Where to Find Weekend Markets in Maine

When there is not much snow on the ground during winter weekends, our family finds ourselves hunting for accessible adventures. We found a road trip to a new-to-us weekend farmers’ market is always a highlight. There’s a thrill to discovering local farms and artisans. All of us enjoy chatting with vendors, sampling new foods, and of course, shopping for all …

Maine Forest Playgroup

MP recently met with Courtney Cronin, a Portland-based mother of two who is the founder of Maine Forest Playgroup, a parent-powered program that encourages families to enjoy the outdoors together. Designed for children ages one to five, the group meets on Friday mornings at nature preserves, parks, and beaches in and around Portland. Courtney started the group in December 2015. …

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 …

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 …

Winter Adventures Bucket List

Last year, MP shared some of the adventures she hoped to try with the family during the winter season, and it was one of the blog’s most popular posts. We had so much fun exploring cross-country skiing and ice fishing, MP decided to come up with an updated list of activities for our family to try during the chilly months …

Get Air Trampoline Park

During these long winter days, keeping our kids active and engaged can be a challenge. That’s why we were thrilled when we heard that Get Air, an indoor trampoline park for kids and adults, was opening in Portland. The park is situated inside a 25,000 square foot warehouse on industrial Riverside Street. Based on advice from friends who told us …

Show Your Love: 14 Days of Giving for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

MP doesn’t typically get personal on these pages, but today, as she prepares to launch Cute Potato’s first online fundraiser for The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, she thought it would be worth sharing a CP family story with you. Meet Jack. In August, MP’s nephew Jack was born weighing 6 lbs. 10 ounces, looking healthy, fabulous, and ready to greet …

Portland Flea-for-All

Note: The Portland Flea-for-All will be moving its location to 585 Congress Street in Fall 2016, according to a June 14, 2016 article by Kathleen Pierce of the Bangor Daily News. MP and CP#1 enjoyed a girls’ day out recently, while the boys headed to the Museum of Science in Boston for the Mammoths and Mastodons exhibit. We ladies decided …

Finns & Flowers Toy Co.

Last week, we posted about a new, family-friendly restaurant in Yarmouth called Gather. One of the things we appreciated about Gather was the play area, as well as the knowledgeable waitress who sat us right next to the toys and games. While we were there, we discovered a wooden barn that belonged to owner Matt Chappell when he was a …

Father’s Day Favorites

Does Father’s Day seem to sneak up on you every year? If you’re searching for ideas, here are a few last minute gifts for Dad: Local Sprits Cold River Vodka has a loyal following, but did you know the Freeport distillery also makes gin? Toast the man of the house with a G & T, and let him enjoy a …