If I had a nickel for every time someone pointed at a picture of a puffin and said, “Look, a penguin! How cute!” I would have a ridiculous amount of nickels. For those of you who may have questioned your own knowledge of this bird, you are not alone. I’ve went ahead and dug up some information, not only on puffins themselves but how you might go about seeing them right here in Maine!
The only puffin habitat in the U.S. is exclusively in Maine. Here, we have helped the population surge dramatically over the past 100 years.
Puffins only possess Technicolor bills—and their matching orange feet—during the spring breeding season. Just before winter sets in, they shed the colorful outer bill, leaving a noticeably smaller and duller-colored beak.
Puffins lay just one egg per year—and usually with the same mate. Like some penguins, both parents take turns incubating the egg and caring for the chick.
A puffin can fly 48 to 55 mph, beating its wings up to 400 beats a minute.
Puffins are one of the few birds that have the ability to hold several small fish in their bills at a time. Their spiny palates allow them to firmly grasp 10 to 12 fish during one foraging trip.
60% of the world’s puffins breed in Iceland.
There are 4 species of puffins: Atlantic, tufted, horned, and rhinoceros auklet. The Atlantic puffin is found exclusively on the Atlantic Coast, whereas the latter three are spread out along the Pacific Coast.
Puffins are about 10 inches tall and weigh around 500 grams, similar to that of a can of soda.
Puffins often live 20 years or more. The oldest known puffin lived to be 36 years old.
Here are a few places to visit if interested in taking a puffin cruise:
Eastern Egg Rock
The Hardy Boat
Cap’n Fish’s
The Monhegan Boat Line
Petit Manan
Bar Harbor Boat Tours
Bar Harbor Whale Tours
Robertson Sea Tours
Matinicus Rock & Seal Island
Matinicus Excursions
Old Quarry Ocean Adventures
Machias Seal Island
Bold Coast Charter Company
Sea Watch Tours
**Most tours start in mid May and run through late August.
If you find yourself visiting Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine–either before or after witnessing a puffin in its natural habitat–we feature one photographer whose wildlife photography is absolutely breathtaking. Amidst her moose and loons, her foxes and owls, you’ll find a collection of puffin photos that’ll make you wonder how she got so close to capture those moments. Lori Davis began her journey as a photographer at the mere age of nine. She accompanied her family as they volunteered as wildlife rehabilitators and began taking photos as a way to preserve these memories. Preserve yours with one of her matted prints or canvases, and bring a piece of ME home with you.
If you are interested in learning more about puffins and what Maine is doing to help protect their population in this ever-changing climate, here are a few resources we found during our research:
Featuring MAINE-LY fun things to do this fall season, right here in Maine. 😉
1. Visit the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray,
“where you’re guaranteed to see moose, and more animals during the day then you could ever spot in the wild!” It’s home to over 30 species of Maine wildlife that cannot be returned to their natural habitat.
2. Discover new walking trails and enjoy some “leaf peeping.”
Try this trail guide where you can search based off of activity, location and skill-level!
3. Plan ahead to attend the Fall in Love with Maple event, taking place from October 9-11 at Hilltop Boilers’ farm.
“Road trip anyone? Enjoy the fall foliage 🍁with a ride to the farm at Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup. Located halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains is Newfield, a small idyllic little town in western Maine and home of Hilltop Boilers Maple Syrup. Just an hour from Portland, Portsmouth, and North Conway, Hilltop Boilers is a small, working farm with cattle grazing in the pasture and a beautiful new sugarhouse.”
4. Hike ME!
Get outside and enjoy the refreshing autumn air, feel the crisp leaves crunch and crackle under your feet as you gain altitude amongst any of Maine’s beautiful peaks.
New to the hiking scene? Not to worry! There are plenty of trails in our magnificent hoME state that are beginner and kid-friendly.
Here are a few to try:
Cascade Stream Gorge Trail, Sandy River Plantation: This relatively easy 1-mile loop follows the path of the Cascade Stream gorge. The hike offers picnic opportunities, and the stream is great for swimming on a hot day.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Freeport: You’d have to work hard to find a boring trail in this park. Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline. Distance/Duration: 5 miles if you do every trail, 1-5 hours depending on how leisurely you’d like to be.
Ocean Path, Acadia National Park: If you think Acadia National Park is only for the serious hiker, think again. It’s absolutely possible to explore the classic Maine forest and coastline using your own two feet – even if you are not a seasoned hiker. Hiking Ocean Path will give you views of what many believe to be “classic Maine” – from coast to forest.
5. Go to a County Fair!
Enjoy Maine agriculture, live music, and delicious food. Fun for the whole family! Check out the list of fairs here and make your plan today!
6. Pick Your Pumpkins!
You’ll have your pick of local farms that will be set up for weekly (and even daily) pumpkin-picking this fall.
Check out Dole’s Orchard in Limington and Orchard Ridge Farm in Gorham for some pumpkin and/or apple picking, delicious hot apple “cidah,” not to mention, delicious fresh pies and warm apple cider donuts! 🤤
7. Cozy up with some cards and cribbage.
Some days it’ll be nice to step inside from the chilly, fall nights, light a fire (or, if you’re like me–put Netflix’s “cozy, cracklin’ fireplace” on the TV), grab a warm mug of tea and take a seat across from your cribbage opponent.
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Visit Maine:
The NY Times Says So
“Drifting to and from the harbor, people-watching, licking an ice cream cone — these are a visitor’s pleasures on a sunny afternoon. To browse items by Maine artisans, pop into Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine (35 Exchange Street) where the shelves are lined with handmade soaps, decorative wooden lobster buoys, jewelry crafted from crushed lobster shells and, naturally, maple syrup.”
We are a small business with a mission to support hundreds of other small businesses…right here in Maine. What’s not to love about that?
Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine staff
When You Shop Small, An Actual Person Does A Little Happy Dance
Supporting over 450 Maine Makers and small businesses within the state, you’ll be able to leave our shops with a piece of our hoME in your bag, the memories in your mind, and a smile on your face. And until next time…shop our NEW & IMPROVED website!
Maine is a massive state encompassing all types of terrain: forests, lakes, mountains, oceans, islands etc. Within its rugged landscape and salty waters reside various types of wildlife and sea-life. Here we explore just a FEW of the ones our hoME state is known for.
Maine is lucky to be one of only a few states in the U.S. that has a sizable moose population. State biologists estimate there to be a population around 75,000–that’s the largest concentration of moose in the country next to Alaska.
For many visitors, catching a glimpse of a moose in the wild is near the top of their Maine bucket list. Did you know that a mature bull most can easily tip the scales at 1,000 pounds or more, and that their antlers span an average of six feet? These majestic creatures prefer their privacy, so don’t head into the city and expect to see one out and about. Their population is greatest in areas like the Western Lakes and Mountains, The Kennebec Valley, The Maine Highlands, and Aroostock County. If you plan on camping out or visiting these regions of Maine, keep an eye out around dawn or dusk for these beautiful creatures and remember to respect their space (and don’t forget to grab your camera!).
BLACK BEARS:
The black bear is the smallest of the three species of bears inhabiting North America (black, brown/grizzly, and polar), has the widest distribution on the continent, and is the only bear living in the eastern United States.
In Maine, black bears are found nearly statewide, but are most common in the heavily forested areas of northern and eastern Maine.
Black bears in Maine are normally black, but they are often various shades of brown to cream colored out west, and are even white, and blue-gray in color in coastal British Columbia and Alaska.
Although most black bears are not much larger than humans, their weight can vary tremendously with the season of the year. Bears store body fat during the fall months to supply energy during their long winter denning period, and are heaviest in late fall.
Maine designated the black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) as the official state bird in 1927.
A minuscule, cheerfully sociable bird, the energetic black-capped chickadee does not migrate – we can enjoy them all year long!
The unique call of the chickadee is one of the most complex in the animal kingdom – very slight variations in the “chick-a-dee” can act as an alarm call, a contact call, or can be used to relay information when they recognize another flock.
OWLS:
4 common owls in Maine:
1. Great Horned Owl – its habitat is fairly unlimited, as long as there are trees and rocky nesting sites available.
2. Short-Eared Owl – most common owl to see during the daytime.
3. Northern Saw-Whet Owl – one of the smallest owls on the planet!
4. Barred Owl – their name derives from the alternating horizontal stripes of light and dark brown on their wings, back and tail.
PUFFINS:
Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States.
Eastern Egg Rock, Seal Island, Matinicus Rock, Machias Seal Island, and Petit Manan Island provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.
While commonly mistaken for penguins via photographs, puffins are actually only about the size of a Coca Cola can.
The best time to see puffins on tour boats are during June and July.
WHALES:
One of Maine’s most spectacular and memorable attractions is whale watching. It’s an absolute must see for any visitors during the warmer spring and summer months. There are many different species of whales in Maine, and they all migrate here to feed, raise their young, and enjoy the warmer waters just like us.
The 4 most common whales seen off the Maine coast are: humpback, pilot, minke, and the huge finback whale!
The first Maine lobster catch was recorded by James Rosier in 1605, but the lobster industry truly took off in the 1700s when lobster “smacks” were introduced. These traditional fishing boats continued to be used by lobstermen in the Northern Atlantic through the 1900s.
While we commonly imagine the iconic bright red lobster, lobsters in nature are a wide range of colors – but not red. Wild lobsters can be green, blue, yellow, grey, calico, multi-colored or even albino. Most commonly, lobsters are a dark greenish-brown, and the more unique colors are the result of a genetic mutation that causes a color of pigment to be missing. When a lobster is cooked, only the red pigments in the shell can withstand the heat, resulting in the bright red shell most people are familiar with. Only albino, or white, lobsters retain their natural color after they are cooked because their shell does not contain any color pigments.
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.
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.”
“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.
“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. A typical menu features: ales, ipas, browns, lagers and stouts.
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!
“Deep in the woods of Lyman you’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!”
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.
“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?
“Farm-to-flask distilling isn’t a slogan at Maine Craft Distilling, it’s our operating principle.” While collaborating with local famers, they’ve created a line-up of creative, high-quality, craft-distilled spirits—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 fiancé, 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!
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 day—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.”
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.
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, we’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.”
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.”
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. “
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!
“I am proud to declare the first annual Wild Blueberry Weekend in Maine to honor the importance of Maine’s wild blueberries and the hardworking Maine people who grow and bring them to market,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I encourage everyone to visit one of the participating wild blueberry farms or to sample Maine-grown wild blueberry products at the many restaurants, inns, breweries, wineries, ice cream shops, and distilleries selling them during Wild Blueberry Weekend.”
July 23, 2021 – State of Maine: The Office of Governor Janet T. Mills
Wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) emerged on the rocky, acidic soils of the Barrens of Maine following the retreat of the glaciers more than 10,000 years ago.Thesewild blueberries, which are not planted but grow naturally, were first managed and harvested by the Wabanaki and are now grown by 485 Maine farms on 38,660 acres, primarily within Washington, Hancock, Knox, and Waldo counties
“These wild blueberries…are now grown by 485 Maine farms on 38,660 acres.”
Gov. Janet Mills
Maine produces nearly 100% of all wild blueberries in the United States, and they are one of the top three specialty crops produced in the state! Maine’s wild blueberry growers and businesses are significant contributors to Maine’s economy and are vital assets to Maine’s rural communities. These tiny sweet berries can be enjoyed fresh during the height of summer in Maine, while Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology allows consumers to buy berries frozen at the peak of freshness all year round, all over the world.
Bar Harbor Tea Company’s Wild Maine Blueberry Green TeaCarrabassett Coffe Company’s Blueberry Cobbler Coffee
Wild blueberries are recognized as Maine’s official state berry, and blueberry pie is recognized as the official state dessert. And what goes better with dessert than a warm, cozy mug of Bar Harbor’s Blueberry Tea or Carrabassett’s Blueberry Cobbler coffee?
Maine wild blueberries are one of the world’s top 10 superfoods – a deep purple fruit that is rich in antioxidants and health benefits.
This year, the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine is launching Maine’s first annual Wild Blueberry Weekend to encourage residents and visitors to explore blueberry farms and participating establishments and eat, drink, and experience the sea of blue in August before the barrens turn a deep red in the fall.
Bixby’s Addicting Dark Chocolate, Blueberry & Cashew WhippersnapperWilbur’s Delectable Chocolate Covered BlueberriesBixby’s Smooth Wild Maine Blueberry White Chocolate Bar
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the weekend of August 7th and 8th, 2021 as Wild Blueberry Weekend in Maine, and I encourage all people to recognize the vital contributions made by the State’s wild blueberry growers and businesses to our economy, and to participate in activities that celebrate and honor the wild Maine blueberry.“
We hope you’ve given yourself a pat on the back. This past year has been a test of patience, endurance, sanity, and of course, personal and communal safety. Which brings us to our main point: we know everyone is tired of wearing masks. But we’ve made it this far; we’ve prioritized the health and safety of our communities, even when it meant making personal sacrifices.
As restrictions lift and we open up our shops to maximum, limitless customer capacity, we are still keeping in mind those who are at high risk or unable to receive vaccines, like immunocompromised individuals and young children.
We know the simplest and most effective solution to stop the spread of COVID-19 is wearing a mask.
We know they help prevent community spread, and for these reasons we prefer for everyone to wear a mask when anyone visits our stores and shops in-person…whether you’re vaccinated or not.
We care about you, our wonderful customers, friends, and Maine Makers, who have stood by and supported us throughout this pandemic, and we are forever grateful for you.
So on that note, we hope that you join us in protecting the safety of our community, continuing to mask up indoors and showing each other the kindness and respect everyone deserves. We’re all in this together, and we can’t wait to smile (under our masks) at every visitor that walks through our doors this year.
The year 2020 threw the world quite the unexpected curveball…
We won't go into the messy details — we're all aware of what went down! When it comes to the wonderful state of Maine, Sunday, March 15th, 2020 held great importance as a once in a lifetime date: Maine's 200th year of statehood.
Last year, we were fully-stocked and ready to rep-????-re-????-sent our hoME state pride with all kinds of bicentennial swag: from pillows and glassware to all kinds of apparel and accessories. You can still find our (now expanded) selection of bicentennial-themed products, perfect for every proud Mainer and Maine-lover!
But…what happened with the birthday celebration plans?
Maine Bicentennial Commission postponed commemorative events to 2021…THIS YEAR!! The delay has built excitement for events when “the 2-0-7 Turns 2-0-1.”
“While we [were] disappointed that we [were] unable to commemorate Maine’s bicentennial [last] year as planned, we are also excited about coming together in 2021 to celebrate not only 201 years of statehood, but our renewed sense of community and perseverance as we emerge from this trial,” said Sen. Diamond, chairman of the Maine Bicentennial Commission. “We look forward to celebrating and reflecting on the State of Maine when we can all do so safely and joyfully.”
All Maine Bicentennial Commission signature events and programs originally scheduled for the bicentennial year of 2020 have been postponed to 2021. Tentative dates, pending any pandemic restrictions in place at that time, are as follows:
Maine Statehood Day Ceremony: Sunday, March 14, 2021, Augusta
State of Maine Bicentennial Parade Presented by Poland Spring: Saturday, May 15, 2021, Cities of Auburn and Lewiston
Sailing Ships events:Summer 2021 (various dates), ports along the Maine coast
Maine200 Innovation Expo Presented by Central Maine Power: Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, Portland
Maine 200 Time Capsule sealing ceremony, Fall 2021, Location TBD
Visit www.Maine200.org for updates and details about all programs and events as planning continues into 2021. This website also features videos, history links, school curriculum and other resources for those seeking to reflect on Maine’s bicentennial at any time.
July kicks off with “Clean Beaches Week,” a time to celebrate our beautiful beaches and ensure that they stay clean and safe for generations to come. While this week only takes place from July 1-7, we hope to promote our Maine community to consistently and actively practice any of the following:
Take care of your trash – If there are trash and recycling bins available, dispose of your waste properly. If not, please respect the environment and take any trash home to prevent littering the property.
Change your packaging – Bringing a picnic to the beach is always a plus; pack your delicious snacks in reusable tupperware or eco-friendly packages.
Feed yourself, not the animals – Enjoy your snacks with your friends and family, not the animals! Don’t disrupt the diet of the wildlife around you, whether it be the birds or the fishes.
Consume sustainably caught seafood – Research the food you buy and the restaurants you dine at to make sure you are not contributing to an unethical or unsafe practice.
Opt for organic sunscreens – Look for sun protectants with safe ingredients. Keep your skin safe from harm, while also decreasing potential threat to the ocean.
Be an ocean friendly pet owner – If you bring your pets to the beach, be sure to pick up after them. This makes for less waste and ocean pollution, and provides a clean and enjoyable area for future beachgoers.
Join a beach cleanup! – Live near the ocean, or have a favorite seaside spot? Tag along with an organization or recruit friends and family and plan a clean up together!
“Give a man an oyster and you feed him for a day; teach a man to shuck and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Maine is known for its mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood. Oysters are a crowd favorite (yes, lobster too!). If you’re planning a visit, or you’re looking to expand your tasting horizons, check out a few of these restaurants and oyster farms that are at the top of our list:
Nice Oyster Company (Midcoast, ME)- Producer of fresh and delicious Iron Island Oysters in the New Meadows River, off Woodward Point. Featured on our Kraken Oyster Shucker page, these are some of Lisa-Marie and Andy’s favorites when enjoying them at home.
Harbor Fish Market (Portland, ME) – A local landmark since the 1800s, this photogenic market on Custom House Wharf is the number one destination for locals and people-from-away alike in search of lobster in Maine, and the freshest seafood anywhere.
Maine Oyster Company (Portland, ME) – “Shuck, slurp, and share Maine oysters!” With a commitment to traceability and transparency, The Maine Oyster Company sources their fresh Maine oysters and lobster meat directly from the local farmers and lobstermen. They strive to promote, support and help sustain this entire industry.
Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland, ME) – “For ‘the sharpest seafood money can buy,’ look no further than Old Port’s Eventide Oyster Co. It’s easy to see why chefs Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor have been nominated multiple times for the James Beard Foundation’s Best New Chef: Northeast award.” (Edible Manhattan)
J’s Oyster (Portland, ME) – Located on the Portland pier, J’s Oyster is a local favorite when it comes to seafood. They prepare dishes featuring fresh catches from local fisherman, and allow you to enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the waterfront!
Nonesuch Oysters (Scarborough, ME) – Already among Maine’s favorites, Nonesuch free range oysters are gaining recognition nationwide for their beautiful color, hard shell and bright, fresh, salty-sweet taste with hints of sea grass. Check out their website to learn more, or book and oyster farm tour!
