The steamy hot week could not have ended  better as we sat on the deck of Robinson’s Wharf  on Southport Island, and enjoyed fabulous music by Steve Jones, (of  The Boneheads), Ginger Cote and Scott Elliot, delicious food and super fun company!    The cool breeze coming off the water was most welcoming after several days of  hot temps!   Our guests arrived from Boston early Saturday morning and we headed to the water front at Bakers Way  for a super affordable and delicious breakfast!  Interesting tid bit:  Bakers Way was recently voted Best of New England for their sticky buns and spring rolls in Yankee Magazine.   After a perfect summer day strolling around downtown, we boarded the Bennie Alice and headed out to Cabbage Island for an experience that does not get more true maine coast than the Cabbage Island Clambake!  The one hour harbor tour ended at the dock of Cabbage Island where we were welcomed by the entire Moore family, including Bennie herself (Mom and namesake for the Bennie Alice boat ), who took the time to chat with each and every guest visiting her island.  Before dinner, the guests had time to wander around the island, admire the gardens and watch staff  prepare our feast at the lobster pit.  And a feast it was with chowder, two lobsters a bucket of steamers, corn, potato and for dessert, the Moore family specialty -Blueberry Cake!  The ride home was nothing short of magical as we pulled away from the island, the Moore family waving goodbye from the dock and the sun setting around us.  On Sunday morning, after a hike at Porter Preserve, we walked accross town to Amore Bistro Italiano for their distinctive and delicious Sunday Pizza Brunch.  As we sat on their canopied waterfront deck, we were spoiled by our Dining Consultant, Shane, who wowed us with his personal attention, recommendations and knowledge.  Our pizza was superb, followed by a decadent chocolate cake that was the perfect ending to the perfect start of a Sunday in Boothbay Harbor.

As I reflect back on the past weekend spent “Out & About”,  I can’t help but think -’Wow, is there anything one cannot do in the Boothbay Harbor Region?’  The weekend began at Boothbay Region Land Trust’s  Ovens Mouth Preserve, one of many Preserves in the Region that make up over 30 miles of pristine hiking trails.  An extensive hike along tidal water, quiet coves and salt marshes left us breathless, both literally and figuratively.  Our two dogs thought they had passed on to doggy heaven.  The next morning we found ourselves exploring Porter Preserve, yet another BRLT gem on Barters Island.  The hot temperatures were drastically tamed as we ventured toward the shoreline along shaded trails and a refreshing breeze off the Sheepscot River. 

We returned home and decided the best place to beat the heat was the water, so we headed toward the harbor.  Moments later we arrived at Transit Tidal Kayak and were greeted by a welcoming crew that had us on the water in no time, despite our lack of reservations.  Novices to the sport, my husband and I immediately felt at ease, thanks to the confidence of Travis and his staff, their clear and concise instruction and their assistance in getting us into the kayaks and on our way.  Our experience, in a nutshell, was nothing short of spectacular and we were officially kayak enthusiasts!  Not to mention that the temperature dropped 2o degrees the moment we left the dock, but add the views, the activity around us combined with the peaceful way the kayak glided beneath us and the incredible abdominal workout -what was there not to love!  (In fact, it was so great that we went back on Sunday for round two!) 

Naturally, we worked up quite a hunger and thirst following our expedition so we headed for the porch at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn  for a delicious lunch, a refreshing beverage, a fabulous harbor view and a pleasant breeze.  We spent Saturday evening at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens  enjoying a free concert featuring Divas World Productions.  The show took place in the new Bosarge Family Education Center, recently dubbed the greenest public building in Maine, that is certainly as stunning as it is green.   As the sun set over the breathtaking gardens, the Divas brought the house down with their powerful voices.  If you have not already done so, be sure to catch one of their shows before they leave the Region, you will be glad you did! 

On Sunday morning we attended the Jazz Service at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church that was part of the Annual Lincoln Arts Festival Jazz Weekend.    The uplifting ’Jazzy’ service left us feeling both inspired and proud to be part of such an incredible community.   We strolled downtown to Arts in The Park where featured artist of the week,  Pamela Creamer of  The Creative Turtle  was painting at her booth and visitors were admiring her talents.   Arts in the Park happens every Sunday from 11a-4pm until Labor Day weekend and is just another piece of this community, so rich in culture and activity.

 Day two of kayaking on the harbor was followed by a healthy snack on the roof top of the  Boathouse Bistro, where we enjoyed lovely views of the harbor, and yet again, a glorious breeze off the water on an otherwise brutally hot day. 

The weekend wrapped up with a harbor cruise on the Balmy Days  Novelty boat, where we enjoyed a scenic tour to Squirrel Island, passing by Burnt Island before returning back into the harbor for sunset.      All in all, our weekend ‘Out and About’ in the Boothbay Harbor Region made it crystal clear that we live in one incredible place!

The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce  hosted their annual fashion show, Boothbay in Bloom, on July 13th, in the lovely Pemaquid Room at Spruce Point Inn.   More than 20 local merchants participated in the event, their exquisite fashions worn proudly by dozens of models.   Among the models, special guests Mrs. Gorham (Destiny Cook) and Mrs. Cumberland (Nichole Cullen), adorned the runway in local clothing, jewelry and accessories.  A very special guest appearance by Divas World Productions, David LaDuca, Marie Bosarge, Anita Kruse and Sonja Bruzauskas, topped off the evening with their appropriate connection to the show’s theme, The Way You Look Tonight, celebrating the dramatic fashions of the 1930′s.  The Divas have been performing in the Boothbay Harbor area at Boothbay Opera House and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  The event was Co-Chaired by Dianne Gimbel of Gimbel’s Country Store and Lindy Bragg of Calypso Clothing & Gifts and a spectacular time was had by all!

Artists from top left: Corinne McIntyre- Ocean Point Studio, Maria Boord -Maria Boord Gallery, Rick Dickinson -Dickinson Art, Mary Ellen TK Serina -Paradise Studio, Pamela Creamer and Anita Roelz -The Creative Turtle, Allen Bunker -Allen David Gallery.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a summer  afternoon,   this monthly event should definitely be on your calendar!  Not only will you have the opportunity to take in an enormous variety of art from some of Maine’s most accomplished  artists, but you will also enjoy the area’s  breathtaking  landscape,  as you make your way to galleries in East Boothbay,  Ocean Point, Barters Island and downtown Booothbay Harbor.  Even the galleries are  their own form of art, be it their charming, majestic location or simply the way in which their creative owners have adorned them.  And if all of that is not enough, there is always the added treat of the delicious and complimentary  food and beverage being served.  For a complete list of artists participating in the First Friday Art Tours, and a variety of art events happening in the Boothbay Region, visit the Boothbay Region Art Foundation at http://www.boothbayartists.org/.  This blog features only half of the artists participating in the First Friday Tour.  Be sure to stay tuned for First Friday Part 2, when we go Out and About again on August 5th.  Or better yet, come join us!

The Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) chose Boothbay Harbor for their 2011 Spring conference location.  Over 40 executives attended the conference held last week at Fisherman’s Wharf Inn and rave reviews were reported by attendees, who deemed the Boothbay Harbor Region an excellent conference location, with an abundance of excellent meeting and lodging properties, plenty of leisure activities and most importantly, a welcoming community.  In addition to the conference agenda, the group enjoyed golf at Boothbay Country Club,  a taste of the delicious restaurants around the region and of course, plenty of shopping!  A cruise on the Harbor Princess  had also been planned for the group, but was unfortunately called off due to inclement weather.

On behalf of all of us at the Chamber, we wish to extend a big thank you to the Maine State Chamber and all attendees…we look forward to your return!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

… Much like the tulips, daffodils and azaleas bursting with color after the long winter,  our lovely Boothbay Harbor Region is full of vibrant color of its own.  Our doors are open and guests are already enjoying the start of another spectacular season!  Once again we are looking forward to a jam packed event calendar featuring traditional favorites like the 49th annual Windjammer Days Festival on June 21st and 22nd,  the Arts 27 Free Art Tours happening on the first Friday of each month beginning on June 3rd, Friday Night Golf Scrambles at the Boothbay Country Club, an amazing line up of performances at the Boothbay Opera House,  daily classes, workshops and tours at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.  There is so much local flavor in this incredible community we cannot possibly cover it all  in one post.  So be sure to stay tuned and most importantly, start planning your next trip to the Boothbay Harbor Region!

An exhibition of over 100 photographs by many of Maine’s best photographers will be open for public viewing April 16 through May 7. From nearly 600 images entered this year, Jay Stock, the show’s esteemed jurist, carefully selected his top 100 choices to exhibit and also selected the the top photographs in each of the four categories for the over $1000 in prize awards. This is the 6th Annual State-wide Juried Maine Photography Show and is a must-see for anyone who loves fine-art photography. All photography will be for sale; many are sold each year so view the works early for best selection. 

   New this year is the chance to win a framed and signed photograph by the show judge, Jay Stock. There will be a BRAF benefit raffle for the Jay Stock photograph titled ” Massai Tribe, Kenya, Africa.” which will also be on view with three other photographs by Stock throughout the exhibition. Chances will be available until the ticket drawing on the last day of the show Saturday, May 7. To learn more about the show’s jurist go to his website: <www.jaystock.com>

The Maine photography Show is produced and presented by the Boothbay Region Art Foundation and is held at their gallery: One Townsend Ave. Boothbay Harbor, Maine in the center of town.  The show’s hours are10am to 5pm, Thursdays through Saturdays, 11am to 5pm on Sundays. 

    The show is produced and presented by the MPS Committee of the Boothbay Region Art Foundation, a charitable, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. Free admission. School groups and buses welcome. Call 207-633-2703 for Maine Photography Show bus parking directions.

 ”Massai Tribe, Kenya, Africa,” a signed and framed photograph by the Maine Photography Show judge, Jay Stock. This photograph will be raffled off at the end of the show on May 7. Tickets available during the exhibition, April 16-May 7. at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation Gallery, One Townsend Ave. Boothbay Harbor, ME.

In what has become a rite of spring at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor, Caribbean Night returns on Saturday, April 9.  The event is part concert, part party, part community get together and features the joyful, beating sound of the 25 members of the Pan Fried Steel Drum Band.     “In past years people have streamed through the Opera House doors in Hawaiian shirts and slipped on their flip flops once they’ve stepped inside, before ordering their first pineapple and coconut flavored drink.  Groups have joined the limbo contest while others have just sat back and dreamt that they are in the Caribbean,” noted Opera House director Cathy Sherrill. “We turn the heat up in the House and for a moment or two, if you use your imagination, you are transported to some southern port.”
     Band members include Boothbay Harbor residents Pat & Bob McKee who call it, “the most fun night of the year for everyone in the band!”  Many of the band members come from the Yarmouth area, the band is an outgrowth of the steel drumming tradition at North Yarmouth Academy.
     The volunteer Friends of the Opera House always prepare a big pot luck dinner for the band members before the show and the party begins early.  Friends interested in helping with dinner may contact Susan Brackett.
     Doors open at 7 pm, the music is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm but in past years the band members’ enthusiasm has meant the music has started early.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.  This is a performance ideal for all ages.  The Opera House box office is open for ticket sales Tuesday-Friday from 10-4 at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 633-5159.
     For information on additional upcoming Opera House events visit the website at boothbayoperahouse.com.

Spring has definitely sprung, and there are many wonderful things to see in do in MidCoast Maine.  Check out the latest edition of the MainesMidCoast See Life Newsletter for details!  MainesMidcoast (www.MainesMidcoast.com) is a cooperative effort of the Chambers of Commerce in the MidCoast Region, including the Southern Midcoast Chamber, Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber, Damariscotta Region Chamber, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber, Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber, Union Chamber, Belfast Area Chamber and Searsport.  

The website is loaded with information, including links for each chamber, complete membership listings for the individual chambers of commerce, the MidCoast Maine Journal blog, the See Life brochure, touring suggestions and much more!