Portland, ME Blog

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport's February Is For Lovers' month-long celebration of romance and indulgence in two of Maine's most charming seaside villages, is a great way to break up the monotony of early winter.

This rich and creamy lobster dip has just a little nip to it. Great for New Year's Eve get togethers or any other occasion, the dip will be a hit.

Tourmaline is a beautiful stone that comes in a myriad of colors and is made into rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and every other variety of jewelry. Best of all, lots of tourmaline is mined right here in Maine. If you're thinking of a gift of jewelry, check out Maine tourmaline and visit a local jewelry store to look at the wide array of stones and colors available.

Maine has had an active gourmet food community for some time, and that community has expanded into gourmet desserts. Any of these popular treats would make a great gift for the holidays. You can have them shipped in time for Christmas if you order soon.

The City of Portland has announced that New Year's Portland will not be held this year due to lack of sponsorship. A local organization is attempting to provide at least the children's portion of New Year's Portland, but the outcome is uncertain as of December 8, 2006. Let's hope that sponsors come forward to continue this family-friendly Portland tradition.

Southern Maine is aglow with Chrismtas lights in celebration of the holidays each year, with many towns going all out to welcome in the holiday season in their own unique way. Here are a few of my favorite southern Maine holiday events. Be sure to call to confirm dates and times before leaving home.

Whether you're looking for jewelry, toys, pottery, art, antiques, or specialty foods for gifts this season, you can find them in Portland's Old Port. There's no better time to shop there than the few weeks before Christmas when the stores and streets are decorated for the holidays and everything is aglow with color and lights.

When the weather is cold or wet and you're looking for something interesting to do, visit the Portland Museum of Art, a first-class museum with first-class collections of art. The programs offered include family-focused art-making activities, music, family films, and tours.

Last year Bath was named as a Distinctive Destination, and the reason is obvious. The downtown area sits within a stone's throw of the Kennebec River, and the unique shops are a welcome relief from the sameness of the malls. The charm of brick sidewalks, period street lighting, trees and plantings, wooden benches, and storefronts restored to the appearance of the late 1800s make Bath's quaint downtown area a charming place to shop, and never more so than this time of year. During November and of December, "An Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath" creates a charming atmosphere and plenty of activities for everyone to get into the holiday mood.

Several southern Maine towns have annual holiday celebrations. Ogunquit's Christmas by the Sea has lots of festivities, including bonfires on the beach. Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude also has many activities, including caroling around the majestic Christmas tree decorated with the buoys of local lobstermen, in Kennebunkport's historic Dock Square. Old Orchard Beach's Season by the Sea includes a parade, a bonfire on the beach, and more. These are just a few of the celebrations taking place in December.