Maine

The next stop on our Northeast trip was Maine. We drove up to Portland and through a lot of snow, however everyone there seemed to be accustomed to driving in it and dealing with it. The very next day the roads were clear and the parking lots had more snow lining the sides from the plows.


I had spent a summer in Maine, so I'm decently familiar with things and was very excited to be back. I really appreciate the calmness and nature that seems to be everywhere. Another thing that is difficult to forget is the lobster and blueberry that Maine is so well known for. Other beautiful parts of Portland are the nautical charm, art gallery flair, and brick architecture. I was really surprised to see seagulls flying the skies and squawking around town since it was so cold, but it made me happy.


We were happy to have brought a lobster tail from Mike's Pastry along for breakfast and to have crab rolls, lobster rolls, and chowder for lunch, followed by blueberry ice cream. It was fun to reorient myself with Portland and to remember all of the experiences - the first time I ever had sushi at Fuji six years ago, the dog friendly nature of the city, and the little independent boutique shops that line the streets. I was surprised to see international details, such as post boxes donated by Shinagawa, Japan, a sister city, and part of the Berlin wall near the Casco Bay.


Later in the day we ventured up to Freeport, a quaint little area with a lot of outlet stores in original buildings, which adds to the charm. I think they have one of the most unique and stunning McDonalds originally built in a Georgian style. Freeport is also home to L.L. Bean's flagship store that is open 24 hours, as well as specialty shops that don't typically have outlets.


After a long day of shopping we went to dinner at the Azure Cafe. I especially loved the Maine Seafood cakes, which had fresh Maine crab, salmon, shrimp & scallop topped with a toasted coriander cream over spicy carrot & parsnip ribbons. Everything we had was delicious and I loved seeing Stefan geared up in his bib cracking lobster.


The next day we ventured down the coast on our way back to the airport. We stopped at Old Orchard Beach, which is much more beautiful in the winter than in the summer. We had the beach to ourselves, with the exception of a few dog owners and dogs that were frolicking about between the snow, sand, and sea. It was really breathtaking and cold, but worth the visit.


Out next stop was Kennebunkport, where the Bush Family has a house at Walker's Point (the first picture). We arrived at dusk and it was very cold with the wind whipping around the coast. The homes in this area of Maine, particularly along Ocean Avenue are insanely huge and upscale. A lot of them have been converted into inns and resorts, however there still are many summer homes owned by families. We also saw The Wedding Cake house in Kennebunk, with all of the trimmings made by hand by George Washington Bourne for his wife.

Lastly are a few photos of the nature and the serenity that Maine is to me. It's such a beautiful state that definitely doesn't get enough credit. (All of the photos can be enlarged by clicking them).

Boston + Maine

We are gearing up for our upcoming trip to Boston / Southern Maine. I am really looking forward to this, because it's been some time since we have visited the Northeast. We'll be gone for just 4 days, and it is so difficult to decide where I must take Stefan and my sister. Naturally, I have the honor of planning things, because I have plenty of time to burn and I am a tour guide after all.

I know we can't go wrong with the Northeast. It oozes charm and makes me so happy. I love visiting a place that has character that's so distinctive and unique. I've yet to be disappointed there.

Boston will always hold a special place in my heart as well, because It was the first trip for Stefan and I while we were dating. We had a great time exploring the city together. I still remember thinking how crazy it was that I wasn't getting tired of being with him for the 4 days we were away. I think it hit us then, that this wasn't going to be a temporary thing.



Our hotel was right near the Boston Commons and the squirrels were everywhere. We made clicking noises that brought them from the far corners of town and one even jumped on my leg. Stefan was impressed that I spoke 'city squirrel', as he called it.

Since we were flying home on Thanksgiving day, we stopped at Mike's Pastry, the day before. It was hustling the only way those Bostonian Italians seem to make things work. They always seem to be actors who became bakers, with booming voices and fast paced orders. The trouble is there are so many choices... fortunately everything is delicious.

I instantly recommend Mike's to anyone I know going to Boston. Those simple white boxes tied off with blue and white bakers string always have the most divine contents. It's difficult for me to try new things when there are several places that are my tried and true favorites. I feel at home when we visit and won't be surprised if I call it home at some point in my life.

Logan Airport was empty as we flew home on Thanksgiving Day. It was Stefan's first Thanksgiving in the states... the memories just come rushing back. It was such a fun time and definitely has a special place in my heart.

I also went to Boston during the summer that I lived in Maine, but going in the autumn was utterly romantic. It probably helped to walk through the streets holding hands as opposed to being with 3 other young women.

Another Northeastern place I love is Maine, which explains why we're not staying in Boston longer. I'm partial to the coast, although there are some strange areas as well (Old Orchard Beach - or the OOB comes to mind). I think of the accents and it brings a smile to my face. The small sea-side fishing towns, like Camden, and Boothbay are just great. Even Freeport, with loads of outlets and shopping is nice. All of the original buildings remain and even McDonald's has an elegance about it (yes, hard to believe). The names of all of the cities are wonderful too - Kennebeck, Katahdin, Casco, Androscoggin, Penobscot, and Ogunquit ... to name a few.

I love Portland's charm with the tiny galleries and nautical feel. We'll definitely be enjoying some lobster rolls in Old Port. In addition to great food, Stefan will appreciate having a little bit of a winter while we're there. I'm already wishing that we had more time. We don't have major plans, so we'll see where things take us and hope for decent road conditions.

I'd also love to have another Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale (which can sometimes be found at Trader Joe's). I have an affinity for anything blueberry (another reason to love Maine) and the Sea Dog mascot is a Great Pyrenees, just like Mieka. There are a myriad of reasons why the Northeast is great.