Hi, it’s Jen from Cute Potato. Throughout the 10 years I’ve written this blog, I’ve used the moniker MP, but for this last post, it seemed appropriate to get personal. When I started Cute Potato in June 2009, my son and daughter were 2- and 3-years old. I was still new to motherhood and trying to figure out how to …
Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean
This Friday kicks off what has become one of Maine’s most festive events — the Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean. A forest of twinkling lights at the Freeport campus provides the perfect backdrop for photos, and if that weren’t enough, Santa and his reindeer make a cheery red barn their home on the weekends. When it gets too frosty outdoors, …
Pumpkin Picking at Spring Brook Farm
One of our favorite new fall traditions is picking pumpkins in our hometown. Each October, Spring Brook Farm in Cumberland hosts a weekend Fall at the Farm event. For one price, families can take a horse-drawn wagon ride to to the pumpkin patch. It’s a short trip, but well worth taking. Even with the weather growing colder, the fields are …
Winterberry Farm
On a recent trip home from Belgrade, we made it a point to stop at Winterberry Farmstand. The historic, certified organic farm is run by owner Mary Perry and her children. Inside, the cozy farmstand is filled with homegrown veggies and flowers, sweet and savory baked goods, fresh eggs and jarred condiments of all kinds. Perry was there to say …
Pizza Nights at Small Feat Farm
We’re back from a summer hiatus, and like everyone, we cannot believe how quickly this dreamy season has gone. School begins for us next week and while it’s going to take time for our family to re-adjust to a regular routine, we are so glad one of our new summertime traditions will continue through the fall — namely, wood-fired pizza …
A Visit to the Wiggly Bridge in York
Each summer, our nephew C travels from California to visit Maine for a few weeks. We look forward to his stay as it gives all us the opportunity to play tourist in our home state. The Wiggly Bridge in York has long been on our bucket list, and with C in town, we decided to finally check it out.
Outdoor Play for All Ages at 33 Elmwood
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 …
Road Trip: The Mapparium Boston
Over February break, our family spent a few days in Boston. There were many highlights to the trip — a lively Boston College basketball game, a delicious tour of Tazo Chocolate Factory, and a visit to The Institute of Contemporary Art. Still, the favorite for all of us was seeing an incredible, three-story stained glass globe called The Mapparium at …
Pom Pom Hats by Brookes Smith
We think it’s safe to say that pom pom hats are having a moment. Their popularity makes sense — the hats look so darn cheerful in a gray, wintery landscape. And while we’ve spotted these hats in national retail stores, the best we’ve found are made right here in Maine. Wayne resident Brookes Smith custom knits soft, cozy hats from …
Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake
We love Valentine’s Day because it’s an opportunity to celebrate during what can be one of Maine’s coldest, most wintery months. And there’s no denying the allure of a moist, rich chocolate cake. This classic recipe is our favorite for its dependability and ease. If you choose to make the frosting yourself, you won’t be disappointed. It’s rich and creamy …