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7 Budget-Friendly Pre-VDay Date Night Ideas in Portland, Maine!

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #1: Wednesday, Feb 7th

Community Reiki & Sound Bath hosted by East Pine Plant Shop & Community Wellness, from 6PM-8PM. $40/ticket.

**this event takes place in Westbrook, not Portland, but we couldn’t help but keep it in as a really cool idea for a night out with your partner, or your friends!

Indulge in an evening dedicated to opening your heart to love in all its forms. Whether you’re fostering partnership or cultivating self-love, this class is tailored to provide you with the perfect guidance to tune into the boundless well of unconditional love within you.

More info and registration/ticket link HERE (what to bring, what’s provided, what to expect).

๐ŸŒฟ Plant Shop Discount: all event/offering attendees will receive a 20% discount off same-day plant shop purchases! The plant shop will open 1 hour before the event start time to be open for browsing and questions. (Excludes gift cards!)

East Pine Plant Shop ๐Ÿชด

“where all things grow + thrive”

Our Botanical Oasis is a haven designed to foster holistic well-being, community connection, and personal growth. Nestled amidst lush greenery, our space is dedicated to providing you with a sanctuary where you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Design Services – Interior Plant Design, 1-1 Consulting & Education

Plant Care Services – Plant Healing and Re-Potting, Recurring + Weekly Maintenance

Community Classes + Seasonal Offerings

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #2: Thursday, Feb 8th –

“Strikes & Slices @ Spare Time!” from 9PM-11PM.

Sparetime Bowling

๐ŸŽณ Fuel your need for food & fun. ๐Ÿ•

Thursday night Strikes & Slices includes 2 hours of unlimited bowling AND unlimited cheese or pepperoni pizza slices for only $12.99 per person!

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #3: Friday, Feb 9th

Free Entry Fridays @ the Portland Museum of Art from 4PM-8PM.

“Weโ€™re committed to be an open, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming museum for all. We call it Art for All.

Since the successful reopening in February 2017, and with a renewed focus on audience engagement and accessibility, the PMA has aimed to build on the new wave of energy and support at the museum. We have worked tirelessly to be be a brave space that champions freedom of expression. This has meant dedicating ourselves to presenting exhibitions and hosting programs that reflect the museumโ€™s diverse communities and audiences, and to create experiences with art that strengthen bonds and bring us together.

Inside the PMA gallery

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #4: Saturday, Feb 10th –

Ice Skate Date โ›ธ๏ธ @ Deering Oaks Park (free if you have skates!) or @ The Rink at Thompson’s Point (skate rentals available!).

Thompson's Point Ice Skates

The Rink at Thompson’s Point

The Thompson’s Point Rink, nestled beneath the iconic Depot Pavilion, offers a one-of-a-kind ice skating experience on the picturesque waterfront of Portland. Skaters are treated to gorgeous views of the Fore River. Beyond the state-of-the-art rink, their Beer garden, warming and VIP areas make it the perfect wintery date to enjoy with your special someone.

Deering Oaks Park

Ice skating at Deering Oaks is a true Portland experience. Strapping on your skates across from the Castle on a cold winter night, with Pandora’s lights reflecting over the ice is an experience not to be missed. Little-known fact: Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington once skated on the Deering Oaks Pond during the filming of “The Preacher’s Wife”. The Parks, Recreation and Facilities crews work to keep the pond clear of snow and groomed for skating throughout the winter.

Deering Oaks Ice Skating

โ™ฅ๏ธ “Day” Date #5: Sunday, Feb 11th –

Maker’s Market ๐Ÿ›๏ธ @ Brick South (Thompson’s Point) from 10AM-3PM.

Maker's Market Ad: February 11. 2024

The Makerโ€™s Market is an ode to local Maine artisans, craftspeople, artists, creators and farmers. Offering the finest that Maine has to offer, a spirit of ingenuity and a deeply imbedded culture of community and togetherness. Oh, did we mention thereโ€™s a bar? Grab your friends, snag a mimosa, and peruse a variety of creations from talented Makers! Entry, free!

Lisa-Marie’s Made In Maine carries the products of 450+ Makers throughout our hoME state. Chances are, you might meet a few of them here! If you don’t want to purchase your Valentine’s gift in front of your Valentine at a Maker’s booth, ask them if they carry their work at Lisa-Marie’s; you can shop with us 7 Days a week in Portland @ 35 Exchange Street! ๐Ÿ’

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #6: Monday, Feb 5th –

Explore Portland with a self-guided walking tour of the Pandora Lights.

Our downtown is lit up with brilliant colors all winter long, thanks to a partnership between Portland Downtown and visionary artist Pandora LaCasse.

Tommy's Park with Pandora Lights, photo by: Paul VanDerWerf

Congress Street, Commercial Street, and iconic downtown parks ยญโ€” including Longfellow Square, Tommyโ€™s Park, Boothby Square, Lincoln Park, Pleasant Street Park, and Congress Square Park โ€” are illuminated by a kaleidoscope of fantastical colors & shapes each year, bringing radiance, warmth, and magic to cold winter nights. These dazzling displays wow residents and visitors alike and have become a true signature of downtown Portland from the holidays all through March.

โ™ฅ๏ธ Date Night #7: Tuesday, Feb 6th –

“Super Tuesdays @ the Nick!” All seats, all shows, $6 tickets!

Call up your date, agree on a film, and pick up some popcorn to share while holding hands at Portland’s cozy, local movie theater in the heart of the city. With $6 tickets, you could even budget for a fancy drink at one of the many bars just a few steps away!

Nickelodeon Cinemas, Portland Maine. Photo from Portland Old Port Instagram.

That’s it folks! 7 ideas for a week of fun date nights (and days!) here in Portland, Maine leading up to Valentine’s Day – and they won’t break the bank, either! Have more suggestions? Add them to the comments below!๐Ÿ‘‡

Lisa-Marie’s 2023 Recap

โ„๏ธ WINTER ๐Ÿงฃ

The beginning of a new year brings with it a couple of reasons to celebrate – we made it through the holiday season AND end of year inventory, which means we deserve a staff party! It’s such a joy to have the team from both stores together to gather, laugh, eat and drink and take some time to relax together.


The cooler winter months were spent restocking the stores and adding new inventory to our online offerings. Here’s some of the Maine made products that were added to our website in early 2023.

Maine Woods Mugs

Mary and Joe NEVER disappoint. We were excited to add these new Maine Woods Mugs by Devenney Pottery.


DIY Heart Kit

Heather made sure we had these in time for Valentine’s Day and we’re sure glad she did! They are the perfect gift to share a fun experience with someone special, and create a little something to commemorate the event.

Pro tip : Snag a sharpie and sign the back with the date and a little love note for later.


Rare Red Sea Glass

It’s always exciting when Sue is able to find rare shades of red sea glass in her beach combing. These one-of-a-kind pieces are sometimes turned into pendants and brought to us. This dark burgundy piece (with a tiny little pearl above!) got snatched up real fast.

Red Sea Glass Necklace
Red Sea Glass Necklace

If you are interested in a pendant made from rare red sea glass, subscribe to the product and you’ll get an email if/when we get another one! Red Sea Glass Necklace


Moose Antler Knives by Uncle Lumpy

Phil forages through the woods of Western Maine in search of antlers naturally shed by the majestic moose that reside there. He then turns the gorgeous bone into the hilt of a knife.


Spruce Moose Earrings

These frosted glass beads are wrapped in sterling silver. Authentic sea glass is becoming harder and harder to find, but maker Sheila has found a way of emulating the surf-tumbled look of sea glass in these delightful little earrings. They are the perfect addition to any outfit!


Flower Petal Jewelry by Simply Tilton

We are thrilled to have new maker, Gabby with us. She specializes in taking vibrant Maine flower blooms and sealing them within resin to create stunning earrings and necklaces.

Stay tuned for what Gabby has in store for 2024…

Hint hint, do you love Maine beaches? ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ˜‰


The Hoodie Everyone Wants

You asked and we listened. The First Maine Flag became available on this super-soft green hoodie and immediately became a customer favorite!


Fancy Nancy’s Fun New Pottery

From her mugs impressed with Maine sea shells and evergreen branches to her earring holders glazed in the colors of the Maine seaside, you’ll never find two pieces of Nancy’s pottery to be the same.


We welcomed a lot of new Maine products to the website in the cold beginning months of the year, but we are most excited about

The Most Precious Addition of 2023.

The newest member of the Lisa-Marie’s family was welcomed in February, and though he isn’t quite old enough to work (๐Ÿ˜‰ hehe) he sure is bringing lots of joy to everyone. Lisa-Marie and Andy have been making sure to take some time away from the role of “Store Owners” to take on the even more important role of
“Nana and Pops.”


๐ŸŒฑ SPRING ๐ŸŒผ

In April we celebrated 13 years of business in the Old Port!

Read about our 13 items hand-picked to celebrate 13 years on Exchange Street in Portland.


As the snow starts to melt and the sun decides to stay out a little longer we get a new sense of excitement as we begin to prepare for all our summer visitors. Spring 2023 brought a few more fun additions to our Maine made online offerings…

Maine Onesies by Niklin Designs

These came to us just in time for Baby Shower season. With 4 different prints and 3 different sizes available you’re sure to find the perfect Maine onesie for the new ones in your life. That “Maine Pride” starts young!


Crider’s Cookie Cutters

“Do you have a State of Maine cookie cutter?” For so long the answer was “no” but thanks to Jeff Crider we are SO excited to now be able to say “YES!” We’re pleased to have their nautical cookie cutters available online now but you can shop their seasonal selection (like christmas trees or hearts) in-store.


Marin Skincare

We are so proud to be one of the first Maine retailers to be selling this amazing cream. Maybe you’ve seen it in your social media feed? This Soothing Hydration Cream is made with marine glycoproteins and it’s a remedy for sensitive, itchy, eczema-prone skin. Patrick and Amber created Marin while studying bioengineering at UMaine Orono and we’re so pleased to be supporting these young, Maine entrepreneurs!

Marin Skincare Soothing Hydration Cream 1.75oz and 4oz

Muddy Toes Pottery

Cool Morning Glaze Travel Mug by Muddy Toes

Over the years we’ve been asked several times for pottery travel mugs, and now that Muddy Toes Pottery is part of the Lisa-Marie’s Maker Family we are excited to finally be able to say YES!

We also can’t resist her gorgeous mugs with natural glaze drippings that makes every single one unique.


Cobb’s Hill Sugarhouse – Infused Maple Syrups

The family behind Cobb’s Hill has been making maple syrup for nearly two decades, and adding novel infusions for about five. We LOVE the variety and are so happy to carry it online as well as in store!


โ˜€๏ธ SUMMER ๐ŸŒŠ

In anticipation of our 20th anniversary in Bath, Maine we decided to host a series of Meet the Maker events in our Bath location to get people excited and meet some of these clever Mainers in person!

8 Meet the Makers:

#1: “Meet the Maker 20th Kickoff:” May 27th – feat. David of Mainely Pens and Tenley of Lobster Designs.

#2: June 3rd – feat. Kate of Bixby Chocolate and Joe with his Lobster Trap Caddies.

#3: June 17th – Sue of Latitude 43 Designs and Pam of Olde Haven Farm.

#4: July 1st (Heritage Days! ๐ŸŽ‰) – Gail of Miller Designs and Dan of Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse.

#5: July 13th – Ben of Benjamin Williamson Photography and Charlie of Maine Towns Playing Cards.

#6: July 29th – Mary and Joe of Devenney Pottery and their daughter Nina of Wild Rosie.

#7: August 19th – Gabby of Simply Tilton.

#8: Last, *Rescheduled,* but Not Least!: September 16th – Alexis of Art by Alexis, Bailey of Bailey DeBiase Ink, and Jen of Miss Moonmaker Maine.


Summertime in Maine brings the hustle and bustle of visitors from all over the world and while we’re always busy in store helping tourists pick out the perfect piece of Maine to bring home we still found some time to add some new offerings online.

Flour Sack Dish Towels

by Festive Fish

and Liberty Graphics

Dish towels are the perfect travel gift. They fold up tightly, they won’t break no matter where they end up in your luggage, and can even be used to help protect more fragile items while traveling. They also make the perfect useful souvenir to remind you of your time in Vacationland.


Speaking of making travel easier…

Bags Made From Sails

Salty Sail Bags are made with recycled sailcloth, recycled outdoor canvas fabric and nylon braided rope. The best part about these tote bags is that they are FULL OF POCKETS, inside and out.


Sea Glass State of Maine

What says “summer in Maine” more than sea glass?

Kelley arranges blue, teal, green and clear sea glass juuuuuust right to create the shape of our hoME state.


Maine Yoga Jewelry

We are so excited about this jewelry line made by Jess. These dainty necklaces in silver and gold are SO Maine…. some of them really are the state of Maine!

Jess also casts pendants from REAL MAINE shells. These necklaces are available in Bath and online.


Etched Maine Glassware

Etched Maine Glassware

๐ŸŽถ Sippin’ away again in Vacationland….

…while it may not be 5 o’clock there is no wrong time of day to use a glass etched by Reclaimed Maine. Available in curvy “wine” shape and simple “beer” shape and etched with designs created by Mainer Mary.


Maine Wooden Buoys

First Maine Flag Buoys and Centerpieces joined our online offerings as well as in store.

We were also THRILLED to have helped arrange the EXTRA EXTRA large buoy centerpiece to be used as a guest book for a Maine wedding. We LOVE this unique idea! Email us if you want one for your Maine wedding guest book.


๐Ÿ FALL ๐Ÿ‚

Celebrating
20 years in Bath, Maine

We can’t believe we’ve had a brick and mortar store on Front Street for TWENTY YEARS! What started as one tiny little storefront at 170 Front Street where Marie and Josh used to hang out after school while Lisa-Marie worked now spreads FOUR storefronts wide and has promoted HUNDREDS of Maine Makers and employing over 20 people.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Bath on September 30th to celebrate this momentous occasion and thank you to all that added to the Tribute video for Lisa-Marie and Andy. We wouldn’t be here without all of you and we are so grateful.

๐Ÿ‘‡ Watch the Tribute video here!


Chocolate is BACK!

In the warmer months we remove chocolate from our online offerings because shipping something that melts doesn’t always turn out well. But once the cooler months roll around we are putting it back online, just in time to send your favorite Maine chocolates to your friends for the holidays.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
A box of Chocolate Covered Blueberries.

Ready-to-Go Gift Packages

We like to make things as easy for you as possible. So in anticipation of the busy shopping season ahead Lisa-Marie hand picked items to be a part of our Ready-to-Go Gift Packages. While typically only available online it did inspire a few customers to put together some Customized Maine Gift Packages on their own for their friends and family “from away”.


Brand New Images from Benjamin Williamson

We just can’t get enough of Ben’s work and he did not disappoint this year. The weather gave him lots of opportunities for crazy skies and stunning sunsets and boy did he capture them. We can’t wait to see what he comes up with in 2024!


Nature Creations

Tammy arranges Maine shells and colorful pieces of glass to create decorative pieces of art, often featuring flower bouquets.


Marin Lip Treatment

One of the most asked for items in the month of December! Remember that hydration cream in a bright orange bottle from the Spring? Well Marin doubled down and made a Lip Treatment to rival any angry Maine winter storm. Made with the same Marine glycoprotiens but available in TWO options – Unscented and Blueberry French Toast.


Kitty Lamb Mixes

Joining us right before the holidays were these SUPER easy to make and deliciously decadent baking mixes.

  • Fudgy Browie
  • Gooey Pumpkin Cake

The descriptions are accurate, they are in fact Fudgy & Gooey.


Harborworks Beanies

After trying out his popular short- sleeved button downs, Michael asked us if we wanted to try out his beanies. He designed these classic Maine creatures

  • Black Bear on Charcoal Grey
  • Brown Moose on Forest Green
  • Red Lobster on Navy Blue

each stitched into the fold of these warm and comfortable beanies. We only received a few in our Portland store but stay tuned and you just might be able to snag your very own online.


๐ŸŽ„ HOLIDAYS ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ„

Shop for a Cause on Small Business Saturday

This year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving we collected donations for the Bath Area Food Bank, then at the end of the day we decided to continue it for a bit longer. Every dollar donated in this time period was matched by Lisa-Marie’s and we were so pleased to be able to support such a vital organization in our small community. Thank you all for your support in this giving season!


Bright Night Bath

This yearโ€™s City of Bath Holiday Tradition took place on December 8th and the Lisa-Marieโ€™s elf was out and about discovering all the fun things to do during Bright Night Bath in the City of Ships.


Merry Madness
in Downtown Portland

When Portland Downtown puts on a holiday event, we show up โ€“ with bells on!

This year, one of our amazing team members even dressed as Santa *insert the classic Buddy the Elf quote: โ€œSanta! I KNOW HIM!โ€œ* and brought smiles to SO many!


Holiday Window Contest Community Choice Winner

We had Gingerbread Candy Land as the inspiration and we are so pleased our hard work creating this sweet winter scene for the Portland Downtown Holiday Window Contest. And thanks to all of our social media friends we won the Community Choice Award! Thank you so much!!

Meet the Makers: August & November 2023

Meet the Maker #7: August 19th

Featuring the one and only, Gabby of Simply Tilton jewelry!

Gabby, Simply Tilton

Hi, I’m Gabby! I started Simply Tilton in the fall of 2018 as a hobby and creative outlet while in grad school. I started with metal stamped jewelry and since then have expanded to different mediums, including polymer clay and now resin!

Shop her collection of Preserved Flower Jewelry (earrings and necklaces!) in-store and online!

๐Ÿ‘ˆ Check out these bright, beautiful Orange Fleabane Earrings in our online shop, today!

If you have been to any markets I hope you have had the pleasure of saying hi to Mike! He has given up countless weekends and evenings to help me with this dream I have, supporting me every step of the way! He is my biggest cheerleader and hype man, the best support system, a listening ear, someone I can bounce all my crazy ideas off of, my set up and break down crew, and so soooo much more!

2023 was an extra special year for Gabby: she married her best friend!

When she’s not creating jewelry, she can be found exploring the outdoors with these two ๐Ÿ‘‰ (her husband Mike & cute-as-a-button pup, Moose!).

โœจLASTโœจ Meet the Maker #8: [RESCHEDULED to] November 11th

Featuring 3 talented Maine women:

Alexis of Art by Alexis

Bailey of Bailey Debiase Ink

Jen of Miss Moonmaker Maine

Art by Alexis ๐ŸŽจ

Be the creator of the lens you look through, see your surroundings with the curiosity of a child, zoom in on the beauty of simplicity, and take in the nuances of day-to-day life because they have so much to offer.

Alexis excels at the intricacy of painting, whether that be on a canvas or the side of a building – the scale doesnโ€™t matter. Weโ€™re lucky to carry some of her beautiful work in the forms of framed and unframed prints, as well as a selection of her originals!

For me, being an artist is to train your eyes to observe rather than to just look.

Bailey Debiase Ink โœ๐Ÿผ

Bailey is not only our Portland assistant manager, but an incredible artist herself! Her love of nature, outdoor adventures, & her hoME is a strong inspiration behind her work.

These intricate Fish Stickers are available in-store!

Email ๐Ÿ“งportland@lisamariesmadeinmaine.com if interested (you’ll reach Bailey herself!).

Bailey working on a mural project for ecomaine โ™ป๏ธ this year! ๐Ÿ‘‡

It feels funny to say that itโ€™s going to be hard to say goodbye to this big recycling bin โ˜บ๏ธ Iโ€™ll be excited to visit it in its new home, wherever it ends up! Working on a surface this big, and using a different medium than what I normally work with, made this project so much fun.

“art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”

Miss Moonmaker Maine ๐Ÿ›

As a busy single Mom and entrepreneur Jen believes in the power of a steamy, relaxing soak in a tub; that it can help you tackle many of life’s paths ahead. Sometimes doing less is doing more – for YOU!

I started making artisan, hand-made bath fizzies in 2008 when my son was just a year and a half old. My son suffered from chronic sinus infections and always had a stuffy head, nose and chest. When my son was born I became more aware of the products I usedโ€ฆI became more earth [and human] friendly with the use of my products and what we ingested/put on our skin.

๐Ÿ‘†Bath Fizzies available ONLINE!๐Ÿ‘†

๐Ÿ‘‡Skin Salves available IN-STORE!๐Ÿ‘‡

โ€œMiss Moonmaker believes in self care and the sometimes forgotten art of bathing.โ€

And that’s a wrap for our 2023 Meet the Maker Series! We hosted 17 of our Maine Makers over 8 different dates throughout the summer and fall, leading up to celebrating 20 years of business in Bath (wow! ๐ŸŽ‰). We had so much fun hearing the stories behind the products, sharing YOUR specific questions with each talented Maker, and we hope you had fun, too!

Hello Fair Season! ๐ŸŽก

Common Ground, Cumberland, Fryeburg, oh my! Tis’ the season for fair visits full of fried food, Ferris wheel rides, & farm animals galore! Keep reading to learn more about all your favorites: from pig piles to chicken recognition, we’ve got a matching Tea Towel by Jennie Blue Ceramics to match!

The Pig Tea Towel is created by Jennifer Connor of Jennie Blue Ceramics. The tea towelโ€™s images are from original illustrations printed here in Maine using eco-friendly water-based inks. 100% cotton, machine wash and dry.

Did You Know? ๐Ÿท

Have you ever seen a piggy pile? Pigs love to stay connected with each other by sleeping close together, often making sure to touch their friends while they drift off to dreamland! Few animals are more social than pigs, who form close bonds with other pigs and humans.

We donโ€™t own the planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.

Steve Irwin

Fun Fact About Cows ๐Ÿฎ


Cows have between 25,000 and 35,000 taste buds! Thatโ€™s 2-3 times MORE taste buds than humans have. This amount helps them tell apart poisonous and non-poisonous plants. It also allows them to enjoy both sweet and salty foods so they can get the energy & nutrients they need to stay healthy!

Hi Friend! ๐Ÿ”


Chickens have a great memory for faces! They have the ability to recognize and remember around 100 different faces (human & chicken!). If you have backyard chickens and they get excited when they see you or their favorite people, thatโ€™s why!

๐Ÿ‘†One of Marissaโ€™s backyard โ€œladiesโ€ ๐Ÿ“

Horse Friends @ Fryeburg Fair

Check Your Blind Spot!๐Ÿด


Horses have nearly 360-degree field of vision! This is due to the positioning of their eyes on the sides of their head. However they have 2 blind spots: one directly behind them, and one directly in front of their head. This means they cannot see the grass they are grazing on, or the carrot youโ€™re holding in front of them! This means they will move their head or use their mobile lips, sensitive whiskers, and sense of smell to know whatโ€™s there.

Jennifer Connor has always been drawn to graphite and pen and ink sketches, those quick studies that precede finished work. It is those sketches that are the inspiration for this work. Some of the images are original, some have been borrowed from vintage images collected at book sales and auctions. While she uses a paintbrush for the original illustration, she has developed a painting technique that is reminiscent of pencil drawings.

Meet the Makers: July 2023

Meet the Maker #4: July 1st – Heritage Days! ๐ŸŽ†

Featuring Gail of Miller Designs and Dan of Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse๐Ÿ‘‡

Gail, Miller Designs

Miller Designs was established by Gail Barker Miller in 1990 when she decided that commuting to work on the mainland from her island home was more than she could handle with two small children. Her tenure at Heritage Lanterns in Yarmouth, Maine gave her the metalsmith training, and her interest in arts and crafts gave her the ideas, to start creating beautiful barrettes. Since then, her line has expanded to include pins, earrings, bracelets, ornaments, and other treasures!

Dan, Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse

Maple syrup is a true gift from nature — and we take our job seriously.

Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse is a small-scale operation located in Mount Vernon, roughly the center of Maine. The family has been making maple syrup for nearly two decades, and adding novel infusions for about five. They enjoy the work and relish the look on each new customer’s face when they taste their cool blends!

Cobbs Hill Sugarhouse Maple Syrup

SHOP 7 of their Maple Syrup Infusions ONLINE!๐Ÿ‘‡

Heritage Days with Andy the Lobstah ๐Ÿฆž

Bathโ€™s biggest celebration of the year, circling around Independence Day: free Waterfront Concerts, Art in the Park, Kids Day, Antique Car Show, Maineโ€™s Largest Fourth of July Parade, Smokeyโ€™s Greater Shows Carnival and Fireworks!

Meet the Maker #5: July 13th

Featuring Ben of Benjamin Williamson Photography and Charlie of Maine Towns Playing Cards๐Ÿ‘‡

What do both Ben and Charlie have in common?

They love exploring their hoME state.

“Maine is just a really special place. It has a unique variety of landscapes, and being in Waterville, it’s a good central location. I can go an hour in any direction and have a completely different landscape you know, one hour to the coast, the mountains, the lakes.

– Charlie

Maine Towns Playing Cards

Charlie, Maine Towns and Maine Islands Playing Cards

the way playing cards should be

Charlie is a college student who designed this deck over the last couple years. He grew up in Maine and has a passion for its beautiful geography, which led him to design this deck as well as visit all 430 towns in Maine before he went to college. He is very excited to share the playing cards with people who love Maine just as much as he does!

Ben, Benjamin Williamson Photography

My obsession with photography started in 2012 while working nights tending bar at the Sea Dog in Topsham, Maine. At first I simply wanted to capture the beauty I was coming across on hikes and walks near home. I quickly discovered that a photograph could be more than just a document. It was like putting down my experiences in a visual diary, capturing thoughts and feelings I was having about whatever was in front of me. Like my other love, music, it could be a creative and expressive act.

Meet the Maker #6: July 29th – A “Family Affair”

Featuring Mary & Joe Devenney of Devenney Pottery AND their daughter Nina of Wild Rosie! ๐Ÿ‘‡

Mary and Joe, Devenney Pottery

When youโ€™re involved in the arts itโ€™s a real gift. Itโ€™s not like when you reach a certain age you have to retire and figure out what to do. You can keep on doing what youโ€™ve done, you know? Itโ€™s awesome, I feel pretty lucky.

– Mary

Nina, Wild Rosie Maine

Being raised by artists made my childhood a lot of great things โ€” They taught me how to throw pots when I was 6 and I thought everyone had raku firings and bonfires in the backyard on the weekends.

– Nina

Another Devenney family member, (daughter & sister!) Angie, made an appearance during the event. She and her sister Nina were modeling Angie’s handmade polymer clay earrings…

Screenshot

…that we now CARRY in both of our shops! Visit us in Bath and Portland to shop the bright, colorful creations of Super Much Fun Studio today!

Next up, the last two Meet the Makers before we celebrate 20 YEARS of business in Bath!

Meet the Makers: May – June 2023

Meet the Maker #1: May 27th – The KICKOFF to 20 Years!

Featuring Tenley of Lobster Designs and David of Mainely Pens๐Ÿ‘‡

Tenley, Lobster Designs

Tenley, the one woman show behind Lobster Designs, is a jewelry designer and creator who uses resourced shells from local fishermen in her community as the focus of her jewelry. Her lobster shells primarily come from the lobstermen in her family: her husband, J. Seiders and her young son, E. Seiders. Her oyster shells and mussel shells come from local coves and rivers in the South Bristol area. Using these foraged shells, Tenley makes a wide variety of jewelry featuring the local Maine crustaceans. Shop her collection in-store and online today!

David, Mainely Pens

David, the man behind Mainely Pens, made his first turnings as a child in his fatherโ€™s basement shop. Now David provides beautiful pens created from composite wood combinations and local Maine wood. He has even challenged himself further by making pens from deer antler as well as crushed Maine lobster, oyster, and mussel shells! Each pen is made one at a time, by hand, causing them to be one-of-a-kind with no two looking exactly alike.

Meet the Maker #2: June 3rd

Featuring Kate of Bixby Chocolate and Joe of Vintage Works๐Ÿ‘‡

Kate, Bixby Chocolate

Kate McAleer founded Bixby Chocolate in December 2011. Kate boldly broke away from a traditional career path to pursue her passion: chocolate. She is a socially responsible business owner who is very supportive of her local Maine community of Rockland.

Kate ensures that the quality organic cocoa beans are directly sourced from Caribbean countries such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Belize and Central Americaโ€™s Guatemala.

Bixby Chocolateโ€™s innovations include producing its own chocolate straight from the cocoa bean for several new bean-to-bar chocolate bars, and its newly created chocolate bonbons, chocolate nibs and chocolate-covered coffee beans.

The Lobstah Trap Caddy is handcrafted in Maine constructed from authentic Maine lobster trap material by Joe Hamilton. 

He is the first in Maine to make these types of beer and condiment caddies having started in 2010. 

“I was a woodworker for quite a few years and I built a wooden caddy to hold six craft beers and one day I thought Iโ€™d make something different out of lobster wire.โ€

Now, retired, Joe works 20 hours a week in his shop.

Joe, Vintage Works

Blue Lobster Trap Condiment Caddy

Meet the Maker #3: June 17th

Featuring Sue of Latitude 43 designs and Pam of Olde Haven Farm๐Ÿ‘‡

Sue, Latitude 43 Designs & Gilded Oyster Co.

The allure of the oyster & the natural beauty of Maineโ€™s rugged coast inspire each unique shell.

Maine Maker, Sue Clark, has always loved oysters – but the shucking, not so much. “My partner and I developed the Kraken oyster grip, [making] shucking safer and easier and we started buying lots of Maine oysters.” Which meant lots of shells. So Sue decided to decoupage them, gluing decorated paper on each prepared shell. Now that’s what we call a sustainable & recycled product!

How does Sue collect her shells? Well, she and her husband enjoy them first by using their own tool, the Kraken, to shuck them easily before slurping!

Pam of Olde Haven Farm

We have a knack for creating wonderful & unique flavors.

“To create our fine foods, we use our own harvest and animals and source other regional ingredients from our neighbors. We evolve classic recipes and draw upon world cuisines, often combining unexpected flavors such as Maple Bourbon pickles, Blueberry Lavender jam and Coconut Curry sausage. Our dream is for everything you bring home from us to be refined and extraordinary.”

Olde Haven’s diversified family farm is rustic and real. They believe in knowing where our food comes from, and that animals deserve happy, healthy, natural lives.

To create their fine foods, they use their own harvest and animals and source other regional ingredients from their neighbors.

๐Ÿ‘ˆ

Lisa-Marie couldn’t help herself from snacking on the delicious array of samples during the event! Pam brought 3 pickles and 3 preserves for customers (and staff) to taste-test and enjoy.

Shop IN-STORE in Portland and Bath today!

Stay tuned for the 2nd round of Meet the Maker events, featuring SEVEN more talented Maine Makers!

From Rags to Riches: The History of Flour Sack Towels

Flour Sack Towels: For the Hands, the Dishes, and the Home

Flour sack towels, also known as tea towels, have a long history that dates back to the 1800’s when staples such as flour and sugar were packaged in tightly woven cotton bags or “sacks.”

ย By the time the Great Depression hit, these sacks became useful for many things including curtains, aprons, dish towels, and quilting. Supply companies began printing pretty patterns on the sacks and women began trading patterns and collecting them.

This went on for decades until the economy in the mid-century began to boom, and paper bags replaced the cotton ones. Today, this once popular item is now making a comeback.

The simplicity of the flour sack towel is being rediscovered as an indispensable item to have around the house.

No longer are they just for the kitchen; because they are lint free, they make great dusting cloths for all electronic devices, mirrors, and windows.

Their absorbent quality makes them a great hand towel, and the variety of beautiful patterns and prints can pull together a dining roomโ€™s table presentation when displayed and used as cloth (reusable) napkins.

Here at Lisa-Marieโ€™s, we have various Maine Makers who offer many designs and styles with their flour sack towels.

Jennie Blue Ceramics features black-and-white watercolor portraits of animals and vegetables, as well as important historical figures such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Greta Thunberg.

Nina Devenney creates a vibrant array of nature-inspired imagery that will bring a pop of color to any home.

If youโ€™re searching for the ocean-enthusiast, Trosko, Festive Fish and Jane Crosen Mapmaker flour sack towels have got you covered with a selection of colorful marine/sea life patterns as well as nautical maps of Maineโ€™s coastline.

Tea towels make a wonderful addition to any gift, especially when traveling. Their flat, lightweight quality allows easy packaging, and the variety of patterns our artists provide gives you the chance to personalize your choice to fit your lucky recipient!

  • SHOP the Maine Mapmaker towel collection here >>
  • SHOP Jennie Blue Ceramics‘ black and white watercolor towels here >>
  • SHOP Wild Rosie towels by Nina Devenney here >>

The Rare Steller’s Sea Eagle Visits Maine…Again!

“One of the world’s rarest raptors has again been spotted in Maine’s Midcoast.” – News Center Maine

A bird so rare there are believed to be only 4,000 in the world has returned to Maine after it spent roughly three months in the state last year: the Steller’s Sea Eagle!

“The Steller’s sea eagle, native to eastern Asia, was first seen in Maine right before the start of 2022 and immediately started attracting crowds of enthusiastic birdwatchers from all over the United States and Canada. The bird stayed in Maine until early March 2022, when it moved north to Newfoundland. The last sighting had been in northeast New Brunswick in November 2022 before the bird showed back up in Maine on Feb. 4, 2023, according to Maine Audubon” (News Center Maine, Feb. 2023)

3 Facts You May Not Know About the Steller’s Sea Eagle

#1: It’s LARGE ๐Ÿฆ…

The Stellerโ€™s Sea Eagle is the largest of all sea eagles and the heaviest known eagle. They have a 6-8 foot wingspan (compare that to your own! ๐Ÿคฏ)

#2: It’s STRONG ๐Ÿ’ช

The Steller’s Sea Eagle is considered the most powerful and aggressive of its closest relatives, the bald eagle and the white-tailed sea-eagle.

#3: 20/20 Vision ๐Ÿ‘€

They have binocular vision, having both eyes set on the front of its head to focus on the same thing, providing depth perception. This is very helpful when diving more than 100 feet to catch their prey!

My name is Isabella-Zoรซ. I am a lover of clean lines, snow days and opossums. My illustrations focus on the many complex relationships I find myself having with the natural world (humans included). Creating compassionate and interactive educational material is a major passion, that and keeping my fig trees alive. I have spent the majority of my life working as a carpenter and only recently am transitioning into illustration.

I reside on the banks of the Kennebec River in southern coastal Wabanaki territory.

I Would Fly 5,000 Miles and I Would Fly 5,000 More ๐ŸŽถ

“‘Itโ€™s done this epic odyssey,’ said Alexander Lees, a biodiversity researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University in England who recently wrote a book on avian vagrancy. Vagrancy describes when birds veer off-course and continue roving around โ€” potentially indefinitely โ€” in search of others of their kind. It is not uncommon. There are records of albatrosses spending decades living as vagabond singletons in the wrong hemisphere, Dr. Lees said. In an inverse example from earlier this year, a bald eagle winged its way to Japan” (Marion Renault, New York Times, Nov. 2021).

“Birders dream of vagrant sightings, said Nick Lund, who works for Maine Audubon and counts himself lucky to have seen a great black hawk, native to Central and South America, in his home state in 2018.”

SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE ๐Ÿฆ…

Isabella-Zoรซ designed the Steller’s Sea Eagle illustration to be available in the form of an 8×10 print and 6×4 oval sticker. 25% of each sticker sold is donated to Avian Haven, an incredible wild bird rescue organization.

Click the button below to pick yours today!

A Friendly Holiday Shopping Reminder…

We are aย small family businessย supporting and promoting the work ofย overย 450 Maine Makers.

This is still a strange time, and while our makers have been hard at work, they’ve been impacted by shipping delays and material shortages, making it difficult to guarantee consistent product restocks to our shops.


We areย extremely grateful for their determination to keep our shelves as full of their Maine-made items as they can.ย We hope that you will give us a hand by ordering SOON,ย anticipating possible delivery delays, and having some back-up ideas ready in case your first choice is unavailable.

Now, happy gifting – and thanks for shoppingย localย this holiday season!


Maine Brews & Spirits Bucket List

There’s a lot to do, a lot to see, a lot to eat, and a lot to drink here in Maine. This blog is going to focus on the latter, exploring a bucket list of local breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries available throughout this magnificent state. I’ve tossed in a few places I’d recommend, but regarding Maine breweries–I’d have to make a whole separate blog post for those. Beginning with a “Brewery Bucketlist,” I’ve selected six breweries from six different locations: the first five are places I hope to visit, and the sixth is one of my newest visits, and has gotten onto my own personal list of favorites.

1) Atlantic Brewing, Bar Harbor

Atlantic Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in Bar Harbor and surrounded by Acadia National Park. Their beers run the flavor gamut from light and fruity to dark and rich. “Our malts and our hops are imported from England, and our water comes straight from our well in Town Hill, Maine.”

2) Baxter Brewing, Lewiston

“From summiting peaks to heading upta camp, there are many moments that just go with a Baxter beer.” Inspired by West Coast IPAs, they were determined to craft a beer that captured the essence of Maine with a hop profile reminiscent of those out west. Today Stowaway is the best-selling Maine-made IPA across New England.

3) Brickyard Hollow, Yarmouth

“The plan was to create a hyperlocal, community based pub where families and friends could gather for laughs or come together and support local causes while enjoying great local small  batch beer and food.” Brickyard Hollow has 12 taps which allows them to have a variety of beers pouring. โ€‹A typical menu features: ales, ipas, browns, lagers and stouts.

4) Bunker Brewing, Portland

A craft micro-brewery featuring a small indoor bier-garden style taproom, with seasonal outdoor seating. A classic favorite is their light and refreshing Czech-style pilsner. But boy, does that Barn Cat Dark Mild Ale look good, too!

5) Funky Bow Beer Co., Lyman

“Deep in the woods of Lyman youโ€™ll find one of the most sought after breweries in Maine. A father and son team ‘done good’ developing some of the tastiest beers around.” They are constantly developing new single batch flavor combos, but always have their staple beer line “guarenteed to dance all over your tastebuds!”

6) Belleflower Brewing, Portland

A small batch craft brewery that focuses on variety and distinction between batches and prioritizes high quality and locally sourced ingredients. “Expect new releases each week alongside a curated selection of prepared foods from Maine and greater New England.”


Not a big beer drinker? Try a distillery, and take your tastebuds to another level. These two distilleries, both located in Portland, are places I’d recommend – both because of the quality of the drinks and the quality of the atmosphere.


1) Batson River Brewing & Distilling, Portland

“Established in 2018…our menus feature a range of cocktails, each crafted with their own house distilled spirits, along with a full list of Batson River craft beers. Everything from the food, cocktails, and beers are inspired by the season, utilizing local and fresh ingredients whenever possible.”

After an evening visit on my birthday in March, I have to admit–it’s one of the coziest places I’ve ever been. Picture a blazing stone fireplace, dark wooden accents, and plush, comfy corners. Are you ready for an old fashioned yet?

2) Maine Craft Distilling, Portland

“Farm-to-flask distilling isnโ€™t a slogan at Maine Craft Distilling, itโ€™s our operating principle.” While collaborating with local famers, theyโ€™ve created a line-up of creative, high-quality, craft-distilled spiritsโ€”each as unique and interesting as the landscape and seascape of Maine.

Need a spot for date night? How about an outing with old friends? Check out Maine Craft Distilling on Washington Street–it’s right behind The Shop by Island Creek Oysters (stop there too!) The autumn night that I visited with my fiancรฉ, there was a jazz trio playing live music, there was a group of friends playing corn hole outside, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.


These next two distilleries are on my bucket list. I’ve either heard great things or tried their products firsthand…now it’s just making a trip out of it!


1) Split Rock Distilling, Newcastle

Split Rock creates bitters, simple syrups, mixers, and spirits. From Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Barrel Rested Gin, to White Whiskey and Blueberry Vodka, they dedicate time and patience into perfecting their products.

“There is a real split rock on Split Rock Road and we still drive past it almost every dayโ€”a rough plug of granite, cracked open long ago by time or skill (or a little of both) to reveal an unexpected smoothness within. That is the spirit of Split Rock.”

2) Wiggly Bridge Distillery, York

I was gifted a bottle of Wiggly Bridge Small Barrel Bourbon Whiskey (featured to the left). It was…delicious. And since then, I would love to visit the distillery in-person, and try their other spirits as well.

“Our spirits are distilled from sour mash recipes in small batches using our handmade copper pot still. Yes it is a handmade, hand rolled, hand riveted copper still. Some would say it is a labor of love. We chose this route because it yields superior taste found only in authentic hand crafted spirits.”


Last but not least: wine, mead, kombucha & cidah...and where to find them! I’m a fan of all of these Maine products, and hope to make a visit to the Oyster River Winegrowers barn soon.


1) Maine Meadworks, Portland

Maine Mead Works continues, with unique means, the mission of re-introducing to the world the oldest of all fermented beverages – Mead. “With the magic of wildflower honey, water and our own proprietary yeast strain, weโ€™ve been blending ancient tradition with modern science, year after year, to produce and perfect a highly distinctive beverage at the meadery in Portland, Maine.”

2) Urban Farm Fermentory, Portland

Urban Farm Fermentory is a fermented beverage producer and community engagement hub located in Portland, Maine. “It is here that we craft authentic kombucha, cider, beer, gruits, mead and jun using local and foraged ingredients, when available.”

3) Ricker Hill Hard Cider, Turner

The entire process of making Ricker Hill’s Hard Cider takes place right there on the farm. They grow their own apples, blueberries, and cranberries that they use to make a variety of ciders. Made from real apples, not from concentrate, this craft cider is full of flavor. “With a wide variety of flavors, we have something for every pallet. From sweet to dry, mild to tart, (but always delicious) our ciders run the gamut. Apples are what we do, and we’re Mainiacs about our cider. “

4) Oyster River Winegrowers, Warren

Oyster River Winegrowers is a small farm winery in Warren, Maine. “Since 2007 we have been making lively wines and ciders in a low-intervention style from both our own fruit, and fruit that we source from other growers in the Northeast. Our own vineyards and orchards are managed organically. In the summer months our barn opens as a popular gathering spot for adventurous wine drinkers from near and far.”


There it is. Marissa’s “Maine Brews and Sprits Bucket List” circa 2021. I’m sure it’ll just keep getting longer, but you’ll just have to stay tuned! Enjoy, and remember to drink responsibly–stay safe, keep healthy, and have fun!

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