I highly recommend Casco Bay Custom Charters…read more We sailed with them for a special family event in July 2020. We gathered to release our father's ashes at sea. The team we worked with to plan the event were flexible with our plans including location, departure, and the actual release. They provided helpful information about purchasing a biodegradable urn and how to structure our minimal program - especially as we had young children participating (ages 4-11). They will work with you to create your ideal experience.

Our small family really enjoyed this private charter experience. The crew was super friendly and…read morevery knowledgeable. The boat was comfortable and the tour included some hardy snacks and drinks. Would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a private Charter tour in the area.

This was amazing. I'm so glad we decided to go down the coast and take this walk. We decided to go…read moreat sunrise. Although there was overcast, it was still a beautiful walk. I imagined the people who walked this jetty every single day and I was jealous. We didn't tour the lighthouse but we've seen plenty of lighthouses. We've never seen one out a mile though. Don't miss this gem! Be sure to use the bathroom before coming here as we did not see any portapods. Also, wear shoes with hood support. We saw a few wearing flip flops; so t know how they did it. I wouldn't take the risk of tripping.

The ending to a perfect day in Maine? Watching the sunset from a jetty of course!…read more After spending the day exploring coastal areas in southern Maine, we decided to walk the jetty near Wells Harbor/York Beach. We didn't know what to expect when we discovered this spot - so when you come know that there are two jetty's. One you can access from the elongated, sandy parking area on Foster Ln (which was free to use and deserted when we came in early November); and, one you can access from a bigger, concrete parking area at the end of Atlantic Ave (beyond Sage Fishing Charters - it's pay to park here, but I don't know if that's just during the height of the summer season). These jetty's are long (I read somewhere that they're over a mile) stone breakwaters that stretch out relatively far from land into the Atlantic. It's beautiful to walk down and back as you get stunning views of Wells Harbor, the beach on either side, and great for bird watching too (we were captivated by some sanderlings!). It's important to be mindful when walking on jetty's though - these big boulders have crevices between them, so "mind the gap"; if the ocean is rough, you might also get soaked from waves crashing against them! Absolutely worth seeing, especially in the shoulder season when it's got that much more serene, humble feeling to it!

If you're looking to experience Maine, the city of Portland, has it all rolled into one city…read more If you love lighthouses, you can tour them by land, or by water. If you are a foodie there are so many great restaurants.This is a seafood lovers paradise with some of the best lobster, lobster rolls, oysters, and fresh seafood. You can also check out some of the cities well-known breweries. Let's not forget shopping the downtown water front district. The cobblestone streets are filled with quaint shops. If you want to be on the water, take a sunset, lighthouse, or schooner cruise. There are also all kinds of sightseeing tours. Put on your best walking shoes, and check out Portland Maine.

This town was way more crowded than we expected it to be since we were road-tripping New England…read moreregion and had been to many cities before coming here. all other previous cities was quite charming and less crowded but Portland felt more dense. Tons of food and shopping options in the port area. Overall cute town and beer scene is way to do here. I would recommend this city when you are in that region.

Food -very good Service -has a lot to be desired. If you're…read morenot a "regular" they could care less about you. VERY poor customer by owner . She is very standoffish. Not welcoming . Which makes sense why the bartender barely paid attention or rather was aware that I waited atleast 10 minutes before he came over. It's not the biggest bar in town not to notice someone new. Plus they weren't busy yet .

I love their wooden ambiance and the sushi rolls are just perfect and I can't stop laughing about…read moreit lol and the way the kids look in their faces when I look up and I see the whole room and the whole thing looks so cute I can't stop crying

Ross took us on a tour of downtown Portland. His encyclopedic knowledge of the city's authentic…read morehistory went far beyond what is taught or commonly studied. Native Portlanders would do well to walk and talk with Ross to gain a deeper knowledge of this spectacular place.

We came to Maine very VERY early season (March 20th-24th) and were looking for something to do…read more Most of the area is still in full 'pre season' mode, with many restaurants and services closed, especially during the week. We found the walking Food tour on Viator and jumped at it - and boy were we glad that we did! Because of the time of year, my wife and I were alone on the tour and as such got to spend around 3 hours with our guide, Ray Sapirstein. Putting aside Ray's obvious love for Portland and food in general, he was a charming guy - keeping us engaged and entertained with stories about the area for the entire duration of the tour. Ray is a PHD trained historian and, as such, was able to fill in a lot of color about the area, going beyond the 'food' aspects of the tour, describing the 'hilly roads' which were sand dunes were covered up to build out the city. Add to that the fact that he took us to several places that we NEVER would have found via googling for 'best ofs' and would have been a HUGE failure to miss! Andy's Old Port Pub - a neighborhood bar (don't call it a dive, though in my mind it qualifies). Spend some time chatting with Thomas, the owner, and Steve the bartender - and had what I can only describe as the single best haddock taco I've ever had in my life. Do not judge a book by it's cover: this place is AWESOME. Great craft beer tap list, and a warm and friendly environment. If I lived in the area, this would be my regular. From there we went to Gilbert's Chowder house right next door - Ray was again right: don't sleep on the seafood chili - it was RIDICULOUSLY amazing. After that we paid a visit to the Harbor Fish Market where we got to see the recent catches, and as Ray pointed out the 'transparency' of the thing: fish are cleaned and prepped for sale right where the customer can watch, and all fish are labeled as 'fresh' (with VERY few pre-frozen exceptions). This is also the place to go if you want to buy Maine swag. From there we proceeded to Rigby House, an unassuming 'coffee shop and workspace' that Ray promised us had nothing short of the best lobster roll in Maine: I've had some good lobster rolls so I can't quite commit to that, but the bread it was built on was FANTASTIC, baked locally from one of the bakeries rated tops in the nation right in Portland. This stop came with either 2 samplers or 1 full pour from their 20+ menu. Don't miss the blueberry ale. It's a rare treat and again, came from Ray's love of his city. From there, we visited Dean's Sweet shop for a couple of truffles and terrible jokes, and then Fiasco's Gelato to round up our day - try the lobster gelato, it's weird and not something I'd necessarily do again...but glad to have had the experience. The whoopie pie gelato was top notch and the blueberry was one of the best gelatos I've ever had. For a 3 hour tour, with all food included, we were certainly full and happy. The walk was short - I don't think we wandered more than a mile in total - and when we were showing signs of being "Help me I'm not from Maine cold", Ray took us into Grittys, another neighborhood bar just for a warm up.

During our visit in early May there were few people here making for a quiet visit. There are…read moreseveral picnic tables and a few benches scattered around the property with beautiful views of the water. This fort was active through many wars and then decommissioned while building a protective wall around the property. Huge slabs of quarried stone, partually carved blocks and lots of stone 'chips' are scattered about. There are a few information signs detailing the history of Fort McClary and some buildings have signs that state the building purpose. Foundations of some buildings is all that remains. They have a few cannons on display. Check out their website for information on events and when the fort is manned. There is a seperate picnic grove up the road about 50 yards across the street. A dirt parking lot holds around a dozen vehicles or so and there is an 'RV turn around' area, but no parking for RV's or busses here. One outhouse is located past the end of the parking lot. There is a wooded trail at the back corner.

A nice outing. The structures are still in good shape, lots of history here…read more Especially loved the map that shows where things are in front of you. Views of Constitution Light (NH) and Whaleback Light, which is actually just a short 10 minute drive away and we went to visit that after! Sign said they officially open Memorial day but the picnic area across the street was open.

What an enjoyable day! First we got to sleep in due to nowhere to be! Had our usual Bacon Sunday…read morewith eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and choice of blueberry coffee or black tea. Once the kitchen was all cleaned up we suited up and headed out. Our new dog, Burton, loved tearing up the new snow and making puppy angels! Did some baking next, with cherry Strudel and a new recipe using phyllo dough. It is very tasty! After my son and I cleaned up the driveway and walk ways. Then it was nap time! Who can resist puppy snuggles? For dinner I made some spanakopita which also was very good. When the kitchen was cleaned up, off I went to walk my pup. Roads were open, the walk was peaceful and pretty with the snow. Only down part was the bitter cold of the evening. I do enjoy a good snow day!

It's a snow day for sure!!!! So besides football I'm staying in my PJ's all day while watching…read morefootball and having a balance between healthy and unhealthy treats!!! Hope you all are snuggled and warm :)

We go to this charming Inn for dinner regularly. They have recently also begun offering breakfast…read moreWednesday thru Sunday. We love this place, the food has been excellent (although I would like to see fewer potatoes and more pasta, but that's just me) Hope is usually our waitress and you could not ask for better. She is very friendly and efficient. She is a treasure! The menu has plenty of selections and the food is always cooked properly and served hot. This restaurant is one of the few we have been to in the area that is not particularly noisy, an important aspect for being able to hear one's dining companion. Try the breakfast too. I tried the croissant breakfast sandwich which was really very special and the fresh fruit bowl was excellent. Service also was efficient, by Helen. This is a great option for everyday and special day dining.

We (4 adults) LOVED this restaurant!! The setting was soo quaint! The food was beyond delicious!…read moreAnd our waiter was perfect - Robb Definitely would recommend this restaurant

Must see if touring Newburyport; exquisite views, amazing food; nuff said, I'm there...I could live…read morehere its so good.

The ulimate in island rustica. Everytime I visit The Stack, I feel like I've arrived some place…read more truly special; like a doorway has opened into the happiest place of my soul. Here you'll find impeccable cuisine and service, without the pretentiousness often found in at properties of similar character. Enjoy the views, comfort and unique soundtrack that can only be found on the western shores of the island. The Stack not only is my favorite place on Plum Island, it's my favorite place in the entire northeast. Everytime I open the door, I feel like I can relax, be myself and enjoy the best of times with my favorite people; a true rarity.

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! 5 STARS! A FREE ANNUAL EVENT THAT ATTRACTS PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY…read more& CANADA TOO! Come very early or really late to snag a metered parking space otherwise you will end up paying exorbitant prices just to park in someone's yard. LOL! THE SAND SCULPTURES ARE MAGNIFICENT & COLOSSAL IN SIZE. If you love crowds come here during Prime Time. If you hate crowds they've got you covered too. They keep the Sand Sculptures up for a week after the event & they even have it illuminated at night. You will avoid a lot of the crowd & traffic too. This Event is located about an hour's drive from Boston. Every June Hampton Beach in New Hampshire hosts its Masters Sand Sculpture Shindig. Artists from all over the country & Canada & their fans come to see these Stupendous Sand Structures. The Event is held on Ocean Ave between B & C Streets from 8AM-5 PM. In 2021 they also had Free bands playing outdoors for the festivities. 2021 marked the 21st Annual Year for The Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic. Some 200 tons of imported sand is plopped on the beach & the "Grady Bunch" starts pounding up the sponsor site. Greg Grady & The Grady Bunch" built a colossal Demo made out of Sand., There was "Sand, Sun and Fun for 2021" There were 10 World Class Master Sand Sculptors & Over $25,000 in Prizes. There was a HUMONGOUS 100 Ton Sponsor Site that was erected too. There was Judging with Winners including a Peoples Choice Award. They also had T Shirts on sale across from the Seashell Stage at BZ Beach Supply. The 2022 dates for the 22nd Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic are June 16-18, 2022 Saturday evening there will be Fireworks Display as well. This year's event promises to be just as Good as last year! You can read all the details on their website. Then after you're done viewing the Sand Sculptures take a dip in the ocean or set up your own private picnic lunch on the beach. Cross the street & see block after block of the Boardwalk with lots of shops to buy T Shirts, Beach supplies, trinkets & gifts. There are lots of eateries here too with many different types of food offerings. There are Fun Arcades like Playland & Funarama that have Vintage Arcade Machines from the 60's & 70's at prices you won't believe .25 & .50 cent. There's Mitchell's Gift Shop a Classic from 1966. Then there's Blink's Fry Doe another Beach Classic & a real throwback - a Rexall Drug Store with Vintage Signs. They also have a Casino Ballroom that brings in a lot of big name entertainers for concerts. You can spend the entire day & night here & lots of people do. Check out my reviews of Hampton Beach & individual places as well. Mark this on your calendar for this & future years for Lots of Memorable Fun for Free! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

I go to the sandcastle competition every year and it never disappoints!! They get sculptors from…read moreall over (Hawaii, California, Canada and more) and they do an amazing job each year. If you're in town you have to go look at them.