MP always forgets how busy May and June can be. It feels as though our family has been living on recreational fields. We’re regularly driving back and forth to practices, to lacrosse and baseball games, and trying to stay on top of work and home life. Summer break and all of its pleasures— from lazy afternoons on the beach to …
Paddling the Kennebec with Northern Outdoors
We traveled to the woods of Western Maine in late July for a weekend at Northern Outdoors, an all ages adventure resort. Located in The Forks, Northern Outdoors is best known for white water rafting adventures, but for our young crew (ages 9-up), we decided a self-guided paddle down the lower portion of the Kennebec River was the best option. …
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.
Debsconeag Ice Caves
One of the benefits of the kids getting older is the ability to take longer hikes. With this thought in mind, MP decided the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC), an adventure resort located on Millinocket Lake, would be an ideal home base while we explored the Katahdin region. While researching different trails, MP was surprised to find a variety of hikes …
A Visit to Maine Huts & Trails
To celebrate the end of a successful school year, families from CP#2’s third grade class met in Kingfield to experience Maine Huts & Trails — a series of backcountry trails and eco-lodges for adventurers of all levels to enjoy. Our brave plan? To hike 3+ miles through the woods to The Poplar Hut, where forty of us would convene for the night.
A Weekend in Newcastle + Damariscotta
Over Memorial Day weekend, we returned to the Oxbow Farmhouse in Newcastle with good friends and their children. The rustic home, which is located on the expansive grounds of Oxbow Brewing Company, sleeps nine and provides plenty of space for additional sleeping bags. We arrived in the late afternoon with armloads of luggage and groceries (each family was responsible for …
A Boston Getaway + A Favorite Mid-Season Jacket
MP and DP recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. To mark this festive occasion, DP planned an overnight trip to Boston for all of us. The plan? The kids would spend the day and evening with their Uncle Joe, while DP and MP would enjoy dinner, a surprise concert and a night to ourselves! Uncle Joe planned to take the …
Willowbrook at Newfield + Hilltop Boilers
Note: Sadly, Willowbrook Village closed in fall 2016 after 46 years of operation. See this Portland Press Herald feature for more. With Maine Maple Sunday landing on Easter this year, we knew we wouldn’t have time to visit one of our favorite farms. So, we decided to switch things up a little and make the trip to 19th Century Willowbrook Village …
A New Member of the Family
When a family considers adopting a pet, it’s a big decision. That’s what MP told the kids when they asked for a dog. She mentioned the responsibilities involved: walking, feeding and cleaning up after the dog. MP also couldn’t help but consider our busy family schedule: how long can we leave the dog alone in the house? Can he ride in the car? And who will take care …
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?” …