Before we left our home in Mt. Juliet,TN. on vacation with our fifthwheel, I called Post 205 in…read moreAugusta, Maine to find out if we would be able to spend a couple of nights in their parking lot while we were In the area sightseeing. Joe Morelli returned my call and said they had a large parking lot and that it would not be a problem and that he could even get us an electrical hookup. When we arrived, we were met by three very nice legionaires who helped us park and set up our electric. The American Legion in Colchester, Vermont and Farmington, Maine were equally as helpful. Not only are we proud to be members of our American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary in Mount Juliet; but we are actively involved as chaplains. We regularly try to get more active and retired military to join our Legion so they can experience the same benefits and blessings we experience.

We try to visit capitol buildings in each state we visit. Most recently, we visited the Maine State…read moreHouse. Nestled in Augusta, Maine, the capitol building is large and appeared pretty plain when we first arrived. There is visitor parking available on the side and in the back of the building. So when we arrived in the back, it looked like a large, unremarkable, white building. We decided to take a peek inside (it was nearly closing, so it was just a peek) and then take a walk around the perimeter. I'm so glad we did. The view from the front is pillared with and rotunda topped. It was lovely. The grounds aren't extensive but well appointed on the pathway leading to the front. We were happy we made the stop!

As I approached the Maine State House I noticed the impressive architecture with a large dome on…read moretop that is typical of most state houses. My expectations were high for the inside. It's one of the easier state houses to find the main entrance, and the security guard was very friendly since the visitor's desk was not being manned. He gave us a map, along with some advice on what to see, and sent us on our way. I went to the rotunda first, as it is usually the most impressive part of a state house. This one was surprisingly bland. I never thought I would use the word bland to describe the rotunda of a state house, but looking up into the dome that was the only word to come to mind. I went to the Senate and House chambers, and nothing much to see there either. There appeared to be a really cool painting of George Washington, but it was covered to protect it from nearby painting going on. The best part was a balcony with rocking chairs. The Main State House did not live up to my expectations on the inside. The grounds outside are nice, but nothing really impressive there either. The Maine State House does not stack up well against most of the state houses in this country.

I grew up at this rink and let me tell you what, it's a shit hole. OK, OK. It's not a shit hole…read more Shit holes are nicer. The boards are warped, the ice is crappy, the locker rooms smell, people shit in the urinals and piss in the showers. There's a good chance you'll leave this place with herpes or HIV...at least a tetanus shot.

I have to somewhat agree with the above review-the place was dumpy, which was made obvious by the…read morecollapse of the roof--thankfully the team of young kids that had been there praticing had just left before it happened! Anyway--this business no longer exists!

A little while back, I attended a Cheering competition and it went well. Parking was not bad, but…read morethe food is ok. Whomever they hire to run it puts cheese on everything they make so someone like myself who is lactose intolerant has very little options except popcorn and candy. Quite frankly I have no interest in picking popcorn kernels out of my teeth the entire day. Lines were 10-12 people long and 5 wide. It can take up to 15 minutes just to get a soda and nacho for a family member. Prices are obviously overpriced, but the wait time is the biggest thing.

Recently attended a conference at the Civic Center with about 250 other people. I didn't realize…read morethere were multiple rooms for various functions outside of the actual stadium-type area (where you typically see concerts and attend events). It's no surprise the whole building is outdated. They definitely need more women's restrooms and to update the stalls, etc. With that said, the conference room was very nice and there's a ton of parking.

The Maine State Capital area in summer is a tourist destination dream! The Capitol Building, and…read moreBurton Cross building where the House and Senate work passing bills and making laws, is open to the public totally free. The building has a rich history and houses local art, crafted by Maine artists, as well as beautiful displays that showcase Maine's iconic history. Be sure to visit the exhibits located under ground in the tunnel that connects the two buildings, you will be impressed with the incredibly we curated displays showing Maine's classic wildlife like the white-tail deer, coyote, and of course moose! You will have to go through security and metal detectors before entering the Capitol Dome. It's fast, and the guards are friendly and always talkative and cheerful to visitors. Make the Hall of Flags a must see on your visit. It's home to the grand stair case (think Cinderellas Castle!) here you can look at, and photograph Maine's military collection of flags dating back to the Civil War with portraits of each of Maine's Governors looking over you. From the Hall of Flags you will have spectacular views of Capital Park. Insider secret, go up the grand staircase and there is an open patio where you can sit in the sun and rock in their old fashioned rocking chairs! The grounds are immaculately landscaped and seasonal flowers bloom with colorful magic. You will also have a view of the Governor's Mansion - which does offer tours by appointment. As the writing of this review the Mansion is closed as it undergoes security and grounds upgrade. Be sure to check out the nearby eateries you may catch the Governor having coffee at the Downtown Diner or getting pie from Slates Bakery in Hallowell. Be sure to visit the Capital area if you're in my state, take lots of pics, and enjoy summer in Maine!

I always knew that I'd celebrate my 1,000th review with an homage to the greatest state in the…read moreunion. For you see, I am unconditionally and irrevocably in love with the state of Maine. There are few labels I wear like a badge of honor, but "Mainer" is one of them. I was born and raised here alongside fellow salt of the earth people who are proud of their Yankee sense of ingenuity. Mainers are independent, fiercely protective of their home, and frequently distrusting of outta statahs (I am; don't get me wrong, we're friendly [looking for directions? don't be surprised if a Mainer stops what they're doing to take you to your destination themselves] but guarded). We have something incredibly special here... mostly unspoiled and unlike any other part of the country. Yes, we now have one of the best food cities in the entire world, but we didn't always and we're a whole lot more than just the lists we make. Maine is... An original when it comes to eating locally and eating seasonally. The best jams, jellies, pies, baked goods, and produce I've ever had have come from honor system farm stands and tables on the side of the road. Blueberries. PYO, of course, but bonus points if you've got a special spot in the wild you pick at (same goes for apples and fiddleheads). Lobster. But not just those rolls you stand two hours in line for. We're talking traditional lobster bakes that you do yourself in your backyard just because you can. Let me know when you've eaten the entirety of two lobsters, a pound of potato salad, a bucket of steamers, half a dozen ears of corn, a slice of blueberry pie, and washed it all down with a Moxie and called it a typical Saturday night. (Yes, I've done this. Yes, more than once.) Baked bean suppahs at the local church. Angus King. Period. Joshua Chamberlain. Do you even know Jay Chay, bub?! This fella saved the Civil War. And if you don't know the story about him, a bunch of pissed off Maine men, and the Battle of Little Round Top... we can't be friends. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor does He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men." Mic drop. Knowing that no power line is safe to touch. Evah. Where directions start with "it's down the road" (it could be... it could also be a hundred miles away, too). Going upta camp (even if it's "down the road"). Where the first rays of sunlight touch the U.S. each and every day. Nature in all her most majestic forms: lakes and rivers and ocean ad mountains and hills and valleys and beaches and meadows. Who could want anything more? It's the best backyard in the world. Really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter. Actually, we have more seasons than anyone else: winter, mud season, spring, construction season, summer, tourist season, leaf peeping season, and autumn. Also... "There's still meaning in the magic of Christmas, in the state where the Christmas trees grow. Where neighbors still drop by with cookies, breads and pies, and warm themselves besides the kitchen stove. It's the spirit of sharing, giving and caring, hanging wreaths upon the neighbor's door. That's the spirit of Maine at Christmas time from her mountains to her great Atlantic shores." Yeah, I went there. **takes deep breath*** I realize this list is making me sound a little crazy and you should know I could probably go on and on and on and on, and who knows - maybe I'll add more to this as I think of it. Maine is my home. It's where I grew up, it's where I returned to after traveling across the US and Europe, it's where I choose to live because I love her. Unconditionally and irrevocably.

I love this bus it's very convenient and fairly priced! There is waterville all the way to boston…read moreif needed and at bus at 8:25pm from portland to waterville daily way cheaper than a taxi! The bus drivers are great at what they do and each have cool personalities. Sometimes the buses don't have charging port on so just be prepared to go without sometimes or get a portable charger. Some stops don't have rain cover or food waterville does, augusta when open does, portland does not!