Note: Sadly, 33 Elmwood closed in May 2022. School break is finally here, and with the summer season comes plans for warm days and plenty of time outside! We love visiting 33 Elmwood for bowling and comfort food any time of year, but their new outdoor location, The Garden Spot, is the ideal place to enjoy a gorgeous summer day …
Shade Eatery at Higgins Beach Inn
Every once in awhile, on a spectacular summer weeknight, our family will act like tourists and visit a relaxed, beachside destination for dinner. Shade, a restaurant located inside the Higgins Beach Inn in Scarborough, is such a place. The casual restaurant features a bar with cherry red chairs. There is table seating on the cozy sun porch or on the …
Family Getaways: New England Outdoor Center
For the kids’ first trip to the Katahdin region, MP planned an overnight stay at New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) in Millinocket. The family-friendly, lakeside resort offers a variety of fun adventures, including moose tours, rafting, canoeing and hiking. For accommodations, guests can choose from rustic cabins to modern lodges.
Summer Adventures 2016
School is out in less than a month, and our summer is going to be busier than ever. MP has a special project she is working on, the kids are going to day camps, and we have family visiting from California for a few weeks. Still, there is always room for a few new adventures! Here’s what is on our …
A Birthday Visit to Vena’s Fizz House
For CP#1’s 10th birthday, our family decided to venture into Portland for the afternoon and treat ourselves to homemade sodas at Vena’s Fizz House. The cozy corner soda bar, which is located on Fore Street, is open to all ages. And while Vena’s specializes in mocktails and cocktails (served only from 7-11 p.m.), the menu has craft sodas and lemonades …
Family Getaways: Hawthorn Inn B&B
MP and the kids traveled to Camden Winterfest in late January, and had the good fortune to stay at the Hawthorn Inn Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1894, the charming, 10-room inn is located in Camden’s High Street historic district and is within walking distance to Main Street. The visit marked the kids’ first bed and breakfast experience. “This is where we’re staying?” …
Parent Getaways: Oxbow Farmhouse
Welcome to our newest travel series, designed for moms and dads who need to get their parenting mojo back! September and October are tough transition months, not only for kids, but for adults as well. There are new school, sports and work schedules to follow, longer grocery lists, more wash and more paperwork. MP feels like she is playing catch …
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Family Camping Adventures Part 2: Moosehead Lake
When our travel plans changed in Canada, we decided to return to Maine and explore Moosehead Lake. DP and MP had never been to the area before. Little did we know how much we were about to discover! During our first night in Moosehead, we decided to take a camping hiatus and found ourselves an affordable place to stay in …
Friday Night Pizza at Otto
Our family needs a break from routine by the end of the week. Sometimes we make simple meals like breakfast for dinner and enjoy a movie at home. Other Fridays DP and MP will throw up our hands and say, “Let’s go out!” On this particular night, we had the new-to-us Otto Pizza in South Portland on the brain. The …
Bresca & the Honey Bee on Outlet Beach
Update: While Bresca & the Honey Bee no longer serve food at the beach, families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Ice cream is still available. If you return to the area in the fall, be sure to check out The Purple House in North Yarmouth, a lovely cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Bresca was MP’s favorite restaurant in …