 Sea Street, Camden www.bluebarrendistillery.com
82 Hanover Street, Portland www.batsonriver.com
Aprés
148 Anderson Street, Portland www.apresmaine.com
136 Mcphetres Road, Sangerville Facebook: @twoknightsbrewing
10 Katahdin Street, Patten www.katahdinbrewworks.com
Bryant's Brewing
1009 Great Moose Drive, Hartland www.bryantsbrewing.com
List courtesy Maine Brewers' Guild activitymaine.com 35
hikes &
brews
The Wilton Area
& AMBITION BREWING Story & Photos By CAREY KISH
ers, marinated chicken skew The Snack Trio features cheese quesadilla. a of half and s, tball marinated mea s. Ambition's different brew Pair with a flight to try out
Ambition Brewing is billed as the “best and smallest brewery” in Wilton (pop. 4,116), a former mill town at the foot of the western Maine mountains that’s coming back to life thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurs like Jeff Chaisson and his business partner, Josh Michaud. The brewery, which occupies a couple of storefronts on Main Street, has become a popular destination for locals and travelers alike since opening three years ago. At Ambition Brewing, you’ll enjoy a nice selection of drinkable beers, from the English ales favored by Chaisson— browns, porters, milds, and bitters—to lagers, sours, sessions, and IPAs. The taproom features warm colors, lots of wood, and an L-shaped bar made out of old doors. The cozy, comfortable space has the welcoming feel of a neighborhood pub where you can relax, rub elbows, and enjoy a refreshing pint or a flight. As to the brewery’s name, “We were tossing around a lot of ideas,” said Chaisson. “Josh and I were working hard to help revitalize downtown Wilton (the pair had already established an IT consulting business) when we realized that ‘Ambition’ characterized exactly what we were about.” “Some of our beer names, however, such as the best-selling ‘Stop.
36 Summer/Fall 2022
The Parker Ridge Trail on Tumbledown Mountain is a perennial hiker favorite.
Hammock Time,’ a smooth cream ale, run counter to that,” joked Chaisson. So do the tongue-in-cheek books you’ll find on the taproom shelves, like The Lazy Man’s Guide to Life and The Low Ambition Handbook. Along with the brews, you’ll want to sample the kitchen’s creative menu of fresh-flavored pub fare, from wraps and sandwiches to pizzas and wings (the Caprese flatbread pizza is delish!) Snacks include a quesadilla, nachos, tots, and a killer trio of marinated chicken skewers, marinated meatballs, and a half of a cheese quesadilla— yum! Regular food trucks roll up out front to add even more variety for good munchies. When Ambition gets hopping, the crowd spills over into the adjacent community room, a sunny space where there are plenty of tables and a TV. There, Ambition Brewing hosts karaoke, comedy, and open mic
If You Go Ambition Brewing www.ambitionbrews.com Town of Wilton wiltonmaine.org/area-attractions Mount Blue State Park and Tumbledown Public Lands www.parksandlands.com
nights, plus jam sessions and cribbage tournaments. The outdoor patio is a great place to soak up some sun while enjoying your beer and eats. Chaisson, who grew up not far away in Rumford, has made Wilton his home ever since getting out of the service nearly 20 years ago. “It’s a cool little town set right on beautiful Wilson Lake,” Chaisson said. “It’s a great place to live and raise a family.” There’s a grocery store, a hardware store, a couple of restaurants, five or six parks, and lots of community spirit. A few miles up the road are the 20,000 acres of Mount Blue State Park and Tumbledown Public Lands, where there are boundless opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Tumbledown, Little Jackson, and Blueberry Mountains, plus Mount Blue, Webb Lake, and Bald Mountain are the big recreation draws. All that and good beer to boot (as well as cans, crowlers, and growlers to go). So bring your ambition to Ambition Brewing and the Wilton area this summer and have some fun! CAREY KISH of Mt. Desert Island, ME is freelance writer, avid hiker and beer drinker, and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England (available later this year).
TASTING ROOM DIRECTORY Note: Information is accurate at time of printing. Before heading out please check ahead to confirm.
BUSINESS NAME
CITY/TOWN
ADDRESS
Biddeford
32 Main St, Biddeford, ME 04005
MAINE BEACHES Banded Brewing Co Barreled Souls Brewing Company
Saco
743 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072
Batson River Brewing and Distilling
Kennebunk
12 Western Avenue, Kennebunk, Maine 04043
Blaze Brewing Company
Biddeford
28 Pearl Street, Biddeford, ME
Corner Point Brewing Co
Berwick
1 Sullivan Street, Berwick, ME 03901
Definitive Brewing Company
Kittery
318 US Route 1 Kittery ME
Federal Jack's Brewpub / Kennebunkport Brewing Company
Kennebunk
8 Western Ave., Unit# 6, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Funky Bow Brewery & Beer Company
Lyman
21 Ledgewood Ln, Lyman, ME 04002
GFB Scottish Pub
Old Orchard Beach
32 Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard Beach, ME
Gneiss Brewing Company
Limerick
94 Patterson Rd, Limerick, ME 04048
Hidden Cove Brewing Company
Wells
73 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery
Saco
100 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Sebago Brewing Co.
Kennebunk
65 Portland Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Shipyard Brew Pub
Eliot
28 Levesque Dr., Eliot Commons, Eliot, ME 03903
SoMe Brewing Company
York
1 York St Unit 3, York, ME 03909
Tributary Brewing Company
Kittery
10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, ME 03904
Woodland Farms Brewery
Kittery
306 Route 1, Suite C Kittery, ME 03904
Xota Brewing
Waterboro
721 Main Street, Waterboro, ME 04087
York Beach Beer Company
York
33 Railroad Ave, York, Maine 03910
South Portland
45 Huntress Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
GREATER PORTLAND Fore River Brewing Company Fore River Brewing Company Production Facility
South Portland
Park Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106
Foulmouthed Brewing
South Portland
15 Ocean Street, South Portland, Maine 04106
Freeport Brewing Company
South Portland
130 Breakwater Drive, South Portland, ME, 04106
Gritty McDuff's
Freeport
187 Lower Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Island Dog Brewing
South Portland
125 John Roberts Rd, South Portland, ME 04106
Lone Pine Brewing Company
Gorham
48 Sanford Drive, Gorham, ME 04038
Maine Beer Company
Freeport
525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Mast Landing Brewing Company
Westbrook
920 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092
Nonesuch River Brewing Company
Scarborough
201 Gorham Road, Scarborough ME 04074
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
South Portland
125 Western Ave, South Portland, ME 04106
Sebago Brewing Co.
Gorham
48 Elm St, Gorham, ME 04038
Sebago Brewing Co.
Scarborough
201 Southborough Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074
Sebago Brewing Co. (Brewery)
Gorham
616 MAIN STREET, GORHAM, ME 04038
Shipyard Inn on Peaks Island
Peaks Island
33 Island Ave, Peaks Island, ME 04108
Yes Brewing
Westbrook
609 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092 activitymaine.com 37
BUSINESS NAME
CITY/TOWN
ADDRESS
Allagash Brewing Company
Portland
50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Austin Street Brewery
Portland
1 Industrial Way #8, Portland, ME 04103
PORTLAND Austin Street Brewery
Portland
115 Fox Street, Portland, ME 04101
Banded Brewing Co (Portland)
Portland
82 Hanover Street Portland ME 04101
Batson River Brewing and Distilling
Portland
82 Hanover St, Portland, ME 04101
Battery Steele Brewing
Portland
1 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103
Belleflower Brewing Company
Portland
66 Cove Street, Portland ME 04101
Bissell Brothers
Portland
4 Thompsons Point #108, Portland, ME 04102
Bunker Brewing Co
Portland
17 Westfield St Unit D, Portland, ME 04102
D.L. Geary Brewing
Portland
38 Evergreen Dr, Portland, ME 04103
Definitive Brewing Company
Portland
35 Industrial Way Portland, ME, 04103
Foundation Brewing
Portland
1 Industrial Way #5, Portland, ME 04103
Goodfire Brewing Company
Portland
219 Anderson Street Unit 6, Portland, ME 04101
Gritty McDuff's
Portland
396 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Liquid Riot Bottling Company
Portland
250 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Lone Pine Brewing Company
Portland
219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Oxbow Brewing Company
Portland
49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Portland Zoo
Portland
41 Fox Street, Portland ME 04101
Rising Tide Brewing Company
Portland
103 Fox St, Portland, ME 04101
Root Wild Kombucha
Portland
135 Washington Ave. Portland, ME 04101
Sebago Brewing Co.
Portland
211 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Shipyard Brewing Company
Portland
86 Newbury St, Portland, ME 04101
Urban Farm Fermentory + Gruit (Kombucha, Cider + Beer)
Portland
200 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101
Wilton
295 Main Street, Wilton, ME, 04294
WESTERN MOUNTAINS Ambition Brewing Bag & Kettle Brewpub (seasonal)
Carrabasset Valley
Village West, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Birchwood Brewing
Gray
19 Portland Road, Gray, ME 04039
Fluvial Brewing
Harrison
860 Maple Ridge Rd., Harrison, ME, 04040
Furbish BrewHouse
Rangeley
2451 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970
Kennebec River Pub & Brewery
The Forks
1771 US-201, West Forks, ME 04985
Norway Brewing Company
Norway
237 Main St, Norway, ME 04268
NU Brewery
New Gloucester
437 Lewiston Rd., New Gloucester, Maine, 04260
Oxbow Beer Garden
Oxford
420 Main St., Oxford, ME 04270
Saco River Brewing
Fryeburg
10 Jockey Cap Ln, Fryeburg, ME 04037
Steam Mill Brewing
Bethel
7 Mechanic St, Bethel, ME 04217
Sunday River Brewing Company
Bethel
29 Sunday River Rd, Bethel, ME 04217
Tumbledown Brewing
Farmington
805 Farmington Falls Rd, Farmington, ME 04938
Bateau Brewing
Gardiner
149 Water Street, Gardiner ME
Baxter Brewing Co.
Lewiston
130 Mill St, Lewiston, ME 04240
CENTRAL MAINE Bigelow Brewing Company
Skowhegan
473 Bigelow Hill Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Cushnoc Brewing Co
Augusta
243 Water St., Augusta, ME 04330
Cushnoc Brewing Co Annex
Augusta
3044 North Belfast Ave., Augusta, ME 04330
Cushnoc Brewing Co Tasting Room
Augusta
40 Front St., Augusta, ME 04330
Gordon's Grog
St Albans
330 Todd's Corner Rd, St Albans, ME
Grateful Grain Brewery
Monmouth
26 Route 126, Monmouth, ME 04259
Gritty McDuff's
Auburn
68 Main St, Auburn, ME 04210
38 Summer/Fall 2022
BUSINESS NAME
CITY/TOWN
ADDRESS
Jokers and Rogues Brewing
Gardiner
339 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine
Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery
Hallowell
115 Water St #1, Hallowell, ME 04347
Lost Valley Brewing Company
Auburn
200 Lost Valley Rd, Auburn, ME 04210
Oak Pond Brewery
Skowhegan
101 Oak Pond Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976
Outland Farm Brewery
Pittsfield
113 North Lancey Street, Pittsfield ME
Side by Each Brewing Co
Auburn
1110 Minot Ave., Auburn, ME 04210
Sidereal Farm Brewery New!
Vassallboro
772 Cross Hill Road, Vassalboro
van der Brew
Winthrop
30 Summer St, Winthrop, ME 04364
Waterville Brewing Company
Waterville
10 Water Street, Suite 111, Waterville, ME 04901
Bangor
80 Columbia St, Bangor, ME 04401
GREATER BANGOR 2 Feet Brewing 207 Beer Company
Brewer
71 Center St, Brewer, ME 04412
Bangor Beer Company
Bangor
330 Bangor Mall Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401
Black Bear Brewing
Bangor
191 Exchange St, Bangor, ME 04401
Black Bear Brewing
Orono
36 Main St Orono, ME 04473
Blank Canvas Brewery
Brewer
71 Center St, Brewer, ME 04412
Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company
Brewer
34 Abbott Street, Brewer, ME 04412
Geaghan's Pub (Restaurant)
Bangor
570 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
Marsh Island Brewing
Orono
2 Main St Orono, ME 04473
Mason's Brewing Company
Brewer
15 Hardy St, Brewer, ME 04412
Orono Brewing Company
Orono
20 Main St, Orono, ME 04473
Orono Brewing Company - Downtown Bangor
Bangor
26 State St, Bangor, ME 04401
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Bangor
26 Front St, Bangor, ME 04401
Tattooed Dad Brewing Co
Jackson
894 Moosehead Trail, Jackson, ME 04921
Milo
157 Elm Street, Milo, ME 04463
NORTHERN MAINE Bissell Brothers (Milo) Bryant's Brewing New!
Hartland
1009 Great Moose Drive, Hartland, ME 04943
First Mile Brewing Company
Fort Kent
28 Market St. Suite 103, Fort Kent, ME 04743
Katahdin Brew Works New!
Patten
10 Katahdin Street, Patton, ME 04765
Northern Maine Brewing Co
Caribou
22 Main St, Caribou, ME 04736
Turning Page Farm
Monson
842 N. Guilford Rd. Monson, ME, 04464
Two Knights Brewing Co. New!
Sangerville
136 McPhetres Road, Sangerville, ME 04479
MIDCOAST Bath Ale Works
Bath
681 Bath Rd, Bath, ME
Bath Brewing Company
Bath
141 Front Street, Bath, ME 04530
Black Pug Brewing Company
Brunswick
30 Bath Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
Blaze Brewing Company
Camden
5 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04032
Boothbay Craft Brewery
Boothbay
301 Adams Pond Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company
Freeport
20 Bow Street, Freeport, ME
Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company
Yarmouth
236 Main St, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Flight Deck Brewing
Brunswick
11 Atlantic Ave Brunswick, ME 04011
Footbridge Brewery
Boothbay Harbor
25 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Frosty Bottom Brewing
Belfast
18 Hunt Road, Belfast ME 04915
Lake St. George Brewing Company
Liberty
4 Marshall Shore Road Liberty, ME 04949
Liberator Brewing Company
Rockland
218 S Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Marshall Wharf Brewing Company
Belfast
40 Marshall Wharf, Belfast, ME 04915
Moderation Brewing Company
Brunswick
103 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011
Monhegan Brewing Company (seasonal)
Monhegan
1 Boody Lane, Monhegan, ME 04852 activitymaine.com 39
BUSINESS NAME
CITY/TOWN
ADDRESS
North Haven Brewing Company
North Haven
2 Iron Point Rd, North Haven, ME 04853
Odd Alewives Farm Brewery
Waldoboro
99 Old Rte One, Waldoboro, ME 04572
Olive Pit Brewing Co. New!
Lisbon Falls
16 Main Street, Lisbon Falls 04252
Oxbow Brewing Company
Newcastle
274 Jones Woods Rd, Newcastle, ME 04553
Penobscot Bay Brewery / Winterport Winery (seasonal)
Winterport
279 S Main St, Winterport, ME 04496
Rock Harbor Brewing Company (seasonal taproom)
Rockland
5 Payne Ave, Rockland, ME 04841
Rock Harbor Pub & Brewery
Rockland
416 Main St, Rockland, ME 04841
Sasanoa Brewing
Westport Island
61 Tarbox Road, Westport Island, Maine 04578
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Camden
1 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Topsham
1 Bowdoin Mill Island #100, Topsham, ME 04086
Sheepscot Valley Brewing Co.
Whitefield
74 Hollywood Blvd, Whitefield, ME 04353
Stars and Stripes Brewing Company
Freeport
8 Varney Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
The Pour Farm
Union
56 Crawfordsburn Lane, Union, ME 04862
Threshers Brewing Company
Searsmont
22 Main St, Searsmont, ME 04793
Trinken Brewing Co
West Bath
144 State Rd, West Bath, ME 04530
Waterman's Beach Brewery
South Thomaston
362 Waterman Beach Rd., South Thomaston, ME 04858
Amherst
22 Mill Ln Amherst, Maine, 04605
DOWNEAST Airline Brewing Company Brewery Airline Brewing Company Pub
Ellsworth
173 Main Street Ellsworth, ME 04605
Atlantic Brewing Company (seasonal)
Bar Harbor
15 Knox Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Atlantic Brewing Midtown (seasonal)
Bar Harbor
8 Mt Desert St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Fogtown Brewing Company
Ellsworth
25 Pine Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Horn Run Brewing
Eastport
75 Water Street, Eastport, ME
Lubec Brewing Company
Lubec
41 Water St, Lubec, ME 04652
Strong Brewing Company
Sedgwick
7 Rope Ferry Rd, Sedgwick, ME 04676
ENJOY A CAMPFIRE ANYTIME ANYWHERE
Elevate your patio experience with a spark-free, Maine-made tabletop fire pit. Recent Thomas College graduate, Dylan Veilleux, loves a good bonfire. He also understands the barriers when space and time are a factor – size, smoke, ash, sparks – so he set out to distill the experience into a compact, portable format that can be enjoyed just about anywhere. After some tinkering, some testing, and a little more tinkering, TREE FREE FIRE was born! What started as a basement hobby project has since transformed into a booming business, and Dylan wants to share the simple pleasures – the stories, laughs, and good times that come with sitting around a campfire – wherever that may be.
PERFECT FOR: • at the brewery • on the patio
• while tailgating • with your friends
• at the beach • up to camp
Want to buy in bulk or customize an order? Call or Text (207) 200-7421
@treefreefires
www.TreeFreeFire.com 40 Summer/Fall 2022
Rachael Ellis of Sebago Brewing oversees the canning of Back in the Day, a popular Sebago DIPA.
From jumping off the ledges at Frye’s Leap, to cruising Sebago Lake in an wooden runabout, summer in Maine is the best time to celebrate all of the outdoor fun the state has to offer. At SEBAGO BREWING COMPANY, summer is all about...beer. Sebago is also excited about installing a brand new, state-ofthe-art canning line at the brewery in Gorham. The new equipment was built in Italy and will be able to package 200 cans of beer per minute. That means more Sebago Brewing beer in the market and new and different styles of beer for everyone. Speaking of cans, Sebago also changed up its popular 12-can variety pack: Pressed For Time Juicy IPA has joined Frye’s Leap, Haze Forward, and Simmer Down –those are 11 different hops in one pack! Sebago is also investing in improvements to all of its locations, most notably its brewpub in Gorham. Originally built as a railroad station in 1853, the brewpub closed for renovations this spring and is reopening for the summer. In addition to an expanded kitchen and a bigger bar area, the brewpub will feature an expanded draft system and a total of 20 tap lines so they can offer more specialty and small batch beers produced right down the road at their brewery on Main Street. More taps at the Scarborough brewpub aren’t far behind! To find out more about summer at Sebago Brewing, visit their website: www.sebagobrewing.com
Keeping Craft Beer Lovers Coming Back for More!
Summer 2022 at SACO RIVER BREWING will be a busy one! The tents are up and the barn is set up and ready to go with another barn project projected to be ready by the end of the summer. Every Tuesday evening Saco River Brewing hosts a Taco Tuesday with food supplied from the Fryeburg Kitchen and Marketplace. Food trucks will be on site regularly throughout the summer as well as some occasional music. Check social media for the schedule. The brewery celebrates its sixth anniversary on Saturday, July 23 with special beers, food, and music. Try a Sunday morning yoga class with an après beer (sign up through its online store). Saco River Brewing is collaborating with a few local organizations by making beer whose proceeds help benefit local mountain bike trail building and maintenance organizations. First, a beer called HopStroski (named after a local professional mountain bike rider Pete Ostroski) is a collaboration with Reklis Brewing in Bethlehem, NH. Proceeds from this beer help benefit Ride NoCo, Bethlehem Trails Association, and White Mountain NEMBA. A second collaboration involves Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, which has recently purchased the privately-owned portion of Jockey Cap with the intention of donating it to the Town of Fryeburg. With this property in a conservation easement, it allows maintenance and general upkeep of the iconic rock. Views from the top are spectacular and it is literally across the street from the brewery. HopStroski will be released at the end of June and the Jockey Cap beer will be released in September. At the brewery this summer, expect to find up to 15 draft options, including a house seltzer that beats the summer heat. Saco River Brewing has three full coolers of can and bottle options, including the latest, “Vaccinium,” a mixedfermentation Saison with three pounds of blueberries per gallon!
15 Hardy Street Brewer, ME (207) 989-6300 — OPEN 7 DAYS —
www.MasonsBrewingCompany.com
As MASON'S BREWING COMPANY closes out their sixth full year, they are extremely grateful for the support of the local craft beer community and humbled by how far their brewery operations have come. Through Mason's extensive distribution, their brand has expanded into five other New England states (NH, RI, MA, NY, NJ) and they have sent beer across the pond to Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Scotland, England, and the Netherlands. Mason’s finished their expansion in fall of 2019, which included extending the brewing facility with the addition of much needed fermentation tanks and a newer canning line. This expansion will also house a seasonal tap / banquet room facing the river. To friends, family and the craft beer community, Mason’s Brewing Company says “THANK YOU!”
activitymaine.com 41
— Bike & Brew —
— Rolling Up to a Pint — —
People have often asked me, “I’m headed up to the Portland area, are there any good places to ride, and get a great beer after?” Absolutely. First, we’ll start with the “bike” and then get to the “brew.” In the Portland area, there are about 100 miles of good riding. The Greater Portland chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (GPNEMBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to mountain bikers in the greater Portland area and is a great place to start if you want local riders’ trail suggestions. But if you want to go off the beaten path, a half-hour inland, the town of Gorham has also turned into somewhat of a destination with about 50 miles of good trails, thanks to the town and many local landowners who have graciously allowed a team of dedicated volunteers to build trails on their land. While Gorham doesn’t have much elevation, it boasts a great trail design with lots of flowy single track and there always seems to be a new trail popping up. Navigating with (trailforks.com), or Alltrails (alltrails.com), explore the four distinct areas for riding: Weeks/Moody’s, USM, Tannery, and Hamblan. Each has its own unique feel and set of challenges. Most of them offer parking at the trailhead or you can park at Sebago Brewing Brewpub (29 Elm St.). The Village, or Tasting Room location, is a great start/end location. The USM, Moody’s and Hamblan areas are all just a few minutes away. Start at the Village location and take Lincoln Street to where it crosses Route 114. There’s a crosswalk with a light just down the street. Follow the path through the high school parking lots to Frazier Preserve Trailhead. From there it’s a pretty straightforward ride until you get to MBWEEE!, which is one of the most fun trails in the area. It has some great flow sections and a few gentle climbs. 42 Summer/Fall 2022
Story & Photos By ANDY HAYNES
Continuing further into the network there is a very popular Lavoie Pump Track and adjacent to it there’s the brand new Signature Trail, which has equal shares of rollers, drops, subtle climbs, and even a wooden drop to test your “oh shit” skills! The larger network on the Moody’s/Weeks area has some sweet single-track trails such as Shakedown Street, Nirvana, and Unchained (typically a “down” trail). Upon your return, it’s time to reward yourself with a beverage or two. The Tasting Room at Sebago Brewing has a cozy bar and full restaurant seating area. The food is excellent, the staff are pleasant, and know their beers. One of my favorites is Frye’s Leap IPA (6.0% ABV). It’s clear, smooth, and has just enough kick to keep you interested. NED is another fine IPA at ( 7.0% ABV). If you’re looking for more of the floral hazy brews, there’s Haze FWD (6.7% ABV). There are many more on tap and available by the can. So if you’re looking for a great spot to get in some of the best riding in Maine and also taste some of the best beer around head for Gorham, Maine.
Business of Brewing Brewery Insurance Program from Acadia Insurance As a microbrewer, your products are unique — a reflection of you and your tastes. At ACADIA INSURANCE, we offer targeted insurance programs combined with local claims and loss control services that set us apart from the competition. Our Brewery Program is formulated for all of your major property and casualty exposures, with specialized coverage designed to help you protect your livelihood in the event of an unexpected loss, including: • Key Employee Replacement Expense • Tank Leakage or Collapse • Equipment Breakdown • Processing Water Loss Extra Expense • Food and Beverage Contamination Why Choose Acadia Insurance? As one of the largest writers of breweries in Maine and New England with more than 90 brewery customers, we have focused expertise in your industry and in providing customers with the insurance products, expertise and service to help customers manage their exposures. For more information about Acadia’s program, or for a quote, contact your local independent insurance agent or visit ACADIAINSURANCE.COM. Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to applicable underwriting guidelines and the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued.
FOUNDATION BREWING COMPANY, based in Portland, Maine, focuses on exploring the full breadth of the brewing sciences and arts, something they call Full-Spectrum Brewing. From big hop-forward IPAs and jammy fruit beers to traditional lagers and barrel-aged wild beers, their goal is to provide a varied and layered craft beer experience. Beer lovers and newcomers alike can enjoy their full breadth of styles on their large outdoor patio, a spacious and welcoming oasis on Industrial Way, the birthplace of generations of great Maine craft beers. activitymaine.com 43
44 Summer/Fall 2022
Gateway to the Highlands
This summer, MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM'S camps offer the perfect combination of play and learning. Giving kids the time and space to have fun, and play, do creative art and building activities while exploring special STEM labs, that's what Maine Discovery Museum camps are all about. Learn more at mainediscoverymuseum.org.
RAE ANN RICE, HOME MORTGAGE SPECIALIST with CMG Financial has been assisting folks since 2005 through the process of purchasing or refinancing their homes. Her professional expertise, compassion and drive will turn your need into a reality. You can reach her at 207-974-8996 or rrice@cmgfi.com.
Welcome to THE Legacy Ranch & Event Center 66 White Road Mars Hill, ME 04758
October 15, 2022
COUNTY Crown of Maine
Balloon Fest
August 25–28, 2022 Northern Maine Fairgrounds 84 Mechanic Street Presque Isle, ME 04769
www.bit.ly/TheCountysOktoberfest The second annual THE COUNTY’S OKTOBERFEST will be held on October 15, 2022 at the Legacy Ranch & Event Center, Mars Hill, Maine. This event will feature keg throwing, sausage throwing, stein holding, lederhosen, and dirndl contests. Enjoy German and Belgian fare and featuring local brews from Aroostook County’s finest, as well as wine and ciders. This event originated as a showcase for the rich farming heritage in Aroostook County and the growing industry including hop yards, malting facilities, and vineyards. For more information or tickets, visit our website at www.centralaroostookchamber.com/events/annual-chamberevents/the-county-s-oktoberfest
www.combf.org Join the CROWN OF MAINE BALLOON FEST in Presque Isle Maine, from August 25 to 28, 2022, for a weekend of events featuring hot air balloons, food and craft vendors, live music, kids’ events, and much more! Most events are free and take place at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. With a familyfriendly focus and many photographic opportunities, the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest has become a favorite part of summer in The County. Learn more at www.combf.org or visit Crown of Maine Balloon Fest on Facebook. activitymaine.com 45
EXPLORE MAINE'S WILDERNESS
Scavenger Hunt with a
Story & Photos by AISLINN SARNACKI
Willamina Sarnacki-Wood, 10, walks along a trail in the Bangor City Forest on May 11, searching for items on her scavenger hunt sheet.
A trail winds through the woods, around clusters of swaying ferns and lichen-covered boulders. Golden mushrooms dot the mossy forest floor. And a brown bird with a speckled chest sings an ethereal tune. The Maine wilderness is full of diverse beauty. Every delicate wildflower and fluttering butterfly has a name and story. If you’re trying to learn more about nature, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
How About a Game? Outdoor scavenger hunts can help you become better acquainted with nature while honing your observation skills. They’re also a great activity for children, keeping them active and engaged while spending time outside.
How to Create an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Outdoor scavenger hunts can be designed for any age group or skill level. While some involve hiding objects, such as an Easter egg hunt, others are simply about finding items that 46 Summer/Fall 2022
already exist in nature, such as plants, rocks, and seashells. You don’t even need to know the names of plants and animals to create one.
“It's a cool way to get people to start to notice details and distinctions in nature, which is the first step to realizing that there's a lot of diversity out there.” For example, design a hunt in which you search for the colors of the rainbow in nature. Or look for different shapes, textures, or aromas. You can even create an outdoor scavenger hunt using different household items, according to Hazel Stark, co-founder of the Maine Outdoor School. “Bring out a Q-tip or toothbrush, then try to find something in nature that matches the shape or reminds you of the item,” said Stark.
During the hunt, one person can verbally announce items for everyone to find – one at a time – or participants can carry a visual reference such as a list or grid of items on a sheet of paper. “It can be like scavenger hunt bingo where you try to find all the things on the sheet or five in a row,” said Stark. “That tends to work best for kids who need a little more motivation. It’s a bit of an incentive because they want to win.” Creating a scavenger hunt sheet can be a fun art project and an opportunity for learning vocabulary words. Children who haven’t yet learned to read can represent items with photos or pictures. And don’t forget to leave some room on the sheet to write notes or draw pictures of what you find in nature.
Ideal Scavenger Hunt Locations Any outdoor space, whether it’s a vast tract of forestland or a tiny, fenced-in backyard, can serve as a wonderful place for an outdoor scavenger hunt.
Outdoor scavenger hunts are easy to create for any season. You can organize them in a grid format and play the game similar to how you’d play Bingo.
Willamina participates in an outdoor scavenger hunt in the Bangor City Forest in Bangor.
Having a scavenger hunt in your backyard or at a local park can help you develop a greater sense of place right at home. The game might lead you to notice a bird’s nest under your porch or a patch of wildflowers in your yard that you never noticed before. “It’s a cool way to get people to start to notice details and distinctions in nature, which is the first step to realizing that there’s a lot of diversity out there,” said Stark. “If you have any interest in foraging or hunting or anything like that, you have to develop skills in observation.” A scavenger hunt played away from home can be especially exciting because it may introduce you to new habitats and species. And because it’s such a low-impact game, it can be played in just about any public outdoor destination. In fact, a scavenger hunt is a great way to keep children happy while walking on hiking trails, though the family-friendly activity may slow your pace. If visiting a public property to conduct your scavenger hunt, be sure to follow posted rules or guidelines.
Willamina writes down what she notices about a cluster of ferns during the scavenger hunt.
Many property owners ask that you remain on established trails at all times. So, while you’re searching for something in nature that’s “squishy” or “star-shaped,” be sure not to wander off the beaten path.
Scavenger Hunt Rules When playing a game, it’s easy to get caught up in the task at hand. But it’s important to keep a few rules in mind – and communicate those rules with everyone who is participating in the scavenger hunt. Chiefly, try to leave the wilderness as you found it. Or, if you find some trash to pick up, make that part of the rules that you leave the wilderness even better than you found it. “When out in nature, we’re not picking anything or ripping leaves off plants,” said Jessica Decke, camp director of Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Centers in Lincolnville. “We’re handling things with care and being mindful about where we put our feet down so we don’t trample anything.”
At Tanglewood, campers often participate in scavenger hunts and other activities that strengthen observation skills. As a part of those exercises, children are taught Leave No Trace principles so they can reduce their impact on the environment. Among those principles is the directive to respect wildlife as well as other people who are enjoying the same outdoor location as you. You can do this by keeping your voice down and giving everyone plenty of space. During the hunt, you can record your discoveries by taking photos, sketching pictures, writing down notes, or simply checking off items on your sheet. And at the end of the game, everyone can come together and share what they’ve found. Aislinn Sarnacki is a registered Maine guide and the author of three hiking guidebooks, Family-Friendly Hikes in Maine, Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path, and Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine. Follow her writing, photography, and guiding services at www.mainenaturehikes.com.
activitymaine.com 47
MIDCOAST maine Schooner Isaac H. Evans by the Cuckolds Light Station off of Southport Island, Boothbay Harbor. Photo by Michael Leonard
Discover
BOOTHBAY Harbor
An Unforgettable Maine Experience
BURNT ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE 48 Summer/Fall 2022
BALMY DAYS CRUISES PIER 8 42 Commercial Street Boothbay Harbor, ME (207) 633-2284 or book online at www.balmydaycruises.com
Above Summertime harbor tour aboard Balmy Days II PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEONARD
Monhegan Island Harbor Tour & Harbor Lights Lighthouse Tour Mackerel Fishing Sailing Trips
SAILING ON BAY LADY
WISCASSET / BATH
MIDCOAST MAINE rses Over 70 Obstacles on TworCou Tag Arenas
9 Zip Lines & 4 Outdoor Tactical Lase
MONKEY C MONKEY DO - Our new “Gorilla Tactics” outdoor tactical laser tag arena is hours of “on the ground - in your face fun” as you and your team try to out play, outwit, outmaneuver, and outlast your opponents. The newest infrared technology weaponry allows the lasers to work outdoors in the daytime and the guns are WiFi and Bluetooth capable. This is Maine’s first and ONLY dedicated outdoor laser tag venue! It plays like “paintball” but without the “hurt.” Gorilla Tactics is NOT your “bang-bang shoot ‘em up glow in the dark laser tag!” Strategic missions are carried out and may the best team win! Experience multiple games, multiple missions, and multiple hours of adrenalized fun for those of us who would like to sense danger a little closer to the ground. Call 207-882-6861 for prices and availability.
Uncharted: Maine Artists, Maine Waters Featuring the work of Daisy Braun, Heather Lyon, & Shoshannah White
Daisy Braun: June 20 - July 16 Heather Lyon: July 20 - August 17 Shoshannah White: August 20 - September 18 Maine Maritime Museum | Bath, ME | Open Daily
MAINE MARITIME MUSEUM is located on a 20-acre waterfront campus in the historic town of Bath, the “City of Ships” just 20 minutes from Freeport, one mile off of Route 1. We offer daily lighthouse and nature cruises, rotating and permanent exhibits, lots of hands-on family fun, a pirate play ship, traditional skills demonstrations, a lobster exhibit, and more. Explore the buildings of the Percy & Small Shipyard, the country’s last surviving shipyard where large sailing vessels were built. There's so much to see that the admission price covers two full days with children under 18 admitted free. New in 2022, Zach Horn's “Looking for Winslow Homer” is on display from June 25 until November 27. For more information, visit MaineMaritimeMuseum.org or call 207-443-1316.
Heather Lyon, Semaphore Love Letter: L’Isle Grande, Video Still, 2018 Funded in part by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts
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THE ONLY WAY IS
UP
Learn the Ropes of Outdoor Rock Climbing and Explore Maine's Craggy Beauty Up Close by SAISIE MOORE
Photos courtesy Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School
50 Summer/Fall 2022
The rugged beauty of Maine’s landscape offers a generous and diverse array of climbing opportunities, from coastal crags to granite slabs. Don’t let the gear, jargon, or even heights intimidate you. With the right guidance and preparation, outdoor rock climbing can be an accessible and exhilarating experience for family members of every skill level. In return, you’ll discover a sport that offers a hugely rewarding physical and mental workout that also happens to bring you face-to-face with the wild beauty of Maine without disrupting its wildlife or natural ecosystem. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned indoor climbing enthusiast, the rock gym is the first step in your climbing journey. EVO Rock Gym and Fitness Center, located on Warren Avenue in Portland, opened in 2015 as an evolution of the former Maine Rock Gym organization. Its knowledgeable staff can introduce you to the gear and how to keep safe. First-timers will have to complete an introductory course and pass a belay test to learn how to safely secure a climbing harness and keep a partner safe on a top rope. With the right experience under your belt (or harness), you can sign up for EVO’s Gym-to-Crag courses, specifically designed to transition indoor climbers to outdoor settings. From toprope anchors to rappelling, students can gain confidence in essential skills. According to EVO, “Climbing outside is an amazing, expanding experience and is highly recommended for all climbers. Gym-to-Crag sessions focus on moving from the gym to the outdoor realm.” Equinox Guiding Service unites a collection of passionate local guides with a wealth of experience to lead climbers of all abilities on adventures in Camden, “where the mountains meet the sea,” and in areas of Acadia National Park. The full- and half-day excursions are pitched at all levels, including beginner’s classes, guided tours for visiting climbers, and even ice climbing in the winter. Camden Hills State Park offers a friendly introduction to the sport just a couple of miles from downtown, making it a unique and accessible day trip activity. In addition, young enthusiasts can take advantage of the summer climb-
ing program to immerse themselves in the sport and local climbing community. “This year we’re offering a summer camp for kids,” says Equinox Guide Noah Kleiner. “Running five afternoons a week through July, it’s a great opportunity for kids to experience climbing first-hand.”
“Anybody can climb! We work hard to find those spots that offer a great experience for everyone.” Further Downeast, Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is the one-stop destination for all aspects of climbing, from learning the ropes to avalanche education and wilderness medicine. Founded in 1993, the school is run by Jon Tierney, Maine’s only fully-credentialed rock climbing, alpine, and ski mountaineering guide. The school runs two offices in Bar Harbor and Orono, but its fully trained guides travel around Acadia and across the state to lead climbing and wilderness excursions throughout the year. First-timers are welcome and wellcatered to by Tierney’s team of skilled staff. “Anybody can climb!” he says. “It’s our job to find the terrain where everyone can be successful, where a whole family can have a good time.
We work hard to find those spots that offer a great experience for everyone.” Classes might begin from the base of the cliff or with a rappel, all essential skills students will practice with their guides in advance. With the support of your guide and their instruction, even the wariest beginner can thrive on the rocks. “There’s risk in climbing, but there’s risk in everything,” says Tierney. “People generally fear things they don’t understand – but a little education dispels that.” If you’re in Acadia this summer, AMGCS offers half-day adventures on the island’s coastal cliffs, where every climbing hold offers a postcard-perfect view. Full-day classes can be booked at sites across the state, in locations such as Bethel, Greenville, and The Forks. You don’t even have to venture too far off the beaten path with climbing opportunities in North Conway, Camden, and Clifton. “Most people don’t realize there’s great climbing only 20 minutes outside of Bangor,” says Tierney. The guides ensure each participant is outfitted out with the right gear before getting started, including a hard helmet, a fitted harness, and climbing shoes. Your instructor will familiarize you with the ropes and belay devices that will keep you safe. “We take a holistic approach to climbing,” says Tierney. “It’s about more than just getting up the rocks. We teach students how belay and rappelling work so they can take the skills home with them.” Your day will be spent up close and personal with the rugged splendor of nature and Maine’s breathtaking scenery – each new hold rewarding you with a higher vantage. Even better, climbing is a low-impact sport that can be enjoyed in relative harmony with nature. The world of outdoor climbing is a dizzying one, filled with technical terms and gear used by passionate people who travel the world for the sport. But it’s also a welcoming and supportive community where families can start at the bottom as beginners and bond on the journey to the top. Saisie Moore is a freelance writer and editor based in Portland, Maine.
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ACADIA & DOWNEAST
Bar Harbor Welcomes You
Catching a sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. Photo by Michael Leonard
Schooner Margaret Todd at port. Photo by Michael Leonard
Book Your Trip Today!
www.downeastwindjammer.com 52 Summer/Fall 2022
Ride the Trolley! Sit back and relax, let our local guides amuse and inform you. Fully narrated tours of Downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are offered daily. For departures and tickets visit olistrolley. com, 207-288-9899, 1 West Street – OLI’S TROLLEY SHOP or 55 West Street – Oli’s Trolley Station Downtown Bar Harbor.
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