What’s New?

OK, Maine, you're at the top of all the tourists’ lists, but what have you done lately?

BY KASANDRA JOY GROVER

Spice It Up

Brunswick, brace yourself! A new Margaritas Mexican Restaurant will open its doors at Merrymeeting Plaza this summer, bringing the regional chain full-circle to another “young, college-kid town.” Since debuting in Orono in 1986, Margaritas has established four more locations in Maine, along with een others across New England. “ is expansion has been planned for some time, because Brunswick has always been on our radar,” says CEO Bob Ray. “We’re excited to o er delicious food for low prices, including classic tacos, enchiladas, margaritas, and other favorites.”

Heart Of The West End

ere’ll be a new kid on the block this summer, when the Longfellow Hotel opens at 754 Congress Street with 48 rooms and a mind-and-body wellness spa. “ e interiors will blend contemporary elements with traditional accents such as moldings, ceiling medallions, and wideplank, hardwood oors,” says co-found- er Anthony James DeWitt. Named a er the Greek virgin goddess Astraea , the spa will feature infrared saunas, halotherapy, rain showers, zero-gravity meditation loungers, and VOYA products inspired by the ancient Irish tradition of seaweed bathing.

New Growth

A75- oor vertical farm is sprouting up in downtown Westbrook, as exterior con- struction wraps up before “installing irrigation equipment and growth systems, as well as beginning the hiring process,” says Ally Gilman of Vertical Harvest, “Our farm’s focus is on food accessibility, eco- sivity, and climate resiliency. We aim to sell locally rst and partner with the local foodbank system to help get more fresh produce to low-income and low-access parts of the community.” Vertical farms use less water overall than open- eld growing and help preserve arable land. “Once we open, we’ll be growing microgreens, baby greens, and head lettuce. Our speci c varieties and blends are still being determined.”

New Operations

Maine Medical Center’s $588.9 million expansion is already well underway. “Modern surgery requires much more space in operating rooms,” says Dr. Joel Botler, Chief Medical O cer. “ e construction of the new Malone Family Tower will consolidate cardiac and vascular services in one building.”

Ahoy There

The sight of these majestic vessels sailing together will be a spectacle not to be missed,” says Sail Portsmouth Chair Phil Von Hemert. “ ey start at the mouth of the river and sail to the Memorial Bridge. From there, it’s a tradition for a few vessels to make their way to our northern neighbor, Portland.”

Five tall ships, including Denis Sullivan, Lynx, NAO Trinidad, and Ernestina-Morrissey, along with the Gundalow, will lead the July 27th Parade of Sail and Flotilla of civilian and commercial shing boats, plus military and municipal cra . Helm’s a-lee, and see you there! n

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Brewery and distillery tours have had their moment in the sun. Now the smoke thickens with cannabis walking tours sprouting up next to the many beer tours advertised on Wharf Street in the Old Port, as Portland joins cannabis-friendly cities like Denver and Seattle in embracing THC tourism.

PUFF, PUFF, PORTLAND

Li ing o with a co ee from Higher Grounds (drop of CBD optional), “Cannabis Curious: An Introductory Walk” from Maine Day Ventures escorts you through locally owned dispensaries, cannabis vendors, and glassware galleries to explore the many delights of “CBD, ower, concentrates, tinctures, lemonades, oils, and edibles” on o er at these Portland hot spots. “Although we can’t legally provide cannabis during the tour, people are able to purchase as much as they’d like,” says owner Pamela Laskey.